From Japan! Technopop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks
Even if you have a vague image of the music genre “techno-pop,” only those quite knowledgeable about music likely know its actual origins and definition.
In fact, it’s a coined term that was created in Japan to introduce the legendary German electronic group Kraftwerk, and from the late 1970s to the early 1980s it also became a musical trend—centered around YMO—as a genre in its own right.
In this article, we’ve gathered classic tracks born during the heyday of techno-pop, which can be considered a Japan-originated movement.
The lineup also includes great contemporaneous tracks from overseas synth-pop and electro-pop, so please take a look!
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From Japan! Technopop Masterpieces: Recommended Popular Songs (1–10)
PopmuzikM
When it comes to iconic hits from the late 1970s synth-pop/technopop era, it has to be “Pop Muzik,” the classic by M, the project led by UK musician Robin Scott.
Released in 1979, it soared to No.
2 on the charts in the UK and even reached No.
1 on the U.S.
Billboard chart.
Although he’s often remembered as a one-hit wonder due to the lack of subsequent hits, there’s no doubt this track is indispensable when discussing technopop of the time.
With its blurred, chant-like title hook, disco-style beat, and deliberately cheap electronic sounds, it exudes a peculiar charm—truly a killer tune that could be called a symbolic “technopop” track overseas.
By the way, the Japanese title wasn’t “Pop Music” but “Pop Myūjikku,” which somehow feels just right.
RelâchéSakamoto Ryuichi
Since we’ve introduced solo tracks by Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, we should naturally cover a solo piece by “Professor” Ryuichi Sakamoto as well.
In this article, I’d like to highlight Relâche, included on Sakamoto’s third solo album, Left-Handed Dream, released in 1981 during what could be called the heyday of technopop.
It’s an instrumental track that, while deserving to be discussed in the technopop context, possesses a unique atmosphere—featuring guitarist Adrian Belew, a world-renowned musician known for his work with King Crimson, and also crediting Robin Scott, who scored a massive hit as M with Pop Muzik.
The looping synth riff has a curious allure, and the suddenly introduced telephone sound is oddly amusing.
With Haruomi Hosono on bass and Yukihiro Takahashi on drums generating a powerful groove, it’s essentially YMO, yet it unmistakably remains Sakamoto’s own world—which is part of the fun.
It’s Gonna Work OutTakahashi Yukihiro
Yukihiro Takahashi—a member of YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra), pioneers of Japanese technopop; a brilliant drummer with exceptional skill; and a musician who created many works etched into Japan’s music history.
Among the many classic songs he released as a solo artist, this time I’d like to highlight “IT’S GONNA WORK OUT,” a track from his 1982 album WHAT, ME WORRY? (Boku, Daijoubu!!), released at the height of the technopop era.
With lyrics contributed by Peter Barakan, the track features delightfully “piko-piko” electronic sounds, a mechanistic beat emblematic of the New Wave–technopop heyday, Takahashi’s refined vocals, and a catchy melody—all of which make it irresistibly cool and stylish.
The song was also covered on the 2012 tribute album RED DIAMOND ~Tribute to Yukihiro Takahashi~, so be sure to check that out as well.
From Japan! Technopop Masterpieces: Recommended Popular Songs (11–20)
Video Killed The Radio StarThe Buggles
It’s a masterpiece that became a huge hit in 1979—one whose chorus almost everyone has heard at least once! Also known in Japan as “The Tragedy of the Radio Star,” it’s one of the most important songs in music history as the first music video ever broadcast on MTV, spawning countless parodies.
Created by the Buggles, the duo of Trevor Horn—who would later achieve massive worldwide success as a music producer—and Geoff Downes—who went on to form Asia and also enjoy great success—it’s their signature track and a quintessential anthem of the New Wave era.
With its shimmering synth sound and an irresistibly catchy melody you’ll never forget after a single listen, it transcends genres like technopop and synthpop, standing as a timeless example of the perfect pop song—a killer tune if ever there was one.
Enola GayOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
You can’t help but have your ears captured right from the intro, with that cheap rhythm box and charming synth tone! Then the live bass line layers in, the danceable drums kick off, and the unmistakably new wave vocals and melody begin—it’s pure bliss.
This wonderfully pop and delightful track, “Enola Gay,” is a hit released in 1980 by the British synth-pop duo Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.
In Japan, it was introduced under the localized title “Enola Gay no Higeki” and was even used as the theme for TV Asahi’s news program CNN Daywatch.
It’s no exaggeration to call it a techno-pop classic, but what’s distinctive here is that, whereas many techno-pop songs feature rather detached, understated melodies, this one is sung with comparatively full-bodied delivery and carries a melancholic, subtly damp mood that particularly appeals to Japanese listeners.
Be sure to check out their other works as well—they were influenced by Kraftwerk and also have an experimental side!
El QueDAF
Overseas, there’s a genre known as Electronic Body Music (EBM), and DAF is often cited as one of its originators.
Unlike impersonal techno, DAF used electronic sounds while incorporating live drums to create a physical, body-driven beat and a hard-edged sound.
They’re a key German new wave unit—one that Taku Takkyu Ishino has named as a favorite.
El Que, a track from their 1981 album Gold und Liebe (also known in Japan as Ai to Oogon, or “Love and Gold”), embodies Germanic intellect and stark minimalism while remaining firmly rooted in dance music built around the body.
Its subtle catchiness is a crucial point too—it’s music meant to be felt and danced to, not overthought.
Quiet LifeJapan
Japan, the legendary British group that initially enjoyed overwhelming popularity in Japan for their stunning looks and deep appreciation of art, are introduced here with the title track from their 1979 masterpiece album Quiet Life, which marked their shift away from an early glam-influenced sound toward a synth-driven approach.
The charismatic frontman David Sylvian’s richly resonant vocals, Mick Karn’s fretless bass that generates a singular groove, the impeccable beat born from the superb sense of rhythm of Sylvian’s younger brother Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri’s floating synths and Rob Dean’s spot-on guitar work, and the decadent atmosphere permeating the entire track—all combine into a pop yet highly art-oriented sound.
It stands as a quintessential example of European-flavored technopop and art pop, a sound that only Japan could create, and its reputation continues to grow.
Be sure to watch it together with the music video, where you can fully appreciate the members’ beauty!