Tokyo Happycoats-Session raw mix-"Forever More" + "Here is Happiness"

This was a session I assisted the late Dave Harrison on at Starday-King Records. Dave, my mentor, recorded and mixed the tunes ....and would later manufacture the world famous Harrison automated audio consoles. These tapes are over 40 years old and are copies of the 2-track Master.

[@garyk2337]

When I was a young US Navy jet fighter pilot aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ticonderoga sailing in the Western Pacific during the early 60's, I met and dated Tomiko. We had a large Air Group party at the Yokosuka Officer's Club (could have been at Naval Air Station Atsugi but pretty sure it was Yokosuka) The featured entertainment was these sisters but they were going by another name, "The Gay Little Hearts." I was immediately strongly attracted to Tomiko so I waited until they were finished to meet her. They did not speak English but being in Japan there were many people available to interpret. Our first date was when I was invited to their home. When I got there, I was invited in and had to wait until she was ready. During that time, her father was enthusiastically watching Sumo Wrestling and apparently explaining everything with vigor to me in Japanese. :-) Of course, I did not understand anything. Later, I learned I was the first foreigner ever invited into their home. Our date consisted of walking near their home with one of her sisters as a chaperone. We did meet again but I cannot recall how many times. It was hard for us to see each other as I was constantly at sea and she was traveling in Japan doing shows. Fortunately, our squadron had an American-born Japanese enlisted man who would translate our letters so we were able to stay in touch from time to time. My ship returned to San Diego and it was approximately another year before I returned on another cruise. Before I go on, I must say that after this is gets a bit foggy but here is what I remember. After many years when thinking back about an event or period of time, things one wished at the time or dreamed about that was related can become the memory and it is difficult to remember exactly what actually did happen. So, here is what I believe happened. After I returned to Japan, I found out where they were performing and went there to surprise her even though she knew I was coming back at some point as we had continued writing during my absence. When I got to the venue, I explained my relationship with her and they allowed me backstage. The sisters were running late and had not arrived yet. While I was sitting there out of the way, they came bursting through the door in a hurry to get ready. At first, she did not see me but when she did there was a surprised look on her face and she began speaking to me in English. I had no idea she had learned it. I too was surprised. Later, after the show, we had time to speak and recall our short times together during my previous cruise when we could not speak to each other without an interpreter. I hope my memory is correct about this last part. If not, it was then a wishful dream of mine. We did not see much of each other after that because my ship was cruising all over the Pacific and I had little time in ports in Japan. They were becoming more successful and traveling a lot as well. That was the end of our relationship. Many years later when I tried to track her down, somehow I discovered that they had a new name, had gone to the USA, been on the Ed Sullivan show and were performing regularly in Las Vegas. I'm pretty certain I got all of that correct. I did not try to contact her anymore because I had gotten married along the way. Divorced later and have been for almost 20 years now. Today, at 82 years old, I was doing my workout routine listening to rock n roll music and her name came to mind. On a whim, picked up my phone and Googled "Tokyo Happy Coats." Was sure it would come up blank because it was so long ago, but no, got a number of hits. It was wonderful to learn that my recollection about the name, going to the USA, Sullivan, Las Vegas was correct. When I read their history on another site, immediately, I remembered her name as Tomiko. She was the tallest of the sisters and still pretty sure she played the sax. What a pleasant surprise today has been! Wondering if there is any chance someone who knows where she is might post a response. Would be so interesting to know. I realize that no one I know will ever read this so why spend the time? It's a way to close a short lovely chapter in my life I suppose as I have thought about her from time to time over the decades. I hope she has had a good life. Would be rewarding to know if she even remembers me. I did return to Japan many times during my 30 years as an international airline pilot after getting out of the Navy. I always say that Japan is my second country. Gary

[@veronicaeugenio1609]

Love these songs! Thank you for sharing your sweet love story. Nice piece of history. Beautiful girls, lovely harmony.

[@sharisouthern6646]

Loved reading your story. I grew up on Oahu and remember hearing my parents blare this song on their huge stereo. Sweet memories. Thank you for your service!!!!

[@jaydenbeery9233]

that’s cool man, my grandma is eiko

[@lanzhale7066]

Thanks for sharing your story

[@harryshigeura3892]

I truly pray that you 2 will connect, on some level, in this lifetime ... 🙏...

[@hawaiifiles]

I remember when both of these records were radio staples on top 40 AM stations KKUA and KPOI back in the day. Both songs are long lost oldies that should be heard again.

[@RonaldVaughan]

Those are Hawaiian radio stations! I lived in Oahu in the early-mid Eighties and I never even heard these...

[@motoguy3574]

@@RonaldVaughan Forevermore was a hit in Hawaii in around 1970 or 1971.

[@ralphsierra]

I remember this song as a hit in Hawaii in the 70's. They played it over and over and was a joy to hear it each time. Love this song.

[@debbiemiyahira4747]

Ralph Sierra Me too. Brings back so many memories.

[@ralphsierra]

I was in the Navy in the 70's , our ship was in Pearl Harbor from time to time and when I heard this song, it made me happy , my heart lighter and the world, just seem to be a little better for hearing it.

[@MusubiMachine9]

If it's the last thing i do i'm going to find someone who can get this on a cd somewhere somehow.

[@vkeough]

Yup - my mom had the 45 record of it and we would play it over and over

[@lawrencesiazon7925]

Beautiful song. And singers ❤. Song reminds me of my beautiful wife Judy ❤❤. I miss her so much. 😢. I love you. Yobo so much I Miss you. Judy ❤❤🎉

[@busybeamerlaserengraving8698]

I did the stage lighting for these ladies in approximately 1970 at the Top Hat Supper Club in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. They were great on stage and off. Really nice people. Their manager showed his pleasure with my work by giving me the best tip of any of the entertainers that I worked for. (The second best was Joey Heatherton, the worst was Rich Little, as in no tip at all)

[@eponine808]

hello MilesMiyu! thank you SO MUCH for sharing...my dad used to sing these two songs to me, what tears and memories it brings back! thank you, thank you.

[@patsie75]

My Brother was NAVY, stationed in Hawaii and he introduced me to them and Liz Damon, I love them both, and, I cry too. great memories

[@Jomatsch]

I always played this in a Honolulu bar on Hotel street while stationed at Pearl Harbor. Our ship, the U.S.S. Coucal was getting ready to go overseas. Homesick without options. Where did 50 years go?

[@patsie75]

My NAVY Brother was on The Wallace L Lind DD 703, in Hawaii. He bought this Album home, I loved it and still play it today along with Liz Damon & the OE.

[@Jomatsch]

@@patsie75 While on The USS Coucal from 1968-72 (Pearl Harbor) I would have seen the Lind and its sailors numerous times in Pearl Harbor and ports in our WestPac cruise 9/10/70 through 2/71. I had a dream about the Coucal Tuesday night. Happens monthly. After almost fifty years, I remember the extremely long hours working as an electrician. One time we had to go on 12/24/7 days a week. Only 84 hours a week! 12 hours off every day! Like holiday routine. We thought if we had those hours all the time, we could maybe get a part-time job in Honolulu and make some decent money. (Sears, or whatever) As an E-4 (PO3rd class) with over three years, pay was $155 every two weeks.

[@Jomatsch]

@@patsie75 Happy New Year, PAT!

[@rechsteiner]

I wish Tom would re=release these songs again for all of us to enjoy. What Memories. I know he has the masters or can get them. We need it back!

[@basiliofuertes7270]

Imaka Steiner c.

[@derkiy2100]

Some interesting facts I didn't know until recently. They were probably the first all female and sister band. Together, they could play 26 musical instruments. They performed on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in the 60s. Although, they were from Japan, their music were only introduced in the U.S. Original their band name were suppose to be called "Hapi" coats but somehow transformed to Happy. They have some amazing feats and I wish they were more recognized for their accomplishments.

[@wally1435]

This is really nice. Thanks for sharing. Great to hear them sing in their native tongue....well done.

[@paulcorbbie7961]

I saw a clip of these guys on an Ed Sullivan re run in the US years ago and I thought it was one of the most entertaining things I've seen in my life. It blew my mind just how tight and musical they were. You should be proud of the work you did with these guys.

[@roninmusashi2024]

I sing them every chance I get in karaoke, that's one way to keep them alive...

[@roybaugher6771]

Akio Tsutsui, I'm replying to let you know that another way the band's history is being kept "alive" is here: facebook.com/tokyohappycoats/ It's a Facebook page I run about the band and their history. I invite you to check it out and Like/Follow it. Cheers, Roy

[@cathay2015]

This is music as it was intended to be. Beautiful sounds and harmonies. So much better than the modern rubbish we have to put up with today.

[@kelliesadventures]

Thank you for sharing these beautiful songs with us.

[@melaniehwang7879]

Thank you for uploading this! I was born as a millennial gen however ‘here is happiness’ was still one of my fav song❤️

[@larrymatsumoto1413]

Nice ! I remember this song. Lots of memories. Aloha !

[@racielrodriguez1883]

I really love Japanese songs! I love Japan! Thank you so much! Wish I could go back and hug and see again my unisan,ojisan, who really being nice to me,from 10 years from Sendai,Ikebukoro,Yokohama,Gunma ,Toyama..miss you all! Hoping and praying were ever you now,each in every one . ,That your happy and safe.. God Bless! Matta aeru ne❤️🙏

[@MusubiMachine9]

Wonderful memories! Thank you !

[@lilykam5605]

So good, just soooo goood!

[@kpowers]

I love this group

[@paulinebautista4197]

Brings back memories of my mother, who used to sing these songs..

[@ernestwing9968]

I got your Tokyo music real nice.

[@Azishome]

MikesMiyu, you can proud of the work you and Dave Harrison did. Congratulations. This is first rate.

[@wendellpeters5083]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time.. very beautiful and talented ladies/sisters sang and played all the instruments, thank you for this post and memoires.. Joey and Redd Lhainaluna '69 ;)

[@lawrencesiazon7925]

I love you Yobo so much ❤❤❤❤

[@kennnishihira6010]

I love this version the best.

[@shakamakana8492]

Popular music in all the bars,way back then, Karaoke also!👍🤙

[@gdpstyeronline5969]

Been missing this from my library, SO glad to find it💞

[@bryangoo2514]

Music my dad used to listen to local bars where the group played. A simple time where music meant meaning.

[@maygoya2204]

Love this!

[@mr.3camerasman59]

Sounds great!

[@kelliestravels]

Grew up with their music! Yes, Hapa

[@RonaldVaughan]

I only saw their live album once,in a Hawaiian shop. Wish I'd bought it!

[@diegoindra695]

the best japan old pop singer.

[@MikesMiyu]

@DAlohaDan Thanks Dan....yeah Ruriko Hakomori ...that's the one....although I liked the girl on the end. No time to talk though...very busy in the studio. Dave worked a number of days on this mix cuz he wanted to get it right. There is a physical edit at 5:41 that was a little tricky but Dave decided to re-track one of the problem instruments in that edit which smoothed it out. No vinyl here..I made this copy directly from the 2-track stereo master while doing the protection copies.

[@bryangoo2514]

Classic music

[@rechsteiner]

What ever happened to these gals. They really had an impact on Hawaii, when they were here.

[@ChuckDavis360]

Kimi To Itsumademo I remember when Kayama Yuzo sang this song many. years ago in the mid 1960s.👍

[@ankimo1957]

Lovely :-)

[@shamrocm]

We saw the Happy Coats at the Holiday House in Pittsburgh. They sang for our FOP Christmas Party and put on a delightful show. They spoke no English except to say they were ?Made in Japan'. We bought their album and play in quite often.

[@RonaldVaughan]

WOW.....the THC album is next-to-impossible to find. This is even RARER! What about VIDEOS of this band (I hear they played instruments) and also Monument Records' The Kim Sisters? Both pioneering Asian all-female bands got good acceptance by American audiences....and found musical homes on labels normally reserved for Nashville C&W musicians. Go figure!

[@boris21350]

Lindo maravilhosas fantastico amo essa canção ela diz tudo.

[@山川俊次]

素晴らしいアレンジで、感動 しました。

[@johnniepacun4103]

I heard in the pass decade the other version of this song in ingglish which the tittle didn't get but the singer was international one named joseph folk was very nice to hear

[@MikesMiyu]

Now that's a good question...where are they now? Maybe if they search their own group name on KZbin they could throw in a comment. "Here is Happiness" was my favorite...mostly for the spoken poetic interlude (remember Elvis's "That's when your heartaches begin"?). I have some instrumental sessions that I might post later. Thanks for you input PHOTOJPN and hope we in the US can alleviate nature's rath upon your people.

[@samanthadaisher4307]

MikesMiyu my best friends grandma is in this group! She’s still around being silly happy and loving life!!!!

[@MikesMiyu]

@@samanthadaisher4307

[@jaydenbeery9233]

@@MikesMiyumy grandma is eiko, the lady to the far right i showed her this and she started humming the songs it’s awesome to see

[@dylanbons313]

These Kawaii Ladies are so Really Great!!!!!"""!

[@MusubiMachine9]

Dylan Bons :) @ kawaii :)

[@kobarijakarta]

arigatou

[@marvelyngaspar2755]

Does anyone has the lyrics to this beautiful song?

[@snoolee7950]

those helmet wigs. woiw

[@aliiowailupe]

Anybody can share the lyrics? I entertain at a care home with many elderly japanese and would really like to sing this for them.

[@keniasantosdasilva5696]

lindo

[@derkiy2100]

wish i knew the ladies name and where are they now

[@furugua]

One of them works or use to, with her son at AC Warehouse.. (I think runs the place)

[@jaydenbeery9233]

the lady on the far right is my grandma eiko, she is doing well at 82 years old

[@derkiy2100]

@@jaydenbeery9233 Tell your grandma you have a superfan here. After all their accomplishments and talents especially in the 60s, they were unmatched.

[@jaydenbeery9233]

@@derkiy2100 i definitely will

[@hanayamada5736]

Are those girls who used to sing at Pagoda Hotel, Hawaii?

[@roybaugher6771]

Hana Yamada, I do not think the Tokyo Happy Coats played at the Pagoda Hotel in Hawaii. They did perform at the following venues in Hawaii during their career: Copacabana, McCully Street and Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, December 1964-January 1965 Hong Kong Junk, Ilikai Hotel, Honolulu, June-July 1969 Outrigger Waikiki, Honolulu, January 1970 If you are interested, there is a Facebook page about the band and their history here: facebook.com/tokyohappycoats/

[@waynejones205]

Like Japanese Andrews Sisters = 2 !!

[@waynejones205]

Forever More the clear winner here, not that Here is Happiness id bad! Music MEANT something then and this is SO emotional!! Also the chords as they drop to the Minor abruptly......like someone wants to cry maybe? Beautiful in both languages......makes me think of Patti Page and other harmonic ladies!! Instruments....like 50's AND 60's mix!! SHAME I wasn't around then, but love having them here!!

[@srfrider1973]

miss KKUA, BACK IN THE DAYS OF THAT IDIOT THAT GAVE ADVICE LIKE TRY NOT TO ANSWER YOUR PHONE WHILE YOURE STANDING O THE ROOF, OR TRY NOT TO START YOUR CAR WHILE YOURE UNDERNEATH IT. DR. QUACK, I THINK. KHS1973.