Compilations and classic songs that put you in mind of the city, from Traveler’s city playlist.
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Compilations:
Burning Farm
This 1983 release is the first of many albums by the all-girl band Shonen Knife, which inspired rock acts including Nirvana and Sonic Youth.
Enka Damashii (Enka Best)
People who mock enka, the syrupy, melodramatic music that seems to emanate from karaoke bars on every Tokyo side street, often secretly love it. This compilation features standards by beloved artists including Hiroshi Itsuki, Frank Nagai, and Sayuri Ishikawa.
Japanese Melodies
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma’s take on traditional Japanese songs, from folk dance to lullabies; haunting, stirring, and always engrossing.
Jazz & Bossa
Sadao Watanabe’s 1967 album earned him international recognition and appearances at jazz festivals worldwide.
Viva La Woman, Cibo Matto
Tokyo-born indie rockers Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori’s funky-cool 1996 album features English lyrics about food, like “Know Your Chicken” and “Birthday Cake.”
Words Can’t Go There
Imagine yourself at a temple on a mountain as you listen to this 1991 album by John Kaizan Neptune, a modern master of the shakuhachi (traditional Japanese bamboo flute).
Yellow Magic Orchestra USA
This 1978 album is a seminal work of techno-pop, with multiple instruments and orchestrations by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Classic Songs:
1. “Amagi Goe” by Sayuri Ishikawa
2. “Buttercup (I’m a Supergirl)” by Shonen Knife
3. “Itoshi no Ellie (Ellie My Love)” by Southern All Stars
4. “Kanashimi Ni Sayonara” by Anzen Chitai (Safety Zone)
5. “Osaka de Umareta Onna” by Boro
6. “Pop Star” by Ken Hirai
7. “Tokyo Ondo” by Various Artists
8. “Twiggy Twiggy” by Pizzicato Five
9. “Ue o Muite Aruko (Sukiyaki)” by Kyu Sakamoto
