KPop Captivates Japan
It’s not an exaggeration to call TVXQ the most popular star in Japan as they have added two additional concerts to “Live Tour 2012: Tone” each from Tokyo Dome and Kyocera Dome and is expecting in total attendance of 550,000 fans. The groups’ album is separately sold in the middle of Tower Records in downtown Tokyo. Although no one takes pictures of other Japanese singers, TVXQ’s poster is always taken showing the popularity of the group. With the return of TVXQ in 2011 with ‘Keep Your Head Down’ it reached #1 on the Daily, Weekly and Monthly Oricon Charts in its first week of release and received Platinum certification. As the group topped the Oricon Weekly Singles 8 times they have set the record for most number-one singles topped by a foreign artist.
KARA’s second Japanese album “Super Girl” received Triple Platinum. The album sold 275,206 copies in the first week and debut on #1 on Oricon Daily and weekly charts. The album sold over 750,000 copies and this was achieved Triple Platinum within 3 months of its release, especially achieving this without any special promotions is significant.
CNBLUE’s second major Japanese single “Where You Are” topped Oricon’s weekly single chart, this is the first time in 41 years for a foreign band to achieve the feat, since the Canadian band, “Mashmakhan” did in 1971.
If so, why is Japan excited about Kpop? The fans say it’s ‘Korean idols dance and singing is the best.’ The flawless choreography of the idol, being different from other Japanese girl groups, where they are cute in show program or drama but is charismatic on stage, Japanese say Japan girl group is but they describe Korean girl group to be cool.
Next is language. If you see Korean idol group in Japan majority of them are able to speak Japanese. Therefore it’s easy for Japanese people to feel friendly to them. In fact Jang Geun Suk’s concert held last November at Tokyo Dome was done over 80% in Japanese. TVXQ’s Japanese skills are well enough to have fun with the host. It cannot be perfect as a native speaker pronunciation and intonation however their efforts leave a strong impression to the local fans.
The artists always remember to thank the Japanese public for their love towards Kpop. During drama press conference or album debut they always express their gratitude towards the fans. BoA shed tears remembering her debut during the concert celebrating her 10th anniversary of her debut in Japan.
It’s the warm thoughts and hearts melting the heart of Japanese people that is allowing Kpop to enter Japan, not merely through dancing, singing and stage performance.