Mick Karn T-Shirts

Japan illustration

1980 group photo.

A parody of the Gary Numan LP "I, Assassin"

Japan were an English new wave band formed in 1974 in Catford, South London by David Sylvian (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steve Jansen (drums), Richard Barbieri (keyboards) and Mick Karn (bass guitar). Initially a glam rock-inspired band, Japan developed their sound and androgynous look to incorporate electronic music and foreign influences, eventually becoming an influence on the UK's early-1980s New Romantic scene. Japan achieved success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, releasing nine UK Top 40 hits, including the 1982 Top 5 hit single "Ghosts", and scoring a UK Top 5 with the live album Oil on Canvas (1983). The band split in December 1982, just as they were beginning to experience commercial success in the UK and abroad.

Adolescent Sex Original Aesthetic Tribute 〶

David Sylvian - Vinyl Record Obsessive Fan Design

Souvenir From Japan Original Aesthetic Tribute 〶

David Sylvian photographed at the Teatro Accademia, Conegliano Italy, 2007 by Chris Crader

February 1982 cover of Smash Hits featuring David Sylvian of Japan

Japan / Faded Style Retro Typography List Design

Photograph taken in Chicago 2002 during the 'Everything & Nothing' North American tour by Chris Crader.

Japan were an English new wave band formed in 1974 in Catford, South London by David Sylvian (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steve Jansen (drums), Richard Barbieri (keyboards) and Mick Karn (bass guitar). Initially a glam rock-inspired band, Japan developed their sound and androgynous look to incorporate electronic music and foreign influences, eventually becoming an influence on the UK's early-1980s New Romantic scene. Japan achieved success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, releasing nine UK Top 40 hits, including the 1982 Top 5 hit single "Ghosts", and scoring a UK Top 5 with the live album Oil on Canvas (1983). The band split in December 1982, just as they were beginning to experience commercial success in the UK and abroad.

Japan David Sylvian illustration