Japan - the Band, not the Country Quiz

Answer: Steve Jansen

Steve Jansen is David Sylvian's brother. They formed the band in 1974 with heavy glam rock influences and released their first album, Adolescent Sex, in 1978. They released four more albums before splitting in 1982 and ended their reign with the amazing and highly acclaimed album, "Tin Drum".

Answer: Ghosts

"Ghosts" reached number five in the UK charts, despite its moody and unusual sound. Their use of Burundi drumming styles and exotic instruments, like the marimba, made them stand out in a heavily synth based chart sound. Their new romantic look at this time helped them to blend in to the mainstream music market.

Answer: Tokyo

"Life in Tokyo" was produced by Giorgio Moroder and helped to move Japan from glam rock to synth sounds.
David Sylvian and Japan were loved by the music scene in the country of Japan. Their beauty and glamorous style made them popular there long before they actually released any music.

Answer: Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence

David Sylvian and Ryuichi Sakamoto provided the iconic music and the beautiful hit song, "Forbidden Colours". The film, starring David Bowie and Tom Conti, is now a cult classic. As well as composing the stunning score for the film, Ryuichi Sakamoto also starred in the film as one of the Japanese guards.

Answer: Polaroids

The song "Nightporter" was remixed and rereleased at the height of the band's fame and made it to number seven in the UK charts, making it one of the best selling songs ever released in waltz time.

Answer: Japan

David Sylvian always shied away from this kind of compliment and was often embarrassed by it in interviews. Legend has it that this accolade was never actually awarded to him, but was a lie made up by their manager to garner publicity. It worked!

Answer: Steve Jansen and Mick Karn

Mick Karn's fretless bass style, coupled with Steve Jansen's use of exotic and oriental percussion sounds made Japan difficult to categorise. Sadly Mick Karn died in 2011 after a battle with cancer following a remarkable career working with some of the world's most talented musicians, including Kate Bush and Joan Armatrading.

Answer: I Second That Emotion

Originally released in 1980, this track only reached the charts after the release of Japan's acclaimed album, "Tin Drum", in 1982.
Sylvian enjoyed playing with the Motown sound and also produced a cover of the Marvin Gaye song "Ain't That Peculiar" on their album "Gentlemen Take Polaroids", the same album that "I Second that Emotion" was released from.

Answer: Canvas

"Oil on Canvas" was recorded as part of a run of shows at the Hammersmith Odeon, recorded in November 1982. It was released in 1983 to the delight and despair of fans, who knew it would be their last album.

Answer: Midge Ure

"After a fashion" achieved minor chart success, peaking at number thirty nine in the UK charts in 1983. Midge Ure already had a successful solo career after being the lead singer for Ultravox and before going on to co-write the iconic Band-Aid single, "Do They Know it's Christmas" with Bob Geldof to raise money for starving Ethiopians affected by drought and famine.