J-pop cover versions fade in Asia as the real thing spawns mega stars

JACKY Cheung Hok-yau has done it. As have Anita Mui Yim-fong and Alan Tam Wing-lun. Cheung fed off a band called J-Walk, Mui popularised Akina Nakamori, and Tam struck it lucky with the group Anzen Chitai. All three helped introduce J-pop to Hong Kong by producing Canto-pop hits that were covers of Japanese songs.

Today, things are a little different. Few local stars are covering J-pop tracks because the genre is spawning its own hits in Hong Kong and building a niche following despite the language barrier.

One of the best-selling artists in Asia in the past year has been 17-year-old Utada Hikaru. The Toshiba EMI singer-songwriter has the distinction of being the first Japanese artist to break into all Asian territories, including non-traditional Chinese/Japanese markets such as the Philippines and Indonesia.

Record label executives have credited much of the growing attention to the availability and popularity of Japanese drama series and movies that star or feature songs from pop idols such as SMAP's Takuya Kimura, who was in Long Vacation, and rockers Luna Sea, who sang the theme from Another Heaven.

'Greater China has always been influenced by Japan, especially Taiwan,' says Garand Wu, senior marketing manager (international) at EMI Music Asia.

'Starting from the days of Chage & Aska, Dreams Come True, and Luna Sea, most of it can be tied to these Japanese series. That has helped the popularity of the J-pop genre and it is a trend I see growing in future.'