When I was a kid, I had the fortune of being surrounded by material rooted from the Far East. Whether it was dubbed anime from Toonami or video games from the PS2/Dreamcast. Even watching martial art flicks from Jet Li. I had such an interest in Asian culture that inspired me to be creative. Most importantly, Japan was the country I've always wanted to visit. Now I ain't no weebaboo but I was so infatuated by their cool output. The imagery, aesthetics, and atmosphere were just futuristic; a digital apocalypse. From Tekken, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, FLCL, Neon Genesis, Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball, Yu Yu Hakusho, etc.: You couldn't tell me that Japan was in their bag when it came to imagination. An imagination that had me noticing a few details myself. It was apparent to me how Japanese media had references to African American culture and vice versa. The level of connection had me wondering how Japan viewed or incorporated aspects of Black Culture. Not realizing that on the other side, there were people over there who embraced my culture. A merging that this artist helped break barriers for and introduced a genre that Japan had not truly delve into.

Hailing from Niigata, Japan. Double originally consisted of two sisters, Takako and Sachiko Hirasawa. The origins of the duo started in 1992, when Sachiko came back from the USA with a bunch of contemporary R&B albums. Takako being young was insanely hooked by this new genre she ain't never heard before. The interest turned into a music career that has been growing for over 20 years. The sisters were later signed to For Life Music Entertainment, resulting in a few singles in 1998 before dropping an album, Crystal, the following year. Unfortunately, shortly before their debut, Sachiko passed away due to a brain hemorrhage. Despite the album's success, this would devastate Takoko. Takoko decided to continue the name, in honor of Sachiko. Propelling her to stardom and opening the doors for Japanese R&B.

Now when I first listened to this, I was hype like a mothafucka. I can see why it was such a cultural shock at the time. Seeing Japanese girls singing traditional R&B mannerisms and grooves was next level. You would think the City Pop movement would be a sneak peek of what was to come but it definitely was an interesting bop. The evolution of Takoko is dope from the vocal chemistry with her late sister ("Desire", "Shake") to the charisma of the R&B around the way girl ("Haters", "Driving All Night"). What remains is those trademark silky, honey vocals that hone a sense of smoothness and elegance. Her vocality is a mix between Mary J Blige and Nivea. The runs and patterns are damn near so airy yet feel soulful. All retaining that Japanese flavour.

As mentioned earlier, this is early 2000s Digital Apocalypse meets African American Contemporary R&B. It's absurbly realistic yet groovy. For her, it feels cutesy and hi-tech with her approach. Think of Dead Or Alive meets 106&Park. FLCL meets The Proud Family. Tekken meets Def Jam. Or hell even Motown meets Astro Boy. I'm going too far but it's blending of cultures that's a dream come true. I remember when artists such as Ruff Ryders, Ja Rule, and Dru Hill would have oriental influences in their music, style, and even aesthetic(From sampling the koto, Dru Hill's obsession with the dragon, etc.) It felt like a full circle moment hearing Double sing on certain songs in that realm ("Should Have Tried"). Clearly, she is a student of the game and was far from an appropriator. It frustrates me how despite American R&B producers such as Brian Alexander Morgan cosigning her, not a lot of American urban contemporary artists made collabs with her. I could definitely see people such as Jadakiss, Next, Coko of SWV, Amerie, etc on collabos with her. She wasn't dubbed the Queen Of Japanese R&B for no reason.

Took me a bit of revisions but finally glad it's dropped for ya'll. Happy Asian Heritage Month! And special shoutout to all Japanese and Japanese Americans up in KTT2 🇯🇵

Reccomend:
Double(2000)
English version: youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nZynas6pGAfXVXDigaHh7u-CbVtBK0Xrs&si=1rT0NnQ43aV0Kqle

Examples:

Similar to:
Crystal Kay
Ai
mFlo
Utada Hikaru
Shibata Toru
Bennie K
Kumi Koda

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a thread with some effort in it?

yeah ts hard too

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@browser @Mastiff @Valentine @RVI

@TUNDRAIV @AvenueJones @Beach_kneega

i like most of those artists you say shes similar too

cover looks p nice too, imma check this out

He did it again love, dawg

you new to aquila’s masterpieces? you gotta start tuning in brother

i think it's the first time im being tagged or at least seeing it/being in a thread

def gonna keep an eye out for now on

@Donttalktomeunless @gnarlynasty @Ikki14 @Notmyfirst @NoFace @KIR @Adam

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Now you know

Welcome 2 dis side

Appreciate you bro

How you mention FLCL but you’re “not a weeb” I call cap

Damn you caught my bluff

Who’s that girl checking the rest of this out for sure, dope write up my g

I know one of those acts/artist in op is heavily inspired by Mary J. Blige.

It's crazy. If I was a decent DJ, I would blend that song with Tyrese's "I Like Them Girls". They sound a bit similar to each other

And Handle with Koffee Brown's "After Party" and Jon B's "Don't Talk"

Yes. Actually both Utada and Double have cited Mary J Blige as an inspiration and influence. It's pretty interesting that Japanese R&B artists be showing MJB love

Good looks bro. Worth the listen

Yep, I know one of those artist said their first real exposure to R&B was "Real Love". Really cool to know Mary J is worldwide like that.

@motionhue

Who's That Girl

Been a pillows fan for years cause of that show you can’t just ignore it lol