Introducing Japanese Songs by K-Pop Girl Groups! Part 1: April, (G)I-DLE, IZ*ONE, NATURE, OH MY GIRL, and Red Velvet | K-Pop, J-Pop
K-pop has been making its way into the world since around 2010. South Korea’s neighbor Japan was one of the first countries to embrace K-pop, and Japanese members are involved in K-pop groups such as TWICE and NiziU. It is not surprising, therefore, that K-pop groups have released songs in Japanese. This article will introduce you to some of the best Japanese songs, including Japan debut songs, by K-pop girl groups.
Now this article deals with Japanese K-pop songs by April, (G)I-DLE, IZ*ONE, NATURE, OH MY GIRL, and Red Velvet. As for those by AOA, Apink, EXID, GFRIEND, and KARA, please read the following article!
OH MY GIRL
1. OH MY GIRL “Remember Me”
2. OH MY GIRL “Fifth Season”
3. OH MY GIRL “Nonstop”
OH MY GIRL is a Korean group whose members have distinct personalities. All of them speak very good Japanese, and their natural pronunciation enhances their vocals. But it’s a little bit unfortunate that the music video is exactly the same as the Korean originals.
(G)I-DLE
4. (G)I-DLE “LATATA”
5. (G)I-DLE「Oh my god」
In the case of (G)I-DLE, which is exploding in popularity, its music videos are adapted to Japan: the girl crush elements in the Japanese versions are milder than those in the Korean originals. As a result, those songs are a little less powerful and unique, but it’d be necessary for their Japanese debut. Incidentally, the Korean versions of the music videos have more gorgeous settings, haha. (G)I-DLE debuted in Japan with “LATATA.”
April
6. April “Oh-e-Oh”
The April members sing songs in a more idol-like style that is acceptable to Japanese people. Although they always look cute, in this music clip they look extra cute with their student-like fashion and the background!
7. April “YES SIR“
8. April “Tinker Bell“
In the music video of “YES SIR,” they are cute thanks to their choreography and Japanese pronunciation with a Korean accent. But it may be too cute for fans outside of Japan, so it’s a challenge for April’s staff to find the right balance. April made their debut in Japan with “Tinker Bell.”
NATURE
9. NATURE “I’m So Pretty”
Appendix A. NATURE “I’m So Pretty”
The Japanese debut song by NATURE, which has Japanese member Haru, is “I’m So Pretty.” The music video features slightly feminine costumes than its Korean version!
10. NATURE “OOPSIE”
Appendix B. NATURE “Allegro Cantabile”
Incidentally, NATURE’s Korean debut song “Allegro Cantabile” is a cover of the opening theme of Japanese anime “Nodame Cantabile.”
IZ*ONE
11. IZ*ONE “Suki to Iwasetai”
12. IZ*ONE “Buenos Aires”
13. IZ*ONE “Vampire”
14. IZ*ONE “Beware”
Japanese songs by IZ*ONE have a strong J-Pop flavor due to its Japanese producer Yasushi Akimoto. But as “Beware” is a trap song, and as its beat is not plain, it has a K-pop flavor. So it would be more accessible to Western music fans and those outside of Japan. IZ*ONE made their debut in Japan with “Suki to Iwasetai.”
The following articles are about IZ*ONE. Please have a look!
Red Velvet
15. Red Velvet “#Cookie Jar”
16. Red Velvet “SAPPY”
Red Velvet made their debut in Japan with “#Cookie Jar.” Both “#Cookie Jar” and “SAPPY” are well-designed music videos that show the cuteness of the Red Velvet members.
Appendix C. Red Velvet “Peek-A-Boo”
Red Velvet’s cool style seen in their Korean songs, such as “Peek-A-Boo,” doesn’t appeal to the Japanese market effectively. But there are many bops in Korean by Red Velvet, where they have cool expressions that don’t flatter, backed by the intense bass. Even Western music lovers will love them!
This article has dealt with Japanese K-pop songs by April, (G)I-DLE, IZ*ONE, NATURE, OH MY GIRL, and Red Velvet. As for those by AOA, Apink, EXID, GFRIEND, and KARA, please read the following article!