Critics commended the album's production and praised the mixture of musical genres alongside Koda's vocals.

In August 2011, it was confirmed by Kumi Koda and her record label Rhythm Zone that she would release a then-upcoming studio album titled Japonesque.

[2][3] Rhythm Zone and its parent label, Avex Trax, enlisted several Western producers such as Toby Gad, Tommy Clint, and Matthew Tisher to collaborate on the album.

[3] Koda began recording the album at Avex Studios in Japan around the second quarter of 2011 with Junichi Shinohara, Makoto Yamadoi, Masahiro Kawata, Takeshi Takizawa, and Takuro Iwamoto.

Koda stated that whilst touring in Vietnam, Singapore, and Taiwan, Korean pop music became hugely recognized within the Asian and Western territories whilst Japanese music was not; she felt that Japonesque "was driven to make an album that would get played abroad and allow people outside of Japan to enjoy J-pop.

[8][9][10][11][12] David Cirone from J-Generation.com stated that Japonesque "is a powerhouse 19-track release from Koda Kumi that affirms her place in modern J-Pop royalty.

[9] R&B and further oriental elements have been noted by music critics in the album tracks; "So Nice", featuring Japanese rapper and producer Mr. Blistah, "V.I.P.

[8][9] "You Are Not Alone" is an acoustic re-arrangement, which the original composition featured as a b-side track on Koda's single "Ai Wo Tomenaide", whilst the album's closer "All For You" is a demo version of an unreleased studio recording.

[14] The stand-alone CD features the nineteen tracks in a jewel case, with first press editions including an obi and a bonus poster.

[15] The three limited edition box set cover sleeves are similar images with different poses; the first box set has Koda standing in front of a wall with Japanese design; Koda is holding a traditional Oil-paper umbrella and is dressed in a pink kimono she also wore a bikini under her kimono.

[25][26] "Poppin' Love Cocktail" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ ) for digital shipments of 100,000 units.

[32][33][34] The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the single's pop ballad melody and Koda's vocal abilities.

[27] The accompanying music videos for the single was directed by Seki; it features Koda in a room full of lights, with scenes of her holding onto a man.

[39][40][41] The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the single's dance composition, production, and commercial appeal.

[27] The accompanying music videos for the single was directed by Higashi; it features Koda driving with two female companions as police officers.

[51] The video for "Brave" was directed by Higashi; it features Koda in a room full of clocks, singing and leaning on a small coffee table.

[53] The video for "No Man's Land" was directed by Seki; it features Koda in an empty wasteland and abandoned city, surrounded by black skies and dust devils.

[54] The video for "Slow" was directed by Higashi; it features Koda and Omarion in front of a fountain that is centred in the middle of a futuristic city.

[55] The video for "So Nice" was directed by Seki; it features Koda in a Japanese house, wearing a kimono in front of computer generated imagery flowers and trees.

David Cirone from J-Generation.com was positive in his review, stating "Full of confidence and maturity, Koda Kumi still hasn't lost her playful side and unabashed sexiness."

Cirone highlighted "Escalate", "Love Me Back", and "No Man's Land" as the album's best tracks and commended the overall composition and commercial appeal.

[8] Another positive review came from Tetsuo Hiraga from Hot Express, complimenting Koda's involvement and innovation of the Japanese theme.

[11] A staff member from Rolling Stone Japan highlighted the R&B and rock music, but criticized the lack of personal depth.

[12] Japonesque debuted at number one on the Japanese Daily Oricon Albums Chart, staying there for an entire week except for Saturday.

[79] At the end of 2012, Japonesque sold over 151,343 units in Japan; this ranked the ninth best selling album by a female artist, just behind entries from Adele, Ayaka, JuJu, Superfly, Che'Nelle, Kana Nishino, and Namie Amuro.