Sofia Martinez
Plastic is a versatile material that has become integral to human life, from vinyl records to polyester clothing. However, it is also an environmental pollutant, and its impact on the planet has gained public awareness in recent years. The song Plastic Love by Mariya Takeuchi, with its catchy rhythm and soulful delivery, has become an unexpected viral sensation on YouTube, sparking a renewed interest in city pop music. The song's popularity has led to discussions about the impact of digital copies and the role of specific uploads in shaping listener experiences. Plastic Love has also been credited with introducing younger fans to city pop and contributing to the genre's increasing popularity in the West.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Mariya Takeuchi |
| Album | Variety |
| Year of Release | 1984 |
| Genre | City Pop |
| Viral on YouTube | Yes |
| Re-released as a single on vinyl | Yes |
| Year of Vinyl Re-release | 2021 |
| Peaked at No. 5 on Oricon Singles Chart | Yes |
| Best-selling analog single of 2021 in Japan | Yes |
| Best-selling analog single of 2022 in Japan | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic's role in art, fashion, and music
Plastic has played a significant role in the art world, with the term "plastic arts" dating back to the early 19th century when it was used to describe sculpture and architecture. However, the term "plasticity" emerged in the 20th century, referring to modern painting and poetry. In the context of visual arts, plastic can refer to the use of synthetic materials in sculptures and installations, offering artists new possibilities for exploration and expression.
In the fashion industry, plastic has become a prevalent material, with synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic commonly used in clothing. However, the use of plastic in fashion, often referred to as "fast fashion," has come under scrutiny due to its negative environmental impact. Microplastics released from synthetic clothing during washing contribute significantly to ocean pollution. There is also a health risk associated with microplastics, as they can be inhaled or ingested, leading to potential health issues. As a result, there are growing calls for a more sustainable approach to the textile industry, with second-hand and recycled clothing promoted as more environmentally friendly alternatives.
In music, plastic has had a transformative effect. It has replaced the use of animal products in instrument-making, such as ivory piano keys and catgut strings for string instruments, which were obtained through controversial and often illegal hunting practices. Plastic piano keys are not only wildlife-safe but also more affordable and easier to maintain. Similarly, guitar strings are now coated in plastic polymers, making them more durable and reducing the need for frequent replacements. Plastic is also crucial in music recording, with recording booths often insulated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets to block out background noise and ensure clear recordings. Additionally, vinyl records, which are making a comeback in popularity, are also made of PVC plastic.
Overall, plastic has had a significant influence on art, fashion, and music. While it has brought about innovations and benefits, there are also growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of certain plastic applications, particularly in the fashion industry. As a result, there is a growing focus on sustainability and the need to balance the use of plastic with environmental responsibility.
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Plastic's history and ubiquity
Plastic is a material that has come to define the human race. It is a synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compound that can be moulded into solid objects. It is colourful, attractive, affordable, and easy to use. It has become an integral part of our lives, from vinyl records to polycarbonate CDs, radios, clothing materials, furniture, food containers, and packaging. Its versatility has made it ubiquitous in our modern world.
The history of plastic is relatively recent. It emerged in the 20th century as a cheaper alternative to materials such as wood, stone, horn, bone, leather, metal, glass, and ceramics. The first widely used plastic was bakelite, invented in New York in 1907 by Leo Baekeland. Bakelite revolutionised the market, becoming the go-to material for telephones, light switches, radios, and sports balls. It offered a range of colours, making it aesthetically appealing as well.
However, the affordability and versatility of plastic have come at a cost. Plastic pollution has been an ongoing issue, with plastic waste polluting land and oceans for decades. It has only been in recent years, partly due to the efforts of figures like David Attenborough, that the public has become more aware of the environmental impact of plastic pollution. This growing awareness has sparked conversations and initiatives to reduce, recycle, and find alternatives to plastic, aiming to mitigate its negative effects on the planet.
The impact of plastic on our planet is significant, and it has become a source of inspiration and reflection in art, fashion, and music. Recycled plastic art and fashion, for example, can convey powerful messages about sustainability and the importance of reducing plastic waste. Plastic has become a theme explored by musicians, with songs addressing the complex relationship humanity has with this versatile yet ecologically detrimental material.
Plastic has had a profound impact on our world, shaping our modern lifestyle and influencing various forms of artistic expression. While it provides convenience and versatility, it also presents ecological challenges that we must address to ensure a sustainable future.
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Plastic's environmental impact
Plastic pollution has become ubiquitous in natural and built environments, with plastic waste affecting human health and aquatic life. Plastics are persistent in the environment, taking anywhere from 100 to 1,000 years or more to decompose, depending on environmental conditions. During this time, plastic pollution can fragment into smaller pieces, known as microplastics and nanoplastics, which have been found in every ecosystem on the planet, from the Antarctic tundra to tropical coral reefs.
Microplastics and nanoplastics have penetrated every system, including all sources of water, types of food, placentas of pregnant people, and human stool. The ingestion and inhalation of microplastics shedding from products and hazardous additives leaching out of plastic products can severely impact human health. Research indicates that more than 1,500 species in marine and terrestrial environments are known to ingest plastics, putting marine species at higher risk of ingesting plastic, suffocating, or becoming entangled in plastic pollution.
The production, use, and disposal of plastics have environmental and health effects at every stage of their life cycle. Plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and the extraction and production processes can release hundreds of toxins, causing damage to sensory organs, effects on bodily systems, and the impairment of organs. The use of plastic consumer goods exposes people to the toxic impacts of microplastics and hazardous chemicals, which can contaminate the surrounding environment and enter the bodies of animals and humans.
Additionally, plastic pollution contributes to climate change. In the EU, annual emissions related to plastic production amount to around 13.4 million tonnes of CO2, or about 20% of the chemicals industry's emissions. Global consumption of plastic is accelerating, and over half of the plastic production ever manufactured has been produced since 2000. Only about 9% of the plastics ever produced have been recycled, and the remaining plastic waste further contributes to environmental pollution.
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Plastic Love's YouTube virality
"Plastic Love", a song by Mariya Takeuchi, has become a viral sensation on YouTube, sparking a renewed interest in the city pop genre. The song's journey to viral fame began in 2017 when an eight-minute version was uploaded to YouTube by the account Plastic Lover. This fan-made version, looping parts of the original to extend its length, quickly gained traction, accumulating over 22 million views by 2019. The video's popularity can be attributed to several factors, including its catchiness, the soulful delivery of Takeuchi, and the contrast between its upbeat disco-infused tempo and lyrics that explore fleeting sorrow.
The specific upload by Plastic Lover garnered a strong connection from fans, and its brief removal due to a copyright strike only intensified its popularity. The song's success on YouTube played a pivotal role in introducing younger fans to city pop and reshaping its global perception. This newfound popularity led to record labels in Japan re-issuing albums, creating new features, and releasing music videos, with sales in the genre flourishing on CD and vinyl formats.
"Plastic Love" has become synonymous with the future funk sub-genre, attracting a new wave of fans worldwide. Its viral status on YouTube was further amplified by its appearance in the "recommended" feed, making it "near-inescapable" on the platform. The song's impact extended beyond YouTube, with covers and re-issues of the original single peaking on the Oricon Singles Chart. In 2018, a cover by Friday Night Plans reached number 30, while a re-issue of Takeuchi's original single on 12-inch vinyl peaked at number five in 2021, becoming Japan's best-selling analog single that year.
The song's viral nature and its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide have solidified its place as an anthem for online communities, particularly within the vaporwave and future funk movements. "Plastic Love" has not only left an indelible mark on YouTube but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of city pop and influencing the music industry in Japan and beyond. The song's journey from a modest triumph in Japan to a global sensation underscores the power of YouTube virality in reshaping the musical landscape and introducing new genres to audiences worldwide.
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Takeuchi's legacy
Takeuchi is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and record producer, who has sold over 16 million records, making her one of the best-selling music artists in Japan. She is deemed the "Queen of City Pop" and is an influential figure in the genre. Her career began in 1978 when she signed with RCA, releasing five albums that appeared on the Oricon Charts, including her chart-topping third album, "Love Songs" (1980). After a three-year hiatus, she returned with her album "Variety" in 1984, which included the iconic song "Plastic Love".
"Plastic Love" is perhaps Takeuchi's most famous song and has been credited with introducing younger fans to city pop. The song has a unique duality, pairing an upbeat, disco-infused tempo with melancholic lyrics that explore the sorrow of fleeting connections. This contrast resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, and the song became an anthem for online communities, particularly within the vaporwave and future funk movements. The song went viral on YouTube in the mid-2010s, decades after its initial release, attracting millions of views and sparking a broader revival of interest in city pop as a genre.
Beyond her musical achievements, Takeuchi has also made an impact through her commitment to family and heritage. In 2018, she took over the management of her family's historic ryokan, Takenoya, which was founded by her paternal great-grandfather in 1877. This endeavour allowed her to steward family traditions and values until the next generation was ready to take over.
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Frequently asked questions
"Plastic Love" is a song by Mariya Takeuchi, initially released in 1984 as part of her sixth studio album, Variety.
"Plastic Love" is regarded as one of the most well-known songs in the city pop genre. Its belated popularity, fuelled by a viral YouTube upload in 2017, is cited as a key factor in the increasing popularity of city pop among Western audiences.
"Plastic Love" is considered a significant release in Mariya Takeuchi's career. The song marked her comeback to the music industry after a three-year hiatus and helped introduce her music to a global audience.
