is portable’s MySpace. I thought it might be somewhat hard to find as they’re kind of obscure and their group name is a common word. And I’ll definitely hit you up by e-mail. Maybe I could find out about some artists from you as well.

I’m also rather into the pico-pop scene, so I’m totally on board with your selections (Ami, Capsule).

For some reason, I never connected to Ringo as much as I know she is important culturally for her lyricism.

I’m definitely going to check out Portable. Thanks for this…You should definitely e-mail me sometime to discuss more j-pop

As for Namie, 60s70s80s was an iconic single in my view, but I’m a little wary of the new single, or at least Dr. from the preview. J-pop artists seem to have a tendency to try and be original i.e. classical music + grunge rock + pop and it comes out messy. Maybe she’ll pull through though, who knows right?

As far as fringe artists, I don’t know how much you like your pop on the rockier side but ONE OK ROCK are really good as are UVERworld. Either band’s most-vieweds on Youtube are worth checking out. Also, Tentai Kanzoku by Bump of Chicken and 11 AM by HY.

Electropopwise, I’m sure you’ve already heard and formed your opinions on Perfume and capsule but I love them. Aira Mitsuki and Ami Suzuki’s recent stuff too. There’s also this indie group called Portable out with 2 songs called Hajimesasenai and Boku no Bunshin which I’ve had on my workout playlist since I found them. What else… Big Bang’s basically Korean Justin pop (haha) and you may know them. Some real good stuff there, esp Haru Haru and Sunset Glow. Promise by Michi is a Japanese Miley’s See You Again. Depending on how much overproduction you can take, Sayonara Revival by saori@destiny.

I’m kind of just rambling on and I probably have alot more, I don’t really know how much you’ve already come across. Also, I agree Eri Nobuchika is great – Voice and Lights are really the only songs that have grabbed me but if I gave her some time I think I’d find more because she has a great voice. Maybe not so much your genre, but Shiina Ringo is amazing, esp if you can understand Japanese but even if not her music is ace.

Sorry that was looooong

There have certainly been a few stand out tracks, but I definitely think everything post-SECRET has been absolutely sub-par.

Namie seems to be doing the unthinkable…Expanding into new and exciting territories. I’m only loving her more and more each day (while still loving hip-hop Style Namie of yesterday)!

What are some of the artists you’ve found outside the larger sphere?

Eri Nobuchika is one of my all time favorite “underground” stars.

Anyway, I agree she hasn’t done much that’s been original or interesting since… let’s say Memorial Address. There are exceptions though, for sure. Alterna, for example, is one of her best songs and Together When, Jewel, Until That Day, and some others are really good too. She does seem awfully comfortable resting on her laurels though, unfortunately. None of the former big name female artists are really doing much, though Namie seems to trying new things. There’s definitely good J-pop outside the familiar names though