How a Japanese singer-songwriter became the accidental global icon of city pop

Music · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Mariya Takeuchi, a Japanese music legend with over 16 million records sold, never intended to reach Western audiences. Yet, her 1985 track Plastic Love unexpectedly went viral decades later, becoming the definitive anthem of the city pop revival and earning praise from international artists like Damon Albarn.

Born in 1955 in Shimane Prefecture, Takeuchi grew up in her family's long-established inn, Takenoya, founded in 1877. Her early exposure to global music and her time as an exchange student in Illinois shaped her musical sensibilities. By 1978, she had signed with RCA, launching a career that would see her become a dominant force in Japanese music. Her early success included several hit singles and multiple best new artist awards in 1979, establishing her as a versatile singer-songwriter.

After a temporary hiatus starting in 1981, Takeuchi returned in 1984 with the album Variety, marking her transition to Moon Records. This era solidified her status as a prolific songwriter, not just for herself but for numerous other Japanese idols. Her compositions, such as 'Eki' and 'Genki wo Dashite', became staples of the industry. Since 2001, every one of her studio albums has topped the Oricon Charts, reflecting her enduring popularity and consistency as a producer and performer.

The global phenomenon of 'Plastic Love' remains a unique chapter in her career. Initially released in 1984, the song gained massive traction on YouTube during the mid-late 2010s, fueled by vaporwave and future funk communities. Takeuchi, who had previously dismissed the possibility of international success due to language barriers, saw the song accumulate over 67 million views by June 2021. This revival transformed her into a cross-generational icon, bridging the gap between 1980s Japanese pop and modern digital culture.

Beyond her solo work, Takeuchi has maintained a collaborative spirit, recently forming the duo Peach & Apricot with singer Anri in 2021. Despite her massive commercial success, she has balanced her public life with private responsibilities, including managing her family's historic inn since 2018. Her career, spanning over four decades, demonstrates a rare ability to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in the craft of songwriting.

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