Shonen Homeruns/Shonen Homeruns 16 (1978-1979/1987/2008)

The predecessor of new wave band Halmens, Shonen Homeruns' 1979 demo tape recordings. Shonen Homeruns was formed by Kenzo Saeki (vocals), Takao Higae (guitar) and Tomohiro Ishihara (bass) in Chiba. After this recordings with the two members of new wave band 8 2/1, Koji Ueno (keyboards) and Toshiro Sensui (drums), they signed a contract with Vicor and released two albums under the name of Halmens. This recording is rougher and poorer in sound quality than Halmens, but Koji Ueno's gorgeous synths like early Roxy Music and artful arrangements are worth listening to. "Ore wa PeePee" and "Mellow Yarou in Tsudanuma Parco" are A/B sides of an independent single. "Yakisoba Roujin (Pan-fried Noodles Old Man)", "Watashi Yayo! (I Hate It!)", "Konchu-Gun (Swarm of Insects)", "Jungle Toshi (Jungle City)", "FunyaFunya Cyborg", "Android na Onna (Android Woman)", "Densha de Go (Go by Train)" are re-recorded in Halmens' albums too. Released as a LP in 1987, and released on CD in 1988, and reissued as a digitally-remastered CD (16 tracks in total, including 4 demo tracks recorded in 1978) in 2008.

The Collectors/Boku wa Collector (I'm a Collector) (1987)

A rock band led by Hisashi Kato (vocals, songwriting). Debuted in the 'Neo GS' movement and mod revival in the late 1980s. The major-label debut album. The melodic and pop-oriented sound influenced by the 1960s British rock like the Who and the Kinks.

Mikuni Shimokawa/Mikuni Shimokawa Singles & Movies (1999-2005)

A female singer who debuted in 1998 as a member of 'Checkicco', the girl's idol group (like 'Onyanko Club') from Fuji-TV's audition program 'DAIBAtteki!!'. Being highly valued for her skill as a singer, she graduated from Checkicco and started to play as a solo singer in 1999. Her voice is full of clearness and flexible stretch. Her first best compilation album is a set of CD and DVD. The CD (singles) includes 17 songs and it covers all the A-side tracks from her first 11 singles, such as her debut song 'Believer -Tabidachi no Uta (Song for Departure)-', 'Naked', 'Alone' (the second ending theme for the TV anime 'Gensomaden Saiyuki'), and 'tomorrow/Karenai Hana (Never-withering Flowers)' (the opening/ending themes for the TV anime 'Full Metal Panic!'). The DVD (movies) includes 8 video footages for single.

B-Flower/Penny Arcade no Toshi (The Year of the Penny Arcade) (1991)

An acoustic-oriented guitar pop band led by Hideshi Hachino (vocals, guitar), B-Flower's debut album. Released on the independent label 'Por supuesto!'. Naive, sensitive and beautiful sound influenced by English/Scottish indie guitar pop such as the Smiths.

Mika Nakashima/Best (2002-2005)

A female singer/actress who was born in Kagoshima Pref. in 1983. She is known for her husky, low voice and impressive ballad songs. She debuted as a singer with the single "Stars" (#3 on Japanese pop charts), the theme song for the TV drama in which she played the heroine, "Kizudarake no Love Song (Love Song Covered with Wounds)" in 2001. Her first best-compilation album that features 14 single tracks such as "Amazing Grace" (American gospel song. The 2005 new version produced and arranged by jazz singer Chie Ayado), "Stars" (the 2005 new vocal version), "Will" (the theme song for the TV drama "Tentai Kansoku/Star Watching"), "Find the Way" (the ending theme song for the TV anime "Mobile Suit Gundam Seed"), "Yuki no Hana (Snow Flores)", and "Glamorous Sky" (the theme song for the movie starring herself, "Nana". #1 on Japanese pop charts).

Denki Groove X Schadaraparr/Denki Groove toka Schadaraparr (2005)

A collaboration between the two leading groups of Japanese techno/rap/hip-hop scenes, Denki Groove (techno) and Schadaraparr (rap/hip-hop). The sound is like the 1980s danceable electro-pop and techno-oriented hip-hop. The first single "Twilight" is a beautiful pop tune fearturing Takkyu Ishino's vocals. Other tracks feature mainly Bose, Ani and Pierre Taki's rap with comical lyrics. Ex-Denki Groove member, Yoshinori Sunahara also joined (programming and keyboards). The last track "Machine Shoujo Tam Tam: The Ending Theme" is a song like the Japanese 1970s TV anime themes, featuring "the Queen of Anime Song" Mitsuko Horie as a guest vocalist.

Y.M.O./Naughty Boys (1983)

A bubblegum synth-pop album featuring simple vocal melodies, a bit like Buggles and New Musik. The lyrics are Jpaanese and English. A single song, "Kimi Ni Mune Kyun" (#2 on the Japanese pop charts) is a campaign song for Kanebo Cosmetics. Bill Nelson guests on guitar. There is also another instrumental edition, "Naughty Boys: Instrumental" with synth melodies added instead of vocals.

Ken Hirai/10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95-'05 "Uta-Baka" (1995-2005)

The compilation album that includes male R&B singer/songwriter, Ken Hirai's all 22 single tracks released during the decade from his debut in 1995 until 2005. Remarkable in his sensitive voice like Curtis Mayfield and unique style using falsetto voice with a good range. Includes his debut song "Precious Junk", "Rakuen (Paradise)" (A first smash hit in 2000. #7 on Japanese pop charts), "Ookina Furudokei" (a cover of American popular song "Grandfather's Clock", composed by Henry Clay Work in 1876, with Japanese-translated lyrics. #1 on Japanese pop charts), "Hitomi wo Tojite" (theme song for the movie "Sekai no Chushin de, Ai wo Sakebu/Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World". #2) and "Pop Star" (theme song for the TV drama "Kiken na Aneki/Dangerous Sister". #1).

Number Girl/Sappukei (2000)

The four-piece rock band led by Shutoku Mukai (vocals, guitar). The 4th album produced by Dave Fridmann of Mercury Rev. The sound is greatly influenced by US alternative guitar rock such as Sonic Youth. Includes the single track "Urban Guitar Sayonara".

Polysics/Polysics or Die!!!! (2000-2004)

The techno unit/rock band formed in 1997, led by Hiroyuki Hayashi (guitar, voice, programming, vocoder), who had admired DEVO. One of the central bands in the new-wave revival scene in Japan in the late 1990s, called 'Tokyo New Wave of New Wave'. A best compilation album (18 tracks in total) that includes 5 re-recorded songs. Loud rock/synth pop greatly influenced by UK/US/Japanese new wave/techno pop of the late 1970s and the early 1980s, such as DEVO and P-Model, and garage/surf rock, and punk. 'My Sharona' is a cover of The Nack's hit song. The US version is released on the Tofu Records (J-Pop label).

Chitose Hajime/Hainumikaze (South Wind) (2002)

The major-label debut album of Chitose Hajime, a female vocalist from Amami Island, Kagoshima Pref., Kyushu (the southern of the four main islands that comprise Japan). Acoustic pop based on Amami Shimauta, the Japanese traditional folk songs of Amami Islands featuring falsetto voice. Distinctive vocalization with vibrato. The songs composed and arranged by Gen Ueda (ex-Lä-ppisch), Takumi Mamiya and others. Includes a No.1 hit on Japanese pop charts, "Wadatsumi no Ki (The Tree of Sea God)".

Chisato Moritaka/The Best Selection of First Moritaka 1987-1993 (1987-1993)

A set of 2 CDs that includes the female idol pop singer, Chisato Moritaka's 20 single tracks in her early days. Almost all the lyrics are written by herself. The songs composed by Hideo Saito and others. Features "The Stress", "Seishun (Youth)", "Fight!!" "Watashi ga Oba-san ni Nattemo (Even If I Become an Old Lady)" (theme song for TV drama), "Watarase-bashi (Watarase Bridge)" and others. A smash hit "Jyuunana-sai (Seventeen Years Old)" is a cover of Saori Minami.

Ningen Isu/Ningen Shikkaku (No Longer Human) (1990)

A Japanese-style doom metal band descended in a direct line from Black Sabbath. Led by Shinji Wajima (guitar, vocals) and Ken'ichi Suzuki (bass, vocals). The band name 'Ningen Isu' (means 'Human Chair') comes from Rampo Edogawa's short story. Their major-label debut album released on Meldac. The sound is based on the 1970s hard rock/progressive rock, but it features Japanese musical scale, melodies like Japanese folk music, Tsugaru Shamisen-like phrases, and lyrics inspired by Japanese literature such as Osamu Dazai. Wajima's guitar-playing technique is great. The second track 'Hari no Yama (The Mountain of Needles)' is a cover of Budgie's 'Breadfan' with Japanese lyrics.

(Various Artists)/Selections from Excommunicated Monument (1984)

A compilation album that includes 8 pieces of music performed by 4 Japanese bands influenced by the UK post-punk/goth rock (called "positive punk" by NME), Auto-Mod, G-schmitt, Madame Edwarda and Sadie Sads. They had appeared in a series of live performances (in 1983-1984) organized by Genet, the vocalist of Auto-Mod. Auto-Mod is a theatrical group led by vocalist Genet, and the two members of BOØWY, Tomoyasu Hotei (guitar) and Makoto Takahashi (drums) had played in the band. G-schmitt is an aesthetic and literary band featuring the female vocalist Syoko. Madame Edwarda is sort of like the original of Japanese 'Visual-kei' bands (boy's bands wearing heavy make-up), and they have played catchy music like dark psychedelia. Sadie Sads has hard and rhythm-oriented sound with metal percussion, like Einstürzende Neubauten.

Toshinobu Kubota (Toshi Kubota)/The Baddest (1986-1989)

Toshinobu Kubota (he calls himself 'Toshi Kubota' in the US) is a singer/songwriter who introduced American contemporary soul and R&B into Japanese mainstream music scene, and popularized them with his mild, sophisticated style and Stevie Wonder-like vocals. The first of his best compilation 'The Baddest' series. Includes his early popular songs (in the late 1980s) such as 'Time Shower ni Utarete (Shot with Time Shower)', 'Ryuusei no Saddle (Saddle of the Shooting Star)', 'Missing', 'You were Mine' (theme song for TV drama) and 'Cry on Your Smile'. All the 12 tracks are remixed at Paisley Park Studio in Minneapolis with engineer Susan Rogers.

Do As Infinity/Do The A-side (1999-2005)

The group formed by Dai Nagao (composition, programming and guitar), who had written songs for several popular artists such as Ayumi Hamasaki in Avex, with female vocalist Van Tomiko and gutarist Ryo Owatari. Pop-oriented sound fusing Japanese pop melodies into the style of western popular music like the 1970s rock. The best compilation album (a set of 2 CDs) that covers all their 21 single tracks such as 'Yesterday & Today' (theme song for the TV drama 'Nisennen no Koi (Love in 2000)'), 'Tooku made (Long Way)' (theme song for the anime 'Vampire Hunter D the Movie: Bloodlust'), 'Fukai Mori (Deep Woods)' (ending theme for the TV anime 'InuYasha'), 'Hi no Ataru Sakamchi (The Sloping Road in the Sun)' (ending theme for the TV drama 'Hatsu-Taiken (The First Experience)'), 'Shinjitsu no Uta (The Lyric of True)' (ending theme for the TV anime 'InuYasha') and 'Rakuen (Paradise)' (theme song for the anime 'InuYasha the Movie: Fire on the Mystic Island').

Kumi Koda/Best -first things- (2000-2005)

A female singer who was born in Kyoto Pref. in 1982. After winning the prize for second place in Avex's audition 'avex dream 2000', she debuted as a singer in 2000, when she was in high school. Her debut single "Take Back" reached #18 on the US Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart. The best compilation (a set of 2 CDs) that includes 22 tracks in total. J-R&B style sound featuring her powerful and sensual singing voice. "Take Back", "Trust Your Love", "Real Emotion" (the opening theme for the PlayStation2 game 'Final Fantasy X-2'), "Cutie Honey" (the theme song for the live-action film "Cutie Honey") and others.

Hako Yamasaki/To.Bi.Ma.Su (I'll Fly) (1975)

A female singer/songwriter, Hako Yamasaki's debut album released when she was 18 years old. Songs with the accompaniment of acoustic guitar. She plays lots of folk songs in slow tempo, full of dark pathos, like Miyuki Nakajima, but her music has a subtle charm just a little bit different from Miyuki Nakajima. Features her masterpieces, "Bokyo (Homesickness)", "Sayonara no Kane (Farewell Bell)" and "Kibun wo Kaete (Changing the Mood)".

Supercar/Three Out Change (1998)

The four-piece rock band formed in Aomori Pref. in 1995. The debut album that includes three single tracks, "Cream Soda", "Lucky" and "Planet". Simple guitar rock with the sound of distorted noisy feed-backing guitars, like Dinosaur Jr. and My Bloody Valentine.

YMO/Service (1983)

YMO's last studio recording album released before the band disbanded. Includes 7 tracks and 7 comedy skits by the theatrical troupe S.E.T. (Super Eccentric Theater) led by Yuji Miyake. "Ishin Denshin/You've Got to Help Yourself" is the theme song for 'International Communication Year'. Other 6 tracks are good synth-pop with the English lyrics and the sound like urban soul/adult-contemporary works such as Donald Fagen's 'The Nightfly' (1982). Features "Perspective" composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Asian Kung-fu Generation/Kimitsunagi Five M (2003)

The four-piece rock band led by Masafumi Gotoh (vocals, guitar). Guitar rock featuring the loud sound by the band and Gotoh's straight-ahead, impulsive vocals. The melodies are catchy, and the lyrics have a literary and poetic flavor. The first full-length album featuring the single 'Kimi to iu Hana (The Flower You)'.

Under17/Best Album 1: "Bishojo Game Song ni Ai wo!!" (Love for Bishojo Game Song!!) (2003)

The duo of Halko Momoi (songwriting, vocals and keyboards) and Masaya Koike (composition, arrangement, guitar), Under17 is a unit being devoted to pursue the ideal of "Moe" song that specializes in video-game/anime theme tunes. "Moe" is a Japanese slang word for fetishistic devotion to fictional characters (mainly girls) of manga, anime and video game. The debut album. The sound is strongly influenced by the Japanese old-school techno pop of the 1980s, anime songs and idol pop. Cute vocals with so-called "anime voice" like a little girl and catchy melodies. Much of the tracks are from the songs of X-rated PC games forbidden for people under 18, but the music itself has superior quality. Features "Koi no Milkyway (Milkyway of Love)" (the opening theme for the PC game "Milkyway2"), "Ichigo Go! Go! (Strawberry Go! Go!)" (the opening theme for the PC game "Ichigo-da") and "Tenbatsu! Angel Rabbie (Punishment of Heaven! Angel Rabbie)" (the opening theme for the PC game "Magical Twirler Angel Rabbie: Kessakusen"). During the active period since 2002 until 2004, they released other two albums, "Best Album 2: Moe Song wo Kiwameruzo!" and "Best Album 3: Soshite Densetsu e...".

Go!Go!7188/Tategami (Mane) (2003)

The three-piece rock band by Yuu/Yumi Nakashima (guitar, vocals), Akko/Akiko Hamada (bass, vocals) and Turkey (drums), Go!Go!7188's third album. Guitar riffs in the surf-rock style, punk beat and catchy melodies like Japanese GS and old lowbrow pop songs called 'Kayokyoku' in the Showa era. The vocal style is like Ringo Shena. Featuring "Ukifune" (Floating Boat), the single song with the traditional Japanese style melody.

Suitei Shoujo/16 -sixteen- (2003)

The girl pop duo of Rino (vocals) and Lissa (vocals). When they released the debut single 'Shouchinosuke' (the ending theme song of the TV anime 'One Piece'), they were only in the 8th grade (14 years old). The debut album that includes mainly single tracks already released. Looks like t.A.T.u. (girl duo from Russia) in visual concept, but the music is orthodox J-pop with catchy melodies like Japanese pop in the 1970-80s. Also includes the opening theme song of the TV anime "E's Otherwise".

Sketch Show/Audio Sponge (2002)

The debut album of the project by the two ex-members of YMO, Yukihiro Takahashi and Haruomi Hosono. Experimental and pop electronica sound in the ambient style. Another ex-member of YMO, Ryuichi Sakamoto also joined making the two tracks. There is no nervousness like YMO in the middle days, so this can be listened in a relaxed mood. 'Turn Down Day' is a cover of The Cyrkle. 'Do You Want To Marry Me' is a cover of the song from the movie 'A Coeur Joie/Two Weeks in September' (composed by Michel Magne). 'Gokigen Ikaga 1,2,3' (What Cheer 1,2,3) is the self-cover of an offering to Snakeman Show (composed by Hosono).

Kishidan/1/6 Lonely Night (2002)

The six-piece rock band led by Sho Ayanokoji (vocals and guitar). The major-label debut album. Pop-oriented and catchy sounds influenced by pop/hard rock/punk/Japanese rock band (like BOØWY) and idol pop songs of the 1980s. Produced by Yoshiharu Abe (ex-Unicorn).

Aya Matsuura/First Kiss (2002)

Female idol singer, Aya Matsuura's debut album. A good-quality idol pop with a taste of contemporary black music. Includes four single tracks already released. All the songs written and composed by Tsunku.

Love Psychedelico/The Greatest Hits (2001)

The duo of female vocalist Kumi (vocals and guitar) and Naoki Sato (guitar, bass and keyboards). Acoustic-oriented and groovy sounds influenced heavily by the UK/US rock of the late 1960s/early 1970s. Flowing melodies. The lyrics are English mixed with Japanese phrases. The 1st album that racked up CD sales of over one million and eight hundred thousand in Japan. Includes a hit 'Lady Madonna'.

Fantastic Plastic Machine/Beautiful (2001)

The third album of the solo project by Tomoyuki Tanaka, who works as a musician/DJ/producer in Japan/US/Europe. House/techno-oriented club music with the taste of lounge/bossa nova/French pop/soft rock. Extremely sophisticated, elegant and stylish sound. Includes a cover of Frankie Knuckles' house masterpiece/club classic, 'Whistle Song'.

Hitomi Yaida/daiya-monde (2000)

A female singer & songwriter nicknamed Yaiko. Similar to Ringo Shena in music format. Alternative/Grunge-style band performance and catchy melodies with pathos. The 1st album that racked up CD sales of over seven hundred thousand in Japan.

Quruli/Zukan (Illustrated Encyclopedia) (2000)

The rock band led by Shigeru Kishida (guitar and vocals) and Masashi Sato (bass). The second album. Sentimental and simple melodies, playing in the alternative rock style, and sound editing like post-rock/experimental music. The keyman of Chicago indie rock, Jim O'Rourke participated in the production, recording, editing and mixing of four tracks. A good work with experimental elements and popularity combined in it.

Mai Kuraki/Delicious Way (2000)

A female singer, like Hikaru Utada. The sounds in the Japanese R & B style. Clear and clean vocals. The 1st album that includes a big hit 'Love, Day After Tomorrow', 'Stay by My Side' and 'Secret of My Heart' (the ending theme song of the TV anime 'Detective Conan').

Rie Tomosaka/Murasaki (Purple) (1999)

A Japanese female actress. The 3rd album (She has also done music activities under the name of 'Gonna Be Fun' and 'Eri Sakatomo'). A good quality album with musical composition by Ringo Shena and other singers & songwriters. Includes 'Cappuccino'.

Clammbon/Best (1999-2002)

A three-piece band of a piano-bass-drum trio, Ikuko Harada (vocals, piano), Mito (bass) and Daisuke Ito (drums), who have attend a jazz/popular course of a music school in Tokyo, and debuted on major label in 1999. Their music is influencd by jazz, soul and singer/songwriters (Carole King, Akiko Yano), and has a pop-oriented style with melodic vocals, but also has an experimental aspect introducing electro-acoustic elements. A best compilation album that includes the 13 tracks (mainly singles released since 1999 until 2002) selected by themselves. Features "Hanare Banare (Separated)", "Pan to Mitsu wo Meshiagare (Help yourself to Bread and Honey)", "Chicago" and "Surround" (the commercial song for Panasonic MD component stereo set '37MD' and Vodafone).

Lisa Ono/Dream (1999)

Japanese female singer & songwriter, who was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Lisa Ono's eleventh album. Mainly consists of the old American jazz standards arranged in the bossa nova/Brazilian music style. The lyrics are English and Portuguese. Co-produced with Oscar Castro-Neves, who is the Brazilian composer/arranger/producer/guitarist and one of the central figures of bossa nova/Brazilian music. A hit album that racked up sales of over two hundred thousand in Japan. Features "Moonlight Serenade" (composed and arranged by Glenn Miller), "Night and Day" (composed by Cole Porter), "Sentimental Journey" (composed by Ben Homer), "As Time Goes By" (composed by Herman Hupfeld), "Stompin' at the Savoy" (composed by Edgar Sampson) and others.

Ayumi Hamasaki/A Song for XX (1999)

A female singer with hard and high-tone voice. The songs composition by songwriters and the lyrics of her own writing. The debut album racked up sales of one million. Includes hits 'Trust', 'Depend on You' and 'For My Dear...'. Produced by Max Matsuura (AVEX).

Hi-Standard/Making the Road (1999)

The fourth album of Hi-Standard, the Japanese punk/melodic-core trio of Akihiro Nanba (vocals, bass), Ken Yokoyama (guitar, vocals) and Akira Tsuneoka (drums). Hardcore punk with catchy melodies. The lyrics are all English. The Japanese domestic version released on their own independent label 'Pizza of Death Records' was a smash hit that racked up sales of about seven hundred thousand in Japan. The US version released on 'Fat Wreck Chords' label differs from the Japanese version in track. 'Changes' is a cover of Black Sabbath.

UA/Turbo (1999)

The third album by UA, the female vocalist who was influenced by Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. A vocal album based on dub/reggae throughout the whole. Laid-back vocals with organic backing tracks by mainly acoustic instruments. The songs composed and produced by Green Genie (alias name of Kenji "Jammer" Suzuki), Hirofumi Asamoto (ex-Mute Beat) and others. 'Ringo Oiwake' is a cover of Hibari Misora's hit song.

Ringo Shena/Muzai Moratorium (Not Guilty Moratorium) (1999)

A female singer & songwriter. Noisy guitars, the singing style with a trill (rolling tongue), catchy melodies with pathos like Japanese old pop songs in the Showa era... The debut album with lots of songs of good quality. The sound is like Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill".

Hikaru Utada/First Love (1999)

A female singer & songwriter born in New York. Japanese sophisticated soul style with dance beats. Soulful vocalization. All the tracks written by herself. A mega hit album in Japan that racked up sales of eight million. Includes the 1st single 'Automatic'.

Ruins/Vrresto (1998)

One of the 1990s masterpieces by Ruins, the drum & bass duo formed in 1985 with the leader Tatsuya Yoshida (drums, percussions and vocals), who has been active as a virtuoso odd-time signature drummer in the Japanese indie/alternative music scene since the early 1980s. The eleventh album released after the fourth bassist Hisashi Sasaki (bass, vocals) joined. Avant-garde hardcore progressive rock based on the highly skilled performances. Basically simple composition only with Yoshida's drums and percussions, Sasaki's six-strings bass and vocals by themselves. High-speed hardcore sound with the complex tune compositions and lots of changes. colorful sounds by using electric pad, MIDI controller and effects. Strange vocals in their original language. Released on several labels such as Magaibutsu Limited (Japan), Sonore (France) and Skin Graft (USA).

Misia/Misia Greatest Hits (1998-2002)

The Japanese R&B diva, Misia's first best compilation album. A skillful singer with rich, powerful voice and wide voice range. Features her debut single "Tsutsumikomuyouni... (Like Encompassing...)" (the commercial song for 'Elleseine'), "Hi no Ataru Basho (A Place in the Sun)", "Everything" (TV drama's theme) and the live version of "Hatenaku Tsuzuku Story (Never-Ending Story)". The unreleased new song she wrote to the character "Melonpanda" (designed by herself), "Amai Koibito (Sweet Lover)" is also included as an extra track with the animation movie.

Kiroro/Kiroro no Uta (1) (Kiroro's Songs (1)) (1998-2002)

A pop duo by two females from Okinawa, Chiharu Tamashiro (vocals, songwriting) and Ayano Kinjo (keyboards). Their first best-compilation that consists of ten songs selected from the singles/albums released since their major-label debut in 1998 until 2001, and two new songs added. Simple sound based on the piano accompaniment. Lots of songs with melodic vocals in ballad style. Features the smash hit "Nagai Aida (For a Long Time)" (No.1 on the Japanese pop charts) and other hits such as "Mirai E (To the Future)", "Fuyu no Uta (Winter Song)" and "Best Friend" (the theme song for "Chura-san", the TV drama series aired on NHK).

Yurayura Teikoku/3X3X3 (1998)

The three-piece-rock band led by Shintaro Sakamoto (guitar, vocals). They work mainly in live performance. The major-label debut album released from MIDI Inc. A good quality album of straight-forward and catchy guitar rock greatly influenced by the UK/US garage/psychedelic rock of the 1960/70s.

Kirinji/Paper Driver's Music (1998)

The pop duo of the Horigome brothers: Yasuyuki Horigome (vocals, guitar) and Takaki Horigome (guitar, vocals). This major-label debut is a highbrow pop album influenced by melodic pop like Brian Wilson, soul music and singer songwriters of the 1970s. Produced by Keiichi Tomita. Features the single "Futagoza Graffiti" (Gemini Graffiti).

DJ Krush/Kakusei (Awakening) (1998)

A Japanese important hip-hop DJ/turntablist who has released CDs from Mo'Wax in the UK, A&M in the US and so on. Instrumental hip-hop like Trip Hop. Ambient and abstract sounds.

Susumu Hirasawa/Kyusai no Giho (Technique of Relief) (1998)

The frontman of the techno unit P-Model, Susumu Hirasawa's 7th solo album. Oriental and exotic works like Asian ethnic music. Undulating and wrapping sounds with the melodies of songs at the center.

The Brilliant Green/The Brilliant Green (1998)

The trio of Shunsaku Okuda (bass), Ryo Matsui (guitar) and female vocalist Tomoko Kawase. Languid vocals, J-pop style melodies and band sounds influenced by the US/UK guitar pop. The lyrics are English and Japanese. The 1st album.

Yuzu/Home [1997-2000] (1997-2000)

The folk duo of Yujin Kitagawa (vocals, guitar) and Koji Iwasawa (vocals, guitar). Simple and refreshing sound mainly consisted of their songs and acoustic guitars, with tambourine, harmonica, mirliton, bass, drums and strings. The best compilation album that includes 15 tracks released in 1997-2000, such as "Nani mo Nai (There's Nothing)", "Shonen (Boy)", "Getsuyoubi no Shumatsu (The Weekend of Monday)", "Tomodachi no Uta (Friend's Song)" and "Tobenai Tori (Flightless Bird)".

Ma-aya Sakamoto/Grapefruit (1997)

A voice actress (in movie and anime) and singer. The debut album released when she was 17 years old. All the songs composed, arranged and produced by Yoko Kanno, who is known as a composer of music in TV commercial, anime and video game. Refreshing and clean pop music with Kanno's quality compositions and Sakamoto's clear, natural vocals. Her voice was still young and charmingly naive in those days. Includes a single "I Don't Need Promises" (the opening theme song of the TV anime 'The Vision of Escaflowne').

Makoto Kawamoto/Makoto Kawamoto (1997)

A female singer & songwriter who made her debut in 1996 with the single 'Ai no Sainou' (Ability of Love), wrote and produced by Yasuyuki Okamura. With the band featuring acoustic guitar. Quick rhythm. Cute voice. Rapidly sung lyrics with rhymes. The debut album that racked up sales of over one million in Japan. Includes hits 'DNA' and '1/2' (the opening theme song of the TV anime 'Rurouni Kenshin/Samurai X').

Morning Musume/Best! Morning Musume. 1 (1997-2000)

The girl idol group. 'Musume' means girl or daughter. The first members are: Yuko Nakazawa, Aya Ishiguro, Natsumi Abe, Kaori Iida and Asuka Fukuda. A best compilation album that lncludes the nationally-popular hit 'Love Machine' and other early songs.

Cornelius/Fantasma (1997)

A satisfactory work by Cornelius, the one-man unit by Keigo Oyamada (ex-Flipper's Guitar). Chaotic sounds in a collage style, by using sampling in harddisk-recording. The 3rd album released from the Matador Records in the US.

Cocco/Bougainvillea (1997)

A female singer songwriter from Okinawa, Japan. The major-label debut album featuring "Countdown". The band sound is heavy, but the songs are melodic and pretty orthodox in the music style. Takamune Negishi joined as an arranger/producer.

Hideki Kaji/Mini Skirt (1997)

Ex-bassist of The Bridge (a guitar pop band influenced by Flipper's Guitar), Hideki Kaji's solo debut album released after The Bridge disbanded. Tore Johansson and Eggstone from Sweden joined. Refreshing, acoustic-oriented guitar pop sound like Swedish pop. More closer to early Flipper's Guitar than any Oyamada/Ozawa solo works.

GLAY/Review: Best of Glay (1997)

A four-piece pop band led by Takuro (guitar). Melodic vocal lines. Pop rock aimed at the general public. A best compilation album that racked up sales of over five million in Japan. Includes mega hits-'Glorious', 'Beloved' and 'However'-and re-recorded versions of the tunes of their indies-era.

Guitarwolf/Planet of the Wolves (1997)

The Japanese greatest jet rock 'n' roll band. The trio of Seiji/Guitarwolf (guitar and vocals), Billy/Basswolf (bass) and Toru/Drumwolf (drums). They work mainly in live performance, and valued highly in the US and Europe too. The major-debut album. The US version was released from the Matador Records. Garage-punk style R & R with loud and noisy sound like MC5. Includes the covers of the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", Oblivians' "Motor Cycle Leather Boy", Teengenerate's "Let's Get Hurt", and Link Wray's "Rumble".

SPEED/Starting Over (1997)

A dance/pop group of four girls from the Okinawan Actor's School: Hiroko Shimabukuro (vocals), Eriko Imai (vocals), Takako Uehara (vocals) and Hitoe Arakaki (vocals). The debut album released when the members are only 13-16 years old. Includes three smash hit singles: 'Body & Soul', 'Steady' and 'Go! Go! Heaven (Album Version)'. The sound is influenced by R&B, hip hop and disco pop. The songs composed and produced by Hiromasa Ijichi. Mastered by Herb Powers, the famous engineer who dealt with Mariah Carey, TLC and others.

Megumi Hayashibara/bertemu (1996)

A popular voice actress. She has played Ranma Saotome (female) in 'Ranma 1/2', Lina Inverse in 'Slayers' series, Rei Ayanami in 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' and many other anime characters. She has also released lots of hit songs (mainly themes for anime shows and movies) as a singer of the King Records 'Starchild' label. Her seventh album 'bertemu' (the Indonesian word that means 'meeting'), which mainly consists of her signles released from 1994 to 1996, is a smash hit that reached the number three on the Japanese pop album charts. Features "Give a Reason" (the opening theme song for the TV anime "Slayers NEXT"), "Midnight Blue" ("Slayers" the movie theme song), "Zankoku na Tenshi no These (Cruel Angel Thesis): Ayanami Version" (the opening theme song for the TV anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion") and "Fly Me to the Moon: Ayanami Version" (the ending theme song for "Neon Genesis Evangelion"). The songs composed by Hidetoshi Sato, Ritsuko Okazaki, Shinkichi Mitsumune and others.

Kahimi Karie/Le Roi Soleil (1996)

A female singer influenced by the French pop such as Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. The name "Kahimi Karie" comes from the anagram of her real name (Mari Hiki). A six track albumette released on the Trattoria label. The whispering voice is cute. The lyrics are French/English/Japanese. The songs written by Keigo Oyamada (Flipper's Guitar, Cornelius), Katerine and others. Features "Le Roi Soleil", a cover of The Vaselines' "Son of a Gun", and "Humming ga Kikoeru (I Can Hear the Humming)" (the opening theme song for the TV anime "Chibi Maruko-chan").

Fishmans/Something in the Air (1996)

The trio led by Shinji Sato (vocals, guitar). The ambient-house style sound based on dub format. Slow tempo. Feelings like floating quietly in the water or air. Pretty comfortable and relaxing sounds. Includes the single 'Night Crusing'.

Tomoyo Harada/Clover (1996)

She has worked as an actress since she starred in the movie "Toki wo Kakeru Shojo" (The Little Girl Who Conquered Time) in 1983 when she was fifteen, and has also worked as a musician with the producers Keiichi Suzuki (Moonriders) and Tore Johansson (a Swedish producer who had produced The Cardigans) since the 1990s. This is a good-quality album like Swedish pop. The first five songs are produced by Tore Johansson, and the last five ones are produced by Keiichi Suzuki.

Puffy/The Very Best of Puffy/Amiyumi Jet Fever (1996-2000)

The girl pop duo of Yumi Yoshimura (vocals) and Ami Onuki (vocals). The debut single "Asia no Junshin/True Asia" composed and produced by Tamio Okuda is a smash hit song. "Kore ga Watashi no Ikirumichi/That's The Way It Is" is like the early Beatles. "Talalan" is composed by Andy Sturmer (ex-Jellyfish).

Every Little Thing/Every Best Single + 3 (1996-1999)

The trio of female vocalist Kaori Mochida, Ichiro Ito (guitar) and Mitsuru Igarashi (keyboards, songwiting and production). The catchy tunes by Igarashi are good. A best compilation album that covers all the single tracks (including many hits) released in 1996-99.

Tomomi Kahara/Love Brace (1996)

A female vocalist. After working as a TV personality, she came out as a singer with full support of the producer Tetsuya Komuro. Metallic high-tone voice. The 1st album including hits: 'Keep Yourself Alive', 'I Believe' and 'I'm proud'. All the tracks written, composed and produced by Tetsuya Komuro.

Globe/Globe (1996)

The trio of Tetsuya Komuro (songwriting and synths), Keiko (female vocals) and Marc Panther (English rap). Catchy pop songs and dance beats with programmed rhythms like house music. A smash hit album in Japan. All the tracks written, composed and produced by Tetsuya Komuro.

Max/Maximum (1996)

The all-girl pop/dance group formed by the rest four members of Super Monkeys after Namie Amuro left the group. The first members are: Nana, Reina, Mina and Lina. The first album that recorded million-seller in Japan. All the tracks are the covers of Eurobeat tunes with Japanese lyrics. Includes the covers of Whigfield's 'Saturday Night', Virginelle's 'Kiss Me Kiss Me Babe', Domino's 'Tora Tora Tora' and so on.

Namie Amuro/Sweet 19 Blues (1996)

A female vocailst from the Okinawan Actor's School that created many popular singers/groups (Max, Speed and so on) in the 1990s in Japan. After working as a member of the all-girl-quintet pop/dance group Super Monkeys, debuted as a solo singer. The 2nd album including smash hits: 'Body Feels Exit', 'Chase the Chance' and 'Don't Wanna Cry'. Pop songs with programmed dance beat. All the tracks written, composed and produced by Tetsuya Komuro.

DJ Honda/DJ Honda (1995)

A Japanese hip-hop DJ living in New York. He won the second place at the 'DJ Battle for World Supremacy' in the US in 1992. The debut album featuring Biz Markie, Guru and DJ Premier (Gang Starr), Afrika Bambaataa and other US rappers. Released in the US in 1996. His original fashion brand 'h' is famous too.

Mayumi Kojima/Blues de Cecile (1995)

A female singer songwriter based on the pop and nostalgic musical style of blues, jazz, chanson, children's song, Japanese old pop songs and so on. The debut album featuring "Kekkon Soudanjo" (Marriage Agency).

Two�‡Mix/BPM Cube (2000)

Two�‡Mix is Two-Mix's alias project for dancefloor. A set of 2 CDs: Disc 1 (international version with English lyrics) and disc 2 (domestic version with original Japanese lyrics). Includes re-recorded versions (high-speed Eurodance style) of their masterpieces: 'Just Communication', 'Rhythm Emotion', 'True Navigation', 'Truth -A Great Detective of Love-' (the theme song of the TV anime "Detective Conan") and others.

Two-Mix/Super Best Files 1995-1998 (1995-1998)

The duo of Shiina Nagano (lyric writing and keyboards) and Minami Takayama (music composition and vocals). Minami Takayama is also known as a voice actress of some animes. Catchy melodies in the style of J-pop mainstream and Eurodance-style dancebeats programmed. Includes 2 opening theme songs of the TV anime 'Gundam Wing' ('Just Communication' and 'Rhythm Emotion'), 'True Navigation' and other hits (15 tracks in total).

Love Tambourines/Alive (1995)

A sophisticated soul style band featuring female soulful vocalist Ellie. The lyrics are English. This 1st album was released from the independent label Crue-L Records and racked up sales of one hundred thousand in Japan.

Yoshinori Sunahara/Crossover (1995)

The solo debut album released when he was a member of the techno unit Denki Groove. Elegant and exotic techno/dance sound in the easy-listening/lounge/mondo music style. Also released from the Bungalow label (Germany) in 1998. Includes 'MFRFM (Music for Robot for Music)'. 'Clouds Across The Moon' is a cover of Rah Band.

Ken Ishii/Jelly Tones (1995) *

Imaginative instrumental techno sounds. His debut album released from R&S Records, the techno label in Belgium. His 2 mini-albums, "Garden on the Palm" and "RS92025" (includes "Pneuma" and "Deep Sleep") had recorded no. 1 on techno chart of New Musical Express, the british music paper, in 1993.

My Little Lover/evergreen (1995)

The trio of female vocalist Akko, Kenji Fujii (guitar) and Takeshi Kobayashi (keyboards, songwriting and production). Good works by the producer Takeshi Kobayashi's craftsmanship as pop music maker. The 1st album that includes a hit 'Hello, Again'.

L'Arc-en-Ciel/Clicked Singles Best 13 (1994-2001)

The four-piece rock band formed in Osaka, Japan in 1991 with Tetsu (bass) as the leader. They had been a part of the "Visual-kei" band boom in the mid-1990s in Japan along with X (X Japan), LUNA SEA and GLAY. The best compilation album that includes 12 tracks selected in internet fan balloting in eight Asian regions (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Japan) from their major-label singles since 1994, and a new song "Anemone". The highlights are the pop and flowing melodies and Hyde's sensual vocals. Features "Blurry Eyes' (the opening theme for the TV anime "D.N.A 2"), 'Niji/Rainbow' (the opening theme for the anime movie "Rurouni Kenshin"), "Driver's High" (the opening theme for the TV anime "GTO") and many other songs for TV shows and commercial films. There is also the South-Korean version "Clicked Singles Best 13+2" with two extra tracks selected by South-Korean fans: "Naatsu No Yuutsu (Time To Say Good-Bye)" and "Snow Drop".

The Pillows/Fool on the Planet (1994-2001)

The three-piece rock band led by Sawao Yamanaka (vocals, guitar). Simple and straight-ahead guitar pop with the emphasis on vocal melody. A best compilation album that includes the songs from the singles and albums released from 1994 to 2001, after transferring to King Records. 16 tracks in all. Includes 'Hybrid Rainbow', 'Instant Music', 'Little Bustrers', 'Ride on Shooting Star' (the ending theme song for the Original Animation Video 'FLCL/Fooly Cooly') and 'I think I can'.

Miki Sakai/Yukidoke (Melting Snow) (1994)

An actress working in TV drama, movies and commercial films with her acting skills, Miki Sakai's debut album released when she was 16 years old. A masterpiece of Japanese straight-ahead, melodic idol pop. The music composed by Tetsuji Hayashi ans others. Includes her first three single tracks. A CD with a 8cm single CD that includes the commercial song for 'Panasonic Headphone Stereo S95'. A limited edition rarely-offered in markets.

Judy and Mary/The Great Escape (1994-2000)

The guitar pop band that became popular in the late 1990s for cute singing voice of the female vocalist Yuki and catchy songs composed by Yoshihito Onda (bass) and Takuya (guitar). The best compilation album (a set of 2 CDs) that includes the most popular 30 tracks selected from all their songs by a fan vote. Features the hit songs: 'Over Drive', 'Sobakasu (Freckles)' (the opening theme song for the TV anime 'Rurouni Kenshin') and 'Kujira 12-go (Whale No.12)'.

Towa Tei/Future Listening! (1994)

A Korean from Japan, Towa Tei's solo debut album. He had once joined the New York based club/dance music trio Deee-Lite as 'Jungle DJ Towa Towa'. His real name (Korean pronunciation) is Chung Dong Wha. Easy-listening sound based on techno/electronic dance music, bossa nova, Brazilian pop, Indian raga music and so on. Extremely sophisticated and quality work. The collaborators are Ryuichi Sakamoto (piano/electric piano), Arto Lindsay (vocals), Maki Nomiya (vocals) from Pizzicato Five and others. 'Batucada' is a cover of the bossa nova masterpiece written by Marcos Valle.

Kenji Ozawa/Life (1994)

Ex-Flipper's Guitar, Kenji Ozawa's second album. More cheerful and pop-oriented than 1st. A hit album that includes the single 'Lovely', and 'Boogie Back' (a collaboration with the rap group Scha Dara Parr).

Kenji Ozawa/The Dogs Bark, but the Caravan Moves On (1993)

His solo debut album released after Flipper's Guitar disbanded. Melodic, acoustic and soul-oriented sound influenced by Stevie Wonder. Simple and plain performance (guitar, bass, drums and keyboards) with groove. Spiritual style completely opposite to Flipper's Guitar. This one proves his great ability as a melody-maker. Includes 'Tenki-Yomi' (Weather Forecast) and 'Tenshitachi no Scene' (The Scene of Angels). The album title has been changed to just 'dogs' when it was reissued.

Blankey Jet City/C.B.Jim (1993)

A loud and punk rockn' roll band based on rockabilly. The 3rd album produced by Masami Tsuchiya.

Scha Dara Parr/Wild Fancy Alliance (1993) *

A Japanese-speaking rap/hip-hop group. The trio of Bose (MC), Ani (MC) and Shinco (DJ). This 3rd album is pretty good. Recommended to those who like Jungle Brothers, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest.

Zard/Yureru Omoi (Wavering Thoughts) (1993)

A one-man unit by female vocalist Izumi Sakai (vocals and lyric writing). The music composition by Tetsuro Oda and other pop music composers. Refreshing sounds with catchy melodies. The 4th album that racked up CD sales of over two million and two hundred thousand in Japan.

Spitz/Recycle: Greatest Hits of Spitz (1993-1998)

The four-piece band led by Masamune Kusano (vocals, guitar and songwriting). Acoustic-oriented sounds with lyrical and beautiful melodies. A compilation that includes hits in 1993-98.

Sharan Q/Single Best 10 Omake Tsuki (with a Bonus) (1992-1996)

The pop band from Osaka, led by Tsunku (vocals) and Hatake (guitar). Catchy melodies like Japanese traditional pop/ballad songs. A collection of early single tracks, including several big hits such as 'Single Bed' (the ending theme of the TV anime 'D.N.A 2').

Kohmi Hirose/The Best: Love Winters (1992-1998)

A female singer & songwriter who also works as a music producer and composer. After training under Seth Riggs (a voice trainer of Michael Jackson and others), debuted as a soro artist. Powerful voice with wide range. A best compilation album that covers her hit songs until 1998, including seven winter commercial songs for the sporting-goods store Alpen (famous as fixed tunes in ski season). Also includes 'Groovy!', the ending theme of the TV anime 'Card Captor Sakura'.

Tokyo Performance Doll/Catch Your Beat!! Cha-Dance Party Vol.5 (1992)

The girls idol/dance group featuring Ryoko Shinohara, Yuri Ichii, Yuuko Anai and others. Pop-oriented and cutting-edge club sound in the techno/dance music style. The fifth album. The fourth single 'Catch!!' is a hard track like death techno. Also features 'Jyuu-dai ni Tsumi wa Nai (The Teens Are Not Guilty)' (Guilty Beat Mix) composed by Tetsuya Komuro.

Shonen Knife/Let's Knife (1992)

A punk-pop guitar rock band by a girl trio. "Shonen" means "a boy" in Japanese. Simple sounds and catchy melodies, like Ramones. They have performed live with Sonic Youth and Nirvana, and their albums have been released in the US and UK.

Boredoms/Pop Tatari (1992)

An experimental noise-rock band featuring Eye Yamatsuka (voices). The 3rd and major-label debut album released from Reprise, the US. Delightful sounds that break down the conventional music construction.

Mr.Children/Mr.Children 1992-1995 (1992-1995)

The quartet band led by Kazutoshi Sakurai (vocals and guitar). Pop melodies by Sakurai and acoustic band sound. Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi. The best compilation album including early 9 hit singles: 'Cross Road', 'Innocent World', 'Seesaw Game' (much like Elvis Costello in tune and style of singing) and so on.

Dreams Come True/The Swinging Star (1992)

The trio of Miwa Yoshida (vocals), Masato Nakamura (bass, vocals) and Takahiro Nishikawa (keyboards, vocals). They play the music based on the 1970s urban soul like Philadelphia soul. This 5th album is the first music disc that sold over three million copies in Japan. Features 'Haretara Iine (I Hope the Weather Clears Up)' (the theme song for HNK's TV drama) and 'Kessen wa Kinyoubi (Decisive Friday)'.

Original Love/Soul Liveration (1992)

Formed with Takao Tajima (vocals, guitar) as leader in 1987. The second album on major label. Highbrow and stylish sound by mixing the essence of jazz, soul and the 1960s pop. Includes the single tracks: "Let's Go to the Darkside of the Moon" (album version) and "The Venus".

SMAP/Smap Vest (1991-2000)

The nationally-popular male idol group. The members are: Masahiro Nakai, Takuya Kimura, Goro Inagaki, Katsuyuki Mori, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and Shingo Katori (Katsuyuki Mori left in 1995). 2 discs that cover all the singles in 1991-2000. There were some quality pop songs in the late 1990s. Also includes the opening theme song of the TV anime 'Akazukin ChaCha'.

Shang Shang Typhoon/Shang Shang Typhoon 3 (1992) *

The second album was basically oriented towards the style of Japanese folk music, but this third album is more popular and nearer to the Japananese modern pop songs than the second. An excellent album. All the tracks are great. Features "Like a Flower, Like a Bird", "Sanma Song", "The Blue Sea in Your Eyes" and others.

Shang Shang Typhoon/Shang Shang Typhoon 2 (1991)

Anything-goes pop music introducing Okinawan/Asian folk music, Japanese traditional folk song and so on. The seven-piece band featuring Koryu (banjo, vocals) and 2 female vocalists, Satoko Nishikawa and Emi Shiarasaki. The second album featuring the cover of the Beatles' "Let It Be" arranged in a Japanese folk music style.

Nenes/Ikawu (I'm Going) (1991)

The chorus group of the four female vocalists: Misako Koja (vocals and sanshin=Okinawan strings), Yasuko Yoshida (vocals and sanshin), Namiko Miyazato (vocals and sanshin) and Yukino Hiyane (vocals and sanshin). Pop-oriented sound based on Okinawan folk music. The chorus in unison is harmonic and beautiful. The pioneers who established the new genre of 'Okinawan pop', along with Rinken Band. The debut album released from the independent label Disk Akabana. The songs provided and produced by Sadao China. Misako Koja was once a member of the chorus group Okinawa Chans, and she had participated in Ryuichi Sakamoto's recordings and tours.

Soft Ballet/Love and Peace (1991)

The trio of Ryoichi Endo (vocals), Ken Morioka (vocals, programming and synths) and Maki Fujii (vocals, programming and synths). The third album. Aesthetic pop sounds based on UK electro-pop, New Romantics, industrial/electronic body music and so on. Especially influenced by Depeche Mode and New Romantics. Inorganic digital beats and narcissistic bass vocals. #8 on the Japan's album chart. Includes 'Ego Dance (the Extended Version)', 'Final' and 'Virtual War'.

Vibrastone/Entropy Productions (1991)

The Japanese-rap/hip hop group led by Haruo Chikada (mic). The major-label debut album released after the release of live album 'Vibra is Back' (a one-shot recording on DAT, released in 1989 under the name of Haruo Chikada & Vibrastone). Man-powered hip hop with live performances by 12 musicians (rap, band and horn section), without turntable and sampler. Funky and powerful. One of the masterpieces of Japanese hip hop. The members are Dr. Tommy (mic), OTO (guitar, ex-Jagatara), Yuji Okiyama (bass, ex-Juicy Fruits) and others. Kyoko Koizumi joined as a guest rapper on the 5 tracks.

TUBE/TUBEst II (1990-1996)

The four-piece band led by Nobuteru Maeda (vocals) and Michiya Haruhata (guitar). They play refreshing and tropical-flavored music, which has Japanese-style melodies with some elements inspired by Latin/Hawaiian music. They play lots of songs about summer and sea, and since around the late 1980s they have worked as a band only during summer season. The vocalist Maeda has a powerful and stretching voice. The second best-compilation album that features the singles released from 1990 to 1995.

Noriyuki Makihara/Completely Recorded (1990-2004)

A popular male singer/songwriter noted for his brilliant melody lines. Nicknamed "Macky". His single "Donnatokimo (Always)" became a million seller in 1991, and after that he produced lots of hit songs. In 1999, he was arrested for possessing drugs and stopped his musical activities, but he was back in action in 2000. The best compilation (a set of 2 CDs) that includes all his 31 singles released on the three labels (Warner Music Japan/Sony Music Entertainment/Toshiba EMI), from his 1990 debut "NG" until his 2004 song "Yasashii Uta ga Utaenai (I Can't Sing Gentle Songs)". Lots of melodic songs with impressive key modulations. Features "Donnatokimo (Always)" (the theme song for the movie "Shushoku Sensen Ijonashi/It's not Hard Jobhunting" and the commercial song for Kentucky Fried Chicken Japan), "Mou Koi nante Shinai (I Will Never Fall in Love)" (theme song for TV drama), "No.1" (the commercial song for Japan's telephone company, KDD's international call "No.001"), and "Spy" (theme song for TV drama).

Scanch/Sweets: Scanch Best Collection (1990-1994)

The rock band led by Rolly Teranishi (guitar, vocals), Scanch's first best compilation album. Includes 14 tracks (mainly singles). Pop and catchy sound strongly influenced by the 1970s power pop, hard rock and glam rock, such as Queen and Cheap Trick. The songs composition of high quality. Features lots of good pop tunes such as "Koi no T.K.O. (Love's T.K.O.)", "Koi no Shock Ryoho (Love's Shock Treatment)", "Koi no 1,000,000$ Man (Love's 1,000,000$ Man)", "Koi no Romantic Boogie (Love's Romantic Boogie)", "Koi no Magic Portion (Love's Magic Portion)", "Koi no Miracle Summer (Love's Miracle Summer)". "Mr. Tambourine Man" is not the original, but the "strings version".

Denki Groove/A (Ace) (1997)

An album that opened the new frontiers by pop and aggressive dance-music with elaborate and gorgeous sounds. 'Shangri-La' is a big hit using Bebu Silvetti's old disco/salsoul classic 'Spring Rain' as a breakbeat.

Denki Groove/Vitamin (1993)

The 4th album released when Yoshinori Sunahara/Marin (synths) was a member. Pure techno sounds. Includes a masterpiece 'N.O.' and the cover of Gershon Kingsley's 'Popcorn'.

Denki Groove/Flash Papa (1991) *

Techno band led by Takkyu Ishino (vocals, synths and sampling). The major-label debut album recorded in Manchester. Produced and engineered by Tim Oliver, Tony Martin and others. Techno-house sounds and Japanese rap with comic lyrics. The sound concept is like Pop Will Eat Itself's 'Box Frenzy'.

Denki Groove/662 BPM By DG (1990)

A mini album including 7 tracks, released from the independent label SSE before their major debut. Rap/hip-hop-oriented sounds. Features the original tracks of 'Denki Biribiri' and 'We Are' in the album 'Flash Papa', and 'Less Than Zero', the original of 'N.O.' in the album 'Vitamin'. Extreme lyrics with lots of dirty words. The sampling sources are: Public Enemy, Pop Will Eat Itself, Napalm Death, PIL, Kraftwerk, YMO, Depeche Mode, Bruce Lee, Frank Chickens, the movie 'Violent Cop', the anime 'Ashita no Joe', the jingle for McDonald's Japan and many others. Recommended to those who like Denki Groove in the early days.

Tama/Sandal (1990)

A theatrical pop band that plays weird music like nursery songs. Led by the two songwriters, Toshiaki Chiku (vocals, mandolin) and Yoichiro Yanagihara (vocals, keyboards). The acoustic sound with accordion and mandolin. The major-label debut album that features a hit song 'Sayonara Jinrui (Good-Bye Human Beings)' (the album version).

Orquesta de La Luz/De La Luz (1990)

A Japanese salsa band led by Gen Ogimi (vocals, percussion), Carlos Kanno (vocals, percussion) and female vocalist Nora. (Salsa is a Latin dance music created by New York-based Puerto Ricans based on an Afro-Cuban musical form called Son.) The Spanish band name 'Orquesta de La Luz' means 'Orchestra of Light'. The lyrics are Spanish. The debut album that got #1 on the US Billboard Latin chart.

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra/SkaPara Toujou (SkaPara Has Come!) (1990)

The big ska band featuring the horn section. The major debut album released when percussionist Asa-Chang (originally Koichi Asakura) was the leader (he left the band in 1993). Dirty and exotic sounds with the combination between the melodies of popular songs and ska beat. Includes the single 'Monster Rock', 'Baby Elephant Walk' (a cover of Henry Mancini), 'Tin Tin Deo' (a cover of the Afro-Cuban jazz tune composed by Chano Pozo/Gill Fuller), 'Nigai Namida' (a cover of The Three Degrees' disco hit in Japan), and 'Hit the Road Jack' (a cover of Ray Charles' hit composed by Percy Mayfield).

Yasuyuki Okamura/Katei Kyoshi (A Tutor) (1990)

After working as a songwriter, he debuted as a solo artist in 1986. He is a pop music craftsman with multiple talents, who does production, arrangement, songwriting and performance by himself. This album released in 1990 is a masterpiece with funky, erotic and narcissistic style influenced by Prince.

Buck-Tick/Aku no Hana (The Flowers of Evil) (1990)

A five-piece-band featuring Hisashi Imai (guitar) and Atsushi Sakurai (vocals). 'Buck-Tick' is a Japanese word that means 'firecracker'. This album has pop, dark and aesthetic psychedelia sounds influenced by UK new wave bands.

B'z/B'z The Best "Pleasure" (1990-1998)

The duo of Takahiro Matsumoto (guitar and music composition) and Koushi Inaba (vocals and lyric writing). Eurodance-style dance beat, hard rock/heavy metal-style guitar play and catchy melodies. They were at the top of the CD sales in Japan during the 1990s. The volume one of their best compilation albums.

Jitterin' Jinn/8-9-10! Jitterin' Jinn Best (1989-1998)

The pop band led by Jinta Hashi (guitar) and Reiko Harukawa (vocals), Jitterin' Jinn's best compilation album released in the 10th anniversary of the debut. Lots of good pop songs with catchy melodies and simple sound based on ska/punk/rockabilly. Features 'Everyday', 'Present' (the album version), 'Nichiyoubi (Sunday)' (the album version of the No.1 hit on the Japanese pop charts), and 'Natumatsuri (Summer Festival)'. 20 tracks in total.

Mimori Yusa/Hope (1990) *

Female singer & songwriter, Mimori Yusa's fourth album. Acoustic-oriented pop of superior quality, like Kate Bush. A conceptual world of songs with narrativity and lyricism. The previous album 'Harmoniodeon' is good too, but this album is more excellent in song quality. More down-to-earth than 'Harmoniodeon'. The songs composed and puroduced by Takafumi Sotoma and others. Ex-Split Enz (pop band from New Zealand) member Philip Judd (guitar) joined. Includes three single tracks: 'Natsukusa no Senro (Railroad with Summer Grass)', 'No no Hana (Wildflower)' and 'Yume wo Mita (I Had a Dream)'.

Mimori Yusa/Harmoniodeon (1989)

Female singer & songwriter, Mimori Yusa's third album. Dream pop of superior quality, like Irish Celtic music, English emotional prog-rock and kate Bush. Clear and pure vocals with lots of falsetto. The world of songs like dreamy fairy tales. The songs composed and puroduced by Takafumi Sotoma and others. Features an excellent single 'Kureteyuku Sora wa (The Darkening Sky is)'.

CoCo/CoCo Ichiban! (CoCo the No.1!) (1989-1991)

The girls' idol group of Maki Miyamae, Erika Haneda, Rieko Miura, Mikiyo Ono adn Azusa Senou. The best compilation album that features 'Equal Romance' (the ending theme song for the TV anime 'Ranma 1/2') and 'Omoide ga Ippai (Lots of Memories)' (the opening theme song for the TV anime 'Ranma 1/2 Nettou-hen').

X (X Japan)/Blue Blood (1989)

A five-piece rock band led by Yoshiki (drums and piano) and Toshi (vocals). A pioneer of boy's bands wearing heavy make-up, called 'Visual-kei', in the late 1990s of Japan. The major-label debut album. Melodic and aesthetic sounds by fusion of hi-speed heavy metal (like thrash) and classical orchestra performance. Includes a ballad hit 'Endless Rain'.

The Boom/Singles+ (1989-1996)

The four-piece rock band led by Kazufumi Miyazawa (vocals, guitar). Melodic songs with a variety of musical styles such as punk, ska, acoustic/folk, Okinawan folk music, latin music (samba, bossa nova) and gamelan. A set of 2 discs: 'Single Tracks' including 'Shimauta/Island Song -original Japanese version-' and other singles released in 1989-96, and 'Bonus Tracks' including collaborations with Akiko Yano, 'Shimauta -Okinawan language version-' and others. 'Shimauta' is a smash hit song based on Okinawan folk music, and there are lots of the cover versions in the world.

Flipper's Guitar/Doctor Head's World Tower (1991)

The 3rd album by full use of sampling. Includes 'Groove Tube'. The sampling sources are: Beach Boys, Ventures, Velvet Underground, Buffalo Springfield and so on.

Flipper's Guitar/Camera Talk (1990) **

From this 2nd album they became a duo of Keigo Oyamada (vocals and guitar) and Kenji Ozawa (guitar and vocals). The melody lines are excellent, like the 1st album. The lyrics are Japanese.

Flipper's Guitar/Three Cheers for Our Side (1989) **

Guitar pop band. 1st album. If you like acoustic-oriented guitar pop, such as Orange Juice, Aztec Camera and the Monochrome Set, this album is a must have for you. Pop and catchy. The lyrics are English (in Japanese-style pronunciation). Excellent!

Bo Gumbos/Bo & Gumbo (1989)

The rock band formed by ex-Rosa Luxemburg, Takashi Kudomi/Dont (vocals and guitar). The debut album recorded in New Orleans. The earthy sound based on New Orleans R&B and second-line funk. Bo Diddley, Cyril Neville from the Neville Brothers and Alfred "Uganda" Roberts guested.

Complex/Best (1989-1990)

The unit formed by ex-BOØWY guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei (guitar) and rock singer/actor Koji Kikkawa (vocals). Pop-oriented rock with catchy melodies, featuring Hotei's sharp guitar playing, Kikkawa's vocals with rolled tongue, synths and digital beats programmed. A best compilation album that includes 13 tracks from their 2 albums, "Complex" and "Romantic 1990", and 2 tracks not included in the albums, "Just Another Day" and "Be My Baby (Montserrat Mix)". Includes their debut song "Be My Baby" (No.1 hit on the Japanese pop charts), "Pretty Doll", "Koi wo Tomenaide (Don't Stop My Love)", "1990" (the album version of the No.1 hit on the Japanese pop charts), "Rambling Man" and others.

Wink/Wink Memories 1988-1996 (1988-1996)

The female idol pop duo of Shoko Aida (vocals) and Sachiko Suzuki (vocals). They had played many covers of Western pop like Eurodance with Japanese lyrics. A best compilation album (a set of 2 CDs) that covers all their singles such as 'Sugar Baby Love' (a cover of the Rubettes' 1974 #1 hit on the UK charts), 'Ai ga Tomaranai (I Can't Stop My Love)' (a cover of Kylie Minogue's 'Turn It into Love'), and 'Sabishii Nettaigyo (Lonely Tropical Fish)'.

Fairchild/Fairchild Best (1988-1993)

The unit formed by Seiji Toda (bass, guitar, keyboards, computer and vox), ex-leader of techno-oriented pop band Shi-Shonen, with female vocalist YOU and Hirokazu Kawaguchi (guitar). YOU's cute and natural vocals and catchy music by Toda are good. Electro/acoustic sounds elaborately crafted. A compilation album including 17 main tunes.

Miho Nakayama/Your Selection 1 (1988-1999)

Miho Nakayama is a popular actress and singer, who debuted in 1985. Her best compilation album "Your Selection" series include the tracks selected in internet fan balloting. The "1" is a collection of the songs on the A-sides of her singles. She has a distinctive, kinda nasal, sweet voice. Features lots of megahits such as "You're My Only Shinin' Star" (composed by Toshiki Kadomatsu), "Tooi Machi no Dokoka de... (Somewhere in a Distant Town)" (composed by Hideya Nakazaki), "Sekaijuu no Dare yori Kitto (Definitely More than Anyone in the World)" released under the name of "Miho Nakayama & WANDS" (composed by Tetsuro Oda), and "Tada Nakitaku Naruno (I Just Feel Like Crying)" (composed by Masaki Iwamoto). "Mirai e no Present (A Present for the Future)" (composed by Mayo Okamoto) is a song released under the name of "Miho Nakayama with MAYO". A CD-extra disc that includes the live video of "You're My Only Shinin' Star". There are also the "2" (songs selected from the B-sides of her singles), "3" and "4" (songs selected from her albums).

Lä-ppisch/Wonder Book (1988)

Punk beats and ska, funk, reggae... The sound is like early Fishbone. They performed as an opening act for Fishbone's live in Japan (1986). The songs are catchy and good. Their following album 'Karakuri House' (1989) was produced by Todd Rundgren.

Tomoyasu Hotei/Guitarhythm (1988)

The guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei's solo debut album released after his band BOØWY disbanded. Straightforward rock & roll guitar with digital beats programmed. The album concept is something like cyberpunk. 'Materials' had been used as the ending theme in the movie 'Tetsuo II: Body Hammer' (directed by Shinya Tsukamoto).

Kinniku Shoujo-Tai (King Show)/KinShou no Daisharin (KinShou's Great Wheel) (1988-1992)

The rock band featuring vocalist Kenji Otsuki. Their music has the concepts like Japanese bizarre literature (Rampo Edogawa) and underground theater. Extremely skillful at playing in the punk/prog/hard rock style. A best compilation album that includes 'Dai-Shaka (The Big Buddha)' (re-recording of 'Shaka'), 'San Francisco', 'Ganso Takagi Buu Densetsu (The Original Buu Takagi Legend)' and 'Odoru Dame-Ningen (Dancing Dead Pigeon)'.

Go-Bang's/Go-Bang's Best (1988-1991)

A three-piece girl's band featuring Kaori Moriwaka (vocals). Pop, cute and vigorous sounds. A best compilation album that covers all the hits. 'Boy Hunt' is a cover of Connie Francis' 'Where the Boys Are' (composed by Neil Sedaka).

PSY-S/Non-Fiction (1988)

A duo of female vocalist Chaka and male musicmaker Masaya Matsuura (keyboards, guitar, music composition and arrangement). Elaborate electro/acoustic sounds by using Fairlight (sampler). Chaka's boyish, non-vibrato singing style. A hit album that includes 'Angel Night' (the opening theme song of the TV anime 'City Hunter 2').

Mute Beat/Lover's Rock (1988)

The dub band led by trumpeter Kazufumi Kodama. The second album that established Japanese full-scale dub sound. Reggae beat and Japanese-style melancholy melodies. Instrumental sound by trumpet, trombone, keyboards, bass, drums and percussion. The mixing engineer is Izumi 'Dub Master X' Miyazaki.

Noriko Sakai/Best Selection (1987-1998)

Debuted as an idol singer in 1987 with the single "Otokonoko ni Naritai (I Wanna be a Boy)". Nicknamed "Nori-P". Since the 1990s, she has acted both as a singer and an actress in TV dramas, movies and stages. The best compilation album that includes 18 tracks in totall, featuring "Otokonoko ni Naritai", "Yume Bouken (Dream Adventure)" (the theme song for NHK's "Anime Sanjushi" and the march for National Invitational High School Baseball Tournament), "Lover Letter", "Aoi Usagi (Blue Rabbit)" (the theme song for the TV drama "Hoshi no Kinka". A smash hit), "Namida Iro (Tear Color)", and "Yokogao (Side Face)".

Mamiko Takai/Itoguchi (A Clue) (1987)

The solo debut album of Mamiko Takai, who was a member of Onyanko Club, the idol group of amateur high-school girls in the late 1980s. She debuted as a solo through the activities on the duo 'Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi' with Yukiko Iwai. Unlike the other Onyanko-related songs featuring lowbrow popularity and cuteness, there are lots of melodic and old-fashioned songs in ballad style. Features a good ballad, 'A Message to Cinderellas'.

Rinken Band/Arigato (Thank You) (1987/1990)

One of the bands that sparked the Okinawan music boom of the 1990s in Japan, like Nenes. Featuring Rinken Teruya (sanshin=Okinawan strings, cheren=electric sanshin) and Tomoko Uehara (vocals). Good-quality pop music based on Okinawan language and traditional performing arts. The 1st album released on cassette from Okinawa's Maruteru Records in 1987, and released on CD in Japan in 1990.

The Phantomgift/The World of the Phantomgift (1987)

One of the leading bands of 'Neo GS' movement in Tokyo in the late 1980s. Their one and only official studio-recorded album. The sound is greatly influenced by the late-1960s rock, such as Japanese GS bands, Jacks and US/UK psych/garage bands. Features the single "OK in Your Heart!". "Jenny", "The Legend of Belladonna" and "Gone My Cinderella" are the re-recorded versions of the songs previously released on indie label. "I'm a Man" is an instrumental cover version of the Spencer Davis Group. "My Love, My Love" is a cover of the Youngers (Japanese GS band). "Shakin' My Soul" is a cover of the Voltage (Japanese GS band). "With Me, In the Morning" is a cover of the Blue Impulse (Japanese GS band). Yasuharu Konishi from Pizzicato Five joined (arrangement).

Yapoos/Yapoos Keikaku (Yapoos Project) (1987)

See the entries about Jun Togawa and Guernica. Jun Togawa's personal band formed with the backing members for her solo performance in 1987. The debut album featuring 'Barbara Sexaroid'. Theatrical new-wave sound with eroticism and physicality as themes.

Pizzicato Five/This Year's Girl (1991)

Featuring Maki Nomiya (vocals). The sound is like a sound-collage in a house/club style.

Pizzicato Five/Bellissima! (1988)

The second album featuring Takao Tajima as the vocalist. The sophisticated sound in the soul/jazz style with high musicality.

Pizzicato Five/Couples (1987)

The pop band led by Yasuharu Konishi (songwriting, arrangement, production, keyboards, vocals and bass), Pizzicato Five's debut album. Featuring the first vocalist, Mamiko Sasaki. The stylish and fashionable sound influenced by A&M's American pop and soft rock, such as Burt Bacharach and Harpers Bizarre.

Unicorn/The Very Best of Unicorn (1987-1993)

The rock band formed in 1986 with the leader Koichi Nishikawa (a.k.a. Kawanishi) (drums). The band had been just a punky rock band (called "Beat Rock" in Japan) in the early days, but they developed their distinctive, pop-oriented musicality since around 1989, after Yoshiharu Abe (keyboards) joined the band officially and they released the album 'Hattori'. Includes remarkable pop tunes written and composed by Tamio Okuda (vocals), such as 'Hattori', 'Dai-Meiwaku (Undue Inconvenience)' and 'Subarashii Hibi (Wonderful Days)'.

Princess Princess/Singles 1987-1992 (1987-1992)

The girl's rock/pop band that had enormous popularity in Japan in the late 1980s to the early 1990s. A quintet led by Kaori Okui (vocals). Catchy tunes and the band sound like power pop. The single-compilation album that includes the nationally-popular hit 'Diamonds' and other smash hits. Also Includes the great ballad 'M'.

TM Network/Humansystem (1987)

The fifth album by the trio of Tetsuya Komuro (keyboards), Takashi Utsunomiya (vocals) and Naoto Kine (guitar). Recorded in Los Angeles. Catchy synth-pop with dance beats, introducing the elements of hard rock, prog-rock and Eurodance. Warren Cuccurullo (ex-the Missing Persons) on guitar, and Steve Ferrone (ex-the Average White Band) on drums. Features "Resistance", and "Human System" with the quotation of Mozart's "Turkish March".

Pink/Psycho-Delicious (1987)

A technical new-wave band formed by Yutaka Fukuoka (vocals), Atsunobu Yakabe (drums) and Hoppy Kamiyama (keyboards), after the activities of Haruo Chikada's funk band Vibra-tones and session band O-Pink Kyodai. Hybrid music based on prog-rock and funk, with the elements of ethnic music and Japanese popular songs. Haruo Kubota (guitar), Minako Yoshida (voices) and Bun Itakura (guitar) guest. The third album that includes the single "Keep Your View" (the commercial song for Maxell cassette tape).

T-Square/Single Collection (1987-1996)

A representative fusion/pop instrumental band, which takes rank with Casiopea. Formed with the central figure Masahiro Ando (guitar) in 1976. The band started with the name 'The Square', but changed it to 'T-Square' in 1989. They have melodic and refreshing sound featuring sax and EWI (Electric Wind Instrument. One of the wind synths). The compilation album that includes all the single tracks released since 1987 until 1996, when Masato Honda (sax, EWI) was a member. Features 'Truth' (a smash hit. The theme for the live TV broadcast 'F1 Grand Prix'), 'Chaser' (the theme for the live TV broadcast '1992 Tour de France'), 'Faces', 'Asu e no Tobira (The Door into Tomorrow)', 'Twilight in Upper West' (the theme for the TV drama 'Bakumatsu Kokosei'. A collaboration with Munich Symphony Orchestra) and 'Victory' (the theme for the TV show 'Wide! Scramble').

YBO2/Alienation (1986) *

The debut album released from Trans Records, a Japanese independent label. By the trio of Masashi Kitamura (bass and vocals), Tatsuya Yoshida (drums) and K.K.Null (Guitar). A mixture of noise, industrial, psych, goth, hardcore punk and Japanese-style melodies. Ultra-noisy, dark and ferocious sounds by using mellotron and metal percussion. A monument of Japanese underground rock.

Uchoten/Peace (1986)

A new wave band that lead the indies band boom in Japan in the early 1980s with other bands such as Laughin' Nose and The Willard. Formed with the leader Kera (vocals) in 1982. The major-label debut album. Pop-oriented sounds influenced by techno pop with cynical and nonsense lyrics. Features the major-debut single 'Bye-Bye' (the album version). In the 1980s, Kera had released the works of the indies band such as Bachikaburi (featuring Tomorowo Taguchi), Kinniku Shojotai, Zinsay (later Denki Groove) and Tama, as the president/producer of his indies label 'Nagom Records'. Kera is also famous as a playwright/theater director.

Rosa Luxemburg/Puri Puri (1986)

A four-piece rock band featuring the vocalist Takashi Kudomi (nicknamed 'Dont') from Kyoto. Unique musicality with mixing of miscellaneous elements such as new wave, soul, funk, US roots music and Japanese pop songs. The debut album. "Harajuku Everyday -Bluelight Yokohama-" is a good funky tune.

Miki Imai/Imai, Miki from 1986 (1986-1997)

A best compilation (a set of 2 CDs) of Miki Imai, the actress and singer. The refreshing sound in a relaxed atmosphere featuring her unpretentious and natural vocals. Includes all her singles released since 1986 until 1997, such as 'Kanojyo to Tip on Duo (Tip on Duo with Her)', 'Hitomi ga Hohoemukara (Because the Eyes Smile)', 'Piece of My Wish', 'Miss You' and 'Pride', and several excellent songs not included in the self-chosen best compilation albums 'Ivory' and 'Ivory II'.

BOØWY/Just A Hero (1986)

A beat-rock band that had huge influence on the band-boom of the late 1980s in Japan. Featuring Kyosuke Himuro (vocals) and Tomoyasu Hotei (guitar). Eight-beat rhythm and melodic tunes. The 4th album.

The Blue Hearts/Super Best (1985-1989)

A quartet band led by Hiroto Koumoto (vocals) and Masatoshi Mashima (guitar and vocals). simple, straight and song/melody-oriented sound with speedy punk beat. A best compilation album that covers main tunes on indie label and Meldac (Crown Records). 17 tracks in all (7 tracks are not included in the original albums). 'Linda Linda', 'Hammer', 'Chain Gang', 'Train Train' and others.

Onyanko Club/Onyanko Club Best (1985-1987)

An idol group of amateur high-school girls, which was derived from Fuji-TV's variety show 'Yuyake Nyan Nyan', against the backdrop of the Japanese economic boom (called 'bubble economy') of the 1980s and the trends of amateurism and sex liberation. The producer was Yasushi Akimoto, the broadcasting writer and lyricist. The girls enrolled in the group were over 50 in sum total. Supported by high school and junior high boys of those days with the feeling like talent show in school festival of club activities after school. Some members had acted as solo singers or subunits, and some talents such as Shizuka Kudo, Minayo Watanabe and Marina Watanabe were derived from the group. A best compilation (16 tracks in total) that covers all the singles and other main songs, such as 'Sailor-Fuku wo Nugasanaide (Don't Take Off My Sailor Suit)', 'Oyoshininattene Teacher (Don't Do It Teacher)' and 'Otto Chikan! (Oops Molester!)'.

Aburadako/Aburadako (1st) (1985)

The punk band led by Hirotomo Hasegawa (vocals). The major-label debut album released from Tokuma Japan when the virtuoso drummer Tatsuya Yoshida was a member. Complex tune composition with lots of odd time signatures and rhythm changes. Esoteric lyrics by full use of literary vocabulary. Characteristic music out of the 'hard-core punk' context.

Loudness/Thunder in the East (1985)

The hard rock/heavy metal band featuring the guitarist Akira Takasaki. This fifth album was released by Atlantic Records in the US and got #74 on the US album charts. The lyrics are English. Produced by Max Norman (Megadeth, Ozzy Osbourne, etc).

Zelda/Sorairo Boshi no Hi (The Day of Sky-blue Hat) (1985)

An all-girl-quartet new wave band led by Sachiho Kojima (bass) and Sayoko Takahashi (vocals). This 3rd album is pretty good. Acoustic-oriented sounds. Ideality and literary taste like drama club of high school. Produced by Ryomei Shirai of Moonriders.

Misato Watanabe/Eyes (1985)

A female rock singer who became the craze by the single hit 'My Revolution' in 1986. The debut album. Positive and powerful sound with catchy songs composed by famous song writers.

Gontiti/Gontiti Recommends Gontiti (1985-1999)

The duo of Gonzalez Mikami (guitar) and Titi Matsumura (guitar). Instrumental sound in the bossa nova/easy-listening style featuring two acoustic guitars. Their music described as 'The Most Comfortable Music on Earth' is world famous and has been released as albums in North America, Germany, Southeast Asia and so on. This is a best compilation album (set of 2 disks), including 43 tracks selected by Gontiti themselves, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the formation. Extra-special resort music with entirely comfortable sounds.

Jun Togawa/Tamahime-Sama (Princess Tamahime) (1984)

A female vocalist and actress, Jun Togawa's solo debut album released when she became a cult heroine with her unique personality and skill as a singer, after she joined Guernica. Acoustic-oriented new-wave sound. 'Teinen Pushiganga' is a cover of Andean folk song. 'Tamahime-Sama' is composed by ex-YMO Haruomi Hosono. 'Konchu-Gun' is a cover of the new wave band Halmens. The original of 'Mushi no Onna' is Pachelbel's 'Canon'.

Barbee Boys/Barbee Boys (1984-1990)

One of the bands that became part of band-boom of the late 1980s in Japan. Featuring male and female husky-voiced vocalists, Atsushi Kondo (vocals, sax) and Kyoko (vocals). Tomotaka Imamichi (guitar, songwriting)'s cutting-guitar is sharp and cool. Catchy melodies. Their early 2 tracks had been used in the movie 'Typhoon Club' (directed by Shinji Somai). 2 discs that cover their main tracks.

Rebecca/The Best of Dreams (1984-1989)

One of the central bands in the band-boom of the late 1980s in Japan, along with BOØWY. Featuring female vocalist Nokko's powerful, emotional vocals and catchy pop songs written by keyboardist Akio Dobashi, influenced by US/UK mainstream pop music. A best compilation album that covers main songs in the early days, mainly singles, such as 'Virginity', 'Friends', 'Raspberry Dream' and 'Moon'. 'Love is Cash' is just like Madonna's 'Material Girl'.

Earthshaker/Fugitive (1984)

Earthshaker is one of the Japanese major hard rock/heavy metal bands in the 1980s, along with Loudness and 44 Magnum. A four-piece band led by the vocalist Masafumi "Marcy" Nishida and guitarist Shinichiro "Shara" Ishihara. Their music has a melodic and song-oriented style. The second album featuring a hit song "More". The lyrics are Japanese. Produced by Masa Itoh (a music critic).

Mari Iijima/Rosé (1983)

After joining the TV anime series "Super Dimensional Fortress Macross" as the voice actress for the heroine singer Lynn Minmay, she debuted as a singer songwriter with this debut album, when she was a student at the piano course of the Kunitachi College of Music. The sound is like Akiko Yano, but more girlish and dreamful. Produced and arranged by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Salon Music/My Girl Friday (1983)

The duo of Zin Yoshida (vocals, keyboards and guitar) and Hitomi Takenaka (vocals and keyboards). The debut album. Pop and acoustic-oriented sounds with programmed rhythms, like the Vaselines. The lyrics are English. Features their debut single "Hunting on Paris" (released in the UK in 1981), "Muscle Daughter", "Wrapped up in Duet" (the album version of the track used as the image song for Honda's CR-X) and "Spending Silent Night" (used for Honda's Ballad CR-X).

Yutaka Ozaki/Seventeen's Map (1983)

Singer & songwriter, Yutaka Ozaki's debut album released when he was in high school. Melodic and driving sounds influenced by Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne and Japanese singer & songwriter Shogo Hamada. The lyrics on frustrations and oppressive feelings during adolescence. After releasing this album, he gained the overwhelming support of the teenagers and became a charismatic artist. Includes three single tracks: "The Night", "Seventeen's Map", "Can't Sing Even the Beginning", and two ballad songs: "I Love You", "Oh My Little Girl" and others.

Anzen Chitai/Complete Best (1982-1993)

A five-piece vocal rock/pop band led by Koji Tamaki (vocals). After working as the backing band for singer/songwriter Yosui Inoue, they debuted in 1982, and broke through as a pop star with the hit song "Wine Red no Kokoro (Wine-Red Heart)" (the commercial song for Suntory's wine) in 1983. They have played many urbanized, adult-oriented love songs. A set of 2 CDs (30 tracks in total) that features all the original sources of their hit single tracks released since 1982 until 1993: "Wine Red no Kokoro", "Koi no Yokan (Premonition of Love)", "Netsushisen (Hot Stares)", "Kanashimi ni Sayonara (Goodbye to Sadness)", "Aoi Hitomi no Ellis (Ellis with Blue Eyes)", "Natsu no Owari no Harmony (Harmony of the End of Summer)" (a collaboration with Yosui Inoue), "Friend", "Sukisa (Love You)" (the opening theme song of the TV anime 'Maison Ikkoku'), "I Love You kara Hajimeyou (Let's Start from I Love You)", "Hohoemi ni Kanpai (A Toast to Smile)", "Itsumo Kimi no Soba ni (Always around You)", and "Ano Koro e (To Those Days)".

Guernica/Shinseiki eno Unga (Canal to the New Century) (1988) **

The 2nd album released when they reformed the band. The performance by big orchestra is cool.

Guernica/Kaizo eno Yakudou (Throbbing to the Alteration) (1982) **

The trio of Koji Ueno (music composition and synths), Jun Togawa (vocals), an actress, and Keiichi Ota (lyric writing and art), an illustrator. Techno/new wave sounds influenced by pre World War II modernism, avant-garde arts like futurism, contemporary music of the 20th century, and Japanese pre-war popular songs. The 1st album produced by Haruomi Hosono of YMO.

Masami Tsuchiya/Rice Music (1982) *

Ex-member of the Japanese new wave pop band Ippo-Do (vocals and guitar). 1st solo album. Percussive techno sound by using samplers. Steve Jansen (drums), Mick Karn (bass), Bill Nelson (guitar), Ryuichi Sakamoto joined. The lyrics are mainly English. Recommended to fans of Japan, the UK synth-pop band.

Hajime Tachibana/H (1982) *

His solo debut album released by 'YEN Label' (preside by Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi) after Plastics disbanded. Avant-garde instrumental pop with bizarre melodies featuring Hajime Tachibana's alto sax. The musicians are: Saeko Suzuki (drums), Robin Tompson (soprano sax, bass clarinet), Yukihiro Takahashi (drums), Haruomi Hosono (bass), Ryuichi Sakamoto (drums, piano) and others. They had also played in Ryuichi Sakamoto's live band "B-2 Units" in those days. The sound is kinda acoustic-oriented (Ryuichi Sakamoto played drums). 'H (Theme from Clubfoot)' is a cover of Club Foot Orchestra. Produced byYukihiro Takahashi.

Niagara Triangle (Motoharu Sano/Masamichi Sugi/Eiichi Otaki)/Niagara Triangle Vol.2 (1982)

A good-quality pop album produced by the composer/singer & songwriter/producer Eiichi Otaki with two young singers & songwriters of those days, Motoharu Sano and Masamichi Sugi. Features melody-oriented works influenced by Phil Spector and the Beatles. The five tracks composed by Otaki are excellent pop songs in the style just like his album "A Long Vacation" (1981), and have a symmetrical relationship to the A-side five tracks of Seiko Matsuda's album 'Kaze Tachinu' (1981), which were composed, arranged and produced by Otaki. Features 'A-Men de Koi wo Shite (Being in Love on the A-Side)' and 'Heart-jikake no Orange (Heartwork Orange)'.

Casiopea/Mint Jams (1982)

One of the best fusion bands in Japan. Noted for highly skilled technique of performance and pop musicality. The seventh album produced by the studio work on the sound sources of their main pieces of early days, played with new arrangements and recorded live. All compositions and arrangements by Issei Noro (guitar). Incredibly accurate performances, just like a machine. An established masterpiece of Japanese fusion.

Kyoko Koizumi/Kyon3: Koizumi the Great 51 (1982-2002)

An actress who had once been a unique idol pop singer. After the first orthodox idol-pop line and the second "cute and vigorous" line, since the end of the 1980s she had begun her musical activities in earnest with cutting-edge musicians such as Haruo Chikada and Yasuharu Konishi. The best compilation (a set of 3 CDs) that consists of 2 discs which features all her singles released until 1999, and one disc which includes her hidden masterpieces. Features "Watashi no Jyuuroku-sai (16-Year-Old Me)" (debut song. A cover of Madoka Mori's "Nee, Nee, Nee"), "Suteki na Lovely Boy (A Nice Lovely Boy)" (a cover of Hiroko Hayashi), "Makka na Onnanoko (A Crimson Girl)", "Nagisa no Haikara Ningyo (A Smart Mermaid on the Beach)", "Nantettatte Idol (Particularly Idol)", "Kaitou Ruby (Ruby the Thief)" (composed by Eiichi Otaki. The theme song for her movie), "Gakuen Tengoku (School Heaven)" (a cover of Finger5. TV drama's theme) and "Anata ni Aete Yokatta (It was Good to be Able to Meet You)" (composed by Takeshi Kobayashi. TV drama's theme).

Akina Nakamori/Singles 27: 1982-1991 (1982-1991)

An idol pop singer who had gained popularity in Japan the 1980s, along with Seiko Matsuda. A best compilation (a set of 2 CDs) that covers all her A-side singles released on Warner Japan during the 9 years. The songs in the 'bad-girl' style like Momoe Yamaguchi, orthodox ballads, adult-oriented pop songs and so on. Features "Slow Motion", "Shojo A (Girl A)", "Ni-bun-no-ichi no Shinwa (The Myth of 1/2)", "Kinku (Forbidden Area)", "Kita Wing (North Wing)", "Jukkai 1984 (The Ten Commandments 1984)", "Kazari janai noyo Namida wa (The tears are not the Ornaments)", "Desire" and "Nanpa-sen (Shipwreck)".

Miyuki Nakajima/Kansuigyo (Cold Water Fish) (1982)

A female singer/songeriter who has gained popularity for a long time with her distinctive style of songs about something like "Japanese pathos". The best-selling music album in Japan in 1982. Features "Akujo (Wicked Woman)" (the album version).

Chakra/Satekoso (1981) *

The new wave band led by Bun Itakura (guitar, songwriting) and Mishio Ogawa (female vocal). The second album produced by Haruomi Hosono (YMO) and assisted by Hideki Matsutake (the sound programmer of YMO in those days). Oriental and experimental sounds involving elements of Japanese folk songs and children's songs, ethnic music, prog rock, contemporary music, ambient music and so on. One of the masterpieces of Japanese new wave/techno of the 1980s. The bonus track 'Ohayo Minasan/Good Morning Everyone' (previously unreleased) is a punk and avant-garde piece.

Inu/Meshi Kuuna! (Don't Eat Rice!) (1981)

The punk band led by Machizo Machida (vocals) and Masahiro Kitada (guitar and percussion). 'Inu' means 'a dog'. The major-label debut album and the only studio-recording. A good quality rock album featuring Kitada's artful guitar playing in a progressive rock style and Machida's vocal style of garrulous tongue. Machida is also famous as the writer who won the Akutagawa Prize (Japan's literary award).

Ankoku Tairiku Jagatara/Nanban Torai (1982)

Jagatara's debut album released from an independent label under the name of "Ankoku Tairiku Jagatara" (Dark Continent Jagatara). The album title "Nanban Torai" is a Japanese old phrase that means "imported from southern barbarian ". Funk/afro-oriented sounds with horn section (sax, trombone) and chorus. A masterpiece of Japanese underground acid funk. Features several great tunes such as "Demo, Demo, Demo", "Baby", "Tango" and "Kuninamashe". Also features two bonus tracks from the tape recording for demonstration of those days.

Jagatara/Best of Jagatara (1981-1989)

An afro funk band which had been active during the 1980s. Formed in 1979 with Akemo Edo (vocals) as the frontman. In the early days, the band was strongly influenced by punk and known for its extreme live performance, but since around 1981, after the gutarist OTO joined, the distinctive rich musicality, based on punk/funk/afro/reggae/folk/rock, had been deepened. A best compilation of 2 CDs that covers their major 15 tracks, including debut single "Last Tango in Juku/Hey Say!" (unincluded in the original albums).

The Beatniks/Exitentialism (1981)

The unit of Yukihiro Takahashi (YMO) and Keiichi Suzuki (Moonriders). The 1st album released between YMO's 'BGM' and 'Technodelic'. Avant-garde and dark techno-pop sound like YMO at the time, but melodic. The lyrics are English mixed with French phrases. There is also the remix version 'Another High Exit' by Something Wonderful, Aphex Twin, Bill Raswell and others.

Eiichi Otaki/A Long Vacation (1981) *

A first-rate pop album. Full of catchy melodies. A long seller album in Japan. He is a Japanese eminent songwriter/producer, who was influenced by American pops, such as Phil Spector and the Beach Boys. This work was released as the first audio CD in the world in 1982.

Akira Terao/Reflections (1981)

The debut album of Akira Terao, a musician and actor. A successful work of Japanese 'adult contemporary' style rock. All the songs composed by himself. The highlight is the arrangement in the fusion-music style by arranger/keyboardist Akita Inoue. The best-selling album in Japan during the 1980s (sales of 1 million and 646 thousand). Features the hits, "Ruby no Yubiwa (The Ruby Ring)", "Shadow City" and "Sasurai".

The Stalin/Mushi (Worm) (1983)

The punk band led by the vocalist Michiro Endo. The sound of this album is like hardcore punk, such as Dead Kennedys and Discharge. Includes "Suigin (Quicksilver)", "Azarashi (Seal)" and "Mushi (Worm)".

The Stalin/Stalinism (1980-1984)

The punk band led by the vocalist Michiro Endo. A compilation album that includes the early ten tracks not released in albums: two tracks from the phonosheet "Dendo Kokeshi/Niku (Vibrator/Flesh)" (1980), all the five tracks from the EP "Stalinism" (1981) ("Buta ni Shinju (Pearls Before Swine)", "Saru (Monkey)", "Kolkhoz no Tamanegi-Batake (The Onion Field in Kolkhoz)", "Ryoki Hunter (Bizarre Hunter)" and "Artist"), "Chicken Farm Chicken" from "Welcome to 1984" (omnibus LP released in the US in 1984), and two tracks from the phonosheet "Vacuum/Kaibo-Shitsu (Dissection Room)" (appendix to the 1984 album "Fish Inn").

Halmens/Halmens no Nijyu-sseiki (Halmens' 20 Century) (1981)

The second album featuring an excelent song "Oyako-Jusei". Jun Togawa (vocals) and Maki Nomiya (vocals) guest. Produced by Keiichi Suzuki (Moonriders).

Halmens/Halmens no Kindai Taiso (Halmens' Modern Gymnastic Exercises) (1980)

The new wave band formed by the ex-members of 8 2/1 and Shonen Homeruns. The members are Kenzo Saeki (vocals), Koji Ueno (synths, keyboards) and others. The debut album produced by Keiichi Suzuki (Moonriders).

(Various Artists)/Techno Kayo: Polydor edition/Heartbreak Taiyozoku (1978-1989)

Features Starbow/"Heartbreak Taiyozoku", Kiyoshiro Imawano+Ryuichi Sakamoto/"I.Ke.Na.I. Rouge Magic", Virgin VS/"Hoshizora Cycling" (the ending theme for the TV anime "Urusei Yatsura") and many other rare techno pop songs.

(Various Artists)/Techno Kayo: Toshiba EMI edition/Digita Love (1980-1986)

Features Fever/"Digita Love", Paul Hardcastle/"19" (the Japanese version featuring Japanese announcer Kango Kobayashi), Ryuichi Sakamoto/"Photo Musik" (the theme for NHK-FM's radio show "Sound Street") and many other rare techno pop songs.

Ippu-Do/Lunatic Menu (1980-1982)

The new wave band led by Masami Tsuchiya (guitar, vocals). A best compilation. Pop-oriented songs with catchy melodies. "Sumire September Love (Violet September Love)" is a smash hit song. "Futari no Season" is a cover of the Zombies' hit song "Time of the Season".

Seiko Matsuda/Kaze Tachinu (The Wind Rises) (1981)

The fourth album. The A-side five tracks, which are composed, arranged and produced by Eiichi Otaki, have a symmetrical relationship to the five tracks composed by Otaki in 'Niagara Triangle Vol.2' (1982). Recommended to those who like Otaki's "A Long Vacation" and his Niagara sound. Features two single tracks, 'Shiroi Parasol (A White Parasol)' and 'Kaze Tachinu (The Wind Rises)' (the commercial song for Ezaki Glico's 'Pocky').

Seiko Matsuda/Seiko Box (1980-1985)

The leading idol singer who had sung quality pop songs composed by some prominent singer/songwriters and artists. The No. 1 pop icon of the 1980s of Japan with a pure and refreshing image and clear candy voice. A box-set of 4 CDs that covers all the main tracks recorded in the early 1980s.

Friction/Friction (1980)

A Tokyo-based punk band by the trio of Reck (bass and vocals. Ex-member of Teenage Jesus & the Jerks), Chiko Hige (the first drummer of the Contortions) and Masatoshi Tsunematsu (guitar). The sound is like New York Punks or No Wave. The debut album co-produced by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Hikashu/Hikashu (1980)

A techno-pop/new wave band featuring Koichi Makigami's theatrical vocals. The debut album that includes "PuyoPuyo" and a cover of Kraftwerk's "The Model" with Japanese lyrics.

Plastics/Origato Plastico (1980)

This 2nd album is better in quality of music-writing than ths 1st. Toshio Nakanishi's vocals are cool.

Plastics/Welcome Plastics (1980)

A typical sound of Japanese light technopop by use of rhythm-box. 1st album featuring Toshio Nakanishi (vocals, guitar), Chika Sato (vocals), Hajime Tachibana (guitar) and Masahide Sakuma (synths). The lyrics are mainly English. Their 1st single "Copy/Robot" was released in the UK in 1979, and they made live tours in Europe and the US from 1980 to 1981.

Shokichi Kina & Champloose/Blood Line (1980)

A fusion of rock and Okinawan folk music. (Okinawa is an island at the southwestern end of Japan.) Ry Cooder and Haruomi Hosono joined. Includes the original track of "Flowers for Your Heart" (well-known in Asian countries).

Yokohama Ginbae/The Crazy Rider Yokohama Ginbae Rolling Special (1980-1983)

Simple rock'n'roll based on the American oldies of the late 1950s and the early 1960s. Humorous lyrics on motorcycle gangs, bad boys and high school students left behind. A best compilation album that includes 18 tracks, such as "Bucchigiri Rock'n Roll (Off the Charts Rock'n Roll)" and "Tsuppari High School Rock'n Roll: Toukou-hen (Bad Boys High School Rock'n Roll: Going to School Edition)".

Motoharu Sano/No Damage (1980-1983)

A compilation of the early songs by singer/songwriter Motoharu Sano. Orthodox rock'n'roll like Bruce Springsteen and catchy song writing. Sophisticated sound. He established a style of Japanese rock music by his original singing style of Japanese lyrics mixed with English phrases. 'Angelina', 'The Glass Generation' and 'Someday' are fine pop songs. Also includes the two tracks taken from the album 'Niagara Triangle Vol.2' (1982) by the trio of Motoharu Sano, Masamichi Sugi and Eiichi Otaki.

The Roosters/The Roosters (1980)

The rock band featuring Shinya Ohe (vocals) and Hiroyuki Hanada (guitar). The debut album. Punkish and straight-forward rock and roll based on the 1960s British blues rock. Includes the covers of Champs' "Tequila", Eddie Cochran's "C'mon Everybody" and Bo Diddley's "Mona (I Need You Baby)". The debut single "Rosie" is a ska-beat tune.

Yukihiro Takahashi/What, Me Worry? (1982)

The 4th solo album released by 'YEN Label' (preside by Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi) when he was a member of YMO. A masterpiece along with his previous album "Neuromantic". The sound is techno pop with Profit-5 (synth), but features melodic songs by his clear and strong vocals. The sound of Linn Drum (rhythm machine) is cool. "It's Gonna Work Out", "Disposable Love" and "Flashback" (composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto) are good tunes. "It's All Too Much" is a cover of the Beatles (composed by George Harrison). The guest musicians are: Bill Nelson (guitar), Zaine Griff (bass, vocals), Tony Mansfield (vocals), Ryuichi Sakamoto (keyboards), Haruomi Hosono (bass), and Kenji Omura (guitar).

Yukihiro Takahashi/Neuromantic (1981)

The 3rd solo album released when he was a member of YMO. The guest musicians are the other two members of YMO, Ryuichi Sakamoto (keyboards) and Haruomi Hosono (keyboards), Kenji Omura (guitar), Roxy Music's Andy Mackay (guitar) and Phil Manzanera (sax), and Tony Mansfield (keyboards, vocals). The sound is like YMO's album "BGM", released around the same time. A masterpiece of lyrical and romantic techno-pop, with subtle beauty in European style.

Yukihiro Takahashi/Murdered by the Music (1980)

The 2nd solo album released when he was a member of YMO. Features the other two members of YMO, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Haruomi Hosono. The melodies in the 1960s pop style. A good quality techno pop album. The live drums by Takahashi are cool. Includes lots of good tracks, like 'School of Thought' (composed by Sakamoto) and 'Blue Colour Worker' (composed by Hosono). 'Bijin-Kyoshi at the Swimming School' (A Good Looking Teacher at the Swimming School) is the self-cover of an offering to The Ventures. 'Stop in the Name of Love' is a cover of The Supremes.

Akiko Yano/Gohan ga Dekita yo (Dinner is Ready) (1980) **

The female singer/songwriter Akiko Yano's sixth solo album released after she joined YMO's world tour (1979-1980) as a keyboardist. The features are high musicality and flexibility that assimilates the techno-pop sound by YMO, new wave, jazz piano and Japanese traditional folk songs. "Tong Poo" is a cover of YMO. "Aoi Sanmyaku (Blue Mountain Range)" is a cover of Ryoichi Hattori. Co-produced by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Taeko Onuki/Cliché (1982)

The sixth solo album. Pop-oriented sound influenced by European music and chanson. A masterpiece of her early days. Recorded in Tokyo and Paris. Arranged by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Jean Musy (a French film music composer/arranger). Includes "Kuro no Clair/Clair Noir" (the commercial song for Maxell's cassette tape) and "Peter Rabbit to Watashi/Peter Rabbit and Me".

Taeko Onuki/Romantique (1980)

Her fourth solo album that includes the re-recording of "SHinkirou no Machi/The City of Mirage" released when she was a member of Sugar Babe. One of the works with European taste of those days. Arranged by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Kazuhiko Kato. The several tracks YMO joined are arranged in the techno style.

Moonriders/Aozora Hyakkei (100 Views of Blue Sky) (1982)

The album released six months after suspending the release of 'Mania Maniera'. More pop-oriented and light-filled sound than 'Mania Maniera'. Established as a sophisticated modern pop album. Easy-to-listen and recommended for beginners.

Moonriders/Mania Maniera (1982/1984/1986) *

Recorded in 1981-82, but not released because the record company regarded it as avant-garde. Released on CD in 1982 (CD player was not yet widespread at the time), sold as a cassette book in 1984, and released on vinyl in 1986. An experimental work influenced by modernism, futurism, Russian Avant-Garde and so on. The techno sounds by using Roland TR-808 and MC-4 are cool.

Moonriders/Camera Egal Stylo (1980)

A long-lived pop/new wave/techno band featuring Keiichi Suzuki. This album is in the punk/new wave style. All the track titles come from movie titles. 'The Third Man' is a cover of Anton Karas. 'Eighteen in the Sun/Diciottenni al Sole' is a cover of Ennio Morricone.

Chage & Aska/Very Best Roll Over 20th (1979-1999)

The pop duo of two singers/songwriters, Chage (real name: Shuji Shibata) and Ryo Asuka/Aska (real name: Shigeaki Miyazaki). They debuted with the style of folk music tinged with Enka (schmaltzy Japanese ballad), but after that they changed into more pop-oriented and melodic style, and became a nationally-popular duo with the smash hits such as 'Say Yes' and 'Yah Yah Yah' in the early 1990s. The best-compilation album (a set of 2 CDs) that includes their major songs released since 1979 until 1999, such as the debut song 'Hitorizaki', 'Banri no Kawa (The Great River)', 'Say Yes' (theme song for TV drama), 'Yah Yah Yah' (theme song for TV drama), 'On Your Mark' and 'Meguriai (Encounter)' (theme song for TV drama). 'On Your Mark' (directed by Hayao Miyazaki, produced by Studio Ghibli) is a short anime movie produced as the promotion film for Chage & Aska's song with the same title.

(Various Artists)/Techno Magic Kayokyoku (1979-1991)

A set of 2 CDs that includes 37 Japanese techno-pop style popular songs mainly released in the 1980s, which were not related to YMO members (the YMO-related songs are included in 'Yellow Magic Kayokyoku'). Compiled and commented by Yuji Tanaka (writer on music). Features lots of treasurable tracks such as Ikue Sakakibara/"Robot", Fever/"Digita Love", Baracuda/"Arara Korara", Kaori Tsuchiya/"Aishuu no Orient Kyuko", Chika Takami/"Kuchibiru Nude" (campaign song for Shiseido Cosmetics), TPO/"Hoshimaru Ondo", and Miyuki Kousaka/"Nuance Shimasho" (campaign song for Shiseido Cosmetics).

(Various Artists)/Yellow Magic Kayokyoku (1979-1988)

A set of 3 CDs that includes 55 Japanese popular songs in the techno-pop style, which were composed, arranged or produced by YMO members: Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Compiled and commented by Yuji Tanaka (writer on music). This compilation is useful for overviewing artists in the pop field concerned with YMO, because it includes not only rare tracks for maniacs, but also well-known songs and the ones already released on other compilations. Features Akiko Yano/"Harusaki Kobeni" (campaign song for Kanebo Cosmetics), Imokin Trio/"High School Lullaby" (No.1 hit song from a TV show), Tsukasa Ito/"Koi wa RunRun", Syuko Sakai/"Computer Obaachan", Kumiko Yamashita/"Sekidokomachi Doki" (campaign song for Kanebo Cosmetics), Ago & Kinzo/"Aishu no Death Match Love (Yokokuhen)", Starbow/"Heartbreak Taiyozoku", Yoshie Kashiwabara/"Shiawase Ondo" (Japanese "Bon Festival Dance" song with Okinawan musical scale), Cosmic Invention/"Cosmic Surfin'" (a junior high school students' techno band covers YMO's instrumental piece with vocals), Jun Togawa/"Tamahime-sama", Narumi Yasuda/"Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa" (image song for the anime movie "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind"), Seiko Matsuda/"Pink no Mozart", Tomoyo Harada/"Lycéenne", Kaori Nakahara/"Ginga Tetsudo no Yoru" (image song for the anime movie "Night on the Galactic Railroad"), Miho Tsumiki/"Jidai yo Kaware" and many others.

P-Model/Perspective (1982)

The 4th album with aggressive sounds by using reverberating drum effects. Elaborate sound processing. There is also another version entitled 'Perspective II' that includes another takes of all the tracks and 2 instrumental tracks not in the original.

P-Model/In a Model Room (1979)

The techno band led by Susumu Hirasawa. The predecessor band was Mandrake, a progressive rock band influenced by King Crimson. This debut album has punk-oriented techno pop sounds. They performed as an opening act for XTC's live in Japan (1979).

YMO/Technodelic (1981) **

Avant-garde techno-pop with funky rhythms by using sampler. Great. Highly recommended. Features "Taiso (Gymnastic Exercises)" and "Key".

YMO/BGM (1981) **

heavy, dark, melancholic and art-oriented sound influenced by UK new wave and Brian Eno. The greatest work, I think. Advanced sound that foreruns later ambient techno, minimal techno and electronica. Recommended to serious techno listeners who like Kraftwerk and Eno.

Yellow Magic Orchestra/Xoo Multiplies (1980)

A mini-album produced by the collaboration with radio show "Snakeman Show" (Masato Eve, Katsuya Kobayashi and Moichi Kuwahara). There're several comedy skits by Snakeman Show between the musical tracks. "Nice Age" and "Citizens of Science" are new-wave electro pop featuring Yukihiro Takahashi's vocals. "Tighten Up (Japanese Gentlemen Stand Up Please!)" is a cover of the soul group, Archie Bell & the Drells' "Tighten Up". "Multiplies" is a ska-beat tune.

Yellow Magic Orchestra/Solid State Survivor (1979)

YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra) was one of the originators of Japanese technopop/synth-pop. YMO was formed by three musicians, Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi and Ryuichi Sakamoto in 1978 (disbanded in 1983), under the influence of Kraftwerk. They made world tours (in Europe and the US) twice, in 1979 and 1980. This 2nd album was a smach hit of Japanese popular synth-disco-pop. Includes "Technopolis" and "Rydeen". "Day Tripper" is a cover of the Beatles.

(Various Artists)/Tokyo New Wave '79 (1979)

Includes live performances by 5 bands (Sex, Jisatsu, Pain, 8 2/1, Bolshie) in the 2nd generation of Japanese punk/new wave, who follow the 1st generation bands called 'Tokyo Rockers' (Friction, Mirrors, Lizard, S-Ken, Mr. Kite and so on).

Kazumi Watanabe/Kylyn Live (1979)

Aggressive live performances by Kylyn, a fusion-oriented session group led by the jazz guitarist Kazumi Watanabe. Featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto (keyboards), Akiko Yano (vocals and keyboards) and other great session players. Artful and sharp performances with odd time signatures, polyrhythms and lots of ad-lib solos.

Mariya Takeuchi/Impressions (1984-1994)

The best compilation that includes the early masterpieces by Mariya Takeuchi as a singer & songwriter. A blockbuster album that racked up sales of over three million and 500 thousand in Japan. Mainly consists of the tracks from the three albums released on Moon label from 1984 to 1992. Produced by Tatsuro Yamashita. Features lots of hits released as the theme songs for TV dramas, and several self-covers of the songs she wrote to other idol/pop singers.

Mariya Takeuchi/Best Pack (1978-1981)

The best compilation that includes female singer Mariya Takeuchi's early works on the RCA label. Urbanized and sophisticated sound rooted in the 1960s Western (Euro-American) popular music. She was cast as a pop idol when she debuted, but since around the 1980, as a singer & songwriter, she became to write lots of songs for herself. Features lots of good songs such as 'Dream of You', 'September' and 'Fushigi na Peach Pie/Magical Peach Pie'.

Haruo Chikada & Haruophone/Dengekiteki Tokyo (Electric Tokyo) (1978)

The 3rd album that directly expressed the devotion of Haruo Chikada (keyboards, vocals) to Japanese lowbrow pop songs called 'Kayokyoku'. All the songs except the only original 'Koi no T.P.O. (Love's T.P.O.)' (the album version) are the covers of Kayokyoku (composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi, Shunichi Tokura, Kunihiko Kase and others) with glam-rock/punk style arrangement.

Yoshitaka Minami/South of the Border (1978)

A male singer/songwriter also known as a composer. The 3rd album. A masterpiece of Japanese 'urban pop' in the style of Latin-flavored resort music. Adult-oriented, urbanized and sophisticated sounds. Ryuichi Sakamoto joined in full scale (performance, arrangement and sound production).

Ryuichi Sakamoto/Miraiha Yaro (Future Boy/Futurista) (1986)

An avant-garde pop album in the motif of Italian Futurism (Marinetti, Lussolo). Almost all the sounds are made by the digital synth DX-7 and Fairlight (sampler). Aggressive and machinelike beat like The Art of Noise or industrial techno. The guest musicians are: Meceo Parker Jr. (alto sax), Bernard Fowler (vocals), Haruo Kubota (guitar) from Pearl Brothers, Minako Yoshida (vocals), Caoli Cano (vocals) and others.

Ryuichi Sakamoto/Ongaku Zukan (Illustrated Musical Encyclopedia) (1984)

The first solo work released after YMO disbanded. Pop and relaxing sounds, like easy listening music or fusion, by full use of Fairlight (sampler). Easy-to-listen and recommended for beginners. The UK version 'Illustrated Musical Encyclopedia' is an edited version including singles 'Fieldwork' (with Thomas Dolby) and 'Steppin' Into Asia', and differs from the original Japanese version in track.

Ryuichi Sakamoto/Left Handed Dream (1981)

The third solo album released when he was a member of YMO. Distinctive sound fusing programmed synths with live performances. The drums and percussion like Asian/African ethnic music are effective. Simple and pop melodies. It comprises ten tracks in total, and features Sakamoto's vocals on the six tracks. Adrian Belew (guitar) guests. Co-produced by Robin Scott (M).

Ryuichi Sakamoto/B-2 Unit (1980) **

An experimental solo album released when he was a member of YMO. Avant-garde and abstract sound in the dub style. Andy Partridge (guitar) from XTC joined. Engineered by Dennis Bovell and others.

Ryuichi Sakamoto & the Kakutougi Session/Summer Nerves (1979)

A fusion-style studio recording session with the members of Kylyn (a session group led by the jazz guitarist Kazumi Watanabe) and his other fellow musicians. Ryuichi Sakamoto (keyboards, synths and vocals), Rei Ohara (bass), Yukihiro Takahashi (drums), Shigeru Suzuki (guitar), Kenji Omura (guitar), Kazumi Watanabe (guitar), Pecker (percussion), Motoya Hamaguchi (percussion), Akiko Yano (vocals) and so on. Includes 'Theme for Kakutougi' (Kakutougi means martial art/combat sports) and 'Sleep on My Baby' (composed by Yano).

Ryuichi Sakamoto/Thousand Knives (1978) **

His solo debut album released just before YMO was formed. Instrumental techno sound influenced by contemporary music (Iannis Xenakis and so on). The dawn of Japanese techno.

Southern All Stars/Umi no Yeah!! (Sea's Yeah!!) (1978-1998)

The long-lived band led by Keisuke Kuwata (vocals, guitar, songwriting). They have produced lots of catchy, mass-appeal hit songs with their distinctive style that assimilated both Westarn/Japanese pops. The features of Kuwata's vocals are English-like Japanese pronunciation with rolling tongue and husky voice. The best compilation (a set of 2 CDs) that covers all their main songs released since the 1998, such as "katte ni Sindbad", a ballad classic "Itoshi no Ellie (My Love Ellie)", "Niji-iro the Night Club (The Rainbow-Colored Night Club)", "Manatsu no Kajitsu (Midsummer Fruit)" and "Erotica Seven".

Yumi Matsutoya/Neue Musik (1978-1998)

The maven of Japanese pop called "New Music" since the 1970s. The best compilation album (a set of 2 CDs) that includes the songs selected by fans. Features "Mamotte Agetai (I Wanna Keep You Safe)" (the theme song for the movie "Nerawareta Gakuen/School in the Crosshairs"), "Blizzard", "Surf Tengoku, Ski Tengoku (Surfin' Heaven, Ski Heaven)", "Destiny", "Refrain ga Sakenderu (Refrain is Crying)", "Haru yo Koi (Spring, Come Here)" and "Cinderella Express".

Prism/Prism (1977)

Japan's first full-fledged fusion band led by Akira Wada (guitar). The debut album released when Katsutoshi Morizono (guitar, ex-Yonin Bayashi) was a member. Instrumental music with bass, drums, two guitars and two keyboards. The technique of performance and the musical construction is excellent. A classical masterpiece of J-Fusion.

Godiego/Godiego Great Best Vol.1 Japanese Version (1976-1982)

A pop-oriented rock band that had been nationally popular in Japan in the late 1970s. The members are three Japanese: Mickie Yoshino (keyboards and songwriting, ex-member of the Japanese GS band, the Golden Cups), Yukihide Takekawa (vocals and songwriting) and Takami Aasano (guitar), and two Americans: Steve Fox (bass) and Tommy Snyder (drums). Catchy melodies directly influenced by the Beatles/Paul McCartney. The original lyrics are all English (some singles were released as the Japanese versions too). There are lots of hits like commercial songs, themes for TV shows and movies. The best compilation album that includes the Japanese versions of their 16 masterpieces such as "Salad Girl" (the commercial song for Kanebo Cosmetics), "Monkey Magic" (the opening theme for the TV drama "Saiyuki"), "Gandhara" (the ending theme for "Saiyuki"), "Beautiful Name" (the campaign song for 1979 the International Year of the Child) and "Galaxy Express 999" (the theme song for the anime movie "Galaxy Express 999") ("Salad Girl" and "Monkey Magic" have only the English lyrics). There is also another compilation "Godiego Great Best Vol.2 English Version", wihch includes the original English versions of the 16 songs same as this album.

Tatsuro Yamashita/Treasures (1983-1995)

A best compilation album that mainly contains singles released from 1983 to 1995, since he transferred to the Moon Records. Features lots of good-quality songs, such as 'Get Back in Love' (the first top ten hit eight years after 'Ride on Time'), 'Christmas Eve' (a smash hit which became a standard song for Christmas in Japan), 'Kokiatsu Girl/Anticyclonic Girl', 'Sekai no Hate Made/To the World's End' and 'Sobo/Nameless People'. The chorus melody of the interlude of 'Christmas Eve' is a quote from Pachelbel's 'Canon'. 'Atom no Ko/Atom's Children' in the motif of 'Tetsuwan Atom/Astroboy' is a tribute song to the manga artist Osamu Tezuka.

Tatsuro Yamashita/Greatest Hits! of Tatsuro Yamashita (1976-1982)

The best compilation of singer & songwriter/composer/arranger/music producer, Tatsuro Yamashita, who debuted as a solo artist after Sugar Babe disbanded. Includes the songs in his early days when he was affiliated with the RCA/AIR label (1976-1982). All the tracks selected by Yamashita himself. Lots of good songs based on American pop music such as R&B, soul and funk. Features his first hit 'Ride on Time' (the original single version) and a great ballad 'The Whispering Sea'.

RC Succession/Rhapsody (1980)

After the guitarist Reiichi Nakaido (ex-the folk duo Furuido) joined, they recreated themselves as a rock band and started to gain popularity in places with live music. The live-recording album (in the Kubo Auditorium, Tokyo) released in those days. Features "Ame-agari no Yozora ni (In the Night Sky After the Rain)".

RC Succession/Single Man (1976/1980)

Formed as a folk group led by Kiyoshiro Imawano (vocals). When they released this third album, they started t show their distinctive style influenced by the 1970s soul/R&B. Kiyoshiro's "squeezing" style of vocals is unique. The US funk band, Tower of Power guest. This album didn't sell well, and it had been discontinued, but officially re-released in 1980. Features an impressive song "Slow Ballad".

Haruomi Hosono/S-F-X (1984)

A solo album (from the 'Non-Standard' label) released after YMO disbanded. Includes 6 tracks. Hip-hop/ambient techno by using the digital synth DX-7, Emulator and Linn Drum (rhythm machine). Advanced sounds that developed YMO's techno-pop. Includes 'Body Snatchers'.

Haruomi Hosono/Bon Voyage (1976)

The 3rd album. New Orleans R&B, Okinawan folk music, calypso/Caribbean music... A masterpiece of exotic and tropical music.

Pink Lady/Twin Best: Pink Lady (1976-1981/1993)

A female pop duo of Mie (real name: Mitsuyo Nemoto) and Kei (real name: Keiko Masuda). They formed the duo through passing a TV audition program for singers. Their catchy songs with hooks (composed by Shun'ichi Tokura, written by Yuu Aku) and unique choreography (dances) became the craze all over Japan, and they became a national pop icon. A set of 2 CDs that covers all the single hits until disbanded in 1981 and other main songs. Also features the commercial song (for Japanese TV) medley. 'Kiss in the Dark', a disco-pop with English lyrics (written by Michael Lloyd), got #37 on the chart in Billboard, the US music magazine.

Hiromi Iwasaki/Best Selection (1975-1992)

A female vocalist who had been a nationally popular singer in the late 1970s and the early 1980s. Stretching vocals and notable ability to sing. The music is in the style of typical Japanese pop songs called "Kayokyoku". Her early singles (lyrics by Yuu Aku, composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi) are catchy and recommended. The 2-CD compilation that includes her major singles until 1992, such as "Duet", "Romance", "Sentimental", "Fantasy", "Mirai (Future)", "Nettaigyo (Tropical Fish)", "Shisyuuki", "Hatachimae (Before Age 20)", "Cinderella Honeymoon", "Slow na Ai ga Iiwa (I Prefer Slow Love)", and "Madonna tachi no Lullaby (Madonnas' Lullaby)". "Ginga Densetsu (Galaxy Legend)" is the theme song for the anime movie "Be Forever Yamato". "Ai wo Plus One (Plus One Love)" is the opening theme for the TV anime "Mama wa Shogaku 4-nensei (Mama is a 4th Grader)".

Rouge/The Best of Rouge (1975)

A five-piece rock and roll band led by Takuya Abe (vocals) and Masakazu Oshio (guitar), Influenced by the Rolling Stones. The only studio recording album produced by Kazuhiko Kato. Vulgar and flashy glam-rock sound like New York Dolls. Recommended to Dolls fans.

Sonhouse/Uchoten (Ecstasy) (1975)

A five-piece rock band led by Kiku/Toshiyuki Shibayama (vocals) and Makoto Ayukawa (guitar). 1st album. Bluesy, straight-forward rock and roll. Ayukawa's solid guitar work is cool. 'Lemon Tea' is a remake of the rock and roll standard, "The Train Kept A Rollin'" (Tiny Bradshaw's jump blues).

Shigeru Suzuki/Band Wagon (1975)

Ex-Happy End guitarist, Shigeru Suzuki's solo debut album. Ex-Santana Band Doug Rauch (bass), Ex-Sly & the Familystone Greg Errico (drums), David Garibaldi (drums) from Tower of Power, Bill Payne (keyboards) from Little Feat, Richie Hayward (drums), Ken Gradney (bass) and Sam Clayton (congas) guest. Shigeru Suzuki plays the slide guitar and sings in Japanese with Bay-Area funk sound.

Sugar Babe/Songs (1975)

The one and only album of the legendary band featuring Tatsuro Yamashita (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Taeko Onuki (vocals, keyboards). Melodic sound strongly influenced by American pop. The chorus work is exquisite. Produced by Eiichi Otaki and Tatsuro Yamashita. Yamashita's compositions are excellent. Features the pop classic 'Down Town'.

Chu Kosaka/Horo (Wandering) (1975)

A singer/songwriter who was a member of Floral and Apryl Fool. His greatest album. One of the pioneering works of Japanese R&B. Co-produced by Haruomi Hosono.

Carmen Maki & OZ/Carmen Maki & OZ (1975)

The debut album of the rock band formed by female singer Carmen Maki with Hirofumi Kasuga (guitar) and others. Soulful vocals influenced by Janis Joplin. Dramatic sounds like hard rock/prog rock. Well-established as the first full-scale female rock vocal album in Japan.

Ukadan/Golden Best: Complete Best 1974-1997 (1974-1997)

The acoustic blues band led by Kantaro Uchida (guitar) and Hidekatsu (Atsuki) Kimura (vocals and guitar). The best compilation (a set of 2 CDs) that includes all their major 35 recordings released on the three labels (Trio Records/For Life Records/Warner Music), including their debut single "Osouji Obachan (An Old Cleaning-Lady)". "Summertime" is a cover of George Gershwin. "If I Didn't Love You" is a cover of Lil Green (composed by Joe McCoy). "All of Me" is a cover of the standard number composed by Gerald Marks in 1931. "Stealin'" is a cover of Gus Cannon. "Nagisa no Boardwalk" is a cover of the Drifters' hit song "Under the Boardwalk" (#1 on the US charts in 1964). "Uso wa Tsumi" is a cover of the standard number "It's a Sin to Tell a Lie", composed by Billy Mayhew in 1936. "Kokoro wa Itsumo Jotenki" is a cover of the standard number "Pennies from Heaven", composed by Arthur Johnston in 1936. "Slow Boat to China" is a cover of the standard number "On a Slow Boat to China", composed by Frank Loesser in 1948. "Kimi to Itsumademo (Stay with You Forever)" is a cover of Yuzo Kayama. "Funky Monkey Baby" is a cover of Carol.

Hiromi Ohta/Golden Best: Complete Singles Collection (1974-2001)

A female singer & songwriter who debuted with a song with the piano accompaniment, "Amadare (A Raindrop)" in 1974. In the early days, she had sung lots of folk-tinged pop songs written by Takashi Matsumoto and composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi, but after that she also sung some songs in the techno-pop/new wave style in the early 1980s. A best compilation album that includes all her singles released until 2001 (a set of 2 CDs). Features her biggest hit tune, "Momen no Handkerchief (A Cotton Handkerchief)" and many other hits. "Saraba Siberia-Tetsudo (Farewell To Trans-Siberian Railway)" (composed by Eiichi Otaki) is a great masterpiece. "Koibito-tachi no Inori (Get Away)" is a collaboration with The Gospellers. "Kaze wo Atsumete (Gathering Winds)" is a cover of Happy End. "Candy" is a cover of Shinji Hadara.

Rabi Nakayama/HiraHira (1974)

A female singer & songwriter who was greatly influenced by Bob Dylan. This second album is noted as her masterpiece. Folk-rock oriented sound with her plain, natural vocals and simple performance by the backing band.