The Resurgence of City Pop and The Nostalgia Cycle: Impacts on The Music Industry and Modern Culture

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of the “nostalgia cycle”, which is gaining attention globally and is rapidly gaining ground in China, particularly through the influence of social media platforms. This study find that music and fashion trends from the past are once again in the spotlight, especially some once-popular clothing and styles. This resurgence of retro trends is closely linked to the rise of social media platforms, which have become an important tool for sharing photos, music, movies and fashion from the past. More than just a cultural phenomenon, the nostalgia cycle has had a profound impact on the contemporary economy and the development of the Internet, contributing to the rise of the second-hand market, creating business opportunities for many small businesses and entrepreneurs, and contributing to the diversification of the economy. This study has chosen “city pop” music as a case study to examine its relationship with the nostalgia cycle and its impact on the Japanese economy and music industry. In addition, this study explores the actual impact of the nostalgia cycle on the contemporary economy. Despite the limited data availability, it attempts to present this phenomenon’s effects through texts and historical records. The nostalgia cycle is not just a cultural trend but also an economic phenomenon with far-reaching impacts on several fields.