A Compilation Album of "Made in Japan" Bossa Nova and Samba is Released | MUSIC

NIPPON SAMBA

Selected by Yoichiro Ito

A compilation album titled "NIPPON SAMBA," featuring Japanese-made Bossa Nova and Samba born from Japan's popular music scene, is being released. Curated by Yoichiro Ito, the album is arranged with a focus on groove and mood.

Text by Kosaku Waseda (OPENERS)

A Rich Collection of Japanese-Brazilian Music

Japan's music scene in the 1950s and '60s was a period of exploring "new rhythms," leading to the birth of numerous songs with fresh beats. Beginning in the early 1950s and peaking in 1955 with an explosive Mambo craze, various new rhythms swept through Japan's popular music industry throughout the '50s and '60s. While some were indigenous Japanese rhythms, many were inspired by foreign origins. During this time, Brazilian music also became widely popular as one of these new rhythms.

Bossa Nova arrived in Japan's popular music scene in 1963. Songs like "Tokyo Bossa Nova Girl" by Hideko Tani and "Akira de Bossa Nova" by Akira Kobayashi emerged, blending Bossa Nova with popular song structures. Following the new rhythm era, Bossa Nova and Samba rhythms began to be incorporated into various genres, including popular songs, pop, and jazz.

The compilation album "NIPPON SAMBA" brings together "Japanese-made" Bossa Nova and Samba tracks from that era. It features a diverse selection, including Hideko Tani's "Tokyo Bossa Nova Girl" and Kyosen Ohashi's "Korya Mata Mina-san Hyakumentō."

The curation was handled by Yoichiro Ito, known for his extensive production and remix work under the moniker AKAKAGE. The album includes everything from popular club killer tunes to more obscure gems. As expected from his long career as a club DJ, Ito has arranged the tracks to create a flow that emphasizes groove and mood.

The jacket art is "49 Years Later" by graphic designer Tadanori Yokoo. Created in 2014 as part of his "Swimmer Series," which began in 1966, this vibrant artwork, evoking the cheerful spirit of Brazil, makes a powerful statement as the cover for a release just before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August 2016.

The Deep World of "Wamono"

Ito shares, "2016 is an Olympic year, and the host city is Rio. Many 'Wamono' arrangements incorporated Samba and Bossa Nova, and before I knew it, my collection was overflowing with them. Wouldn't it be fun to gather songs with that theme? When I arranged them, it certainly was enjoyable. The world of 'Wamono,' once you step in, leads you two steps deeper into a profound realm. Once you're immersed in its depths, you lose the boundary between what's considered a common listening experience and what feels like habit or pleasure. With this album, I hope listeners can feel the history of the encounter between Showa-era popular songs and Brazilian music, and enjoy the fun and charm of Showa-era tunes, along with the irresistible rhythms of Samba, as a bridge from Rio to Tokyo."

Yoichiro Ito
A DJ and producer, he consistently releases his own albums under various monikers such as "AKAKAGE" and "Natural Essence." As a producer, he handles a wide range of musical styles, from world music to J-Pop, expressing his unique world with DJ-like skills and a stylish sensibility. His past work includes an extensive catalog of remixes for titles like "Lupin the Third" and "Goldfinger 99" (Hiromi Go), as well as energetic production and arrangements for various artists. As a DJ, while his foundation lies in jazz and Latin music, he combines it with a rock and punk sensibility. Recently, he has gained recognition in the "Wamono" scene, excelling in all-mix sets that transcend genres and fields, thanks to his distinctive selection style.

NIPPON SAMBA
Price | ¥2,484 (tax included)
Selector | Yoichiro Ito
Number of Tracks | 24
Distributor | Victor Entertainment