Seiritsu International Education

Alright, Japanese music... Where to begin?

When I first came here I didn't really like it. I didn't understand the lyrics and most songs sounded like the music from the eighties and nineties. Then I found out that a lot of songs are actually remakes, so that makes kind of sense in a way.

Also, unlike most Japanese people, I'm not really into boy bands. All those boy bands... I'm not saying it's crazy, but yeah, sometimes it's just crazy. So now, five months later, I still don't understand the lyrics, but I learned to appreciate it a little more. Some songs are not as bad as I thought they were, to be honest.

I really like Japanese stuff and I love hip-hop music, so I thought, "Why not find some good Japanese hip-hop?" This was actually harder than I thought it would be. I already knew a few rappers but I can't really say I liked them. I would just laugh at the “cool” Engurish (Japanese English) they would put in somewhere random in their lyrics. After a long search I finally found a few good "classics". The beats are just awesome (I love beats) and there is just a good vibe.

Although not all Japanese rap is super good, I really like Japanese rappers. They are not as shy as some Japanese people and they are not as "crazy" as the dressed-up lolita from Harajuku, for example (no offense). They are just cool and I found out they are fun to hang out with because I actually met a few during the last couple of months and always enjoy listening to their freestyle raps. They’re just having fun.

My all time favorite Japanese rap song is "Koko Tokyo" (This is Tokyo) by Aquarius featuring S-word, Big-O and Dabo. You can look it up on Youtube if you want. It's about how confusing and stressful Tokyo can be, without really being negative about it. I think it's a really good song because it's very recognizable for many people here.

But enough about J-pop and J-Hip-Hop, let's talk about my favorite super-addictive drink. Van Houten Chocolate Strawberry Milk is just pure awesomeness in a half liter pack. Unlike melon pan, I just don't get sick of it buying it everyday. I actually don't like chocolate milk that much, nor am I a big fan of strawberry milk, but a mix of these two makes me feel happy inside.

When you drink it, it’s cold. Then you taste this sweet, somewhat strong and yet soft chocolate taste and after you swallow it, you have a delicious and fresh aftertaste in your mouth. I just love it and it's already on my list of things I will miss when I go back to my own country.

Aight! Thanks for reading and keep safe!
Until next time!

Wess