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Japan
Artist profile

Japan

Japan was a British band active in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with David Sylvian on vocals, Mick Karn on bass, Richard Barbieri on keyboards, and Steve...

album46 lyric pages photo_library1 photo groups8 listeners here now Editor's note live
person Curated by Ethan Walker LyroVerse team
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Ain't That Peculiar 10 visits arrow_forward Life In Tokio 9 visits arrow_forward Adolescent Sex 8 visits arrow_forward Alien 7 visits arrow_forward All Tomorrow's Parties 6 visits arrow_forward Ghosts 6 visits arrow_forward
Editor's note

Japan's atmospheric post-punk and synth-driven evolution

A British band from the late 1970s whose moody soundscapes influenced later synth-pop.

For their early post-punk feel, listen to 'Adolescent Sex'. For the atmospheric sound they became known for, 'Ghosts' is the one.

Japan's music shifted from the raw energy of 'Adolescent Sex' to the atmospheric synthesizer landscapes of 'Quiet Life' and 'Tin Drum'. Their songs like 'Visions of China' and 'Ghosts' created a distinct, moody aesthetic that resonated beyond their 1982 breakup. That sound has been cited as an influence on later alternative and synth-pop acts.

The band formed with David Sylvian on vocals, Mick Karn on bass, Richard Barbieri on keyboards, and Steve Jansen on drums. Their 1979 album 'Quiet Life' marked a clear turn toward more synthesizer-driven material. They released four studio albums before breaking up in 1982, with members pursuing solo work afterward.

edit_note Ethan Walker · LyroVerse team · Apr 20
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LyroVerse editor's notes are short interpretation guides, not final verdicts. If something needs a correction, visit About or Contact.

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46 lyric pages live 1 photo available Editor's note live Video on page
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Japan
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Japan was a British band active in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with David Sylvian on vocals, Mick Karn on bass, Richard Barbieri on keyboards, and Steve Jansen on drums. They released four studio albums, starting with 'Adolescent Sex' in 1978. That song, along with others like 'Visions of China' and 'Alien', showed their interest in atmospheric, moody post-punk.

Their 1979 album 'Quiet Life' was a turning point, moving toward more synthesizer-driven sounds and gaining wider attention.

Japan broke up in 1982. Afterward, Sylvian pursued a solo career, while the other members worked on various projects. Their music, particularly from the 'Quiet Life' and 'Tin Drum' period, has been cited as an influence on later synth-pop and alternative acts.

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Where should I start with Japan on LyroVerse?

The Start here section opens with Ain't That Peculiar, Life In Tokio, and Adolescent Sex so you can move through the artist's stronger lyric pages first.

How many lyric pages are live for Japan?

LyroVerse currently has 46 visible lyric pages for Japan.

Does Japan have photos on LyroVerse?

Yes. There are 1 photo available, and the preview gallery on this page links to the full photos section.

Does LyroVerse have an editor's note for Japan?

Yes. The editor's note on this page is a short LyroVerse team guide, not a final verdict on the artist.

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