歌謡曲
Meanings
1
kayōkyoku; Showa-era popular music
Refers to a specific genre of Japanese popular music that flourished from the mid-20th century, particularly during the Showa period. Often contrasted with later J-pop.
My grandmother loves kayōkyoku and often listens to Misora Hibari.
This program features Showa-era kayōkyoku.
2
Western pop song
Early Showa-era term for Western-style popular songs, before the genre became firmly associated with Japanese kayōkyoku. Now largely historical.
Before the war, Western popular songs were sometimes called 'kayōkyoku'.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉が流行るfor a kayōkyoku song to become a hit/be popular
This kayōkyoku song was a huge hit in the late 1960s.
- 〈人〉が歌謡曲を歌うfor someone to sing a kayōkyoku song
My grandmother still sings nostalgic kayōkyoku songs.
- 歌謡曲界the world/scene of kayōkyoku music
She is a singer who has been active in the kayōkyoku world for many years.