Japanese popular culture has been steadily increasing in visibility both in Asia and beyond in recent years. This book examines Japanese popular music, exploring its historical development, technology, business and production aspects, audiences, and language and culture.

Carolyn S. Stevens is Senior Lecturer in Japanese Studies at the University of Melbourne and Deputy Director of the Asia Institute. She worked for several years in the 1990s as a consultant to a Japanese entertainment management agency, and this experience in the industry led to publications on Japanese rock fans, rock video analysis, and concert souvenir consumption. She is also editor of Contemporary Culture for the journal Japanese Studies.

1. Introduction 2. Definitions of Japanese Music 3. The Particulars of History 4. The Business Side: Connections, Culture and Contexts 5. Technology, Consumption and Authenticity 6. Translations: "Internationalizing" Language and Music. Appendix A: Glossary. Appendix B: Major Record Labels in Japan