INDEX
What Contributed to the Enduring Popularity of HOSONO HOUSE Today?
Still, what remains thought-provoking is why such a situation has come to pass.
As we’ve observed, the passionate recommendations and educational efforts of trailblazers undoubtedly played a key role. But it’s also clear that the rapid evolution of online listening platforms and the global spread of information have been pivotal in bringing about this change.
In addition, this situation coincides with the growing relativity of North America’s entertainment industry dominance and a surge in the visibility of cultural localities worldwide. This shift has led to an increased interest in past and present music from East Asia, fueled by a “post-colonial” shift in consciousness among progressive individuals in Western entertainment circles. This transformation speaks to a larger, global rethinking of cultural boundaries.
Author’s Note: On a related note, it’s important to acknowledge that these movements to “discover” Japanese music might also be influenced by forms of Orientalism or a gaze that essentializes “Japan” and “Asia” as regions inherently tied to cultural hybridity. For a deeper exploration of this, I encourage you to refer to Chapter 4 and beyond in my book What is City Pop? (external link in Japanese)
Yet, there’s likely a deeper, more intrinsic reason at play here. The magic of HOSONO HOUSE lies in how its unique sound and atmosphere are perfectly intertwined with the pulse of today’s music landscape.
In a world where maximalist sounds dominate the pop mainstream, HOSONO HOUSE stands as a quiet yet intimate counterpoint, capturing a raw sense of closeness. This intimacy, rooted in Japan’s home recording traditions, may be drawing in those who feel disconnected from the ever-growing “noise” of the modern world.
This shift aligns with the larger trend of introspection and personal reflection accelerated by the pandemic — which also explains the rising interest in Hosono’s ambient works. For those enraptured by HOSONO HOUSE, the album’s story — recorded in the countryside of Sayama, Saitama, far from the hustle and bustle of city life with close friends — likely strikes a deep, comforting chord.
