Two books are about to be released about one of the 1970s and 80s’ most beguiling bands, Japan.

Anthony Reynolds’ Japan: A Foreign Place 1974-1984 was originally published in 2016 and is to be reprinted in an expanded edition, while Cries And Whispers is Reynolds’ long-awaited follow-up and details the musical adventures of Richard Barbieri, Rob Dean, Steve Jansen, Mick Karn and David Sylvian from 1983 to 1991.

Japan: A Foreign Place 1974-1984 was acclaimed on its first release, with Suede’s Mat Osman saying of it, “Finally, a book as rich and complex and beautiful as the music itself. Packed with details and stories that will be new to even the most hardcore Japan fan.” 

Boasting over 300 photos (many never-before-seen) and exclusive access to many of the band’s surviving members, the first book charted the rise and fall of one of the era’s most influential synth-pop bands.

Designed by Carl Glover, Cries And Whispers includes many more rare photographs, plus contributions from Johnny Marr, Martin Fry, Paul Morley and Thomas Dolby.

Both books are available exclusively for £19.99 from www.burningshed.com

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Read our article on the making of Japan’s Quiet Life