ALL JAPAN : The Greatest/Notablest JPN Albums 3000+

Categories: All Time, Best Of, Releases, Countries, Obscure, Underrated, My Life on RYM

[List677154] | +1012

☆Seeking a deeper entrance into the unknown....

● This is a chronological catalog of the greatest/notablest albums, EPs, mixtapes, DJ mixes and compilations of all time from Japan.
● The number of items is massive to cover a wide range of contexts, but not a single one is unnecessary.
● Some of the works are collaborations in which Japanese people participated. (e.g. Double Fantasy)
● This project will be in progress until I die.

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	Dada Jyo (1978) Date 1978 Genres Ambient, Progressive Electronic After working as a singer and actor, Yuzuru Aki became a music critic and the owner of Vanity Records. This album by the electronic unit Dada was chosen as the label's first release and is a masterpiece of early Japanese ambient music, depicting the mysterious and melancholic world of ancient Japanese picture scrolls in a progressive new age sound.
Date 1978 Genres Ambient, Progressive Electronic After working as a singer and actor, Yuzuru Aki became a music critic and the owner of Vanity Records. This album by the electronic unit Dada was chosen as the label's first release and is a masterpiece of early Japanese ambient music, depicting the mysterious and melancholic world of ancient Japanese picture scrolls in a progressive new age sound.
	Hiroshi Fukumura with Sadao Watanabe Hiroshi Fukumura 渡辺貞夫 [Sadao Watanabe] Hunt Up Wind (1978) Date 1978 Genres Jazz-Funk, Latin Jazz Jazz trombonist Hiroshi Fukumura, known for his work with saxophonist Sadao Watanabe's band, plays with his mentor Watanabe on this leader album. This is a mellow jazz album with an exhilarating funky groove based on fusion music.
Date 1978 Genres Jazz-Funk, Latin Jazz Jazz trombonist Hiroshi Fukumura, known for his work with saxophonist Sadao Watanabe's band, plays with his mentor Watanabe on this leader album. This is a mellow jazz album with an exhilarating funky groove based on fusion music.
	古川壬生 [Mibu Furukawa] 業晒し (Gousarashi) (1978) Date 1978 Genres Avant-Folk, Singer-Songwriter This is the first album independently released by Mibu Furukawa, a singer-songwriter from Aomori Prefecture. It is a one-of-a-kind ritualistic and intense avant-garde folk album that opens the door to another world with its dark, underground poetry and swirling, poisonous emotions.
Date 1978 Genres Avant-Folk, Singer-Songwriter This is the first album independently released by Mibu Furukawa, a singer-songwriter from Aomori Prefecture. It is a one-of-a-kind ritualistic and intense avant-garde folk album that opens the door to another world with its dark, underground poetry and swirling, poisonous emotions.
	George Ohtsuka Maracaibo Cornpone (1978) Date 1978 Genres Jazz Fusion, Jazz-Rock Jazz drummer George Ohtsuka's leader release, produced by Masabumi Kikuchi, has a refreshing fusion sound. The album features skillful and deep playing by Steve Grossman, John Abercrombie, and Japanese jazzmen Kikuchi and Yoshiaki Masuo.
Date 1978 Genres Jazz Fusion, Jazz-Rock Jazz drummer George Ohtsuka's leader release, produced by Masabumi Kikuchi, has a refreshing fusion sound. The album features skillful and deep playing by Steve Grossman, John Abercrombie, and Japanese jazzmen Kikuchi and Yoshiaki Masuo.
	The High Society Orchestra High Way (1978) Date 1978 Genres Big Band, Jazz-Funk This studio album by the Waseda University High Society Orchestra, one of the most famous and historic student big bands in Japan, is said to be the first major-label release by a student band in Japan. The groovy and passionate ensemble dramatically unfolds its sound in a youthful, energetic, and dynamic manner.
Date 1978 Genres Big Band, Jazz-Funk This studio album by the Waseda University High Society Orchestra, one of the most famous and historic student big bands in Japan, is said to be the first major-label release by a student band in Japan. The groovy and passionate ensemble dramatically unfolds its sound in a youthful, energetic, and dynamic manner.
	Jimmy, Yoko & Shin Sei Shonagon (1978) Date 1978 Genres Jazz-Rock, Avant-Prog Among the many albums released on the Japanese jazz label Three Blind Mice, this sole leader effort by Jimmy, Yoko & Shin is unique and different. The soundscapes created by this technically driven, avant-garde progressive rock monstrosity are reminiscent of the world of old Japanese picture scrolls, ancient books, or indigenous rituals.
Date 1978 Genres Jazz-Rock, Avant-Prog Among the many albums released on the Japanese jazz label Three Blind Mice, this sole leader effort by Jimmy, Yoko & Shin is unique and different. The soundscapes created by this technically driven, avant-garde progressive rock monstrosity are reminiscent of the world of old Japanese picture scrolls, ancient books, or indigenous rituals.
	Noriko Miyamoto (with Isao Suzuki) 宮本典子 [Noriko Miyamoto] 鈴木勲 [Isao Suzuki] Push (1978) Date 1978 Genres Jazz Fusion, City Pop Noriko Miyamoto, a singer who used to work as a disco dancer, released this album under the joint name of Isao Suzuki, a famous jazz bassist. The groovy jazz fusion backing music with Suzuki's powerful bass at the center and her soulful, deep vocals give the album a mellow, romantic impression.
Date 1978 Genres Jazz Fusion, City Pop Noriko Miyamoto, a singer who used to work as a disco dancer, released this album under the joint name of Isao Suzuki, a famous jazz bassist. The groovy jazz fusion backing music with Suzuki's powerful bass at the center and her soulful, deep vocals give the album a mellow, romantic impression.
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	中山千夏 [Chinatsu Nakayama] & 高橋悠治 [Yuji Takahashi] ぼくは12歳 (1978) Date 1978 Genres Art Pop, Modern Classical The album, a collection of poetry by Masafumi Oka, features vocals by singer-songwriter Chinatsu Nakayama and music by contemporary classical composer Yuji Takahashi. Oka was a poet who died when he was only 12 years old, and this album is a unique work in which the two musicians tenderly reinterpret the young man's sensitive portrayal of emotion.
Date 1978 Genres Art Pop, Modern Classical The album, a collection of poetry by Masafumi Oka, features vocals by singer-songwriter Chinatsu Nakayama and music by contemporary classical composer Yuji Takahashi. Oka was a poet who died when he was only 12 years old, and this album is a unique work in which the two musicians tenderly reinterpret the young man's sensitive portrayal of emotion.
	Eiji Nakayama Aya's Samba (1978) Date 1978 Genres Post-Bop, Modal Jazz Jazz bassist Eiji Nakayama's debut album was the first release on Morioka's independent label, Johnny's Disk Records. The title track, in particular, is a definitive masterpiece of Japanese Latin/samba jazz, with softly resonant electric piano and saxophone tones intertwining mellifluously.
Date 1978 Genres Post-Bop, Modal Jazz Jazz bassist Eiji Nakayama's debut album was the first release on Morioka's independent label, Johnny's Disk Records. The title track, in particular, is a definitive masterpiece of Japanese Latin/samba jazz, with softly resonant electric piano and saxophone tones intertwining mellifluously.
	菅野邦彦 [Kunihiko Sugano] Opa Brasil (1978) Date 1978 Genres Samba-jazz, Bossa nova This is a samba-jazz album that jazz pianist Kunihiko Sugano traveled to Brazil and recorded there. It includes the well-known Latin classic "Brazil," and his piano and electric piano tones dance gracefully and nimbly over the groovy Latin rhythms.
Date 1978 Genres Samba-jazz, Bossa nova This is a samba-jazz album that jazz pianist Kunihiko Sugano traveled to Brazil and recorded there. It includes the well-known Latin classic "Brazil," and his piano and electric piano tones dance gracefully and nimbly over the groovy Latin rhythms.
	高野昌昭 [Masaaki Takano] しずくたち (Shizukutachi) (1978) Date 1978 Genres Field Recordings, Nature Recordings Masaaki Takano, who has worked as a stage sound engineer since the 1950s, was moved by the sound of falling drops of water from a spring and created this album. This album contains only the sparse sound of falling water, and is a clear and delicate work that freshly packages the beauty of pure and simple sound without any superfluous elements.
Date 1978 Genres Field Recordings, Nature Recordings Masaaki Takano, who has worked as a stage sound engineer since the 1950s, was moved by the sound of falling drops of water from a spring and created this album. This album contains only the sparse sound of falling water, and is a clear and delicate work that freshly packages the beauty of pure and simple sound without any superfluous elements.
	Hideyasu Terakawa Quartet Featuring Hiroshi Fujii 寺川秀保クァルテット [Hideyasu Terakawa Quartet] 藤浩 [Hiroshi Fuji] Introducing Hideyasu Terakawa Quartet Live Featuring Hiroshi Fujii (1978) Date 1978 Genres Post-Bop, Spiritual Jazz Reissued by the UK label BBE, the album was originally a very rare private pressing, with only about 100 copies printed at the time and sold at local record stores and live venues. The album features a live performance led by saxophonist Hideyasu Terakawa, and the avant-garde and spiritual bop sound oscillates between intensity and sadness with the addition of the vibraphone tone of guest artist Hiroshi Fujii.
Date 1978 Genres Post-Bop, Spiritual Jazz Reissued by the UK label BBE, the album was originally a very rare private pressing, with only about 100 copies printed at the time and sold at local record stores and live venues. The album features a live performance led by saxophonist Hideyasu Terakawa, and the avant-garde and spiritual bop sound oscillates between intensity and sadness with the addition of the vibraphone tone of guest artist Hiroshi Fujii.
	海勢頭豊 [Yutaka Umisedo] 琉球讃歌 (1978) Date 1978 Genres Folk Pop, Singer-Songwriter Singer-songwriter from Okinawa, Japan, Yutaka Umisedo's major debut album was arranged by Masaaki Omura and features both studio and live recordings. It is a masterpiece of Okinawan pop, with his generous melodies using Okinawan scales, flowing vividly in a wide range of styles from soulful and groovy to sweet ballads.
Date 1978 Genres Folk Pop, Singer-Songwriter Singer-songwriter from Okinawa, Japan, Yutaka Umisedo's major debut album was arranged by Masaaki Omura and features both studio and live recordings. It is a masterpiece of Okinawan pop, with his generous melodies using Okinawan scales, flowing vividly in a wide range of styles from soulful and groovy to sweet ballads.
	Godiego CM Song Graffiti (1978) Date January 15, 1978 Genres Pop Rock, New Music The album is a unique concept, a collection of songs from the rock band Godiego for corporate commercials. Lyrically sung entirely in English and with a romantic, stylish sound that draws on international pop and rock influences, it's a delightful and comfortable compilation that represents the early years of the band's career.
Date January 15, 1978 Genres Pop Rock, New Music The album is a unique concept, a collection of songs from the rock band Godiego for corporate commercials. Lyrically sung entirely in English and with a romantic, stylish sound that draws on international pop and rock influences, it's a delightful and comfortable compilation that represents the early years of the band's career.
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	ちあきなおみ [Naomi Chiaki] あまぐも (1978) Date January 25, 1978 Genres Mood kayō, New Music Two singer-songwriters, Eigo Kawashima and Kazuki Tomokawa, contributed half of the music for kayokyoku singer Naomi Chiaki's last album with Nippon Columbia. Chiaki's emotional and strong voice sings in a rich sound that incorporates jazz, funk, and folk, and the songs have a vaguely underground and melancholic atmosphere, like a cloudy weather pattern.
Date January 25, 1978 Genres Mood kayō, New Music Two singer-songwriters, Eigo Kawashima and Kazuki Tomokawa, contributed half of the music for kayokyoku singer Naomi Chiaki's last album with Nippon Columbia. Chiaki's emotional and strong voice sings in a rich sound that incorporates jazz, funk, and folk, and the songs have a vaguely underground and melancholic atmosphere, like a cloudy weather pattern.
	You & Explosion Band Lupin III (Original Soundtrack) (1978) Date January 25, 1978 Genres Disco, Television Music This soundtrack, released by composer Yuji Ohno with his band You & Explosion Band, features music from one of Ohno's most famous works, the anime Lupin the Third. The track, based on jazz funk and disco music, brings out the suspenseful and sensual charm of the anime.
Date January 25, 1978 Genres Disco, Television Music This soundtrack, released by composer Yuji Ohno with his band You & Explosion Band, features music from one of Ohno's most famous works, the anime Lupin the Third. The track, based on jazz funk and disco music, brings out the suspenseful and sensual charm of the anime.
	加藤和彦 [Kazuhiko Kato] Gardenia (1978) Date February 5, 1978 Genres New Music, Latin Rock Kazuhiko Kato was a guitarist and music producer who was a member of The Folk Crusaders and Sadistic Mika Band. His fourth solo album is a stylish and sophisticated new music/AOR work, featuring many great performers and a Latin rock sound with samba and bossa nova influences.
Date February 5, 1978 Genres New Music, Latin Rock Kazuhiko Kato was a guitarist and music producer who was a member of The Folk Crusaders and Sadistic Mika Band. His fourth solo album is a stylish and sophisticated new music/AOR work, featuring many great performers and a Latin rock sound with samba and bossa nova influences.
	原田真二 [Shinji Harada] Feel Happy (1978) Date February 25, 1978 Genres New Music, City Pop Singer-songwriter Shinji Harda released his first album featuring hit singles "Teens' Blues" and "Candy," co-produced with Takuro Yoshida. The groovy, bluesy West Coast rock sound and his sweet, gentle voice wear an uplifting and sometimes sentimental air.
Date February 25, 1978 Genres New Music, City Pop Singer-songwriter Shinji Harda released his first album featuring hit singles "Teens' Blues" and "Candy," co-produced with Takuro Yoshida. The groovy, bluesy West Coast rock sound and his sweet, gentle voice wear an uplifting and sometimes sentimental air.
	Space Circus Funky Caravan (1978) Date February 25, 1978 Genres Jazz-Rock, Jazz Fusion Progressive rock/jazz fusion band Space Circus' first album features their signature song, "Ali Baba." Here, the band members, including bassist Hajime Okano, showcase their virtuosity in their playing, creating a simple, yet high quality fusion sound.
Date February 25, 1978 Genres Jazz-Rock, Jazz Fusion Progressive rock/jazz fusion band Space Circus' first album features their signature song, "Ali Baba." Here, the band members, including bassist Hajime Okano, showcase their virtuosity in their playing, creating a simple, yet high quality fusion sound.
	Izumi Kobayashi & Flying Mimi Band Orange Sky: Endless Summer (1978) Date March 5, 1978 Genres City Pop, New Music Singer-songwriter Izumi Kobayashi's first album, released with her band, is one of the most popular in the trend of reevaluating city pop. The very cute and innocent vocals and the refreshing and breezy performance, which applies elements of samba-jazz, make one imagine a mellow and warm summer evening.
Date March 5, 1978 Genres City Pop, New Music Singer-songwriter Izumi Kobayashi's first album, released with her band, is one of the most popular in the trend of reevaluating city pop. The very cute and innocent vocals and the refreshing and breezy performance, which applies elements of samba-jazz, make one imagine a mellow and warm summer evening.
	スーパー・パンプキン Pumpkin Paradise (1978) Date April 1978 Genres City Pop, Soft Rock The only album by Super Pumpkin, a band from Yokohama, is a hidden masterpiece of city pop that captures the air of a soft, sunny resort island. The fine, mellow grooves, and the youthful performance and vocals give off a sweet, slightly sentimental aroma, like tropical juice on a blue beach with a fresh breeze blowing through.
Date April 1978 Genres City Pop, Soft Rock The only album by Super Pumpkin, a band from Yokohama, is a hidden masterpiece of city pop that captures the air of a soft, sunny resort island. The fine, mellow grooves, and the youthful performance and vocals give off a sweet, slightly sentimental aroma, like tropical juice on a blue beach with a fresh breeze blowing through.
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	Harry Hosono and The Yellow Magic Band Paraiso (1978) Date April 25, 1978 Genres New Music, Exotica This album is the last of Haruomi Hosono's early solo albums, the exotica-focused Tropical Trilogy, and also the precursor to Yellow Magic Orchestra, which featured Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi, who would later form YMO with Hosono. Funk, rumba, Hawaiian and Okinawan music are intertwined in a psychedelic way, creating a bizarre worldview that is not from any country's music.
Date April 25, 1978 Genres New Music, Exotica This album is the last of Haruomi Hosono's early solo albums, the exotica-focused Tropical Trilogy, and also the precursor to Yellow Magic Orchestra, which featured Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi, who would later form YMO with Hosono. Funk, rumba, Hawaiian and Okinawan music are intertwined in a psychedelic way, creating a bizarre worldview that is not from any country's music.
	Various Artists Ainu Songs (Chants des ainou) (1993) Date June 1978 (recorded) Genres Ainu Music, Upopo This collection of field recordings of Ainu music was recorded and released as part of the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music of the World. It is a highly documentable work that realistically packages upopo, yukar, and other Ainu music and language, as well as the min'yo of Ainu folklore.
Date June 1978 (recorded) Genres Ainu Music, Upopo This collection of field recordings of Ainu music was recorded and released as part of the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music of the World. It is a highly documentable work that realistically packages upopo, yukar, and other Ainu music and language, as well as the min'yo of Ainu folklore.
	Kitaro Ten Kai (1978) Date June 15, 1978 Genres Progressive Electronic, New Age Kitaro is a former member of the Far East Family Band and a leading synthesizer artist in the new age world. His first solo album combines the sounds of his Moog synthesizers with the sounds of Japanese and Asian instruments such as koto, biwa, shakuhachi and even sitar, heralding the dawn of a Japanese electronic new age music.
Date June 15, 1978 Genres Progressive Electronic, New Age Kitaro is a former member of the Far East Family Band and a leading synthesizer artist in the new age world. His first solo album combines the sounds of his Moog synthesizers with the sounds of Japanese and Asian instruments such as koto, biwa, shakuhachi and even sitar, heralding the dawn of a Japanese electronic new age music.
	Haruo Chikada & Haruophone 電撃的東京 (Dengekiteki Tokyo) (2004) Date June 21, 1978 Genres New Wave, Glam Rock This album by Haruo Chikada & Haruophone is a unique album of rock and new wave style covers of Japanese kayokyoku. They cover some of the older songs on the Three Funkies' 1960 release "Desanoyo Twist" and the newer ones on Shinichi Mori's "Tokyo Monogatari", and it's a fun way to listen to both well-known and lesser-known songs on this album.
Date June 21, 1978 Genres New Wave, Glam Rock This album by Haruo Chikada & Haruophone is a unique album of rock and new wave style covers of Japanese kayokyoku. They cover some of the older songs on the Three Funkies' 1960 release "Desanoyo Twist" and the newer ones on Shinichi Mori's "Tokyo Monogatari", and it's a fun way to listen to both well-known and lesser-known songs on this album.
	細野晴臣 [Haruomi Hosono] / 鈴木茂 [Shigeru Suzuki] / 山下達郎 [Tatsuro Yamashita] Pacific (1978) Date June 21, 1978 Genres City Pop, Easy Listening This album is the first in the Sound Image Series organized by CBS/Sony producer Shinichi Hashimoto and features music by Haruomi Hosono, Shigeru Suzuki and Tatsuro Yamashita. These top-notch musicians tackle instrumental island music with a warm, refreshingly exotic sound that feels like a tropical breeze and is enhanced by some excellent performers.
Date June 21, 1978 Genres City Pop, Easy Listening This album is the first in the Sound Image Series organized by CBS/Sony producer Shinichi Hashimoto and features music by Haruomi Hosono, Shigeru Suzuki and Tatsuro Yamashita. These top-notch musicians tackle instrumental island music with a warm, refreshingly exotic sound that feels like a tropical breeze and is enhanced by some excellent performers.
	高橋幸宏 [Yukihiro Takahashi] Saravah! (1978) Date June 21, 1978 Genres City Pop, Lounge Yukihiro Takahashi's first solo album is superb lounge pop, backed up by great musicians such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono and Kazuhiko Kato. The album includes covers of "Nel blu, dipinto di blu" and "C'est si bon", and the soft, melodic songs, including some of his originals, show the influence of tasty Italian and French music.
Date June 21, 1978 Genres City Pop, Lounge Yukihiro Takahashi's first solo album is superb lounge pop, backed up by great musicians such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono and Kazuhiko Kato. The album includes covers of "Nel blu, dipinto di blu" and "C'est si bon", and the soft, melodic songs, including some of his originals, show the influence of tasty Italian and French music.
	Circus Circus 1 (1978) Date July 5, 1978 Genres City Pop, New Music The mixed-gender chorus group Circus' first album is a bright, soulful pop album that focuses on the group's vibrant and beautiful chorus. Their best known song, "Mr. Summertime", a Japanese version of Michel Fugain's "Une belle histoire" with Japanese lyrics, was a huge hit after being used as a campaign song for a cosmetics company.
Date July 5, 1978 Genres City Pop, New Music The mixed-gender chorus group Circus' first album is a bright, soulful pop album that focuses on the group's vibrant and beautiful chorus. Their best known song, "Mr. Summertime", a Japanese version of Michel Fugain's "Une belle histoire" with Japanese lyrics, was a huge hit after being used as a campaign song for a cosmetics company.
	The Mickie Yoshino Group Against The Grain Date July 25, 1978 Genres Jazz-Funk, Television Music The soundtrack for the NHK TV drama "Against The Grain" was composed by keyboardist Mickie Yoshino, who is also known for his work with The Golden Cups and Godiego. The music is performed by the members of Godiego, and the mellow, sad and suspenseful melody is built in a jazzy and groovy way.
Date July 25, 1978 Genres Jazz-Funk, Television Music The soundtrack for the NHK TV drama "Against The Grain" was composed by keyboardist Mickie Yoshino, who is also known for his work with The Golden Cups and Godiego. The music is performed by the members of Godiego, and the mellow, sad and suspenseful melody is built in a jazzy and groovy way.
	森下登喜彦 [Tokihiko Morishita] 妖怪幻想水木しげる (1978) Date July 25, 1978 Genres Electroacoustic, Progressive Electronic For this album, synthesizer player Tokihiko Morishita, who is also known for his participation in the works of Geinoh Yamashirogumi, has created an electronic soundtrack to the world of yokai depicted by manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. The ethereal and avant-garde sound creates a mysterious atmosphere, and the sometimes frightening and sometimes adorable appearance of the yokai.
Date July 25, 1978 Genres Electroacoustic, Progressive Electronic For this album, synthesizer player Tokihiko Morishita, who is also known for his participation in the works of Geinoh Yamashirogumi, has created an electronic soundtrack to the world of yokai depicted by manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. The ethereal and avant-garde sound creates a mysterious atmosphere, and the sometimes frightening and sometimes adorable appearance of the yokai.
	岩崎宏美 [Hiromi Iwasaki] パンドラの小箱 (Pandora no kobako) (1978) Date August 25, 1978 Genres Idol kayō, Disco Idol singer Hiromi Iwasaki's disco-tinged seventh original album featured her famous hit "Cinderella Honeymoon." Here, her mature, soulful voice was groovily and rhythmically supported by great performers such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Tsugutoshi Goto, and Masaki Matsubara under the direction of Kyohei Tsutsumi.
Date August 25, 1978 Genres Idol kayō, Disco Idol singer Hiromi Iwasaki's disco-tinged seventh original album featured her famous hit "Cinderella Honeymoon." Here, her mature, soulful voice was groovily and rhythmically supported by great performers such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Tsugutoshi Goto, and Masaki Matsubara under the direction of Kyohei Tsutsumi.
	Sab Crystallization (1978) Date September 1978 Genres Progressive Electronic, Ambient Sab's first album, released on Vanity Records, features synthesizer-based electronic tracks overlaid with guitar and sitar sounds in a sacred and spiritual way. It is a miraculous masterpiece, and its cosmic and fantastical new age sound has been linked to the later reevaluation of kankyo ongaku.
Date September 1978 Genres Progressive Electronic, Ambient Sab's first album, released on Vanity Records, features synthesizer-based electronic tracks overlaid with guitar and sitar sounds in a sacred and spiritual way. It is a miraculous masterpiece, and its cosmic and fantastical new age sound has been linked to the later reevaluation of kankyo ongaku.
	矢野顕子 [Akiko Yano] ト・キ・メ・キ (Tokimeki) (1978) Date September 5, 1978 Genres Art Pop, Progressive Pop Akiko Yano's fourth album was her last original album before she began pursuing her synthpop style. Yano herself produced the album for the first time, and her artistic arrangements of original songs and classical and electronic cover songs shine through, setting the stage for the blossoming of her strong originality on her next and subsequent albums.
Date September 5, 1978 Genres Art Pop, Progressive Pop Akiko Yano's fourth album was her last original album before she began pursuing her synthpop style. Yano herself produced the album for the first time, and her artistic arrangements of original songs and classical and electronic cover songs shine through, setting the stage for the blossoming of her strong originality on her next and subsequent albums.
	小室等 [Hitoshi Komuro] プロテストソング (Protest Song) (1978) Date September 21, 1978 Genres Contemporary Folk, Folk Rock On this album, Hitoshi Komuro, who led the dawn of Japanese folk music as the leader of Rokumonsen, sings the words of poet Shuntaro Tanikawa. With themes ranging from politics and death to landscapes and apathy, the lyricism has both a message and a touch of literary art, and the warm and gentle vocals resonate deep in the heart.
Date September 21, 1978 Genres Contemporary Folk, Folk Rock On this album, Hitoshi Komuro, who led the dawn of Japanese folk music as the leader of Rokumonsen, sings the words of poet Shuntaro Tanikawa. With themes ranging from politics and death to landscapes and apathy, the lyricism has both a message and a touch of literary art, and the warm and gentle vocals resonate deep in the heart.
	南佳孝 [Yoshitaka Minami] South of the Border (1978) Date September 21, 1978 Genres City Pop, New Music Singer-songwriter Yoshitaka Minami's third album is a masterpiece of his, balancing the essence of bossa nova and Latin music with stylish pop songs that sound like breezy city music. Ryuichi Sakamoto's arrangements add to the exotic appeal of his soft voice and adult contemporary songs.
Date September 21, 1978 Genres City Pop, New Music Singer-songwriter Yoshitaka Minami's third album is a masterpiece of his, balancing the essence of bossa nova and Latin music with stylish pop songs that sound like breezy city music. Ryuichi Sakamoto's arrangements add to the exotic appeal of his soft voice and adult contemporary songs.
	大貫妙子 [Taeko Ohnuki] Mignonne (1978) Date September 21, 1978 Genres New Music, Jazz Pop Singer-songwriter Taeko Ohnuki's third album features some of her most popular songs, including "Yokogao" and "4:00 AM." It is a masterpiece of nourishing and sentimental new music that expresses introspective and delicate feelings with a graceful and smooth voice over groovy and sophisticated arrangements that incorporate jazz and soul.
Date September 21, 1978 Genres New Music, Jazz Pop Singer-songwriter Taeko Ohnuki's third album features some of her most popular songs, including "Yokogao" and "4:00 AM." It is a masterpiece of nourishing and sentimental new music that expresses introspective and delicate feelings with a graceful and smooth voice over groovy and sophisticated arrangements that incorporate jazz and soul.
	天井桟敷 [Tenjo Sajiki] 身毒丸 (Shintokumaru) (1978) Date September 25, 1978 Genres Avant-Prog, Musical Theatre and Entertainment Shintokumaru is a stage production by Shuji Terayama, a "spectacle opera" composed by J. A. Seazer and performed by Tenjo Sajiki. The avant-garde style of the album, which incorporates elements of psychedelic rock, zeuhl, and even traditional Japanese music, matches the world of the underground theater in this venomous work.
Date September 25, 1978 Genres Avant-Prog, Musical Theatre and Entertainment Shintokumaru is a stage production by Shuji Terayama, a "spectacle opera" composed by J. A. Seazer and performed by Tenjo Sajiki. The avant-garde style of the album, which incorporates elements of psychedelic rock, zeuhl, and even traditional Japanese music, matches the world of the underground theater in this venomous work.
	滝沢洋一 [Yoichi Takizawa] レオニズの彼方に (1978) Date October 5, 1978 Genres City Pop, AOR Singer-songwriter Yoichi Takizawa's only album was totally arranged by Hiroshi Sato. Takizawa's smooth voice and the city-like AOR songs with Latin and fusion tastes backed by talented musicians around Tin Pan Alley are mellow and pleasant.
Date October 5, 1978 Genres City Pop, AOR Singer-songwriter Yoichi Takizawa's only album was totally arranged by Hiroshi Sato. Takizawa's smooth voice and the city-like AOR songs with Latin and fusion tastes backed by talented musicians around Tin Pan Alley are mellow and pleasant.
	松山千春 [Chiharu Matsuyama] 歩き続ける時 (1978) Date October 21, 1978 Genres New Music, Singer-Songwriter Chiharu Matsuyama is one of the most popular singer-songwriters in the sub-genre of J-Pop known as new music. His third album was the first of his albums to rise to number one on the charts, and his soft, gentle voice blossomed to a great extent with songs that were based on folk with elements of rock and lonely kayokyoku.
Date October 21, 1978 Genres New Music, Singer-Songwriter Chiharu Matsuyama is one of the most popular singer-songwriters in the sub-genre of J-Pop known as new music. His third album was the first of his albums to rise to number one on the charts, and his soft, gentle voice blossomed to a great extent with songs that were based on folk with elements of rock and lonely kayokyoku.
	Godiego Magic Monkey (1978) Date October 25, 1978 Genres Soft Rock, Progressive Pop Rock band Godiego's third original album doubles as the soundtrack to the famous TV drama Saiyuki. The album includes the well-known theme songs "Monkey Magic" and "Gandhāra" as well as other songs used in the drama, and is a masterpiece of their elaborate, progressive sound and the skillful songwriting of band members Mickie Yoshino and Yukihide Takekawa.
Date October 25, 1978 Genres Soft Rock, Progressive Pop Rock band Godiego's third original album doubles as the soundtrack to the famous TV drama Saiyuki. The album includes the well-known theme songs "Monkey Magic" and "Gandhāra" as well as other songs used in the drama, and is a masterpiece of their elaborate, progressive sound and the skillful songwriting of band members Mickie Yoshino and Yukihide Takekawa.
	泉谷しげる [Shigeru Izumiya] '80のバラッド (1978) Date October 25, 1978 Genres Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter This album by singer-songwriter Shigeru Izumiya is a folk-rock masterpiece produced by Kazuhiko Kato. With tracks like "Detroit Poker" and "Hadaka no Machi," Izumiya's voice is even bluesier and deeper than before, and his strong voice and cool urban lyricism are stylishly brought together by Kato's arrangements.
Date October 25, 1978 Genres Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter This album by singer-songwriter Shigeru Izumiya is a folk-rock masterpiece produced by Kazuhiko Kato. With tracks like "Detroit Poker" and "Hadaka no Machi," Izumiya's voice is even bluesier and deeper than before, and his strong voice and cool urban lyricism are stylishly brought together by Kato's arrangements.
	Ryuichi Sakamoto Thousand Knives of Ryuichi Sakamoto (1978) Date October 25, 1978 Genres Progressive Electronic, Synthpop This solo album was released by Ryuichi Sakamoto, a member of Yellow Magic Orchestra, just before the YMO album was released. It was a progressive electronic album, which didn't exist in Japan at the time, and he had already established his own worldview by introducing oriental scales and spacy sounds.
Date October 25, 1978 Genres Progressive Electronic, Synthpop This solo album was released by Ryuichi Sakamoto, a member of Yellow Magic Orchestra, just before the YMO album was released. It was a progressive electronic album, which didn't exist in Japan at the time, and he had already established his own worldview by introducing oriental scales and spacy sounds.
	佐藤奈々子 [Nanako Sato] Pillow Talk (1978) Date October 25, 1978 Genres Jazz Pop, City Pop Nanako Sato is a singer-songwriter who is also known for her work as a photographer. Her third album, produced by Chu Kosaka, is a masterpiece of acoustic jazz-based city music with beautiful jazzy and mellow tunes that complement her sexy and distinctive whisper voice.
Date October 25, 1978 Genres Jazz Pop, City Pop Nanako Sato is a singer-songwriter who is also known for her work as a photographer. Her third album, produced by Chu Kosaka, is a masterpiece of acoustic jazz-based city music with beautiful jazzy and mellow tunes that complement her sexy and distinctive whisper voice.
	Gary Burton, Steve Swallow, Roy Haynes & Tiger Okoshi Times Square (1978) Date November 1978 Genres ECM Style Jazz, Post-Bop To the best of my knowledge, the earliest ECM Records album to feature a Japanese musician was co-led by Tiger Okoshi with Gary Burton, Steve Swallow and Roy Haynes. The album is more of a Gary Burton leadership album, but Okoshi also gives a great performance up front, and the melodic post-bop sound that is typical of ECM is very appealing.
Date November 1978 Genres ECM Style Jazz, Post-Bop To the best of my knowledge, the earliest ECM Records album to feature a Japanese musician was co-led by Tiger Okoshi with Gary Burton, Steve Swallow and Roy Haynes. The album is more of a Gary Burton leadership album, but Okoshi also gives a great performance up front, and the melodic post-bop sound that is typical of ECM is very appealing.
	松任谷由実 [Yumi Matsutoya] 流線形'80 (1978) Date November 5, 1978 Genres City Pop, New Music Yumi Matsutoya's sixth original album does not contain many of her more popular songs, but the beauty of the melodies she creates and Masataka Matsutoya's sophisticated arrangements shine through. It is an extremely accomplished piece of city music, with a gorgeous, deep sound, yet with a calm, chic feel.
Date November 5, 1978 Genres City Pop, New Music Yumi Matsutoya's sixth original album does not contain many of her more popular songs, but the beauty of the melodies she creates and Masataka Matsutoya's sophisticated arrangements shine through. It is an extremely accomplished piece of city music, with a gorgeous, deep sound, yet with a calm, chic feel.
	かんのまさとし未来に僕を投げて (1978) Date November 5, 1978 Genres New Music, Singer-Songwriter Singer-songwriter Yoshihiko Kanno released this album on King Records' Popshop label with Masaaki Omura as arranger. The new music sound, based on contemporary folk and incorporating elements of soft rock, jazz-funk, and baroque pop, enhances the quiet beauty of his introspective, sentimental vocals and lyrics.
Date November 5, 1978 Genres New Music, Singer-Songwriter Singer-songwriter Yoshihiko Kanno released this album on King Records' Popshop label with Masaaki Omura as arranger. The new music sound, based on contemporary folk and incorporating elements of soft rock, jazz-funk, and baroque pop, enhances the quiet beauty of his introspective, sentimental vocals and lyrics.
	後藤次利 [Tsugutoshi Goto] On Bass (1978) Date November 25, 1978 Genres Jazz-Funk, Jazz Fusion The first solo album by bassist Tsugutoshi Goto, known for his playing in many masterpieces and performance in the Sadistic Mika Band, was a bass instructional record. It is a fine piece of groovy instrumental jazz-funk with great players such as Shigeru Suzuki, Hiroshi Sato and Ryuichi Sakamoto, and features mostly foreign covers of classic songs.
Date November 25, 1978 Genres Jazz-Funk, Jazz Fusion The first solo album by bassist Tsugutoshi Goto, known for his playing in many masterpieces and performance in the Sadistic Mika Band, was a bass instructional record. It is a fine piece of groovy instrumental jazz-funk with great players such as Shigeru Suzuki, Hiroshi Sato and Ryuichi Sakamoto, and features mostly foreign covers of classic songs.
	Niagara Fallin' Stars Let's Ondo Again (1978) Date November 25, 1978 Genres Pop Rock, Ondō Produced by Eiichi Ohtaki, Niagara Fallin' Stars' album features an eclectic mix of sampled foreign rock/pop songs and Japanese folk music. The muddy and comical worldview of the album, a mish-mash of folk, blues, kayokyoku, and even "ondo," as the title suggests, was not a hit at the time, but it has a unique and vivid appeal.
Date November 25, 1978 Genres Pop Rock, Ondō Produced by Eiichi Ohtaki, Niagara Fallin' Stars' album features an eclectic mix of sampled foreign rock/pop songs and Japanese folk music. The muddy and comical worldview of the album, a mish-mash of folk, blues, kayokyoku, and even "ondo," as the title suggests, was not a hit at the time, but it has a unique and vivid appeal.
	Kazumi Watanabe & Manhattan Blaze 渡辺香津美 [Kazumi Watanabe] Manhattan Blaze Village in Bubbles (1978) Date November 25, 1978 Genres Jazz Fusion, Jazz-Funk Kazumi Watanabe, a leading guitarist in the Japanese jazz fusion scene, released this album with Manhattan Blaze, a session group based in New York City. Guitarist Yoshiaki Masuo also joins in on this album, and the addition of a horn section and strings makes for a sumptuous and enjoyable arrangement.
Date November 25, 1978 Genres Jazz Fusion, Jazz-Funk Kazumi Watanabe, a leading guitarist in the Japanese jazz fusion scene, released this album with Manhattan Blaze, a session group based in New York City. Guitarist Yoshiaki Masuo also joins in on this album, and the addition of a horn section and strings makes for a sumptuous and enjoyable arrangement.
	Yellow Magic Orchestra Yellow Magic Orchestra (1978) Date November 25, 1978 Genres Synthpop, Electro-Disco The legendary Japanese techno-pop unit produced its first album, drawing on the methodology of its predecessor, "Paraiso" and Ryuichi Sakamoto's "Thousand Knives". For example, "Firecracker," a synth cover of Martin Denny's exotica, feels like a more updated version of the logic of "Paraiso," while "Tong Poo" and "Chinese Woman," with their interesting blend of oriental melodies and electronics, feel like those of "A Thousand Knives. The synth-pop style of the music, which does not end with mere disco music, was received at about the same time as Kraftwerk, and we can imagine that it was received as something very advanced and futuristic.
Date November 25, 1978 Genres Synthpop, Electro-Disco The legendary Japanese techno-pop unit produced its first album, drawing on the methodology of its predecessor, "Paraiso" and Ryuichi Sakamoto's "Thousand Knives". For example, "Firecracker," a synth cover of Martin Denny's exotica, feels like a more updated version of the logic of "Paraiso," while "Tong Poo" and "Chinese Woman," with their interesting blend of oriental melodies and electronics, feel like those of "A Thousand Knives. The synth-pop style of the music, which does not end with mere disco music, was received at about the same time as Kraftwerk, and we can imagine that it was received as something very advanced and futuristic.
	ラジ [Rajie] ラヴ・ハート (Love Heart) (1978) Date December 21, 1978 Genres City Pop, Jazz Pop Singer Rajie's second album was produced by Yukihiro Takahashi, just like her previous album. Known for her work in chorus and backing vocals, she has a great sense of singing, backed up by sound arrangements by Ryuichi Sakamoto and performances by famous musicians, to create a sophisticated and tasty pop album, especially on the duet "Cool Down" with Yoshitaka Minami.
Date December 21, 1978 Genres City Pop, Jazz Pop Singer Rajie's second album was produced by Yukihiro Takahashi, just like her previous album. Known for her work in chorus and backing vocals, she has a great sense of singing, backed up by sound arrangements by Ryuichi Sakamoto and performances by famous musicians, to create a sophisticated and tasty pop album, especially on the duet "Cool Down" with Yoshitaka Minami.
	Pink Lady ピンク・レディーの活動大写真 (Katsudo Daishashin) (1978) Date December 25, 1978 Genres Idol kayō, Film Soundtrack Pink Lady are an idol duo whose techno kayo style songs were extremely popular, especially in the 1970s. The album is the soundtrack to the movie they starred in, with short versions of their hit single playing alongside lines from the film. From their first single "Pepper Keibu" to their most recent song at the time, "Chameleon Army," the album traces their career up to that point.
Date December 25, 1978 Genres Idol kayō, Film Soundtrack Pink Lady are an idol duo whose techno kayo style songs were extremely popular, especially in the 1970s. The album is the soundtrack to the movie they starred in, with short versions of their hit single playing alongside lines from the film. From their first single "Pepper Keibu" to their most recent song at the time, "Chameleon Army," the album traces their career up to that point.
	Tashi / Boston Symphony Orchestra / Seiji Ozawa / Hiroshi Wakasugi / Yonako Nagano / Saburo Ueki / Yoshio Hattori / Mari Nagasako / Ryu Noguchi / Takeshi Koizumi / Harumi Ibe / Mitsuhiko Hamada / Keiko Abe / Yuji Takahashi Tashi Boston Symphony Orchestra Seiji Ozawa 若杉弘 [Hiroshi Wakasugi] Yonako Nagano 植木三郎 [Saburo Ueki] Yoshio Hattori Mari Nagasako 野口龍 [Ryu Noguchi] 小泉猛 [Takeshi Koizumi] 伊部晴美 [Harumi Ibe] Mitsuhiko Hamada 安倍圭子 [Keiko Abe] 高橋悠治 [Yuji Takahashi] A Flock Descends Into the Pentagonal Garden (2005) [Compilation] Date September 1969 - December 1978 (recorded) Genres Modern Classical, Chamber Music In this album, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and various Japanese performers, under the direction of Seiji Ozawa, color several orchestral works created by Toru Takemitsu. In particular, the title piece, "A Flock Descends Into the Pentagonal Garden," is a beautiful modern classical masterpiece with a meticulously constructed dreamlike soundscape.
Date September 1969 - December 1978 (recorded) Genres Modern Classical, Chamber Music In this album, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and various Japanese performers, under the direction of Seiji Ozawa, color several orchestral works created by Toru Takemitsu. In particular, the title piece, "A Flock Descends Into the Pentagonal Garden," is a beautiful modern classical masterpiece with a meticulously constructed dreamlike soundscape.
	水原弘 [Hiroshi Mizuhara] 絶唱最後の録音盤 Date 1978? (recorded) Genres Mood kayō, Kayōkyoku This album by mood kayo singer Hiroshi Mizuhara contains his last recordings right up until his death. In addition to self-covers of songs such as "Kuroi Hanabira," which won the first Japan Record Award, and "Kimikoso Waga Inochi," which was a huge hit, the album also includes covers of famous kayokyoku standards, and the essence of his skillful and deep voice soaks into your heart.
Date 1978? (recorded) Genres Mood kayō, Kayōkyoku This album by mood kayo singer Hiroshi Mizuhara contains his last recordings right up until his death. In addition to self-covers of songs such as "Kuroi Hanabira," which won the first Japan Record Award, and "Kimikoso Waga Inochi," which was a huge hit, the album also includes covers of famous kayokyoku standards, and the essence of his skillful and deep voice soaks into your heart.
	Aunt Sally Aunt Sally (1979) Date 1979 Genres Post-Punk, Art Rock The first album by Aunt Sally, the rock band for which Phew was the vocalist, was released on Vanity Records and is an important masterpiece representing the Kansai underground post-punk scene of the time. Influenced by British punk rock, but also crossing over into no-wave and industrial, the band's sharp, cold sound and avant-garde, abstract worldview gave the impression of being inorganic and linear.
Date 1979 Genres Post-Punk, Art Rock The first album by Aunt Sally, the rock band for which Phew was the vocalist, was released on Vanity Records and is an important masterpiece representing the Kansai underground post-punk scene of the time. Influenced by British punk rock, but also crossing over into no-wave and industrial, the band's sharp, cold sound and avant-garde, abstract worldview gave the impression of being inorganic and linear.
	乾裕樹 [Hiroki Inui] & Tao 砂丘 (The Illusion of Sand Hills) (1979) Date 1979 Genres Jazz Fusion, Jazz-Funk Hiroki Inui was a keyboardist and composer who was a member of the fusion band Carioca and was known for his work on several anime scores. His leader work, inspired by the dunes, is a breezy, groovy performance that weaves in elements of Latin jazz and light mellow, evoking scenes dynamically and romantically, just like a soundtrack.
Date 1979 Genres Jazz Fusion, Jazz-Funk Hiroki Inui was a keyboardist and composer who was a member of the fusion band Carioca and was known for his work on several anime scores. His leader work, inspired by the dunes, is a breezy, groovy performance that weaves in elements of Latin jazz and light mellow, evoking scenes dynamically and romantically, just like a soundtrack.
	Johnny, Louis & Char Free Spirit (1979) Date 1979 Genres Jazz-Rock, Yacht Rock Johnny, Louis & Char was a unit consisting of drummer Johnny Yoshinaga, bassist Louise Louis Kabe and guitarist Char, who later changed their name to Pink Cloud. Their first album was recorded at a free concert held at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in July 1979, which was attended by 14,000 people. The album comes alive with a clever ensemble of rock and AOR with a touch of jazz and funk.
Date 1979 Genres Jazz-Rock, Yacht Rock Johnny, Louis & Char was a unit consisting of drummer Johnny Yoshinaga, bassist Louise Louis Kabe and guitarist Char, who later changed their name to Pink Cloud. Their first album was recorded at a free concert held at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in July 1979, which was attended by 14,000 people. The album comes alive with a clever ensemble of rock and AOR with a touch of jazz and funk.
	Kimiko Kasai with Herbie Hancock Kimiko Kasai Herbie Hancock Butterfly (1979) Date 1979 Genres Vocal Jazz, Jazz-Funk Jazz singer Kimiko Kasai released this album in collaboration with jazz legend Herbie Hancock. It is a masterpiece of Japanese crossover jazz rare groove with a funky disco/fusion sound that brings out the best in her soulful vocals.
Date 1979 Genres Vocal Jazz, Jazz-Funk Jazz singer Kimiko Kasai released this album in collaboration with jazz legend Herbie Hancock. It is a masterpiece of Japanese crossover jazz rare groove with a funky disco/fusion sound that brings out the best in her soulful vocals.
	Ryo Kawasaki Mirror of My Mind (1979) Date 1979 Genres Jazz Fusion, Latin Jazz Ryo Kawasaki is a great guitarist who has made his mark on the international jazz scene early on. This leader album, featuring Anthony Jackson and Michael Brecker, is an exhilarating work that showcases his skillful playing and light-hearted fusion sound that incorporates samba and Latin.
Date 1979 Genres Jazz Fusion, Latin Jazz Ryo Kawasaki is a great guitarist who has made his mark on the international jazz scene early on. This leader album, featuring Anthony Jackson and Michael Brecker, is an exhilarating work that showcases his skillful playing and light-hearted fusion sound that incorporates samba and Latin.
	Makoto Kubota & The Sunset Gang Second Line (1979) Date 1979 Genres Folk Rock, Tropical Rock Makoto Kubota & The Sunset Gang's album, which also features members of Tin Pan Alley, builds on their previous Southern rock style to incorporate Okinawan and Latin music. The song "Lover Please," featuring Sandii on vocals, is particularly enjoyable with its bright, Hawaiian-inspired atmosphere.
Date 1979 Genres Folk Rock, Tropical Rock Makoto Kubota & The Sunset Gang's album, which also features members of Tin Pan Alley, builds on their previous Southern rock style to incorporate Okinawan and Latin music. The song "Lover Please," featuring Sandii on vocals, is particularly enjoyable with its bright, Hawaiian-inspired atmosphere.
	The Milky Way Summertime Love Song (1979) Date 1979 Genres City Pop, Bossa nova The Milky Way is a unit formed by arranger and keyboardist Kazuo Nobuta and guitarist Makoto Matsushita. Their only album is a pleasantly stylish, tropical sound that combines AOR-tinged city music with elements of bossa nova and samba. Their sophisticated and technical playing makes for a refreshing and tasteful work, reminiscent of love on a summer day.
Date 1979 Genres City Pop, Bossa nova The Milky Way is a unit formed by arranger and keyboardist Kazuo Nobuta and guitarist Makoto Matsushita. Their only album is a pleasantly stylish, tropical sound that combines AOR-tinged city music with elements of bossa nova and samba. Their sophisticated and technical playing makes for a refreshing and tasteful work, reminiscent of love on a summer day.
	Miyasaka + 5 Animals Garden (1979) Date 1979 Genres Post-Bop, Modal Jazz Jazz drummer Takashi 'Bear' Miyasaka's first leader album featured up-and-coming musicians such as Kouichi Matsukaze and Genji Sawai. The post-bop and modal jazz style, which incorporates a lot of free playing, gives a radical and passionate impression.
Date 1979 Genres Post-Bop, Modal Jazz Jazz drummer Takashi 'Bear' Miyasaka's first leader album featured up-and-coming musicians such as Kouichi Matsukaze and Genji Sawai. The post-bop and modal jazz style, which incorporates a lot of free playing, gives a radical and passionate impression.
	桃山晴衣 [Harue Momoyama] 弾き詠み草 (Hikiyomigusa) (1979) Date 1979 Genres Jōruri, Singer-Songwriter The first album by shamisen player and singer-songwriter Harue Momoyama was produced by Touyou Nakamura and features Ryuichi Sakamoto on synthesizer. The traditions of Japanese classical music and delicate songs inspired by modern literature take us on a dignified and pure journey of sound.
Date 1979 Genres Jōruri, Singer-Songwriter The first album by shamisen player and singer-songwriter Harue Momoyama was produced by Touyou Nakamura and features Ryuichi Sakamoto on synthesizer. The traditions of Japanese classical music and delicate songs inspired by modern literature take us on a dignified and pure journey of sound.
	下村明彦サウンド・エッセイ (Sound Essay) (1979) Date 1979 Genres Folk Pop, Singer-Songwriter Singer-songwriter Akihiko Shimomura's second album features "Tomarigi," one of his most popular songs also sung by Chieko Baisho and Akira Fuse. The mellow, soft melody and gentle voice make this album an evergreen, hidden masterpiece.
Date 1979 Genres Folk Pop, Singer-Songwriter Singer-songwriter Akihiko Shimomura's second album features "Tomarigi," one of his most popular songs also sung by Chieko Baisho and Akira Fuse. The mellow, soft melody and gentle voice make this album an evergreen, hidden masterpiece.
	高橋アキ [Aki Takahashi] The Dreamy Fish: Aki Plays Satie (1979) Date 1979 Genres Impressionism Aki Takahashi is a classical pianist known for her performances of contemporary music and her Beatles cover series, among others. This album is a collection of works by Erik Satie, one of her well-known repertoire, with a dreamy, contemporary soundscape that unfolds with a delicate touch.
Date 1979 Genres Impressionism Aki Takahashi is a classical pianist known for her performances of contemporary music and her Beatles cover series, among others. This album is a collection of works by Erik Satie, one of her well-known repertoire, with a dreamy, contemporary soundscape that unfolds with a delicate touch.
	TOK Paradox (1979) Date 1979 Genres ECM Style Jazz, Free Jazz TOK is a jazz trio made up of pianist Takashi Kako, bassist Kent Carter and drummer Oliver Johnson. Released on ECM's sub-label JAPO Records, the album is one of the earliest ECM-related works with Japanese participation, with Kako's subtle and impassioned piano touch intertwining freely with the sounds of bass and drums.
Date 1979 Genres ECM Style Jazz, Free Jazz TOK is a jazz trio made up of pianist Takashi Kako, bassist Kent Carter and drummer Oliver Johnson. Released on ECM's sub-label JAPO Records, the album is one of the earliest ECM-related works with Japanese participation, with Kako's subtle and impassioned piano touch intertwining freely with the sounds of bass and drums.
	つのだひろと体力バンドサマー・サンバ (Summer Samba) (1979) Date 1979 Genres Avant-Garde Jazz, Samba-jazz A former drummer for Jacks and Flied Egg, Hiro Tsunoda began his career as a jazz drummer and is known for his participation in various jazz groups. This trio album, consisting of two 30-minute pieces by Tsunoda, Shoji Aketagawa, and Makoto Saito, is a powerful and dramatic performance that will heat up your heart like the summer sun.
Date 1979 Genres Avant-Garde Jazz, Samba-jazz A former drummer for Jacks and Flied Egg, Hiro Tsunoda began his career as a jazz drummer and is known for his participation in various jazz groups. This trio album, consisting of two 30-minute pieces by Tsunoda, Shoji Aketagawa, and Makoto Saito, is a powerful and dramatic performance that will heat up your heart like the summer sun.
	Various Artists 東京 Rockers [Tokyo Rockers] (1979) [Compilation] Date 1979 Genres Punk Rock, New Wave The rock band scene that once centered around Tokyo's S-Ken Studio was known as the Tokyo Rockers. This album features five post-punk/new wave bands representing the Tokyo Rockers scene - Friction, Mr. Kite, Lizard, Mirrors, and S-Ken - performing live in March 1979, and is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn more about the Japanese rock and punk scene.
Date 1979 Genres Punk Rock, New Wave The rock band scene that once centered around Tokyo's S-Ken Studio was known as the Tokyo Rockers. This album features five post-punk/new wave bands representing the Tokyo Rockers scene - Friction, Mr. Kite, Lizard, Mirrors, and S-Ken - performing live in March 1979, and is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn more about the Japanese rock and punk scene.
	遠藤賢司 [Kenji Endo] 東京ワッショイ (Tokyo Wasshoi) (1978) Date January 21, 1979 Genres Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter It was around this time that Kenji Endo transcended the folksinger to become a rocker in his own right. The album features his two popular up-tempo songs, "Tokyo Wasshoi" and "Fumetsu no Otoko". He established an experimental sound not unlike that of a folk singer, incorporating hard rock, punk rock and techno, making him an immortal man of legend.
Date January 21, 1979 Genres Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter It was around this time that Kenji Endo transcended the folksinger to become a rocker in his own right. The album features his two popular up-tempo songs, "Tokyo Wasshoi" and "Fumetsu no Otoko". He established an experimental sound not unlike that of a folk singer, incorporating hard rock, punk rock and techno, making him an immortal man of legend.
	長渕剛 [Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi] 風は南から (1979) Date March 5, 1979 Genres Folk Pop, Singer-Songwriter The first album by the still persistently popular singer-songwriter, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, features one of his best-known songs, "Junrenka." Different from the masculine and wild style of his mid-period and later works, his folk and country based songs with lightness and melancholy and his soft voice gently and richly evoke scenes of the countryside.
Date March 5, 1979 Genres Folk Pop, Singer-Songwriter The first album by the still persistently popular singer-songwriter, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, features one of his best-known songs, "Junrenka." Different from the masculine and wild style of his mid-period and later works, his folk and country based songs with lightness and melancholy and his soft voice gently and richly evoke scenes of the countryside.
	Cools Rockabilly Club New York City, N.Y. (1979) Date March 25, 1979 Genres Rock & Roll, Rockabilly Cools is a rock band that grew out of a biker team and was one of the leading representatives of the Japanese bad youth culture. This album, co-produced with Tatsuro Yamashita, is tinglingly hot and frenetic with bluesy, energetic tunes reminiscent of oldies rock 'n' roll/rockabilly.
Date March 25, 1979 Genres Rock & Roll, Rockabilly Cools is a rock band that grew out of a biker team and was one of the leading representatives of the Japanese bad youth culture. This album, co-produced with Tatsuro Yamashita, is tinglingly hot and frenetic with bluesy, energetic tunes reminiscent of oldies rock 'n' roll/rockabilly.
	Panta & HAL マラッカ (1979) Date March 25, 1979 Genres New Music, Latin Rock Panta & HAL, the band that Panta of Zuno Keisatsu teamed up with, has released this first album produced by Keiichi Suzuki. The album is one of the most distinctive expressions of Panta's musical originality, featuring the same rock and new wave style that he has been striving for with Zuno Keisatsu, but with a bold take on Latin music such as samba and reggae reminiscent of the tropics.
Date March 25, 1979 Genres New Music, Latin Rock Panta & HAL, the band that Panta of Zuno Keisatsu teamed up with, has released this first album produced by Keiichi Suzuki. The album is one of the most distinctive expressions of Panta's musical originality, featuring the same rock and new wave style that he has been striving for with Zuno Keisatsu, but with a bold take on Latin music such as samba and reggae reminiscent of the tropics.
	陳美齡 [Agnes Chan] 不思議の国のアグネス (Agnes in Wonderland) (1979) Date April 1979 Genres Pop Rock, Progressive Pop This release by Hong Kong singer Agnes Chan is an album in which the rock band Godiego was heavily involved. All songs were written by Yukihide Takekawa, arranged by Mickie Yoshino and performed by Godiego. It's a sophisticated and conceptual piece, with her innocent voice singing in English and Japanese over their progressive rock backing.
Date April 1979 Genres Pop Rock, Progressive Pop This release by Hong Kong singer Agnes Chan is an album in which the rock band Godiego was heavily involved. All songs were written by Yukihide Takekawa, arranged by Mickie Yoshino and performed by Godiego. It's a sophisticated and conceptual piece, with her innocent voice singing in English and Japanese over their progressive rock backing.
	八神純子 [Junko Yagami] 素顔の私 (1979) Date April 5, 1979 Genres New Music, Kayōkyoku Singer-songwriter Junko Yagami has found great success with this second album. Best known for the inclusion of her most famous single, "Mizuiro no Ame," this is a masterpiece of kayokyoku and city-like sounding pop, where her deft vocal flair shines through, thanks to the skills of great producers like Masaaki Omura and Tsugutoshi Goto.
Date April 5, 1979 Genres New Music, Kayōkyoku Singer-songwriter Junko Yagami has found great success with this second album. Best known for the inclusion of her most famous single, "Mizuiro no Ame," this is a masterpiece of kayokyoku and city-like sounding pop, where her deft vocal flair shines through, thanks to the skills of great producers like Masaaki Omura and Tsugutoshi Goto.
	Casiopea Casiopea (1979) Date May 25, 1979 Genres Jazz-Rock, Jazz Fusion Cassiopeia, along with T-Square, is a veteran band that has been a longtime leader in the Japanese jazz fusion scene. On their first album, the band's performance has matured to the point that it's hard to believe they were in their early twenties at the time, and the music is energetic and refreshing and won't fade away. The artwork with the car racing photos is also excellent.
Date May 25, 1979 Genres Jazz-Rock, Jazz Fusion Cassiopeia, along with T-Square, is a veteran band that has been a longtime leader in the Japanese jazz fusion scene. On their first album, the band's performance has matured to the point that it's hard to believe they were in their early twenties at the time, and the music is energetic and refreshing and won't fade away. The artwork with the car racing photos is also excellent.
	大上留利子 [Ruriko Ohgami] ええ歌ばっか。 (1979) Date May 25, 1979 Genres City Pop, Boogie Osaka R&B singer Ruriko Ohgami's third solo album, produced by Kazuhiko Kato, features soulful vocals with a touch of kayokyoku, and disco and funk-infused songs by a stellar production team. The songs are sometimes joyful and fun, and sometimes mellow.
Date May 25, 1979 Genres City Pop, Boogie Osaka R&B singer Ruriko Ohgami's third solo album, produced by Kazuhiko Kato, features soulful vocals with a touch of kayokyoku, and disco and funk-infused songs by a stellar production team. The songs are sometimes joyful and fun, and sometimes mellow.
	渡辺香津美 [Kazumi Watanabe] Kylyn (1979) Date June 1979 Genres Jazz Fusion, Jazz-Funk Jazz guitarist Kazumi Watanabe released this album in the same year that he was a touring member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra. Co-produced with Ryuichi Sakamoto, the album features mostly original compositions by him and Sakamoto, and is one of the masterpieces of early Japanese jazz fusion, created with great musicians such as Yasuaki Shimizu, Akiko Yano and Yukihiro Takahashi.
Date June 1979 Genres Jazz Fusion, Jazz-Funk Jazz guitarist Kazumi Watanabe released this album in the same year that he was a touring member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra. Co-produced with Ryuichi Sakamoto, the album features mostly original compositions by him and Sakamoto, and is one of the masterpieces of early Japanese jazz fusion, created with great musicians such as Yasuaki Shimizu, Akiko Yano and Yukihiro Takahashi.
	Ryuichi Sakamoto & The Kakutougi Session Summer Nerves (1979) Date June 21, 1979 Genres Synthpop, Disco Ryuichi Sakamoto's only album with Kakutougi Session, which is based on the band he put together for his live shows, is a good piece of fusion disco-pop with a dash of reggae flavoring. It's fun to listen to a session with so many great musicians like Yukihiro Takahashi, Shigeru Suzuki, Masaki Matsubara and Tatsuro Yamashita.
Date June 21, 1979 Genres Synthpop, Disco Ryuichi Sakamoto's only album with Kakutougi Session, which is based on the band he put together for his live shows, is a good piece of fusion disco-pop with a dash of reggae flavoring. It's fun to listen to a session with so many great musicians like Yukihiro Takahashi, Shigeru Suzuki, Masaki Matsubara and Tatsuro Yamashita.
	Godiego Our Decade (1979) Date June 25, 1979 Genres Progressive Pop, Soft Rock Released at the end of the 1970s, Godiego'sfourth original album was conceived as a retrospective of the previous decade. With its skillful soft-rock based performances and progressive compositions, the album is pop, yet extremely dynamic and sophisticated.
Date June 25, 1979 Genres Progressive Pop, Soft Rock Released at the end of the 1970s, Godiego'sfourth original album was conceived as a retrospective of the previous decade. With its skillful soft-rock based performances and progressive compositions, the album is pop, yet extremely dynamic and sophisticated.
	SS Live! (1990) Date March-June 1979 (recorded) Genres Japanese Hardcore, Noisecore SS, a punk rock band from Kyoto related to Kansai No Wave, is legendary for its fast punk rock music, which was simultaneously played in hardcore scenes overseas. This recording of their 1979 live performance is a gale of their energetic and violent hardcore's pioneering speedy tunes in a lo-fi, raw recording.
Date March-June 1979 (recorded) Genres Japanese Hardcore, Noisecore SS, a punk rock band from Kyoto related to Kansai No Wave, is legendary for its fast punk rock music, which was simultaneously played in hardcore scenes overseas. This recording of their 1979 live performance is a gale of their energetic and violent hardcore's pioneering speedy tunes in a lo-fi, raw recording.
	Yuming Olive (1979) Date July 20, 1979 Genres New Music, Adult Contemporary Yumi Matsutoya's seventh album of original music has a more adult-contemporary feel, while still maintaining a pop feel. It includes a self-cover of "Tsumetai Ame," a song she contributed to Banban that has been covered by many musicians.
Date July 20, 1979 Genres New Music, Adult Contemporary Yumi Matsutoya's seventh album of original music has a more adult-contemporary feel, while still maintaining a pop feel. It includes a self-cover of "Tsumetai Ame," a song she contributed to Banban that has been covered by many musicians.
	青木望 [Nozomi Aoki] Galaxy Express 999: Symphonic Poem (1979) Date July 25, 1979 Genres Film Soundtrack, Cinematic Classical This album was released as the soundtrack for the film version of the comic "Galaxy Express 999" by Leiji Matsumoto. The romantic and sentimental atmosphere of the animated film is reconstructed as a symphonic poem, and Nozomi Aoki's beautiful melodies and fantastic arrangements make it grand and dramatic, as if we are traveling to an unknown world.
Date July 25, 1979 Genres Film Soundtrack, Cinematic Classical This album was released as the soundtrack for the film version of the comic "Galaxy Express 999" by Leiji Matsumoto. The romantic and sentimental atmosphere of the animated film is reconstructed as a symphonic poem, and Nozomi Aoki's beautiful melodies and fantastic arrangements make it grand and dramatic, as if we are traveling to an unknown world.
	P-Model In a Model Room (1979) Date August 25, 1979 Genres Synth Punk, New Wave Susumu Hirasawa's band P-Model's first album is an early Japanese new wave classic, produced by Masahide Sakuma of Plastics. Featuring synth punk-like first single "Art Mania" and "The Great Brain," which was later covered by Polysics, the album is characterized by a surreal lyrical world and relatively easy to listen to pop synth sounds.
Date August 25, 1979 Genres Synth Punk, New Wave Susumu Hirasawa's band P-Model's first album is an early Japanese new wave classic, produced by Masahide Sakuma of Plastics. Featuring synth punk-like first single "Art Mania" and "The Great Brain," which was later covered by Polysics, the album is characterized by a surreal lyrical world and relatively easy to listen to pop synth sounds.
	友川かずき [Kazuki Tomokawa] 犬: 秋田コンサートライブ (Inu: Akita Concert Live) (1979) Date September 1979 Genres Avant-Folk, Singer-Songwriter Akita-born singer-songwriter Kazuki Tomokawa has packaged a live performance in his hometown with a lot of enthusiasm for this album. His uncanny singing and performance on a wide variety of tracks, starting with "Circus", a song based on a Chuya Nakahara poem, followed by "Dojokko Funakko", a min'yo from the Tohoku region, and "Ikiterutte Ittemiro", a song that is a sturdy lyric representative of the region, are all included in the album.
Date September 1979 Genres Avant-Folk, Singer-Songwriter Akita-born singer-songwriter Kazuki Tomokawa has packaged a live performance in his hometown with a lot of enthusiasm for this album. His uncanny singing and performance on a wide variety of tracks, starting with "Circus", a song based on a Chuya Nakahara poem, followed by "Dojokko Funakko", a min'yo from the Tohoku region, and "Ikiterutte Ittemiro", a song that is a sturdy lyric representative of the region, are all included in the album.
	Space Circus Fantastic Arrival (1979) Date September 21, 1979 Genres Jazz-Rock, Progressive Rock This is the second album by Space Circus, a progressive rock band best known for its member Hajime Okano. With keyboardist Takashi Toyota, this is a masterpiece of Japanese progressive fusion, characterized by an atmospheric sound-making that has more of a space rock flavor than the previous album.
Date September 21, 1979 Genres Jazz-Rock, Progressive Rock This is the second album by Space Circus, a progressive rock band best known for its member Hajime Okano. With keyboardist Takashi Toyota, this is a masterpiece of Japanese progressive fusion, characterized by an atmospheric sound-making that has more of a space rock flavor than the previous album.
	Yellow Magic Orchestra Solid State Survivor (1979) Date September 25, 1979 Genres Synthpop, Electro-Disco With this second album, Yellow Magic Orchestra not only explored the innovative sounds that would usher in techno-pop and synthpop, but also made it a smash hit and caused a techno boom in Japan. The album contains many of the band's best-known songs such as "Technopolis," "Rydeen" and "Insomnia," which demonstrate the trio's individual playing skills and pop songwriting sense, and it's not just a radical experiment, it's a lot of fun and melodic.
Date September 25, 1979 Genres Synthpop, Electro-Disco With this second album, Yellow Magic Orchestra not only explored the innovative sounds that would usher in techno-pop and synthpop, but also made it a smash hit and caused a techno boom in Japan. The album contains many of the band's best-known songs such as "Technopolis," "Rydeen" and "Insomnia," which demonstrate the trio's individual playing skills and pop songwriting sense, and it's not just a radical experiment, it's a lot of fun and melodic.
	萩原健一 [Kenichi Hagiwara] 熱狂・雷舞 (1979) Date October 1979 Genres New Music, Singer-Songwriter Known as the vocalist for the hugely popular group sounds the Tempters, Kenichi Hagiwara's live album is a frenetic effort that brings his rocker persona to life. Backed by George Yanagi & Rainy Wood, a band that specializes in rock and R&B, this adds a bluesy vibe to the songs and adds to Hagiwara's unique but tasty vocal appeal.
Date October 1979 Genres New Music, Singer-Songwriter Known as the vocalist for the hugely popular group sounds the Tempters, Kenichi Hagiwara's live album is a frenetic effort that brings his rocker persona to life. Backed by George Yanagi & Rainy Wood, a band that specializes in rock and R&B, this adds a bluesy vibe to the songs and adds to Hagiwara's unique but tasty vocal appeal.
	加藤和彦 [Kazuhiko Kato] Papa Hemingway (1979) Date October 1979 Genres New Music, Latin Rock Kazuhiko Kato's fifth solo album is the first in his popular "European Trilogy. This Ernest Hemingway-themed album was recorded in the Bahamas and Illinois, and is a pop album featuring a stylish and sophisticated sound based on AOR and soft rock, with elements of dub, calypso, and other Latin music.
Date October 1979 Genres New Music, Latin Rock Kazuhiko Kato's fifth solo album is the first in his popular "European Trilogy. This Ernest Hemingway-themed album was recorded in the Bahamas and Illinois, and is a pop album featuring a stylish and sophisticated sound based on AOR and soft rock, with elements of dub, calypso, and other Latin music.
	Sheena & The Rokkets 真空パック (1979) Date October 1979 Genres New Wave, Punk Rock Sheena & the Rokkets is a rock band formed by former Sonhouse guitarist Makoto Ayukawa and his wife, Sheena. Their second album was produced by Haruomi Hosono and featured performances by members of the Yellow Magic Orchestra. The song "You May Dream", which was used as a commercial song and helped them become famous, was an innovative song for its time, combining new wave sounds with a Wall of Sound-like flavor.
Date October 1979 Genres New Wave, Punk Rock Sheena & the Rokkets is a rock band formed by former Sonhouse guitarist Makoto Ayukawa and his wife, Sheena. Their second album was produced by Haruomi Hosono and featured performances by members of the Yellow Magic Orchestra. The song "You May Dream", which was used as a commercial song and helped them become famous, was an innovative song for its time, combining new wave sounds with a Wall of Sound-like flavor.
	西城秀樹 [Hideki Saijo] Big Game '79 HIDEKI (1979) Date October 9, 1979 Genres Idol kayō, Hard Rock Singer Hideki Saijo, who enjoyed wide popular popularity, recorded this album of his legendary concert in a stadium under heavy rain. In addition to his own hits, the album picks up hard rock and progressive rock covers from the US and the UK, and beautifully demonstrates the awesome power of his soulful and matured vocal performance.
Date October 9, 1979 Genres Idol kayō, Hard Rock Singer Hideki Saijo, who enjoyed wide popular popularity, recorded this album of his legendary concert in a stadium under heavy rain. In addition to his own hits, the album picks up hard rock and progressive rock covers from the US and the UK, and beautifully demonstrates the awesome power of his soulful and matured vocal performance.
	Off Course Three and Two (1979) Date October 20, 1979 Genres New Music, Soft Rock Off Course is a well-known Japanese band, best known for singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda being a member of it. Their seventh original album, produced entirely by the band themselves, adds a stronger rock essence to their previous style of folk-based pop music, creating a pleasantly heavy, lyrical, crystal-clear atmosphere.
Date October 20, 1979 Genres New Music, Soft Rock Off Course is a well-known Japanese band, best known for singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda being a member of it. Their seventh original album, produced entirely by the band themselves, adds a stronger rock essence to their previous style of folk-based pop music, creating a pleasantly heavy, lyrical, crystal-clear atmosphere.
	Tatsu Yamashita Moonglow (1979) Date October 21, 1979 Genres City Pop, Synth Funk The popularity of Tatsuro Yamashita's solo activities began to rise gradually around this time. His third studio album challenged various styles of music with a funky sound based on jazz and soul and particular arrangements, and began to climb the ladder of success from his next album onward.
Date October 21, 1979 Genres City Pop, Synth Funk The popularity of Tatsuro Yamashita's solo activities began to rise gradually around this time. His third studio album challenged various styles of music with a funky sound based on jazz and soul and particular arrangements, and began to climb the ladder of success from his next album onward.
	Casiopea Super Flight (1979) Date November 25, 1979 Genres Jazz Fusion, Smooth Jazz This is the second album by Casiopea, one of Japan's leading jazz fusion bands. Unlike the speedy and energetic previous album, this is a soft and pleasant work, characterized by a mellow and smooth style with a strong focus on melody, which is also common in the subsequent boom of city music.
Date November 25, 1979 Genres Jazz Fusion, Smooth Jazz This is the second album by Casiopea, one of Japan's leading jazz fusion bands. Unlike the speedy and energetic previous album, this is a soft and pleasant work, characterized by a mellow and smooth style with a strong focus on melody, which is also common in the subsequent boom of city music.
	桐ヶ谷仁 [Jin Kirigaya] My Love for You (1979) Date November 25, 1979 Genres City Pop, Soft Rock Jin Kirigaya is a singer-songwriter who began his career as an arranger and sound producer. His debut album is a fine piece of smooth soft rock with his mellow voice gently resonating under jazz and AOR based arrangements by Masataka Matsutoya, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Hiroshi Sato.
Date November 25, 1979 Genres City Pop, Soft Rock Jin Kirigaya is a singer-songwriter who began his career as an arranger and sound producer. His debut album is a fine piece of smooth soft rock with his mellow voice gently resonating under jazz and AOR based arrangements by Masataka Matsutoya, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Hiroshi Sato.
	Tinna Monday Morning Rain (1979) Date December 1979 Genres New Music, Pop Soul Tinna was the unit of Tomoko Soryo and Mariko Takahashi, vocalists of Yasunori Soryo's band, Brown Rice. This album is a collection of their best-known songs, with a groovy sound that weaves funk-rock, pop soul, boogie and AOR into a passionate and tasteful dress-up of their smooth, soulful harmonies.
Date December 1979 Genres New Music, Pop Soul Tinna was the unit of Tomoko Soryo and Mariko Takahashi, vocalists of Yasunori Soryo's band, Brown Rice. This album is a collection of their best-known songs, with a groovy sound that weaves funk-rock, pop soul, boogie and AOR into a passionate and tasteful dress-up of their smooth, soulful harmonies.
	SHOGUN Rotation (1979) Date December 5, 1979 Genres City Pop, AOR This album by Shogun, a band formed by Fujimal Yoshino and other studio musicians, features the songs "Bad City" and "Lonely Man," which were used as the theme songs for a TV drama. The suspenseful and adult sound, based on city music and AOR, sets the mood for a funky and dandy night.
Date December 5, 1979 Genres City Pop, AOR This album by Shogun, a band formed by Fujimal Yoshino and other studio musicians, features the songs "Bad City" and "Lonely Man," which were used as the theme songs for a TV drama. The suspenseful and adult sound, based on city music and AOR, sets the mood for a funky and dandy night.
	桑名正博 [Masahiro Kuwana] Communication (1979) Date December 16, 1979 Genres Kayōkyoku, Disco Best known as the vocalist for the hard rock band Funny Company, Masahiro Kuwana's sexy and wild charm is on full display in this solo album. Starting with his most famous hit number, "Sexual Violet No. 1," the album is rhythmic and groovy, with kayokyoku-like melodies and a sound that mixes disco, funk, and AOR.
Date December 16, 1979 Genres Kayōkyoku, Disco Best known as the vocalist for the hard rock band Funny Company, Masahiro Kuwana's sexy and wild charm is on full display in this solo album. Starting with his most famous hit number, "Sexual Violet No. 1," the album is rhythmic and groovy, with kayokyoku-like melodies and a sound that mixes disco, funk, and AOR.
	Ryuichi Sakamoto Year Book 1971-1979 (2016) Date 1971-1979 (recorded) Genres Modern Classical, Progressive Electronic This compilation album offers a look back at valuable sound sources from before and after Ryuichi Sakamoto's professional debut. From standard pop tunes such as "Parade" to his avant-garde compositions of contemporary music and progressive electronic, the content clearly conveys the radical nature of his early, challenging style.
Date 1971-1979 (recorded) Genres Modern Classical, Progressive Electronic This compilation album offers a look back at valuable sound sources from before and after Ryuichi Sakamoto's professional debut. From standard pop tunes such as "Parade" to his avant-garde compositions of contemporary music and progressive electronic, the content clearly conveys the radical nature of his early, challenging style.
	Various Artists 琉球レアグルーヴ: Shimauta Pops in 60's-70's (2003) [Compilation] Date 1960s-1970s (recorded) Genres Kayōkyoku, Okinawan Music This distinctive compilation documents an encounter between Okinawan music and Western pop and rock at the end of an era when traditional min'yo music was central to the music in Okinawa. A wide variety of pop music styles, from blues to bossa nova, are reinterpreted in the context of Okinawan scales and musical styles. The inclusion of Yara Families and Hop Tones is particularly pleasing and rediscovers the unique appeal of Okinawan music.
Date 1960s-1970s (recorded) Genres Kayōkyoku, Okinawan Music This distinctive compilation documents an encounter between Okinawan music and Western pop and rock at the end of an era when traditional min'yo music was central to the music in Okinawa. A wide variety of pop music styles, from blues to bossa nova, are reinterpreted in the context of Okinawan scales and musical styles. The inclusion of Yara Families and Hop Tones is particularly pleasing and rediscovers the unique appeal of Okinawan music.
	Various Artists おしゃらく (Osharaku) (2018) Date 1960s-1970s? (recorded) Genres Japanese Folk Music, Min'yō This compilation on EM Records is an interesting collection of various min'yo from Tokyo and Chiba prefecture, expertly sung and performed by professionals digitally resurrected from tapes of preservation society, and intimately connected to local life and dance. These passionate and solid songs can be heard on the 2-CD set of 28 songs.
Date 1960s-1970s? (recorded) Genres Japanese Folk Music, Min'yō This compilation on EM Records is an interesting collection of various min'yo from Tokyo and Chiba prefecture, expertly sung and performed by professionals digitally resurrected from tapes of preservation society, and intimately connected to local life and dance. These passionate and solid songs can be heard on the 2-CD set of 28 songs.
	1980s Summary Especially under the influence of Yellow Magic Orchestra, electronic music became very popular in Japan in the early 1980s. The idol songs produced by the members of Yellow Magic Orchestra and Happy End dominated the charts. Also, new wave and punk rock were popular in the band scene in the early to mid-80s. At that time, under the influence of bands such as RC Succession, The Mods and Boøwy, their style of Beat Rock became mainstream, and a major rock and punk rock movement called the Band Boom took place. Thanks in part to that craze, it's no longer uncommon for rock songs to top the charts. 10 Notable Singles RCサクセション - 雨あがりの夜空に (1980) 矢野顕子 - ごはんができたよ (1980) 大滝詠一 - 君は天然色 (1981) 村下孝蔵 - 初恋 (1983) 坂本龍一 - Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (1983) 山下達郎 - クリスマス・イブ (1983) 竹内まりや - PLASTIC LOVE (1985) TM NETWORK - GET WILD (1987) BOØWY - MARIONETTE (1987) X - 紅 (1989) Key Genres Synthpop, New Wave, Punk Rock, City Pop, Heavy Metal
Summary Especially under the influence of Yellow Magic Orchestra, electronic music became very popular in Japan in the early 1980s. The idol songs produced by the members of Yellow Magic Orchestra and Happy End dominated the charts. Also, new wave and punk rock were popular in the band scene in the early to mid-80s. At that time, under the influence of bands such as RC Succession, The Mods and Boøwy, their style of Beat Rock became mainstream, and a major rock and punk rock movement called the Band Boom took place. Thanks in part to that craze, it's no longer uncommon for rock songs to top the charts. 10 Notable Singles RCサクセション - 雨あがりの夜空に (1980) 矢野顕子 - ごはんができたよ (1980) 大滝詠一 - 君は天然色 (1981) 村下孝蔵 - 初恋 (1983) 坂本龍一 - Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (1983) 山下達郎 - クリスマス・イブ (1983) 竹内まりや - PLASTIC LOVE (1985) TM NETWORK - GET WILD (1987) BOØWY - MARIONETTE (1987) X - 紅 (1989) Key Genres Synthpop, New Wave, Punk Rock, City Pop, Heavy Metal
	Debbie's Ally 夜明けのDreaming (1980) Date 1980 Genres City Pop, AOR For this private album, the gentle, smooth voice of Debbie, a singer from Okinawa, was given a makeover by the members who would later join Piper. The refreshingly sophisticated, AOR-tinged light mellow songs have a sparkling, soulful appeal, and their excellent content and low pressings made them rare and sought after by enthusiasts for many years until they were reissued.
Date 1980 Genres City Pop, AOR For this private album, the gentle, smooth voice of Debbie, a singer from Okinawa, was given a makeover by the members who would later join Piper. The refreshingly sophisticated, AOR-tinged light mellow songs have a sparkling, soulful appeal, and their excellent content and low pressings made them rare and sought after by enthusiasts for many years until they were reissued.
	深町純 [Jun Fukamachi] Quark (1980) Date 1980 Genres Progressive Electronic, Ambient With this album, keyboardist Jun Fukamachi attempts to create a dramatic and epic progressive electronic album that incorporates elements of his previous styles of jazz fusion and easy listening, while also experimenting with the radical sounds of his one-man multitrack recording process. It's a strange album with a beautiful, sometimes jazzy piano tone and a Berlin school style spacy atmosphere.
Date 1980 Genres Progressive Electronic, Ambient With this album, keyboardist Jun Fukamachi attempts to create a dramatic and epic progressive electronic album that incorporates elements of his previous styles of jazz fusion and easy listening, while also experimenting with the radical sounds of his one-man multitrack recording process. It's a strange album with a beautiful, sometimes jazzy piano tone and a Berlin school style spacy atmosphere.
	Kamiya Mu (1980) Date 1980 Genres Progressive Electronic, New Age Shigenori Kamiya, guitarist for the progressive rock band Love Live Life, has released a strange solo album with an emphasis on synthesizer sounds. This is an image album of the occult magazine "Mu," first published in 1979, and it takes the listener on a journey through a mysterious and chaotic cosmic world via jazz fusion, new age, synthwave and space age pop.
Date 1980 Genres Progressive Electronic, New Age Shigenori Kamiya, guitarist for the progressive rock band Love Live Life, has released a strange solo album with an emphasis on synthesizer sounds. This is an image album of the occult magazine "Mu," first published in 1979, and it takes the listener on a journey through a mysterious and chaotic cosmic world via jazz fusion, new age, synthwave and space age pop.
	Takehisa Kosugi + Akio Suzuki Takehisa Kosugi Akio Suzuki New Sense of Hearing (1980) Date 1980 Genres Free Improvisation, Electroacoustic Here is a recording of a performance in Tokyo in 1979 by Takehisa Kosugi and Akio Suzuki, both pioneers of experimental music and sound art in Japan. The sounds produced by Kosugi on vocals, violin, and radio, and by Suzuki on a variety of his own instruments are a timeless masterpiece of improvisation, mysteriously and strangely intertwined, evoking for us a profound and purely sensual aesthetic.
Date 1980 Genres Free Improvisation, Electroacoustic Here is a recording of a performance in Tokyo in 1979 by Takehisa Kosugi and Akio Suzuki, both pioneers of experimental music and sound art in Japan. The sounds produced by Kosugi on vocals, violin, and radio, and by Suzuki on a variety of his own instruments are a timeless masterpiece of improvisation, mysteriously and strangely intertwined, evoking for us a profound and purely sensual aesthetic.
	西直樹 [Naoki Nishi] My Little Suede Shoes (1980) Date 1980 Genres Modal Jazz, Hard Bop Naoki Nishi is a composer, arranger and jazz pianist known for his work in the group of Takeshi Inomata and the backing band of Circus. Nishi's first album as a leader, which also features Inomata on drums, is a piano trio work with a fresh, light swing and supple touch, and is a masterpiece that won an award from a Japanese jazz magazine.
Date 1980 Genres Modal Jazz, Hard Bop Naoki Nishi is a composer, arranger and jazz pianist known for his work in the group of Takeshi Inomata and the backing band of Circus. Nishi's first album as a leader, which also features Inomata on drums, is a piano trio work with a fresh, light swing and supple touch, and is a masterpiece that won an award from a Japanese jazz magazine.
	Pecker Pecker Power (1980) Date 1980 Genres Dub, Roots Reggae Percussionist Masahito Hashida, known by the stage name Pecker for his numerous recordings, moved to the United States in the 1977, where he interacted with African American and Latin American musicians. The album is one of the earliest serious dub albums in Japan, bringing together the designs of Jamaican and Japanese musicians such as Sly & Robbie and Minako Yoshida.
Date 1980 Genres Dub, Roots Reggae Percussionist Masahito Hashida, known by the stage name Pecker for his numerous recordings, moved to the United States in the 1977, where he interacted with African American and Latin American musicians. The album is one of the earliest serious dub albums in Japan, bringing together the designs of Jamaican and Japanese musicians such as Sly & Robbie and Minako Yoshida.
	坂元輝トリオ海を見ていたジョニー (1980) Date 1980 Genres Cool Jazz, Modal Jazz The album features the trio of pianist Teru Sakamoto, also known for his smooth jazz releases under the alias of Terry Herman, performing live at jazz café Johnny in Iwate. Three extremely well known jazz standards and a Japanese nursery rhyme called "Yuyake Koyake" are played on the album, a simple but beautiful piece with a nostalgic feel that reflects the childhood landscape.
Date 1980 Genres Cool Jazz, Modal Jazz The album features the trio of pianist Teru Sakamoto, also known for his smooth jazz releases under the alias of Terry Herman, performing live at jazz café Johnny in Iwate. Three extremely well known jazz standards and a Japanese nursery rhyme called "Yuyake Koyake" are played on the album, a simple but beautiful piece with a nostalgic feel that reflects the childhood landscape.
	サンハウス [Sonhouse] Street Noise (1980) Date 1980 Genres Blues Rock, Electric Blues This is a collection of unreleased songs by Fukuoka rock band Sonhouse, released after their 1978 breakup. Based on Kiku's sexy vocals and Makoto Ayukawa's guitar technique, the powerful blues and British R&B style rock and roll songs, played with a rawer and harder sound than their previous works, have a vivid impact that never fades.
Date 1980 Genres Blues Rock, Electric Blues This is a collection of unreleased songs by Fukuoka rock band Sonhouse, released after their 1978 breakup. Based on Kiku's sexy vocals and Makoto Ayukawa's guitar technique, the powerful blues and British R&B style rock and roll songs, played with a rawer and harder sound than their previous works, have a vivid impact that never fades.
	Hiroki Tamaki & SMT Zonzai-No-Uta (1980) Date 1980 Genres Progressive Rock, Jazz Fusion Violinist Hiroki Tamaki's second album is a mystical and grandiose work featuring synthesizers entirely by Fumitaka Anzai. Based on the religious subject matter of a collection of lectures by Indian meditation leader and mystic Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, the album is a hidden masterpiece of progressive music from Japan, artfully constructed with elements of jazz fusion and psychedelic rock.
Date 1980 Genres Progressive Rock, Jazz Fusion Violinist Hiroki Tamaki's second album is a mystical and grandiose work featuring synthesizers entirely by Fumitaka Anzai. Based on the religious subject matter of a collection of lectures by Indian meditation leader and mystic Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, the album is a hidden masterpiece of progressive music from Japan, artfully constructed with elements of jazz fusion and psychedelic rock.
	富樫雅彦 [Masahiko Togashi] & Takashi Kako Valencia (1980) Date 1980 Genres Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz Drummer Masahiko Togashi and pianist Takashi Kako, both active in the world of free jazz, reveal their rich spiritual worlds on this duo album. The free sounds, sometimes gently, sometimes dramatically intertwined, are romantic, like the winds blowing through Valencia.
Date 1980 Genres Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz Drummer Masahiko Togashi and pianist Takashi Kako, both active in the world of free jazz, reveal their rich spiritual worlds on this duo album. The free sounds, sometimes gently, sometimes dramatically intertwined, are romantic, like the winds blowing through Valencia.
	早稲田大学モダン・ジャズ・グループ [Waseda Modern Jazz Group] Screamer's Stuff (1980) Date 1980 Genres Jazz Fusion, Post-Bop This album by a group from Waseda University Modern Jazz Club, which has produced many great players, is one of the first commercial records by a student jazz combo in Japan. The groovy and rhythmic fusion style tracks are original compositions created with youthful vigor and abundant imagination, and show the high level of this university's music circle.
Date 1980 Genres Jazz Fusion, Post-Bop This album by a group from Waseda University Modern Jazz Club, which has produced many great players, is one of the first commercial records by a student jazz combo in Japan. The groovy and rhythmic fusion style tracks are original compositions created with youthful vigor and abundant imagination, and show the high level of this university's music circle.
	Miki Matsubara Pocket Park (1980) Date January 21, 1980 Genres City Pop, Disco On Miki Matsubara's first album, her deft voice is backed up by a team of great producers, including Tetsuji Hayashi and Yasunori Soryo. In particular, the album features her best-known song, "Mayonaka no Door ~Stay with Me," a pleasantly light mellow piece of music with a sophisticated, disco-like city sound.
Date January 21, 1980 Genres City Pop, Disco On Miki Matsubara's first album, her deft voice is backed up by a team of great producers, including Tetsuji Hayashi and Yasunori Soryo. In particular, the album features her best-known song, "Mayonaka no Door ~Stay with Me," a pleasantly light mellow piece of music with a sophisticated, disco-like city sound.
	Plastics Welcome Plastics (1980) Date January 25, 1980 Genres New Wave, Zolo The Plastics were a band at the vanguard of Japan's new wave, and the high-pitched vocals of Toshio Nakanishi and Chica Sato lend the band's sound a vivid edge. The synthesizer was played by Masahide Sakuma, who would went on to become a renowned producer. Their first album, which includes the striking debut single "Copy" and "Top Secret Woman", is a very progressive work that also has a fashionable UK punk feel to it in terms of music and fashion.
Date January 25, 1980 Genres New Wave, Zolo The Plastics were a band at the vanguard of Japan's new wave, and the high-pitched vocals of Toshio Nakanishi and Chica Sato lend the band's sound a vivid edge. The synthesizer was played by Masahide Sakuma, who would went on to become a renowned producer. Their first album, which includes the striking debut single "Copy" and "Top Secret Woman", is a very progressive work that also has a fashionable UK punk feel to it in terms of music and fashion.
	アナーキー [Anarchy] アナーキー (1980) Date February 1980 Genres Punk Rock, Pop Punk Anarchy is the band that embodies punk rock as a rebellious stance, with angry, radical, straightforward lyrics that are filled with criticism of the emperor's system and politics. This is their first album of original songs such as their debut single "Not Satisfied" and Japanese covers of songs by The Clash and Stiff Little Fingers, and you can feel the essence of punk rock with its rough-hewn but solid groove.
Date February 1980 Genres Punk Rock, Pop Punk Anarchy is the band that embodies punk rock as a rebellious stance, with angry, radical, straightforward lyrics that are filled with criticism of the emperor's system and politics. This is their first album of original songs such as their debut single "Not Satisfied" and Japanese covers of songs by The Clash and Stiff Little Fingers, and you can feel the essence of punk rock with its rough-hewn but solid groove.
	Novela 魅惑劇 (Miwakugeki) (1980) Date March 1980 Genres Progressive Rock, Symphonic Prog Novela is a progressive rock band formed by Terutsugu Hirayama, also known as the leader of Teru's Symphonia. Their first album, with members who came from hard rock backgrounds, was an epic that mesmerized the audience with its powerful sounds of hard rock and heavy metal, as well as the symphonic prog style that was gradually emerging in Japan at the time.
Date March 1980 Genres Progressive Rock, Symphonic Prog Novela is a progressive rock band formed by Terutsugu Hirayama, also known as the leader of Teru's Symphonia. Their first album, with members who came from hard rock backgrounds, was an epic that mesmerized the audience with its powerful sounds of hard rock and heavy metal, as well as the symphonic prog style that was gradually emerging in Japan at the time.
	Ryo Okumoto Makin' Rock (1980) Date April 1980 Genres Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock Ryo Okumoto is a keyboardist who was a member of Spock's Beard and is known for his work with musicians such as Phil Collins and Eric Clapton. Released at the age of 22, this album features Steve Lukather and David Foster, and is a fine example of AOR-flavored progressive hard fusion backed by solid musicianship and grandiose expression.
Date April 1980 Genres Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock Ryo Okumoto is a keyboardist who was a member of Spock's Beard and is known for his work with musicians such as Phil Collins and Eric Clapton. Released at the age of 22, this album features Steve Lukather and David Foster, and is a fine example of AOR-flavored progressive hard fusion backed by solid musicianship and grandiose expression.
	Sympathy Nervous Sympathy Nervous (1980) Date April 1, 1980 Genres Minimal Synth, Industrial Sympathy Nervous, a project by Yoshifumi Niinuma, released its first album on the legendary Vanity Records label. It is a pioneering album of Japanese minimal synths, with a strange, tense, experimental sound mechanically created by analog synthesizers.
Date April 1, 1980 Genres Minimal Synth, Industrial Sympathy Nervous, a project by Yoshifumi Niinuma, released its first album on the legendary Vanity Records label. It is a pioneering album of Japanese minimal synths, with a strange, tense, experimental sound mechanically created by analog synthesizers.
	中島みゆき [Miyuki Nakajima] 生きていてもいいですか (1980) Date April 5, 1980 Genres New Music, Singer-Songwriter Well-known singer-songwriter and hitmaker of many famous songs in Japan, Miyuki Nakajima is known for the seriousness of her songs. This album is no exception, and overall it is very dark, with some songs dealing with the theme of death. The title of the album, "Is it alright if I live?" is a line from the song "Elaine", and it is a very memorable phrase, along with the artwork, which has only those words written in white letters on a black background.
Date April 5, 1980 Genres New Music, Singer-Songwriter Well-known singer-songwriter and hitmaker of many famous songs in Japan, Miyuki Nakajima is known for the seriousness of her songs. This album is no exception, and overall it is very dark, with some songs dealing with the theme of death. The title of the album, "Is it alright if I live?" is a line from the song "Elaine", and it is a very memorable phrase, along with the artwork, which has only those words written in white letters on a black background.
	Nachiko 薬屋の娘 (1980) Date April 21, 1980 Genres Progressive Pop, Techno kayō Enigmatic singer-songwriter Nachiko's first album, produced by Katsutoshi Morizono, is a cult masterpiece of progressive pop from Japan. Her distinctive high-tone vocals and technical fusion songs with an exotic sentiment are an avant-garde and artistic encounter in the mysterious atmosphere of this work.
Date April 21, 1980 Genres Progressive Pop, Techno kayō Enigmatic singer-songwriter Nachiko's first album, produced by Katsutoshi Morizono, is a cult masterpiece of progressive pop from Japan. Her distinctive high-tone vocals and technical fusion songs with an exotic sentiment are an avant-garde and artistic encounter in the mysterious atmosphere of this work.
	Friction 軋轢 (Friction) (1980) Date April 25, 1980 Genres Post-Punk, No Wave Friction was the most important band in the Tokyo punk rock scene at the time, known as the Tokyo Rockers. Their post-punk/no-wave approach to music is rough, but has a unique rawness and madness to it. Their noisy, hard-edged sound was recorded by Ryuichi Sakamoto, co-producer of the album.
Date April 25, 1980 Genres Post-Punk, No Wave Friction was the most important band in the Tokyo punk rock scene at the time, known as the Tokyo Rockers. Their post-punk/no-wave approach to music is rough, but has a unique rawness and madness to it. Their noisy, hard-edged sound was recorded by Ryuichi Sakamoto, co-producer of the album.
	Crystal King Crystal King (1980) Date May 5, 1980 Genres Pop Rock, AOR Crystal King was a band that gained popularity for their twin high and low vocal harmonies and their kayokyoku sound, which incorporates AOR-inspired rock. Their debut album is a masterpiece of strong, melodic kayo rock, featuring one of their best-known songs, "Daitokai".
Date May 5, 1980 Genres Pop Rock, AOR Crystal King was a band that gained popularity for their twin high and low vocal harmonies and their kayokyoku sound, which incorporates AOR-inspired rock. Their debut album is a masterpiece of strong, melodic kayo rock, featuring one of their best-known songs, "Daitokai".
	Chanels Mr. Black (1980) Date May 21, 1980 Genres City Pop, Doo-Wop The first album by the Chanels, a chorus group that includes Masayuki Suzuki and Masashi Tashiro, features half original songs and half cover songs. They were excellent in their doo-wop and soul-based singing, and their original song "Runaway," among others, was a hit with its fresh, soulful harmonies.
Date May 21, 1980 Genres City Pop, Doo-Wop The first album by the Chanels, a chorus group that includes Masayuki Suzuki and Masashi Tashiro, features half original songs and half cover songs. They were excellent in their doo-wop and soul-based singing, and their original song "Runaway," among others, was a hit with its fresh, soulful harmonies.
	遠藤賢司 [Kenji Endo] 宇宙防衛軍 (Uchu Boeigun) (1980) Date May 21, 1980 Genres Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter Singer-songwriter Kenji Endo continues the rock style of his previous releases with this masterpiece. Yonin Bayashi and Masami Tsuchiya also participated in this sci-fi work, with a challenging sound that incorporates punk, synthpop, and hard rock into folk kayo, and a fun sounding concept that mimics a broadcast program.
Date May 21, 1980 Genres Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter Singer-songwriter Kenji Endo continues the rock style of his previous releases with this masterpiece. Yonin Bayashi and Masami Tsuchiya also participated in this sci-fi work, with a challenging sound that incorporates punk, synthpop, and hard rock into folk kayo, and a fun sounding concept that mimics a broadcast program.
	Masa Nasa (1980) Date May 25, 1980 Genres Jazz Fusion, Avant-Garde Jazz This is the first leader album by violinist Masatsugu Shinozaki, known for his extensive involvement in film scores and popular music as a studio musician and composer. It is a monstrosity of progressive ambient jazz that weaves avant-garde sound magic and traverses third stream and fusion in an experimental way.
Date May 25, 1980 Genres Jazz Fusion, Avant-Garde Jazz This is the first leader album by violinist Masatsugu Shinozaki, known for his extensive involvement in film scores and popular music as a studio musician and composer. It is a monstrosity of progressive ambient jazz that weaves avant-garde sound magic and traverses third stream and fusion in an experimental way.
	RC Succession Rhapsody (1980) Date June 5, 1980 Genres Punk Blues, Blues Rock Related Rhapsody Naked (completed) Starting out as a folk band, RC Succession set the course for themselves as a rock band with the release of this live album, as well as for the entire band scene that followed. The soulful vocals of Kiyoshiro Imawano, who worshipped Otis Redding, are intertwined with the hard-hitting performances of the members in their heyday, and the album is full of energy. Among the songs on the album, the representative song "Ameagari no Yozora ni," which was covered by many musicians, is an eternal standard that accelerated the popularity of Japanese rock music in later years. Imawano, who is still known as "King of Rock", has a great sense of style as a rocker that blossomed into a package of overwhelming live performance frenzy.
Date June 5, 1980 Genres Punk Blues, Blues Rock Related Rhapsody Naked (completed) Starting out as a folk band, RC Succession set the course for themselves as a rock band with the release of this live album, as well as for the entire band scene that followed. The soulful vocals of Kiyoshiro Imawano, who worshipped Otis Redding, are intertwined with the hard-hitting performances of the members in their heyday, and the album is full of energy. Among the songs on the album, the representative song "Ameagari no Yozora ni," which was covered by many musicians, is an eternal standard that accelerated the popularity of Japanese rock music in later years. Imawano, who is still known as "King of Rock", has a great sense of style as a rocker that blossomed into a package of overwhelming live performance frenzy.
	Tsuyoshi Kon Studio Cat (1980) Date July 21, 1980 Genres Jazz-Funk, Jazz Fusion This is the first album from very active guitarist, Tsuyoshi Kon, who has been supporting various musicians and being a member of bands such as Parachute and Aragon. His playing is extremely polished and performances by the participating members, produced by Tatsuo Hayashi, are stylish, solid and fun.
Date July 21, 1980 Genres Jazz-Funk, Jazz Fusion This is the first album from very active guitarist, Tsuyoshi Kon, who has been supporting various musicians and being a member of bands such as Parachute and Aragon. His playing is extremely polished and performances by the participating members, produced by Tatsuo Hayashi, are stylish, solid and fun.
	Monta & Brothers Act1 (1980) Date July 21, 1980 Genres Kayōkyoku, New Music Singer-songwriter Yoshinori Monta led his band, Monta & Brothers, on their first album, which includes their biggest hit, "Dancin' All Night." Monta's distinctive husky voice and bluesy, sentimental melodies meld together in a strong, soulful groove, giving the song a mature, sexy feel.
Date July 21, 1980 Genres Kayōkyoku, New Music Singer-songwriter Yoshinori Monta led his band, Monta & Brothers, on their first album, which includes their biggest hit, "Dancin' All Night." Monta's distinctive husky voice and bluesy, sentimental melodies meld together in a strong, soulful groove, giving the song a mature, sexy feel.
	柳ジョージ&レイニーウッド [Yanagi George & Rainy Wood] Woman and I...Old Fashioned Love Songs (1980) Date July 25, 1980 Genres Blues Rock, Rhythm & Blues Formed after the breakup of The Golden Cups, George Yanagi & Rainy Wood's double-LP album is an epiphany of their soul and blues-infused rock musical style. In addition to their own signature song "Aoi Hitomi no Stella, Summer 1962", the album includes soul and jazz covers such as "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "Tennessee Waltz".
Date July 25, 1980 Genres Blues Rock, Rhythm & Blues Formed after the breakup of The Golden Cups, George Yanagi & Rainy Wood's double-LP album is an epiphany of their soul and blues-infused rock musical style. In addition to their own signature song "Aoi Hitomi no Stella, Summer 1962", the album includes soul and jazz covers such as "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "Tennessee Waltz".
	山口百恵 [Momoe Yamaguchi] 不死鳥伝説 (Fushichō densetsu) (1980) Date August 21, 1980 Genres Idol kayō, Rock Opera In Japan, Yamaguchi Momoe is one of the most famous idols who was beautiful up until the moment she left the stage. She retired at the height of her popularity, and has not returned to the stage until now, as if she were the embodiment of the Phoenix Legend, the title of this work. The album contains songs for the musical, such as the classic "Sayonara no Mukougawa" written by Ryudo Uzaki and Yoko Aki, which gives the album a grand and fantastical rock opera-like feel.
Date August 21, 1980 Genres Idol kayō, Rock Opera In Japan, Yamaguchi Momoe is one of the most famous idols who was beautiful up until the moment she left the stage. She retired at the height of her popularity, and has not returned to the stage until now, as if she were the embodiment of the Phoenix Legend, the title of this work. The album contains songs for the musical, such as the classic "Sayonara no Mukougawa" written by Ryudo Uzaki and Yoko Aki, which gives the album a grand and fantastical rock opera-like feel.
	Gunjogacrayon Gunjogacrayon (1980) [EP] Date August 25, 1980 Genres Experimental Rock, Noise Rock Experimental new wave band Gunjogacrayon releases this first album on Pass Records, a prestigious underground rock label. The band's sharp, solid beats and noisy, manic sound, which incorporates elements of avant-garde jazz and progressive rock, are raw and just barely scraped together to create a sense of urgency and thrill.
Date August 25, 1980 Genres Experimental Rock, Noise Rock Experimental new wave band Gunjogacrayon releases this first album on Pass Records, a prestigious underground rock label. The band's sharp, solid beats and noisy, manic sound, which incorporates elements of avant-garde jazz and progressive rock, are raw and just barely scraped together to create a sense of urgency and thrill.
	Spick & Span Salvador (1980) Date August 25, 1980 Genres Jazz Fusion, Samba-jazz The second album by Spick & Span, a jazz band formed by drummer and producer Kazuo Yoshida, is a fine piece of Latin fusion from Japan. Egberto Gismonti is featured on guitar, and the performance incorporates samba and bossa nova rhythms to create a tropical, warm Brazilian summer breeze.
Date August 25, 1980 Genres Jazz Fusion, Samba-jazz The second album by Spick & Span, a jazz band formed by drummer and producer Kazuo Yoshida, is a fine piece of Latin fusion from Japan. Egberto Gismonti is featured on guitar, and the performance incorporates samba and bossa nova rhythms to create a tropical, warm Brazilian summer breeze.
	ダウン・タウン・ファイティング・ブギウギ・バンド [Down Town Fighting Boogie-Woogie Band] 海賊盤 / Live Fighting 80's (1980) Date September 15, 1980 Genres Blues Rock, Heavy Psych After the huge hit song "Minato no Yoko, Yokohama, Yokosuka," Down Town Boogie Woogie Band changed the band's name to Down Town Fighting Boogie Woogie Band to break away from being treated like an idol band and shift their musical style. On this album, the band sublimated their signature groovy performance into a bluesy, psychedelic one, and delivered a powerful live performance that is no longer a kayo-rock band, showing their true worth as a rock band.
Date September 15, 1980 Genres Blues Rock, Heavy Psych After the huge hit song "Minato no Yoko, Yokohama, Yokosuka," Down Town Boogie Woogie Band changed the band's name to Down Town Fighting Boogie Woogie Band to break away from being treated like an idol band and shift their musical style. On this album, the band sublimated their signature groovy performance into a bluesy, psychedelic one, and delivered a powerful live performance that is no longer a kayo-rock band, showing their true worth as a rock band.
	山下達郎 [Tatsuro Yamashita] Ride on Time (1980) Date September 19, 1980 Genres City Pop, Boogie Tatsuro Yamashita's fifth studio album perfectly presents Japanese-style AOR with a well-crafted and refined sound that demonstrates his own sense of style without regret. Including the title track "Ride on Time," which became a hit single, this album established a style of funky, bright pop tunes that, along with his follow-up "For You," was a major breakthrough for the artist.
Date September 19, 1980 Genres City Pop, Boogie Tatsuro Yamashita's fifth studio album perfectly presents Japanese-style AOR with a well-crafted and refined sound that demonstrates his own sense of style without regret. Including the title track "Ride on Time," which became a hit single, this album established a style of funky, bright pop tunes that, along with his follow-up "For You," was a major breakthrough for the artist.
	TH eROCKERS Who Th Erockers (1980) Date September 21, 1980 Genres Punk Rock, Power Pop Th eRockers is a rock band led by Takanori Jinnai, who now works as an actor. Their first album is a representative of Fukuoka's rock scene, Mentai Rock, with a fun, energetic sound that combines a speedy punk rock flavor with a familiar pop feel.
Date September 21, 1980 Genres Punk Rock, Power Pop Th eRockers is a rock band led by Takanori Jinnai, who now works as an actor. Their first album is a representative of Fukuoka's rock scene, Mentai Rock, with a fun, energetic sound that combines a speedy punk rock flavor with a familiar pop feel.
	Riuichi Sakamoto B-2 Unit (1980) Date September 21, 1980 Genres Electronic, Progressive Electronic Ryuichi Sakamoto's second album is a unique and mysterious electronic work with an increasingly experimental flavor. The cryptic and hypnotic sound-making, tinged with dub techno and industrial textures, embodies avant-garde tautness and inorganic beauty.
Date September 21, 1980 Genres Electronic, Progressive Electronic Ryuichi Sakamoto's second album is a unique and mysterious electronic work with an increasingly experimental flavor. The cryptic and hypnotic sound-making, tinged with dub techno and industrial textures, embodies avant-garde tautness and inorganic beauty.
	C. Ueda & The Power Station Flying Easy (1980) Date September 25, 1980 Genres Jazz-Funk, Jazz-Rock The Power Station was a band formed by pianist Chikara Ueda, who also worked as a producer and critic, along with a group of studio musicians. The album is a funky, urban jazz masterpiece, with a thick horn section and strong rhythms that add rich color to the mellow phrases and grooves Ueda plays on his synthesizer.
Date September 25, 1980 Genres Jazz-Funk, Jazz-Rock The Power Station was a band formed by pianist Chikara Ueda, who also worked as a producer and critic, along with a group of studio musicians. The album is a funky, urban jazz masterpiece, with a thick horn section and strong rhythms that add rich color to the mellow phrases and grooves Ueda plays on his synthesizer.
	加藤和彦 [Kazuhiko Kato] うたかたのオペラ (Utakata No Opera) (2004) Date September 25, 1980 Genres Art Pop, New Wave This album by Kazuhiko Kato is the second in his "European Trilogy." Following on from the previous album, the songs are a romanticized representation of Berlin, with elements of new wave and AOR music, including tango, rumba, and other Latin music in places, colored by the sophisticated songwriting sense of Kazuhiko Kato and Kazumi Yasui.
Date September 25, 1980 Genres Art Pop, New Wave This album by Kazuhiko Kato is the second in his "European Trilogy." Following on from the previous album, the songs are a romanticized representation of Berlin, with elements of new wave and AOR music, including tango, rumba, and other Latin music in places, colored by the sophisticated songwriting sense of Kazuhiko Kato and Kazumi Yasui.
	矢野顕子 [Akiko Yano] ごはんができたよ (Gohan ga dekitayo) (1980) Date October 1, 1980 Genres Art Pop, Progressive Pop This is her fourth original album, which is characterized by her unique but cute singing style, which she created by adding the essence of techno songs, backed up by YMO members, to her progressive art-pop style. It's a miraculous masterpiece that contains many masterpieces that evoke a nostalgic feeling, such as the start of the album "Hitotsudake" and the title track "Gohan ga Dekitayo", which has a cheerful and fun atmosphere.
Date October 1, 1980 Genres Art Pop, Progressive Pop This is her fourth original album, which is characterized by her unique but cute singing style, which she created by adding the essence of techno songs, backed up by YMO members, to her progressive art-pop style. It's a miraculous masterpiece that contains many masterpieces that evoke a nostalgic feeling, such as the start of the album "Hitotsudake" and the title track "Gohan ga Dekitayo", which has a cheerful and fun atmosphere.
	Panta & HAL TKO Night Light (1980) Date October 5, 1980 Genres Pop Rock, AOR The album captures the frenzy of a live performance by Zuno Keisatsu's vocalist, Panta, with his backing band, HAL. Emotional vocals and tight playing make this a masterpiece of a dramatic live album, vividly and powerfully adorning everything from powerful rock tunes to sentimental ballads.
Date October 5, 1980 Genres Pop Rock, AOR The album captures the frenzy of a live performance by Zuno Keisatsu's vocalist, Panta, with his backing band, HAL. Emotional vocals and tight playing make this a masterpiece of a dramatic live album, vividly and powerfully adorning everything from powerful rock tunes to sentimental ballads.
	吉田美奈子 [Minako Yoshida] Monochrome (1980) Date October 21, 1980 Genres City Pop, Pop Soul Minako Yoshida has once again released another excellent album in the same self-produced style that she has followed since Twilight Zone. With arrangements that incorporate plenty of jazz and R&B elements and a soulful, sometimes sentimental voice, this is a representative piece of mellow city music that will add a peaceful touch to any afternoon landscape.
Date October 21, 1980 Genres City Pop, Pop Soul Minako Yoshida has once again released another excellent album in the same self-produced style that she has followed since Twilight Zone. With arrangements that incorporate plenty of jazz and R&B elements and a soulful, sometimes sentimental voice, this is a representative piece of mellow city music that will add a peaceful touch to any afternoon landscape.
	ハルメンズ [Halmens] ハルメンズの近代体操 (Halmens no Kindai Taisō) (1980) Date October 21, 1980 Genres New Wave, Zolo Halmens is a legendary band with members such as Kenzo Saeki and Koji Ueno, and is best known for being the forerunners of Pearl Kyodai and Guernica. This first album is a unique new wave masterpiece with quirky songs and bizarre lyrics, and includes such signature tracks as "Densha de Go" and "Radar Man," famously covered by Jun Togawa.
Date October 21, 1980 Genres New Wave, Zolo Halmens is a legendary band with members such as Kenzo Saeki and Koji Ueno, and is best known for being the forerunners of Pearl Kyodai and Guernica. This first album is a unique new wave masterpiece with quirky songs and bizarre lyrics, and includes such signature tracks as "Densha de Go" and "Radar Man," famously covered by Jun Togawa.
	John Lennon & Yoko Ono Double Fantasy (1980) Date November 17, 1980 Genres Pop Rock, Art Pop The album was released a month before John Lennon's death, under his joint name with Yoko Ono, and it alternates between their respective songs. The album is famous for its inclusion of '(Just Like) Starting Over', but when it comes to Ono's music, it's mostly avant-garde rock, with "Kiss Kiss Kiss" being particularly extremely sexual and unique. The artwork, by the way, is the work of Japanese photographer Kishin Shinoyama.
Date November 17, 1980 Genres Pop Rock, Art Pop The album was released a month before John Lennon's death, under his joint name with Yoko Ono, and it alternates between their respective songs. The album is famous for its inclusion of '(Just Like) Starting Over', but when it comes to Ono's music, it's mostly avant-garde rock, with "Kiss Kiss Kiss" being particularly extremely sexual and unique. The artwork, by the way, is the work of Japanese photographer Kishin Shinoyama.
	EPO Goodies (1980) Date November 21, 1980 Genres City Pop, New Music EPO is one of the 1980s city music singer-songwriters known for some of her hits. Her second album is a fine pop album with contributions from Tatsuro Yamashita and Taeko Onuki, as well as Yuji Toriyama and Koki Ito. Her refreshing yet deep and soulful voice, which is reminiscent of R&B, combines with a bright and stylish funky track to create a stylish city breeze.
Date November 21, 1980 Genres City Pop, New Music EPO is one of the 1980s city music singer-songwriters known for some of her hits. Her second album is a fine pop album with contributions from Tatsuro Yamashita and Taeko Onuki, as well as Yuji Toriyama and Koki Ito. Her refreshing yet deep and soulful voice, which is reminiscent of R&B, combines with a bright and stylish funky track to create a stylish city breeze.
	Spectrum Time Break (1980) Date November 21, 1980 Genres Progressive Rock, British Brass Band Fusion brass band Spectrum's third album is a delightful collection of straightforward vocal pop and funk as well. It's a deep album that evokes the majestic nature of the Andes, with a sense of the band members' individual performances, especially on the epic Lyrische Suite "Despite of a Soldier", which uses a whole A-side of LP.
Date November 21, 1980 Genres Progressive Rock, British Brass Band Fusion brass band Spectrum's third album is a delightful collection of straightforward vocal pop and funk as well. It's a deep album that evokes the majestic nature of the Andes, with a sense of the band members' individual performances, especially on the epic Lyrische Suite "Despite of a Soldier", which uses a whole A-side of LP.
	The Roosters The Roosters (1980) Date November 25, 1980 Genres Blues Rock, Punk Blues Along with Sunhouse and the Mods, the Roosters were the band that helped Fukuoka's rock scene, which at the time was known as "mentai rock", flourish. The Roosters' straightforward and insane punk rock/garage rock sound and their sexy, extreme lyrics seem to embody the rock 'n' roll style of music that was once called "delinquent music" in Japan. It's their fastest and most powerful work as they later went down a brooding neo-psychedelic style.
Date November 25, 1980 Genres Blues Rock, Punk Blues Along with Sunhouse and the Mods, the Roosters were the band that helped Fukuoka's rock scene, which at the time was known as "mentai rock", flourish. The Roosters' straightforward and insane punk rock/garage rock sound and their sexy, extreme lyrics seem to embody the rock 'n' roll style of music that was once called "delinquent music" in Japan. It's their fastest and most powerful work as they later went down a brooding neo-psychedelic style.
	Friction '79 Live (1980) Date December 1980 Genres Post-Punk, No Wave The live album by Friction, a punk rock band representing the scene known as Tokyo Rockers, is more raw and tingling than their studio albums, and is filled with tension. The sense of urgency generated by the sharp and solid performance that resonates with post-punk and no-wave is extraordinary, and one can experience the intense power of the band in their heyday.
Date December 1980 Genres Post-Punk, No Wave The live album by Friction, a punk rock band representing the scene known as Tokyo Rockers, is more raw and tingling than their studio albums, and is filled with tension. The sense of urgency generated by the sharp and solid performance that resonates with post-punk and no-wave is extraordinary, and one can experience the intense power of the band in their heyday.
	Various Artists Music (1981) [Compilation] Date December 1980 Genres Minimal Wave, Industrial This 2LP set released by Vanity Records is a compilation of cassette tapes selected from those sent from all over Japan to the label owner Yuzuru Aki's Rock Magazine. From post-punk and noise rock to minimal wave and industrial, this is the essence of truly underground music, with many raw and cold mechanical sounds created by anonymous musicians.
Date December 1980 Genres Minimal Wave, Industrial This 2LP set released by Vanity Records is a compilation of cassette tapes selected from those sent from all over Japan to the label owner Yuzuru Aki's Rock Magazine. From post-punk and noise rock to minimal wave and industrial, this is the essence of truly underground music, with many raw and cold mechanical sounds created by anonymous musicians.
	Parachute 6 Kinds 6 Sizes (1980) Date December 5, 1980 Genres City Pop, Yacht Rock Parachute is a fusion band formed by studio musicians such as Tsuyoshi Kon, Masaki Matsubara, and Tatsuo Hayashi. Their second album is a yacht rock/AOR album with a bright, sophisticated, adult-contemporary sound that is truly a supergroup.
Date December 5, 1980 Genres City Pop, Yacht Rock Parachute is a fusion band formed by studio musicians such as Tsuyoshi Kon, Masaki Matsubara, and Tatsuo Hayashi. Their second album is a yacht rock/AOR album with a bright, sophisticated, adult-contemporary sound that is truly a supergroup.
	RC Succession Please (1980) Date December 5, 1980 Genres Pop Rock, Glam Rock RC Succession, which has turned into a full-fledged rock band, released this studio album after a great live album and includes popular songs such as "Transistor Radio" and "Sweet Soul Music". The light rock tunes are more pop-friendly and accessible than ever, but of course the strong R&B flavor and serious lyrics are still there.
Date December 5, 1980 Genres Pop Rock, Glam Rock RC Succession, which has turned into a full-fledged rock band, released this studio album after a great live album and includes popular songs such as "Transistor Radio" and "Sweet Soul Music". The light rock tunes are more pop-friendly and accessible than ever, but of course the strong R&B flavor and serious lyrics are still there.
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