Life in Tokyo

Updated on Jan 30, 2024

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Released 1979, 1981, 1982 Recorded 1979 Label Ariola Hansa		Format 7" and 12" vinyl Genre Synthpop Disco art pop
Length 3:30 (original 7" version)

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 bands 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.

Composition

The song was written by Giorgio Moroder and band vocalist David Sylvian. The musical style is in line with Moroder's electronic disco style as already employed on albums by Donna Summer, Munich Machine and on his own From Here to Eternity in 1977. Moroder's trademark arpeggiated synthesiser can be heard throughout the track.

Release

The single was originally released in 1979 in 7" and 12" formats, the latter accommodating a longer version, again reflecting Moroder's style of producing disco versions such as with Donna Summer's "I Feel Love". The single failed to become a hit in the UK.

It was released again by Hansa in early 1981, after the band had enjoyed moderate success in 1980 with their album Gentlemen Take Polaroids, released by Virgin. This release featured "European Son" as the B-side, although again failed to chart.

The single was released a third and final time in October 1982, after the band's success with the Tin Drum album and singles such as "Ghosts" and "Cantonese Boy". This issue finally made "Life In Tokyo" a hit reaching no. 28 in the UK singles chart. Its release was supported by the group themselves, with Sylvian co-ordinating the sleeve design. Both sides feature "Life in Tokyo", with a new 12" remix. The B-side, "Life In Tokyo Theme" is a slowed down mix which could be enjoyed at the usual speed if played on a 78rpm turntable.