Forget what you know about the bubblegum pop you hear today because when Princess Princess dropped their 1988 hit "Kiss," it was an anthem that sent ripples across the realm of J-pop and beyond. By 1989, these fiercely iconic women—Keiko, Kanako, Kyōko, Kanako, and Tomoko—had burst out of Tokyo like a tidal wave, and anyone with a heartbeat was caught in the surge. It’s a tale of female empowerment that happened long before it was cool—a concept that certainly wouldn't go down well with the so-called hip centrists trying to mold music into their political mouthpiece.
A staple of Japanese popular music, Princess Princess was not just a band; they were a force of nature. Their song “Kiss” drove the message home: women can—and should—rock just as hard, if not harder, than their male counterparts. This was Japan in the late 80s, mind you, when societal definitions were still trying to cage women into neat little corners. The bold statement from “Kiss” was more than a celebration—it was a defiance, a gauntlet thrown down at the feet of the status quo.
So you might ask, why does a song like “Kiss” matter today, and why does it still manage to make an impact in the Western world? Well, for starters, its melody hooks are infectious, but it's the sheer nerve of a band refusing to play by anyone else's rules that makes it evergreen. If you think feminism is a novel concept invented by millennials for clout in social media posts, think again. Princess Princess was blazing trails while today’s TikTok warriors were still a fantasy. Radical, huh?
What's electrifying about “Kiss” is its unapologetic simplicity, a no-frills rock tune that compels you to listen. It doesn't beseech; it demands your attention. Authenticity resonates—no autotune or synthesis needed. Princess Princess knew that genuine sound and heartfelt lyrics are what draw audiences in, not the digital concoctions of today’s overproduced cultural noise. It’s a refreshing departure from the genre-bending, politically motivated soundtrack that a certain set seems to champion.
Despite the language barrier, the beauty of “Kiss” is that its energy transcends cultures and borders. The universal language of music rings loud and clear as you let the guitar riffs wash over you, even if you don't catch every word. That’s right, language didn't stand in the way of its popularity. It’s almost amusing how the purveyors of politically correct culture think that bridging divides requires a dissertation. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a great song with the right beat.
In a society increasingly obsessed with identity politics, Princess Princess was carving out an identity just for being themselves. In doing so, they earned the love and respect of a multi-faceted audience—politics be damned. Call it a coincidence, but there’s something liberating about letting go of imposed constructs and just allowing art to speak to its audience. Princess Princess did it in 1988, proving, maybe inadvertently, that unity and progress can't always be legislated; sometimes they just happen naturally.
The irony is too rich to ignore. In an age where divisive narratives are the norm, Princess Princess’ “Kiss” is a poignant reminder of a time when music was, quite simply, about the music. People who hadn’t yet experienced the social justice oversaturation could appreciate the jam and maybe, to some extent, they still do. If authenticity and raw talent had a soundtrack, “Kiss” might just be it.
The legacy of this particular tune continues to be that belligerent slap in the face for those assuming they have a monopoly on cultural contribution and artistic innovation. It's the music without the manifesto. Well before identities became campaigns, there was Princess Princess moving melodies into the realm of irresistible empowerment.
Whether we like to admit it or not, songs like "Kiss" persisted long after the band had bowed out, leaving a legacy that isn't simply heard, but felt. A song that refuses to be boxed in, defined, or diminished into a mere historical footnote. It's a swift reminder that sometimes, the world doesn’t need reshaping—it just needs a great tune. In that vein, Princess Princess and their anthemic "Kiss" serve as a timeless classic that, even today, leans away from complexity and towards straightforward, unadulterated rebellion.