Naomi Chiaki
Minato Ga Mieru Oka
Invitation (Japan) 1985
VIH-28206 (LP) w/obi, insert.
sleeve : EX+(slightly wear on corner.)
media : EX-/EX(some slightly noise. side A has some light noise and one slightly hairline that does not affect to sounds.)
Featured in the guidebook Wa Realic Disc Guide, this is a 1985 album by Naomi Chiaki, one of Japan's most iconic female singers, who took the early 1970s by storm with her “dramatic kayō” style in hits like “Kassai,” “Gekijō,” and “Yakan Hikō,” before ceasing her activities in 1992. The album consists of covers of prewar and postwar Shōwa-era popular songs. While it has been harshly criticized—largely rejected by Chiaki's long-time fans for its overly radical arrangements—it sounds incredibly fresh to those of us with a different set of ears.
The absolute highlight is track A2: originally a 1935 hit sung by Taneko Seki with lyrics by Kikutarō Takahashi and music by Fujio Ikeda, here rearranged by Nobuo Kurata. With spacious, minimalist machine rhythms, dripping water sound effects, and synth lines, it’s a stunningly vaporwave track. Another must-hear is track B2, a wave tune loaded with programmed drums and all sorts of electronic hooks—it’s wild. And B1 goes full-on electroclash. No wonder long-time fans were alienated. But one thing is certain: Naomi Chiaki’s vocal performance is outstanding throughout.
2: 雨に咲く花
B1: 青春のパラダイス
B2: ハワイの夜
Minato Ga Mieru Oka
Invitation (Japan) 1985
VIH-28206 (LP) w/obi, insert.
sleeve : EX+(slightly wear on corner.)
media : EX-/EX(some slightly noise. side A has some light noise and one slightly hairline that does not affect to sounds.)
Featured in the guidebook Wa Realic Disc Guide, this is a 1985 album by Naomi Chiaki, one of Japan's most iconic female singers, who took the early 1970s by storm with her “dramatic kayō” style in hits like “Kassai,” “Gekijō,” and “Yakan Hikō,” before ceasing her activities in 1992. The album consists of covers of prewar and postwar Shōwa-era popular songs. While it has been harshly criticized—largely rejected by Chiaki's long-time fans for its overly radical arrangements—it sounds incredibly fresh to those of us with a different set of ears.
The absolute highlight is track A2: originally a 1935 hit sung by Taneko Seki with lyrics by Kikutarō Takahashi and music by Fujio Ikeda, here rearranged by Nobuo Kurata. With spacious, minimalist machine rhythms, dripping water sound effects, and synth lines, it’s a stunningly vaporwave track. Another must-hear is track B2, a wave tune loaded with programmed drums and all sorts of electronic hooks—it’s wild. And B1 goes full-on electroclash. No wonder long-time fans were alienated. But one thing is certain: Naomi Chiaki’s vocal performance is outstanding throughout.
2: 雨に咲く花
B1: 青春のパラダイス
B2: ハワイの夜