Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“J-Pop” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding J-Pop

1. What does J-Pop stand for?
2. How would you describe the sound of J-Pop?
3. What is your first memory of listening to J-Pop?
4. In what ways do you think J-Pop is unique?
5. Can you name any J-Pop artists or bands?

II. Discovering J-Pop Music

6. How did you discover J-Pop?
7. What is the first J-Pop song you ever heard?
8. Which J-Pop song is your favorite and why?
9. Do you have a favorite J-Pop music video? What do you like about it?
10. What J-Pop songs do you recommend to new listeners?

III. J-Pop Artists and Groups

11. Who is a popular J-Pop artist in your country?
12. What do you admire about J-Pop stars?
13. Have you attended a J-Pop concert or event?
14. How do J-Pop artists influence fashion trends?
15. What do you think about the idol culture in J-Pop?

IV. The Culture of J-Pop

16. What have you learned about Japanese culture through J-Pop?
17. How does J-Pop reflect traditional Japanese music?
18. What makes a J-Pop fan different from other music fans?
19. Have you ever participated in a fan activity for a J-Pop artist?
20. What role does J-Pop play in Japanese festivals and events?

V. Language and Lyrics in J-Pop

21. Has J-Pop encouraged you to learn Japanese?
22. Do you search for translations of J-Pop lyrics?
23. What Japanese phrases have you learned from J-Pop songs?
24. How important is understanding the lyrics in enjoying J-Pop?
25. Do you think J-Pop can be an effective tool for language learning?

VI. J-Pop’s Role in Media

26. What J-Pop songs have you heard in movies or TV shows?
27. Are there any J-Pop themed shows or movies you like?
28. How do Japanese anime and J-Pop intersect?
29. What role do J-Pop stars play in Japanese dramas or movies?
30. How do you keep up with J-Pop news and releases?

VII. The Industry of J-Pop

31. How is J-Pop different from other music industries you know?
32. What do you think about the production of J-Pop music?
33. What challenges do J-Pop artists face?
34. How do J-Pop labels promote their artists domestically and internationally?
35. What is your view on the globalization of J-Pop?

VIII. Global Influence of J-Pop

36. How has J-Pop affected global music trends?
37. Can you think of any global issues highlighted by J-Pop songs?
38. What international collaborations with J-Pop artists are you aware of?
39. How does J-Pop contribute to Japan’s image abroad?
40. How do you think J-Pop will change in the next decade?

IX. Personal Connection to J-Pop

41. What emotions do you associate with J-Pop music?
42. Can you share a special moment you have had with J-Pop?
43. Has J-Pop inspired any changes in your life or style?
44. How do you find new J-Pop artists to listen to?
45. What has surprised you about J-Pop culture?

X. Challenges in J-Pop

46. Are you aware of any challenges within the J-Pop industry?
47. How do J-Pop idols handle the pressure of the spotlight?
48. What are your thoughts on the paparazzi and privacy for J-Pop stars?
49. How do fans and the public react to scandals in J-Pop?
50. What improvements would you like to see in the J-Pop industry for the artists’ sake?

XI. Fandom and Supporting J-Pop

51. How can international fans show support for J-Pop artists?
52. What importance do music charts have in the J-Pop industry?
53. In what ways do J-Pop artists engage with their audience?
54. How crucial is social media in the success of a J-Pop star?
55. What challenges do international fans face in following J-Pop?

XII. The Broader Impact of J-Pop

56. What influence does J-Pop have beyond music?
57. How does J-Pop promote aspects of Japanese culture worldwide?
58. What trends in your own country have been inspired by J-Pop?
59. How do J-Pop artists serve as role models or icons?
60. What future trends do you predict for J-Pop internationally?