Japan began playing glam rock, influenced by David Bowie, The New York Dolls and Motown. Japan debuted on record with 1978's Adolescent Sex and subsequently Obscure Alternatives, which both sold well in the nation of Japan, though nowhere else.
Their third album, 1979's Quiet Life, heralded a change in musical style from the earlier largely guitar based music to a more electronic sound, with more emphasis on Barbieri's synthesisers, Sylvian's svelte baritone style of singing, Karn's distinctive fretless bass sound, and Steve Jansen's odd-timbred percussion work.
Their following two albums, Gentlemen Take Polaroids (1980) and Tin Drum (1981) continued to expand their audience as the band refined its new sound and unintentionally became part of the early 1980s New Romantic movement. But Tin Drum would end up being their final album, as personality conflicts drove the band apart. Nevertheless, the album's unconventional single "Ghosts" reached #5 on the UK pop charts, followed by a re-release of "I Second That Emotion" that reached #9.
The band officially split up after a farewell tour in late 1982. The tour was posthumously released as an LP, "Oil on Canvas", in mid-1983.
Most of the original members of the band went on to work on other projects.
Mick Karn and Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy formed the one-album project called Dali's Car and released the album The Waking Hour in 1984. He has released other solo works over the years.
Steve Jansen and Richard Barbieri released an album in 1987 under the moniker The Dolphin Brothers which garnered a little interest.
By far the most successful is David Sylvian, who has recorded several albums with noted performers. An attempted reunion in 1991 with the Rain Tree Crow project was short lived, producing only one album.
All members have collaborated on the other's solo work; notably the trio JKB (aka Jansen, Barbieri and Karn) have released several records. Jansen has continued to tour with his brother David Sylvian.
Karn died of cancer January 4, 2011.
Methods Of Dance
Japan Lyrics
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The cut and style you know so well
Spins across the floor
It's the same routine
Just one last word before you go
Why sould I ask for more?
You are here by me
(Moving) taking my chance
(Learning) methods of dance
Methods of dance
It's such a price to pay
You sense the doubt inside my mind
But never ask me why
No second chances now
I could be sure if I were to live
At your spped of life
(Moving) taking my chance
(Learning) methods of dance
Methods of dance
(Moving) taking my chance
(Learning) methods of dance
Methods of dance
The lyrics of Japan's song "Methods Of Dance" seem to be addressing the theme of trying to fit in and conform to societal expectations, while also acknowledging the vulnerability and uncertainty that one might feel in doing so. The first verse describes a "new design" that is familiar and comfortable, but ultimately repetitive and unfulfilling. The singer questions why they should settle for this, and expresses a desire for something more.
The second verse introduces a sense of hesitation and doubt, with the singer acknowledging that taking risks and straying from the norm can be scary. However, there is a sense of urgency and the recognition that there may not be second chances in life. The repetition of the chorus - "moving, taking my chance, learning methods of dance" - suggests a willingness to embrace change and try new things, despite the potential risks and challenges.
Overall, the song seems to be advocating for individuality and authenticity, while acknowledging the difficulty of breaking away from societal expectations. It's a message that still resonates today, and the catchy, upbeat melody only adds to its appeal.
Line by Line Meaning
Here's a new design
Introducing a new concept
The cut and style you know so well
Familiarity in appearance
Spins across the floor
Movement across a space
It's the same routine
Consistency in behavior
Just one last word before you go
Final remark before departure
Why should I ask for more?
Satisfaction with current situation
Then out of the blue
Suddenly and unexpectedly
You are here by me
Physical presence and closeness
Moving taking my chance
Being proactive in movement
(Learning) methods of dance
Acquiring new skills and methods
It's such a price to pay
The cost of something
You sense the doubt inside my mind
Perceiving uncertainty
But never ask me why
Lack of inquiry into feelings
No second chances now
Only one opportunity
I could be sure if I were to live
Assurance in a certain lifestyle
At your speed of life
Pace at which one lives life
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: DAVID SYLVIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stephen Tremm
on . . . . Rhodesia
Nazis in full attack etc. - maybe army radio communications or tv news report.
Stephen Tremm
on . . . . Rhodesia
Saluting supermarket majorettes, we understand - maybe a joke or pun on a supermarket chain called Majorette, or a big display of model cars made by the company Majorette (a real company) in a supermarket.
Bleach your body - what a black person would need to do to get equality.
Nazis in full attack etc. - Maybe army radio communications or a tv news report.