There is no formal musical training for Japanese pop singers. They develop their skills by themselves. Most professional rock musicians, as well as many amateurs, are able to give concerts for some money, usually in small "live houses." Some good musicians become popular, earning scouts from record companies and rock agents in their audience. Also, record companies, TV/radio stations, and rock agents conduct auditions. Many amateur musicians apply for them, hoping to become a professional (or just for their curiosity). After becoming a professional musician, rock/pop singers are trained by the A & R (artist and repertory man).

For idol singers, the singing is not the primary focus. For female idol singers, as I discussed before, the most important thing is their appearance. Therefore, nobody cares about singing technique. For male idol singers, dancing as well as their appearance is important. The Janîzu Agent, which specializes in male idol singers, give the singers, who usually live in a dormitory, dance lessons all day. Some of the good dancers are employed as "back dancers" of already-famous idol singers. Then, some of the good back dancers gradually reach the front, and hopefully become new idol singers.

However, for enka singers, there is a strongly traditional apprenticeship. Those who wants to become a professional enka singer needs to see a "sensei" or master of Enka music, specializing in composing enka pieces (sometimes it may be an enka singer). The pupil usually lives in the master's house and does everything for him, including driving his car, cleaning his room, doing his laundry, even though such things have nothing to do with music. Musical lessons take place whenever the master feels that it is a good time to teach. The master usually plays piano and the pupil sings enka pieces. The master scolds all the time, teaching the correct techniques, the meaning of the texts, the soul of the pieces and enka in general. Sometimes, the singer has to sing the same piece more than ten times at once. The singer sometimes feel miserable because of obscurity and because of the severe nature of the lessons, wondering whether he can truly become a professional enka singer and whether what he is doing is right or not.

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