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Japan was a new wave, art rock, and synth pop band formed in London, England, in early 1974. The band consisted of David Sylvian (vocals), his brother Steve Jansen (drums), Richard Barbieri (keyboards), and Mick Karn (saxophone/bass). Guitarist Rob (Robert) Dean later joined the lineup, and they secured a recording contract with the German label Ariola-Hansa. Initially unfashionable during the UK punk era, they found success in Japan. After releasing three albums with Ariola-Hansa, Japan switched to Virgin Records in 1980, coinciding with the rise of the New Romantic movement, which significantly boosted their popularity. Their androgynous image made them fashionable, leading to several UK Top 20 singles and the successful albums "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" (1980) and "Tin Drum" (1981). Rob Dean left the band after "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" but continued to tour with them for one more tour. Despite their success, disagreements between Karn and Sylvian hindered the band's progress, resulting in their split in late 1982. The members then pursued collaborative work and solo careers, reuniting in 1991 (minus Dean) for a project called Rain Tree Crow.

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