CRYSTAL JAPAN 45 IS 45 TODAY
“I’m under Japanese influence...”
David Bowie’s hauntingly beautiful instrumental, Crystal Japan (originally titled Fujimoto San), was initially released as a Japanese only vinyl 45 single forty-five years ago today.
Crystal Japan is a synthesiser based instrumental track that David provided for the Japanese sake Crystal Jun Rock by Takara Shuzo advertising campaign. Along with the TV adverts, stills were taken for the single sleeve and promotional inserts, posters, and press adverts.
The images for the whole campaign featured Bowie in a Zen temple in Kyoto, a location he personally selected being so moved by the beautiful Karesansui Zen Garden.
While in Japan David spoke briefly about his reasons for agreeing to do the commercials...
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Q. Why did you agree to do the commercial?
DB: There are three reasons. The first one being that no one has ever asked me to do it before. And the money is a very useful thing [spoken in Japanese]. And the third, I think it's very effective that my music is on television twenty times a day. I think my music isn't for radio.
Q. So did you write the music for the commercial?
DB: Yes, this is the important point and the reason I agreed to do the commercial. It's a very slow one. I didn't use bass or drums so it's very different from anything I have done before. It will be included in my next album. I don't drink while I work so I didn't drink while I wrote this one, of course.
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In the event, Crystal Japan didn’t appear on the next album (Scary Monsters) but the Japanese got an exclusive single instead. The track did appear as the flipside of the Up The Hill Backwards single the following year, among other places. One of those other places being A Warm Place by Nine Inch Nails.
The track is now widely available and the advert is easy to find on YouTube.
#BowieJapan #BowieCrystalJapan
@dveese I know these aren’t your pics, but I love seeing stuff like this. I’m very inspired by how you arrange your personal collection room. I’ve only got a few shelves to work with so most of my stuff stays boxed up in the basement. I hope it looks like your collection room one day!
as we dwindle down to our last dozen or so (!) first edition hologram, hand signed copies of discovery zone’s quantum web, it’s fine time to allow a peak under the hood. and by popular demand, a look at @plancha_92104’s exquisite cd edition. don’t dilly or dally💿🕸️🔐
Don't miss! 29 Jul - Japan Society NY
"Tokyo Melody, Un Film Sur Ryuichi Sakamoto"
Screening of the cult 1985 documentary at @japansociety NY
Opening comments by @Yano_Akiko ; Screening followed by a Q&A with Director Elizabeth Lennard.
https://t.co/6Fyk4oBLUH