JAPAN – LIFE IN TOKYO 12″ – Nr MINT UK 1982 DAVID SYLVIAN GIORGIO MORODER

Japan – Life In Tokyo
 (Hansa Records  1982  HANSA1217)
Matrix No’s: A1/B1 – UK Pressing

Sleeve in Excellent+ condition
– some light ringwear

Vinyl in Nr MINT condition
(there are some light surface marks visible on the vinyl when held up to the light but they don’t affect the sound quality)

Japan were an English music group formed in 1974 in Catford, South London by David Sylvian (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steve Jansen (drums), Richard Barbieri (keyboards) and Mick Karn (bass guitar). Initially a glam-inspired group, Japan developed their sound and androgynous style to incorporate electronic music and foreign influences, eventually becoming an influence on the UK’s early-1980s New Romantic scene.

Japan achieved success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, releasing nine UK Top 40 hits, including the 1982 Top 10 hit “Ghosts”, and scoring a UK Top 5 with the live album Oil on Canvas (1983). The band split in 1982, just as they were beginning to experience significant commercial success in the UK and abroad. Its members went on to pursue other musical projects, though they reformed briefly in the early 1990s under the name Rain Tree Crow, releasing an album in 1991.

“Life in Tokyo” is a song by the British band Japan. A collaboration with disco producer Giorgio Moroder, who also co-wrote the song with David Sylvian, it marked a change of direction from the band’s previous sound. Originally released as a single in 1979, it was reissued twice before it finally became a hit on the UK Singles Chart in 1982.

Track listing

12″: Hansa / HANSA 12-17 (1982, UK)

1. “Life in Tokyo” (Extended Remix) – 7:05
2. “Life in Tokyo” (Theme) – 3:53