“This was the reason I was born” Contextualizing Issues and Choices of a Japanese Woman Musician

Abstract: This thesis investigates the Japanese music industry from a liberal feminist perspective, as academic literature rarely discusses Japanese music – especially niche genres like metal. After pinpointing a gap in the literature on the subject, and after outlining issues in the Japanese music industry, this study sheds light on the reasons that lead Japanese women musicians to thrive outside of major Japanese record companies. The direct experience of a Japanese power metal singer, who has worked both in her home country and in Europe, generates the main body of data. Specific aspects such as gender stereotypes, musical genres and language barrier are taken into account as parameters affecting women musicians’ choices. The analysis focuses on an in-depth semi-structured interview with the singer, to obtain her insights on these aspects and to inquire on her choices as an independent female musician in Japan. The aim of this article is to contextualize a specific case within the Japanese music scene, instead of generalizing the experience of a single female musician as applicable to all female musicians. The main findings of this research project highlight issues for further research: economic support for independent artists and the lack of inclusive spaces for female musicians.