Japanese shoegaze is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in Japan in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is characterized by its use of heavily distorted guitars, ethereal vocals, and atmospheric soundscapes. The name "shoegaze" comes from the tendency of the musicians to stare at their effects pedals while performing. The style is known for its dreamy, introspective sound and has influenced many other genres of music.