Denpa song

Denpa song
Stylistic origins
Cultural originsEarly 1990s, Tokyo, Japan (especially Akihabara and Harajuku)
Typical instruments
Subgenres
  • Akiba-pop
  • Moe songs

A denpa song (電波ソング) is a type of Japanese music that is intentionally strange and catchy.[1] Common features of denpa songs include intentionally off-key vocals, nonsensical lyrics, and an over-the-top tune. Denpa music has grown into a subculture within Japan, forming a significant aspect of otaku culture, and has large numbers of dōjin circles and music artists dedicated to denpa music. Denpa is not a specific genre in itself, but rather an umbrella term for various kinds of music.[2][3][4]

Alternative terms for denpa music coined in recent times include Akiba-pop and A-pop. The term "Moe song" (萌えソング) specifically refers to denpa music of otaku origin featuring moe themes.

  1. ^ 電波ソング Archived January 15, 2018, at the Wayback Machine, ネット用語辞典
  2. ^ 『同人音楽を聴こう！』 三才ブックス、2007年。ISBN 978-4861991004
  3. ^ 電波ソング/ 電波系ソング Archived June 25, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, 同人用語の基礎知識
  4. ^ Denpa-kei subculture (archive)