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Contrasting the other article on modern Japanese music, there are some musical traditionalists who honor the cultural styles that were prevalent decades before. However, instead of using the same instruments passed down several generations, there seems to be an emergence of Western, orchestral and symphonic instruments being thrown into the ensemble, offering a richer sound that has been prized at annual music festivals. This is an expression of tradition being honored, but also "upgraded" with the assimilation of other voices in the music.

Japanese pop (or J-pop) is greatly influenced by the Western world. The term is widely used in Japan to describe many different musical genres including pop, rock, dance, rap, and soul. J-pop's history is heavily influenced by the jazz music during the early Showa period. After the Imperial Army halt of the performance of jazz music during World War II, new musical styles flooded into the country when the US soldiers occupied the country. Different types of styles came through since then, including rock-and-roll, City Pop, New Music, and R&B. Currently, R&B and Hip Hop influences in Japanese music are the strongest ever.

Considered a "landmark book, playing a pivotal role in defining discussions of modernity in..." Japanese literature. Composed by Japanese writer, Karatani Kojin. "In his analysis, such familiar terms as "origin, modern, literature, " and "the state" reveal themselves to be ideological constructs." Seems a must read. Preview of text is available on Google books, along with overview and book reviews.