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Techno Kayō Vol. 1 - Japanese Techno Pop 1981 - 1989 (Compiled By Dubby & Antal)
Rush Hour - Cat No: RH-STORE JPN 13
- updated:2025-10-29
A compilation has been released featuring a collaboration between DJ DUBBY—who, after working as a buyer at Organic Music, launched the online record store Ondas and shook up the global reinterpretation of Japanese music—and Antal of Rush Hour. It takes you into the labyrinthine world of ’80s techno-pop.
Track List
Compiled by Dubby & Antal, Techno Kayō Volume One is a dancefloor-friendly selection focusing on Japanese proto-techno, electro-pop, and synthpop from the 1980s. Pressed at 45RPM. Comes with OBI and insert with liner notes.
In late-1970s Japan, a new and unique “genre” called techno kayō emerged, blending catchy pop melodies with the futuristic sounds of synthesizers and drum machines. Rooted in the older kayōkyoku style, it was influenced by European electronic acts like Kraftwerk, but had a distinctly Japanese flair. Artists such as Yellow Magic Orchestra pioneered this retro-futuristic sound, creating music that felt both nostalgic and ahead of its time.
Dubby, owner of the legendary record shop Ondas in Tokyo, was one of the first to make Japanese music available to the outside world. He has teamed up with Antal, co-founder of the Amsterdam-based, Rush Hour Records, to release the first in a series of compilations.
Artwork from Johann Kauth (Stenze Quo)
In late-1970s Japan, a new and unique “genre” called techno kayō emerged, blending catchy pop melodies with the futuristic sounds of synthesizers and drum machines. Rooted in the older kayōkyoku style, it was influenced by European electronic acts like Kraftwerk, but had a distinctly Japanese flair. Artists such as Yellow Magic Orchestra pioneered this retro-futuristic sound, creating music that felt both nostalgic and ahead of its time.
Dubby, owner of the legendary record shop Ondas in Tokyo, was one of the first to make Japanese music available to the outside world. He has teamed up with Antal, co-founder of the Amsterdam-based, Rush Hour Records, to release the first in a series of compilations.
Artwork from Johann Kauth (Stenze Quo)
A compilation of labyrinthine synth-pop hidden within Japanese techno-pop and kayōkyoku. From techno-kayō classics like Kuniko Yamada’s “Let’s Philosophize” and Kyoko Koizumi’s “Micro Wave”—both produced by Haruomi Hosono—to obscure tracks for die-hard fans. This collection captures the madness and uniqueness of Japan’s electronic music scene from that era—a world that defies conventional understanding. Only those who are fully immersed in this scene should give it a listen. A meticulously crafted 2LP set, available in 45 RPM and with original obi strip. (Original Japanese text by Saito)