Japanese Electronica

Before anyone accuses me of being a Japan-ophile, I seldom listen to electronic music outwith its homeland of northern Europe and the US. However, some browsing on iTunes revaled an album by a certain Naoki Kenji, called Denshi Ongaku.

I advise all lovers of electronic music to give this album a spin. It's some of the most relaxing minimal electro I've heard, but with a distictl Japanese flavour. There's also clear videogame inspired sounds in these tracks...indeed track 7 is called Game Warrior.

Track 6 'Island' gives a good feel for the whole album.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/det...nce&s=music

 

This stuff isn't bad =) It's very lounge-appropriate. Some of it sounds like it was ripped from games too =P (thats a good thing)

Actually I was wondering if anyone could recommend any other Japanese electronic artists... I'm a big fan of APX and Squarepusher....

I listened to this guy quite a long time ago, I don't remember his name really, it might be Nakamura... it's relaxing but much more experimental electronica, had a very subliminal feel to it, but also very electronica... I can't remember, if anyone has a clue let me know...

 

Well there's Ken Ishii. He's released a string of albums that straddle various electronic genres, from techno to scratchy jazz.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-/52058/ref=m_art_dp/103-0077740-5937401

I think his best release is X-mix, but his real genius is revealed during his live techno sessions. I have several continuous mixes from him, in Amsterdam and Tokyo. Talk about high-energy techno and a total departure from his CD work!