Japan (group)

Japan were a British rock group formed in the mid-seventies in Catford, London. Initially inspired by the glam-rock movement, as shown by extravagant use of make up, clothes and hairstyles, the group later moved towards a more mellow sound incorporating electronics and ultimately aspects of oriental music. Founder members Mick Karn, Richard Barbieri and brothers David Sylvian and Steve Jansen (real names David and Stephen Batt), all school friends, were later joined by guitarist Rob Dean and in 1977 signed to German label Ariola. Their first two albums gained some success in Japan and to a lesser extent in Europe although failed to make a mark in their native UK. Third album Quiet Life showed a more active use of synthesizers and electronic percussion and effects (after working with disco producer Giorgio Moroder) while the follow-up Gentleman Take Polaroids (their first on Virgin records) saw them gain favour from critics and followers of the upcoming 'New Romantic' movement who identified with the European ennui of their songs, as well as their striking visual appearance. Their final album Tin Drum (1981) borrowed heavily from minimalist oriental music and saw them reach the height of their commercial success with the album's hit singles coupled with the public's belated interest in previous albums. Despite their long-awaited and hard-earned success, the group split at the end of their 1982 tour, which had included a six-night sell-out run at London's Hammersmith Odeon in November. Individual members, most notably David Sylvian, all pursued solo careers afterwards. Bassist Mick Karn died from cancer in 2011.

Links to The Human League

 * Both groups were signed to Virgin Records.


 * Both groups finally gained commercial success around 1981/1982 after previously achieving some degree of critical acclaim and a reputation as a live act.
 * Both groups were favourites of pop periodical Smash Hits, regularly appearing in the magazine 1980-1982.
 * Like Philip Oakey, Japan also worked briefly with producer Giorgio Moroder for their single "life in Tokyo" (1979)