Hi Steve ! Today is the day Japan had a last concert in Nagoya! It was 34 years ago …..sob,sob… What is the most impressive memory when you were a member of Japan?

That date now passed but in response; probably the overnight leap from total obscurity to superstardom in Japan (the country) was one of the most memorable times simply because it was such an education and a great deal of fun. Despite popular belief at the time we had no preconceptions about our name attracting attention there but it gradually became apparent that our aesthetic suited the mindset of many Japanese teens and the name only seemed to help. Along with the appreciation came the realisation that Japan was truly an incredible place to visit and work. It’s almost as though the name chose us.

Then perhaps the success of our final studio album later followed by the multiple nights at Hammersmith Odeon (not sure how many … 6?) it felt as though the band had arrived at its zenith, finally breaking the barriers that the UK press had put up around us over previous years with such acerbic zeal. That sense of accomplishment provided the courage to move on without looking back.