Songs to get people into J-Pop

[koumori]

Originally Posted by Andrenekoi

I aways start with stuff similar to what those people like...

This. It really depends. I've found that going out of my way to "get them into" J-Pop never really works either, I have to sneakily play the songs.. and eventually they'll ask "Oh, I've heard this before. It's not bad. Who is it?"

If you're asking for good pop recommendations that are pretty likeable by the majority, I also agree with the 'big four' - Namie, Ayu, Koda, Utada - since their music fits pretty well in Western standards too, and won't give the listener too much to get used to. Maybe stay away from Ayu's squeakier songs at first though..

Also, I actually do agree with the YUI suggestion. Her music is pretty laid-back and she has some really catchy songs, so it's an easy listen even for those who aren't a fan of J-Pop.

[Andrenekoi]

Originally Posted by Koumori

This. It really depends. I've found that going out of my way to "get them into" J-Pop never really works either, I have to sneakily play the songs.. and eventually they'll ask "Oh, I've heard this before. It's not bad. Who is it?"

If you're asking for good pop recommendations that are pretty likeable by the majority, I also agree with the 'big four' - Namie, Ayu, Koda, Utada - since their music fits pretty well in Western standards too, and won't give the listener too much to get used to. Maybe stay away from Ayu's squeakier songs at first though..

Also, I actually do agree with the YUI suggestion. Her music is pretty laid-back and she has some really catchy songs, so it's an easy listen even for those who aren't a fan of J-Pop.

Yeap... Keep it Rainbow onwards...

[Yooku]

I would ask first what kind of music they like and maybe some favorite bands/artists as well.

Choose something that isn't too complicated at first listen. Many of my friends thought all asian music sounds like anime stuff and singing style is very high-pitched.

[Kouyou]

When I was trying to get my boyfriend into J-Pop (it worked, by the way!), I paid close attention to the songs that he was interested in while I was listening to them. I actually played the "History of Ayumi Hamasaki" video for him on YouTube and he picked out his favorite snippets. All I can say is, don't just recommend songs you like to your friend if he/she doesn't like the same type of music. My boyfriend doesn't like ballads or slow songs at all so I wouldn't put a song like fated (which happens to be my favorite Ayu song ever) on a playlist for him.