#Japan #Bunkyo #J-POP #Toho University #Ichisei Tomizawa

Insightful Lecture on J-POP by Renowned Music Critic Ichisei Tomizawa

On July 4, 2026, Toho University’s Performance Arts & Culture Studies (PACS) held a special lecture featuring Ichisei Tomizawa, a prominent music critic, writer, radio personality, and educator. This event, titled “J-POP: Exploring Its Glorious World from Past to Future,” took place at the Bunkyo campus and drew an eager audience of students and music enthusiasts.

During this illuminating session, Tomizawa took participants through the rich history of Japanese popular music, tracing its evolution from folk songs to the vibrant genre of J-POP. He expertly illustrated how J-POP emerged amidst various cultural contexts, captivating audiences with its emotional and artistic breadth. The students listened attentively and recorded notes, marking an invaluable opportunity to engage with music as a cultural artifact rather than merely entertainment.

Tomizawa emphasized the importance of actively engaging with music rather than passively consuming it. As he poignantly stated towards the end of the lecture, “Listening to a CD is not about just hearing; it’s about truly listening. Similarly, watching a DVD should be about perceiving, not just seeing.” He encouraged students to ponder their own perspectives on the topics discussed, fostering a culture of critical thought and personal connection with music.

This special lecture was a part of Toho University’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education in performing arts, featuring industry leaders in various fields, including artists, voice actors, actors, composers, stage arts, and entertainment business professionals as guest instructors.

Looking ahead, the PACS program will evolve into a dual-specialization system, featuring “Performing Arts” and “Composition & Sound Production Technology” starting in 2027. This change signifies the university's focus on delivering practical education that meets the demands of contemporary arts.

The richness of this special lecture not only helped students understand music culture from multiple perspectives but also fostered the development of their creativity and expressive abilities.

For more information, you can visit the PACS program page here.

Event Overview

• - Lecture Title: J-POP: Exploring Its Glorious World from Past to Future
• - Date: July 4, 2026
• - Venue: Toho University Bunkyo Campus
• - Lecturer: Ichisei Tomizawa, Music Critic
• - Organizer: Toho University’s Performance Arts & Culture Studies (PACS)

About Ichisei Tomizawa

Born in 1951 in Nagano Prefecture, Ichisei Tomizawa is a seasoned music critic, author, radio personality, and educator who has long supported Japan’s popular music culture. After a brief enrollment at the University of Tokyo, he began his music criticism career in the early 1970s. He has received acclaim for his insightful analyses of folk, New Music, J-POP, and other popular genres within their historical and social contexts.

Tomizawa maintains a steadfast belief that “good music deserves to be sold,” advocating for deserving artists through various media outlets, including popular radio programs on FM NACK5. His engaging storytelling and extensive knowledge have endeared him to audiences across generations.

He has written numerous books, including “Let’s Listen to That Wonderful Song Again,” featuring iconic Japanese artists such as Yumi Matsutoya, Yosui Inoue, Chiharu Matsuyama, and Miyuki Nakajima. Having served on the steering committee for the Japan Record Awards, he plays an influential role in the music industry.

In academia, he has been the Vice President of Showa University since 2018 and currently holds the title of Honorary Professor and Guest Professor, dedicating efforts to nurturing the next generation and advancing music research. He brings a scholarly perspective to J-POP education, significantly contributing to the preservation and development of Japan’s music culture. Renowned as a leading figure, he continues to passionately discuss Japanese popular music across various platforms.