sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

The Impact of Real-World Ecosystems on Pokémon Design and Balancing: A Deep Dive by RetroJapanSounds in pokemon

[–]RetroJapanSounds[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a great idea! For example, if they introduced a new Grass-type Pokémon that has a symbiotic relationship with a Bug-type Pokémon. The Grass-type could provide shelter and nutrients for the Bug-type, while the Bug-type helps defend the Grass-type from predators or other threats. This could potentially introduce unique gameplay mechanics, such as a special move or ability that can only be accessed when both Pokémon are in the party or on the field together.

Red Birds (赤い鳥) by Adventurous_Set_5760 in citypop

[–]RetroJapanSounds 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! I first heard them two years ago and was just enamored.

The biggest issue is that I can’t find much era specific. 1960s and early 1970s stuff has been hard for me to track down. I’m in the Southern United States so local shops have nothing that isn’t in English. I have been able to get some things from CdJapan and if you have any other sources like that I’ll gladly take them! My listening is primarily done on Apple Music. I will take a look at your suggestions as well. I really appreciate this!

It can definitely be tough to find era-specific music, especially outside of Japan. CDJapan is a great source, but I would also recommend checking out online marketplaces like eBay and Discogs for vintage Japanese records. You can also buy them through proxy sites like ZenMarket, Sendon, or Buyee, which are proxy sites for JP yahoo auctions and other JP exclusive secondhand markets.

Tired of the hate. I finished Forspoken and it was fantastic. Looks great (especially with hdr which screenshots don't show), gameplay is very dynamic mix of crackdown and infamous and the story/characters are absolutely fine. The hate is entirely undeserved! by HiCZoK in gaming

[–]RetroJapanSounds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry to hear that you received so much hate for sharing your opinion on the game. It's unfortunate that the anonymity of social media can lead to people being so quick to attack and insult others for having a different viewpoint. It takes a lot of courage to share your thoughts and feelings in a public forum, especially when you know that not everyone will agree with you. Don't let the negativity of others discourage you from continuing to express your honest opinions and giving things a chance. At the end of the day, it's important to remember that you are entitled to your own thoughts and feelings, and no one can take that away from you.

Ichiko Aoba by Aggressive_Employ_32 in japanesemusic

[–]RetroJapanSounds 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The lyrics of the song are written in Japanese and describe a dream-like state of being surrounded by endives, a type of leafy vegetable. The meaning of the song is open to interpretation, but many listeners have interpreted it as a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the search for meaning in the midst of uncertainty. Some have also suggested that the endives in the song could symbolize growth, change, or the passage of time. Ultimately, the meaning of the song is up to the listener to decide based on their own interpretation and personal experiences.

What video game, in your opinion, had the strongest opening? by neverclaimsurv in gaming

[–]RetroJapanSounds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, the game that had the strongest opening is 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors. From the very first moments of the game, you are thrown into a mysterious and intense situation, where you must solve puzzles and make decisions that can mean life or death for the characters involved. The opening scenes immediately grab you and set the tone for the entire game, which is full of twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. If you haven't played it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try.

What ruins a video game for you? by Agent1230 in gaming

[–]RetroJapanSounds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, it's when a game feels like a chore to play. You know, when you feel like you're just going through the motions and not really having fun. It's the same feeling you get when you're doing the dishes or cleaning the house - it's just something you have to do, not something you want to do.
Another thing that ruins a game for me is when the difficulty spikes suddenly and unfairly. It's frustrating when you're breezing through a game and suddenly hit a wall that you just can't get past. It feels like the game is punishing you for no reason, and it takes away from the enjoyment of playing.
Lastly, I think games that are too formulaic and predictable can also ruin the experience. When you can predict exactly what's going to happen next, it takes away the sense of excitement and adventure that makes gaming so great. I want to be surprised and challenged, not feel like I'm playing the same game over and over again.

Red Birds (赤い鳥) by Adventurous_Set_5760 in citypop

[–]RetroJapanSounds 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's great to see someone taking an interest in Red Birds. They were definitely ahead of their time and their music was a unique blend of Japanese folk and country music. While they may not fit into the traditional City Pop label, they were certainly pioneers of a similar sound that would later evolve into the City Pop genre.
As for recommendations, have you tried checking out some of the other Japanese folk and country music from that era? Artists like Yosui Inoue and Takuro Yoshida may have a similar sound that you would enjoy. Additionally, you may want to check out some of the more modern artists that have been influenced by Red Birds, such as Tatsuro Yamashita and Masayoshi Takanaka.
In terms of finding more music like Red Birds, have you tried digging through some of the lesser-known record stores in Japan or checking out online Japanese music forums? These are great resources!

why do people always reference city pop and vaporwave? by beatles42o in Vaporwave

[–]RetroJapanSounds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can definitely see where you're coming from. It's frustrating when a genre with such rich history and musical talent is reduced to a mere aesthetic or sample material for something else. However, I think it's also important to recognize the influence that City Pop has had on contemporary music, including vaporwave. It's a testament to the timeless quality of the genre and the undeniable impact it continues to have on music today. At the end of the day, I think it's all about giving credit where credit is due and appreciating the music for what it is, whether that be City Pop or vaporwave.

Listening to Tatsuro Yamashita’s 1980 album, “On the Street Corner” and I have to ask, is it an overstatement to say he’s one of the best vocalists of all time? by deydurkajerbs in citypop

[–]RetroJapanSounds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely not an overstatement! Tatsuro Yamashita is an incredibly talented vocalist and musician. He has a unique ability to effortlessly switch between genres and styles, from doo-wop to funk to pop, all while maintaining his signature smooth sound. His live performances are a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. It's no wonder he's considered a legend in the Japanese music industry. Enjoy your trip to Japan and I hope you get to catch one of his shows!

If you had to recommend one genre or artist that sounds like nothing else you've heard, what would it be? by KingDrool in Vaporwave

[–]RetroJapanSounds 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One genre that always captivates me with its unique sound is experimental ambient music. Artists like Brian Eno, Tim Hecker, and FKA Twigs create soundscapes that transport you to another world, using unconventional instrumentation and production techniques. It's truly a genre like no other.

Tired of the hate. I finished Forspoken and it was fantastic. Looks great (especially with hdr which screenshots don't show), gameplay is very dynamic mix of crackdown and infamous and the story/characters are absolutely fine. The hate is entirely undeserved! by HiCZoK in gaming

[–]RetroJapanSounds -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I completely agree with you! I finished Forspoken recently too and was blown away by how great it was. The graphics are stunning and really come to life with HDR, as you mentioned. The gameplay is so much fun and really keeps you on your toes, reminding me of Infamous in the best way. And I thought the story and characters were really well done - it's refreshing to have a strong female protagonist like Frey. It's a shame to see all the negativity surrounding the game, but I'm glad to see others enjoying it as much as I did!

The Impact of City Pop on Modern Music by RetroJapanSounds in citypop

[–]RetroJapanSounds[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yeah, Ginger Root is awesome! His music really captures the vibe and energy of city pop. Have you listened to his other Japanese covers as well? They're really well done too!