Classic and popular tracks in Japanese techno

Love BeatSunahara Yoshinori

Yoshinori Sunahara – Love Beat

By Yoshinori Sunahara, also affectionately known as Marin, formerly of Denki Groove.

Wrapped in an oriental ambient sound, it feels as if both body and mind are gently drifting.

While Sunahara is also famous for his upbeat, chiptune-like sounds, this track is recommended for moments when you want to take it slow.

LAY YOUR HANDS ON MEBOOM BOOM SATELLITES

BOOM BOOM SATELLITES 『LAY YOUR HANDS ON ME』Short Ver.

This became BOOM BOOM SATELLITES’ final song, the posthumous work of member Michiyuki Kawashima.

It was also used as the opening theme for the anime Kiznaiver, and drew attention because Kawashima’s daughter appears in the music video.

It’s a masterpiece whose soaring vocals and cascading tones are so moving they bring tears to your eyes.

jellyCAPSULE

Capsule – Jelly

This is a track that lets you get intoxicated by Capsule’s mysterious world, woven from Yasutaka Nakata’s cool sound and Toshiko Koshijima’s cute vocals.

The pop melody will have your body moving naturally.

Even though it’s authentic techno, it has plenty of vocals, so it’s fun to sing at karaoke.

ExtraKen Ishii

Ken Ishii ‘Extra’ – Music Video (HD)

An undeniable classic by Ken Ishii, influenced by Detroit techno.

Its distinctive beat and crisp percussion make your heart tremble.

It pairs perfectly with the music video directed by Kōji Morimoto, an animator from AKIRA, and I think many people were blown away when it was released.

SHADOWS ON THE GROUNDYellow Magic Orchestra

YMO – shadows on the ground

It’s a sophisticated number that skillfully incorporates elements of mature AOR and bossa nova.

Its distinctive “trompe-l’oeil” rhythmic structure makes it hard to tell where the downbeat is at first listen, revealing a highly advanced musical design.

Co-written by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi, it appears on the album “SERVICE,” released in December 1983.

The lyrics delicately depict warmth found amid the bleak scenery of November, along with the interplay of light and shadow.

As a masterpiece that captures the mature atmosphere just before YMO’s breakup, it’s perfect for listening alone on a quiet night, taking it in with full attention.

Tokyo Disco Music All Night LongKagami

Kagami – Tokyo Disco Music All Night Long

When promo copies were played in clubs by artists like Takkyu Ishino and DJ Tasaka, the track instantly drew attention and soon became a heavily played classic.

Beyond its quality as a song, thanks to KAGAMI’s character, it has remained a beloved masterpiece even after his passing.

TechnovaTOWA TEI

“TECHNOVA” TOWA TEI WITH BEBEL GILBERTO

Towa Tei is a Japanese DJ and music producer.

When he was a university student, he sent a demo tape to Ryuichi Sakamoto’s FM radio program and was described as “lacking technique but possessing an extraordinarily good sense that overwhelmed others.” While studying graphic design in the United States, he released Groove Is In The Heart, which reached No.

1 in the UK and Australia and No.

4 on the U.S.

Billboard Pop chart.

Since 1994, he has centered his activities in Japan.