Description
Dubby and Rush Hour's Antal, pioneers who introduced rare Japanese recordings to the world, have compiled 1980s electronic kayō for the dancefloor.
Emerging in Japan in the late 1970s, "techno kayō" blended traditional kayōkyoku melodies with futuristic synthesizers and rhythm machines. Influenced by European electronic music acts such as Kraftwerk and laid by Yellow Magic Orchestra, the genre has a distinctive sound that is both nostalgic and ahead of its time.
Dubby, a key figure in introducing Japanese music to the world and owner of the legendary Tokyo record shop Ondas, has teamed up with Antal, co-founder of Amsterdam's renowned Rush Hour. Focusing on proto-techno, electro-pop, and synth-pop from 1981 to 1989, this release is pressed at 45 RPM to more vividly capture the sharp attack and explosive rhythmic textures characteristic of electronic instruments.
Includes an obi strip and liner notes, with artwork by Johann Kauth. This valuable collection is available exclusively on physical media in vinyl and CD formats, with no digital distribution.
1. The Peters - HAPPY TIME
2. TPO feat. Linda - Rock The Hour
3. Kuniko Yamada - Tetsugaku Shiyo (Viens Philosopher)
4. Kazuo Ohtani - Last Battle
5. Kyoko Koizumi - Microwave
6. Targets - City Train
7. Hikashu - Melonno Nakano Hitsuji
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Compiled by Dubby & Antal, Techno Kayō Volume One is a dancefloor-friendly selection focusing on Japanese proto-techno, electro-pop, and synthpop from the 1980s. Pressed at 45RPM. Comes with OBI and insert with liner notes. Note: This release is only available on physical format (Vinyl & CD) / no downloads will be available.
In late-1970s Japan, a new and unique “genre” called techno kayō emerged, blending catchy pop melodies with the futuristic sounds of synthesizers and drum machines. Rooted in the older kayōkyoku style, it was influenced by European electronic acts like Kraftwerk, but had a distinctly Japanese flair. Artists such as Yellow Magic Orchestra pioneered this retro-futuristic sound, creating music that felt both nostalgic and ahead of its time.
Dubby, owner of the legendary record shop Ondas in Tokyo, was one of the first to make Japanese music available to the outside world. He has teamed up with Antal, co-founder of the Amsterdam-based, Rush Hour Records, to release the first in a series of compilations.
Artwork from Johann Kauth (Stenze Quo)
