J-Pop
Although J-Pop artists are little known in international markets outside Asia, some have found followings through exposure via other media, primarily the video-gaming industry and booming global interest in Japanese anime (animation). The video-game industry, in particular, has been an extremely lucrative Japanese export; most of the major players throughout its history have been based in Japan. J-Pop bands are frequently included on the sound tracks of those films, television series, and video games featuring Japanese anime. Most often, the songs fall more specifically under the industry labels of J-Rock, J-Hip-Hop, or techno. Some J-Pop bands have formed as a result of having composed music for video games and anime; one example is the Black Mages, who are best known for their contributions to the Final Fantasy series. Established artists such as Hikaru Utada (b. 1983), who is featured in Kingdom Hearts, have used these alternative media as a way to expand their international popularity.