ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
While K-pop conquers global markets through strategic internationalization, traditional Japanese kayokyoku remains an enigma abroad—a paradox demanding explanation beyond simplistic market analyses. This groundbreaking comparative study, the first to apply cultural-psychological frameworks to both traditions, reveals how the profound Japanese concepts of oku-yukashisa (modesty), shinrabansho (interconnectedness), and otodama (sound spirit) create both artistic depth and cross-cultural barriers absent in K-pop's calculated global approach. Our analysis challenges conventional globalization paradigms by uncovering alternative pathways to international recognition exemplified by the unexpected renaissance of Japanese city pop. This phenomenon—where decades-old recordings suddenly captivate global audiences without marketing campaigns—demonstrates a profound truth: music embodying authentic cultural depth ultimately transcends strategic accessibility, revealing globalization's multidimensional nature. This study fills critical gaps in existing literature by illuminating how deeply embedded cultural values shape not merely musical expression but divergent trajectories of global cultural influence, advancing theoretical understanding of cross-cultural musical reception beyond Western-centric models.
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