Japan Nightporter and Art of Parties 480p Quality

originally transmitted 22.10.82. my favourite rhythm section making it look all so easy, Masami Tsuchiya's guitar work harking back to their glam rock roots.
What an abrupt yet sombre ending, the way they stand - it's like someone just flicked the off switch...

[@Stick3x]

This is one of the most underrated bands in history. They are unique to this day. Aint nobody fuckin with this amazing music.

[@desperkins5721]

+nTr nu nTru just wonderful

[@Dudderlyful]

+nTroro numu nTorowao What you're saying is actually true though. It's just not mass palatable

[@Dudderlyful]

+nTroro numu nTorowao There are some benefits to having a brain instead of a potatoe

[@sorpaule7951]

i do

[@aaron5910]

Um....I do fucks with this music and I love Japan David Sylvan and Mick karm and believe it or not I discovered them from yellow magic orchestra and ryuichi Sakamoto

[@nemetona07]

I was a huge Japan fan - got to see them live several times in the UK and they were flawless! They really were one of a kind and I continued to follow David Sylvian with his first few solo albums - Gone to Earth and Brilliant Trees I still listen to to this day, often wondering where 40 years has gone. RIP Mick 💕

[@billbollins]

I saw David on the 'Gone to Earth' tour he was brilliant

[@RichHare]

Couldn't agreen more - I transitioned from Rainbow to Japan (amd other such groups) and my story then folows yours with Japan. Epic group. RIP Mick.

[@kirksealls1912]

Born in ‘89, but have been a huge “Japan” fan since college. Wish I’d gotten a chance to see them live

[@rogerlebaron]

mick karn is without doubt the coolest bass player that has ever lived

[@ludgert.balkenhol152]

Ich bin so froh, dass es mehr Leute gibt die so denken wie ich.

[@mashamorgan]

Usually people dont take notice of bass guitarists but I just couldnt keep watchin Mick unbelievable stage presence !

[@JamboLinnman]

One of the best bass guitarists of all time I’d say.

[@siientsinger6637]

He has never been copied which I love,,, he was in a different league to the Jazz Slap bass players of the era, to play Bass so so good you have to master the Cello or Double Bass blindfolded to play as good as Mick Karn did, his legend lives on... Rip mick

[@Nosferatu88]

One of the biggest influences to Andy Rourke (The Smiths). Fantastic musician and really scariest look. Love this!

[@johnwade7430]

@@siientsinger6637 Mick Karn used to play Bassoon when he was at school

[@lambling]

@@Nosferatu88 ooooh, didnt know that!

[@jasonpfinch]

I haven't stopped coming back to this band since I was twelve. Years and even decades away, but always come back to them.

[@keywestWTF]

Me too :)

[@dermotoblong]

Yep. 45 now and still play them all the time. Superb.

[@SonofHendrik]

From 1978 until this day.

[@JamboLinnman]

From 1980 onwards, they’ve been my favourite band. Quiet Life is my favourite album of all time and The Other Side Of Life is my favourite song from that album.

[@williamhastie5056]

I watched this on The Old Grey Whistle Test when it was broadcast in ‘82. I was 17 years old and now 58. Still a massive fan. I recently invested in a good quality turntable and Japan are frequently blasting out. This is incredible! Thanks for posting. Best wishes from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@andydavie4525]

RIP Mick Karn. Outstanding.

[@johntammena1128]

Japan's Tin Drum is a masterpiece.

[@briancox8518]

It's good but GTP is my favourite album and Quiet life

[@Deebz270]

And the distinctive bubbly burble of that gorgeous WAL bass guitar (Made in the UK), so well handled by Mr Karn.

[@Teeb2023]

@@Deebz270 ...and like gold dust these days.

[@ajs41]

Art of Parties is one of the most original compositions of all time.

[@royalnass1029]

i just learned that song today and it is an interesting tune that sticks out from others of this era. i

[@Scotty_Russell_Music]

As someone who's done a few covers I reckon that song would melt most musician's brains and the idea of doing a cover would get ditched after 10 minutes of trying to work out how to play it.

[@philauguste7310]

So glad the cameras kept rolling after the credits, as the last minute nicely tops off this masterpiece

[@dajojojo]

@@Scotty_Russell_Music its a unique song - we covered it in the 80s, my brother really worked on the drum part and did an amazing job - definitely one of the hardest covers to get anything near right!

[@parchy6464]

Feel so lucky I was born in 1964 I miss my youth right now what a time

[@tok1964]

Me too, theres too many samey “bands” nowadays, auto tune has killed music, this is real talent…

[@sylvanyaprince6435]

We are GEN X, the greatest generation in the history of the Earth.

[@aimeemcbride7676]

Incredible performance by the band! David Sylvian’s vocals are superb! 🖤

[@jeffreylebowski519]

That was the best 11.30 minutes of my life this year! Masami Tsuchiya was often written off as a 2nd rate Adrian Belew back then but he was way funkier than that. I'm sure Prince was influenced by him along with countless others. Mick Karn was brilliant but Steve Jansen is something else...! What an amazing drummer 😎

[@mintwithahole]

Japan began the entire new romantic phase. Simply the best band ever in my opinion. Nothing touches them. Saw them in the Liverpool Empire and they were as good live as recorded. Such a shame about Mick Karn.

[@chrisbergin7299]

well said totally agree totally adore japan swing nightporter and methods of dance amongst my fav tracks

[@Proxylfc]

I saw them at the Liverpool Empire too in 81 and 82. Great shows . i remember everyone getting up and dancing when they did Life in Tokyo

[@julieboarder1348]

Sing Blue Silver!

[@markmewordz6860]

I too was there. December 7th 1982 I think. Class.

[@lou106]

gary w I wish I could have seen Japan live, I wasn’t even born yet!

[@belmac7102]

mick karn introduced so many different sounds to their music. ...such a bunch of talented men

[@juttamaier2111]

I used to work as a nightporter in my University days just because of this song. Started my shift with playing that tune, too.

[@mikionaruse]

respect!

[@mexicanson]

That sounds like something I would do! LoL. You're cool!

[@lambling]

mad respect

[@kevinsnodgrass4586]

What is a nightporter?

[@bacilo19]

Jansen on marimba, Karn bass clarinet, wooooow!Great!!!

[@batteryacid1]

Dusan Bajic bass clarinet or oboe ?

[@IrateTurkey]

@@batteryacid1 Oboe I think, Bass Clarinets look more like black saxophones with a curved mouthpiece.

[@adrianlee7358]

This is a Bb clarinet

[@_RZ____]

What an incredible recording. Kudos the the engineers!

[@arricammarques1955]

Decades ahead of the curve.

[@darrenwells2277]

I have only just discovered Japan as I was only 8 years old when this happened. I play bass and when I discovered Mick Karn's talent its changed everything... what a player!

[@kdp8133]

I remember buying 'Adolescent Sex' from my local record shop and I loved it. They then changed completely but I still loved them. Annoyed I didn't go to see them live when I had the opportunity to do so. Great, great band.

[@expatingermany7685]

It's my favourite too. Unfortunately they'd already split by the time I got my first Japan Album Oil On Canvas. I got the rest over the next few years.

[@rachelar]

You was in a minority! Your faith is astounding tho.

[@lafreewaylafreeway]

I loved Japan as a youngster…soo talented and wow what handsome dudes..it’s great to find all these performances and interviews that I never knew existed 👍

[@galxcba324]

they are so underrated x

[@kevcatnip7589]

japan MEMORIES ,,as a lonely 17 yearold .....powerful

[@kevinkevin-ug9po]

They were 22-23 when this was recorded, what bands can do this now. Multi talented does not expiian this work.

[@Pinerocks]

Early 80s such a creative time in pop music...thanks to Mr. Bowie

[@garymcghee2249]

And Kraftwerk... and Georgio Moroder... x

[@reflow9228]

Exploited... Captain Sensible.. and Shakin Stevens was grossly underrated based on assumptions about his talent

[@royalnass1029]

ultravox, human league, new order, thompson twins, blancmange and im sure im missing some other cool bands from that era

[@kingzoingo]

Incredible when you think that those three Berlin albums were created at such a low time in his life and yet had such incredible influence. Most people can barely function when high, let alone change the face of 1980s music.

[@inancsonmezocak4289]

Yes,you are missing Duran duran

[@josh40jason]

So long ago. Yet still so beautiful.......

[@ruslanshagisultanov348]

I'd listened to this song and watched this performance before, but never realized: Masami Tsuchiya is pulling out some Adrian Belew moves! To me, some of Art of Parties is a very 80s King Crimson sound, which I can put down to that guitar work combined with the synth-ier sounds of the band. Really cool!!

[@briancox8518]

Definitely has a 80s King crimson vibe

[@christopherecatalano]

True, especially on the more angular, abrasive parts. Truly otherworldly and unprecedented music.

[@mra7899]

For me Japan were pivotal in my life and I’ve always loved their music. The only band that manages to chill me no matter my mood😌

[@mmmegameat]

I am a big Adrian Belew fan and I would surmise that Adrian Belew is a big Masami Tsuchiya fan and, most definitely, that Masami Tsuchiya is a big Adrian Belew fan. I relish those abstract guitar solos designed to milk every tone from the instrument. Awesome video. Superb musicians. God embrace Mick Karn.

[@Laine2539]

2024 and this band stands the test of time. Still sounds as spectacular as it did in the 80’s.

[@curefanx]

All great but that last few minutes are exceptional even for Japan. Mick Karn so, so good.

[@garymcghee2249]

Indeed, absolutely superb. x

[@reflow9228]

Did you see he pulled that special move he had at the end sliding back into recessed position like a cuckoo clock

[@dab914]

still blows me away

[@Bergysot]

this track will be played at my funeral absolutely adore japan

[@Mr.P001]

Art of Parties - First Japan Track I ever heard from Japan and I was hooked. I came by way of Japan by accident, I had bent the cover of a brand new album my friend has just bought, he hadn't even played it yet but to appease him I bought it off him. That album was Tin Drum and I couldn't believe the bass lines I was hearing. R.I.P Mick was glad I had the pleasure to see him play live a few times, once with Japan and once solo. Amazing artist

[@martinbales9997]

brings back happy memories when I was young and not a care in the world . wish they could do a tour again , but sadly without the great mick karn .

[@carsonhaught9934]

The essence of style in their day but somehow timeless.... subtle clarity and presence.... I fear we shall never see their like again. Thanks Japan, thanks Aunty Beeb.

[@mharclerode]

That down-ward thumb slap from Mick is one of the coolest moves ever! Genius. Duran Duran is great but Japan was there first.

[@yvonnecole6120]

Had the pleasure of seeing them live twice… Mick so missedx

[@Bodlasona]

This ppl define art and what artistic means

[@fudgepudge2067]

They’re all serving, especially Mick Karn with the head bops in the art of parties god damn

[@TheSort3r]

Davids unique voice i love it

[@edwilliams9914]

Since I don't see any of them here, gotta give a shout out to Steve Jansen! My vote for most under-rated drummer in pop. Never the fastest or the flashiest, but he never played a measure that wasn't full of melody and thought and balance and so musical. Nobody like him!

[@Mudge07]

Steve being a percussionist, then drummer in this sequence maybe give you a clue to his approach to any piece and the patterns he creates both musically and rhythmically certainly elevates his work in his compositions and collaborations. For those not familiar with his later work, his guitar and vocals also are part of his command of his musical expression. David, Steve and Mick certainly brought us something special from their shared experience and with a love for Bowie, their band pseudonyms were rather apt.

[@jkmaseruman]

Epic work as always from Mr Jansen on Art of Parties. Never understand why Japan were so underrated. Yes, they had a very strong, distinct image which may be people struggled to see past but performances like this show just how musically creative and accomplished they were. That unique distinction easily carried over to their sound too.

[@simonwitts]

Have a soft spot for Jansen after seeing his photo exhibition and have 5 of his prints in my living room. A god.

[@lou106]

Simon Witts I’m so jealous! Where did you go to see his exhibition?

[@Teeb2023]

It's one of the saddest things I've ever witnessed.. the downfall / demise / dissolution of a band that could have gone on for many years, creating new material and constantly reinventing themselves as they had up to this point. Such a pity that egos and matters of the heart / genitals could destroy that synergy.

[@teddingtontcu]

The only 80's new wave band who raised their game to catch my attention. I wish I had attended the Hammersmith concerts Oil on Canvas

[@djkkdub]

me too .....

[@val2372]

They're all so so talented

[@SukanyaDrowprasong]

The hurting tears for fears

[@dear-Tommy]

Thank you for the high quality video !!!Oh,cool !!!

[@johnrivers6252]

I always listen to them in the summer

[@davidackland8183]

loving the Japan sounds - NIGHTPORTER the best song ever written....

[@OliverTrist]

I've recently taken up playing bass (having previously played guitar). Whilst there's a lot that is shared between the two, the techniques for 'proper' bass playing are something of a steep learning curve! Watching Japan's bass player, i have a new level of respect for artists who can do what he does!

[@paulsmith3151]

You just don’t get great bands like Japan or music television programmes like the OGWT anymore. Excellent video-Thanks for uploading.

[@johnhatzis3332]

the clarinet is majestic. David is at his best! Ever come to Oz be assured you have an army of fans!

[@Wilantonjakov]

oboe

[@TurnFullCircle]

original, one off....unique ...i am so lucky to have been a teenager when they produced wonderful magic...sadly i do no think it will happen again in my lifetime.....cheers

[@craignewleaf3095]

THIS LIVE SESSION IS A MASTERPIECE

[@arthurgoldstaub9571]

These guys were cool as ice.

[@kipstone1]

Japan - so ahead of their time, their music and talents sounds still so relevant. Sylvian and Karns true innovators. Just imagine them being around now - they would have no exposure with todays talentless manufactured bands

[@kingatecavies]

I remember watching this, I am sure I have this on a VHS tape somewhere, brilliant to see it again!!!

[@abdell75roussos]

Very very talented musicians. karn was insanely clever.

[@fredvanderveen4797]

I'm still loving it. Great songs and lyrics.

[@larsfillmore4765]

Karn was a musician of some serious talent. As for the rest of the band - they were blessed. THE best band of the late 70's / early 80's IMO

[@Pinerocks]

One of the best bands ever Saw them on their first tour

[@tattooedfrea]

Saw them back in 82. Loudest gig I have ever been to. And I like thrash metal.

[@fabiopatane9160]

A youtuber once compared some of Japan tracks to peaces of abstract art. I think, listening to Art of Parties, he was right. And, the guitar solos here are sick.

[@Schilliebillie]

I've seen them live in The Netherlands in '83 or so... Magical and enchanting!

[@Bergysot]

this will be played at my funeral pure bliss bergysot

[@Teeb2023]

What the hell did the producer / cameramen have against poor Barbieri here? I think we got a glimpse of one shoulder the whole time.

[@skylarzoom3568]

maybe because he never smiles

[@batteryacid1]

Anthony Rodemus FINALLY someone said it. we NEVER see him its so heartbreaking 😔😔😔

[@rozzgrey801]

@@batteryacid1 But I don't see any of them smiling, not that I blame them, it's not cool to smile if you're playing serious music. I expect they save it for the walk off.

[@thetheraine]

David Sylvian is gorgeous and talented...

[@dpiedra1520]

Gotta love that oboe and xylophone!!

[@carygson]

Marimba

Wonderful and amazingly good as usual, just love them and Davids singing style and Micks characteristic way of playing bass is just genius. To this day my favourite album is "Gentlemen take polaroids" but I think that that album, "Quiet life" and "Tin Drum" all of them have excellent songs, I mean everyone. Its impressive to have 3 albums and all songs are just excellent. You dont find that anymore.💌

[@Skin1102]

the different sides to Japan's music, brilliant.

[@indigojones8]

Love it when the mix has Mick's bass up front. I'm guessing he may have made it a point by the time they recorded this.

[@charleshumphreys3915]

Absolutely! Love Sylvian and Barbieri, Karn (RIP) and Jansen. So much delicious solo stuff from all to examine, too, everyone! Not that I am in any way an expert - just a fan.

[@erictilley2018]

Love the "wot the hell was that just happened" applause at the end. Mick was just too cool.

[@triciapowers]

Can't believe it's all ready been a year :( ... Miss you Mick!

[@macjones2988]

Loved them, saw them 3 times back in the day. Epic. I struggle to find a better bass/drum combo other than Karn/Jansen. Such a shame Sylvian wanted it all for himself, they could've been huge.

[@Nictumeni]

were my favorite band as a teenager,i got to see them twice in the UK on the Tin Drum tour,it was amazing....stay free

[@deemdoubleu]

Fabulous

[@waynekerr5645]

Simply stunning

[@desperkins5721]

I just went to my 13 year old self an said,What a great time :( miss them days

[@troygaspard6732]

A remarkable bassist, who just happens to play clarinet as well. I love this band even more now.

[@levoldunom]

I feel bad for the other musical guest that performed on the same show as Japan.

[@geneevans7885]

I love Duran Duran, but these guys were Duran Duran before them.

[@rymkw]

so genuious they are!

[@jezzyby47]

AGAIN, my upload of these 2 videos was the only 'full version' one out there for ages, but taped off the telly on VHS so the quality is bad compared to this. Thank you so much for uploading all of these Japan tv appearances in this great quality.

[@ALPQZM654]

Amazing. I saw this when it originally aired and was hooked. Thanks!

[@briz1965]

the first song I ever heard of Japan, courtesy of my twin bro back in the day, I initially HATED it because it sounded just too complicated for some reason - the original 7" single, much more tinny sounding. Who knew what was to follow - I learned to just love them and thankful to not only see JAPAN live, but David also a year or two after the split - one of my fav tunes

[@Maxiclaudi]

I watched three of their farewell concerts in November, the 17th being my 20th. A week later I'd emigrated to the UK, only to end up in Queen's Gate, just around the corner from Stanhope Gardens where all 4 of the Japan guys lived.

[@chrisfrancis7720]

Maxiclaudi I too remember dear Stanhope Gardens, had tea and cake with Dear sweet Mick one rainy afternoon, with my then friend Lynne, such a kind and gentle man, still miss him.

[@Maxiclaudi]

Chris Francis He most certainly was and he's greatly missed.

[@stevegreen3716]

Stanhope Gardens in Highgate?

[@frankcleysen9936]

nightporter is the best song ever!!

[@stiofandundealgan1280]

Awesome music band ! So underrated in my opinion ! A great new wave band ; for me their best period is 79/82 with the great Quiet life, Gentlemen take polaroid and Tin drum albums !

[@chrisbarlow2131]

They were unique in the same way as Roxy Music were in their time.

[@scottdavis0801]

I enjoy Japan quite a bit, but I hear alot of Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry in their music!

[@nettwench]

His voice is very similar to Ferry's here.

[@_H_2023]

For those that didn't see it the late 70s early 80s where a special time in music, it was such a creative time, during the 70s I was at music college and music took an amazing transformation. In came keyboards/synths and out went the guitar and we all thought we would be out of a job if keyboards could do it all. Tin drum album was one of the best albums ever created, amazing and I still love the album 40+ years later a credit to the band.

[@TheRipple2011]

Excellent !!!

[@j0hnnychr0me]

such a good record - the calm b4 the storm - fuk i love this album

[@patcha7144]

There’s never been anything better than the combination of Karn and Jansen Check out steve Jansen’s latest project Exit North a stunning piece of work

[@TheNouveauxdecadence]

Truly remarkeable in everyway. SO haunting and peaceful. Shivers big time +

[@paulhealey2984]

Jansen's putting a shift in.

[@ztcatchy]

mick looks so gorgeous here! i looooooooooooooooooooooove japan and especially these songs, thank you!

[@rachelmorgan721]

Just brilliant 😊

[@elliottmoore8240]

Most unique band ever, loved em as a teenager & still get it 😊

[@marcopulega7036]

Probably best version of this fantastic song. I recommend to listen Rice Music lp of Masami Tsuchiya, bought in 1982. and notable in these years the discs of Bill Nelson

[@craigstark8866]

Superb and Sublime