Creating Enka – The ‘Soul of Japan’ in the Postwar Era – Wajime Yusuke
Creating Enka: The “Soul of Japan” in the Postwar Era by Wajime Yusuke / ISBN 9784990863630 / a 288-page paperback, 5.88 x 8.25 inches, published by Public Bath Press (Japan, though their books are in English)
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When this prize-winning (Suntory Best Non-fiction 2010) history of the music known as Enka, one of the dominant forms of postwar popular music, appeared, it rearranged everyone’s understanding of the history of postwar pop. Love it or hate it, Enka is a necessary background for anyone hoping to understand the music of Japan. With a new introduction by the author, an index, and full color printing (unlike the Japanese original), this is a must-have for your collection.
