David was voted for the most prettiest man in the world (or something like that). Did you also got something like that?. If not, you really deserve it.

I refused it so they gave it to him : )

Lighting test in a small room through a quiet window, must have been a warm night. Self circa 1981. Photo by Steve Jansen

Images from the book ‘through a quiet window’ are available to purchase as individual prints. Selected sleepyard.tumblr.com content is also available in print. Enquiries: info@stevejansen.com

Hey Steve, I’ve just finished the excellent A Foreign Place by Anthony Reynolds. The interviews added so much to the story and was like a time machine taking me back to the disbelief and sadness I felt at Japan splitting. I’m mostly over that now. Maybe. Nick Huckle’s sudden disappearance and never seeing any of the band again was a sad and surprising part of the story and I wanted to give him a big hug, and I’m really not a tactile person. At all. Any plans for a reunion? Cheers, Shane

With Nick? No we’re not in touch although it would be nice to see him one day. There wasn’t a conscious decision not to see him anymore, he ultimately only worked for David in the later years so it was a natural progression that we saw less of him, and it was his own decision to do a runner for whatever reason. I’ve always considered him an independent person even when he worked for the band.

In the subtly funky track ‘Lumen’ how was that amazing sound that manages to be a guitar and harmonica crossbred achieved?

If I remember correctly, Richard programmed the sound on the Roland System 700 which went through some effects, and I played it.

Steve. The giant dancing panda. It’s a good job we didn’t have the internet back then!

It’s never good is it, to misjudge being hilarious, particularly publicly.

Steve, do you believe in ghosts?

No, I prefer to think that ‘the unexplained’ is realisation of the fact that we are some way from our potential as a life form, as opposed to fantasising about our dead/undead selves reaching back to the world of living … which sounds more ridiculous?

Hi Steve, I’m reading Anthony’s fine and long awaited book – thank you so much for contributing – it’s a fitting biog of Japan. I’ve particularly enjoyed some of Rob and Nick’s candid reflections. Is it fair to say you were the most self controlled in terms of ‘rock star distractions’?

I think it’s fair … if you say it. But it depends how one defines ‘distractions’ (and rock)

Outtakes circa 1981. Rob Dean concentrating. Photo by Steve Jansen

Outtakes circa 1981. David Sylvian gesturing. Photo by Steve Jansen

Outtakes circa 1981. Richard Barbieri working those mirrored tiles. Photo by Steve Jansen