In his Strange Boutique column last week, Ian Martin wrote about the need for a canon in Japanese music in order for newcomers to the scene ¡ª especially those writing about it ¡ª to gain some context into what is being released.
Without a canon, non-Japanese journalists who write about Japanese musicians can fall into the trap of labeling a group such as Babymetal ¡°whacky,¡± when there are much deeper issues going on behind the scenes. Or focusing on Man With a Mission¡¯s ¡°wolf mask gimmick,¡± when it may be an inventive way for salarymen to keep from getting into trouble at their day jobs.
It¡¯s most important to remember, though, that behind all the gimmicks and costumes, Japanese bands are striving to produce art in the face of a dwindling market. Therefore, taking some time out to revisit talented artists isn¡¯t just enjoyable ¡ª you could say it¡¯s our duty. Or, you could say it¡¯s just a way for us to take a week off from interviews. In any case, here are the Music Page contributors¡¯ favorite albums of the year so far.
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