New Wave Outpost Forum

In about 10 days I'll be going to Japan for 2 weeks. Just wondering what anyone might suggest I be on the lookout for, new wave-wise. What CDs/DVDs/misc should I pick up?
For example Japan-only releases (both Japanese and non-Japanese acts), new releases, etc.
I'll be in Sapporo, and am aware of 2 Tower Records and some used cd stores, so if you know of any other places to checkout I'd be interested.
I know a lot can be bought from places like CD Japan, but I'd like to avoid "preparation" fees and shipping.
A couple of things I will be looking for are The Complete Susan, and that Plastics DVD.
Thanks for your help!

If you have time, maybe you can watch 'Shining Boy and Little Randy', and tell us if the Ryuichi Sakamoto soundtrack is any good [8D]

[quote][i]Originally posted by yipyipcoyote[/i]
<br>If you have time, maybe you can watch 'Shining Boy and Little Randy', and tell us if the Ryuichi Sakamoto soundtrack is any good [8D]
[/quote]

About the boy and the elephant? I've seen a performance clip from Japanese TV, and frankly, it's more of the typical post 1995 Sakamoto-snorefest! Ditto for the Tony Takatani soundtrack [xx(]

I agree the clip wasn't too thrilling. Let's hope the soundtrack would be better. Taboo and Love Is The Devil are not half bad.

http://www.apple.com/jp/quicktime/trail ... large.html

btw if you're interested in Susan, maybe you'll also want to pick up the 'Yellow Magic Kayoukyoku' 3CD set which is a collection of tunes produced by YMO members.

[quote][i]Originally posted by yipyipcoyote[/i]
<br>
btw if you're interested in Susan, maybe you'll also want to pick up the 'Yellow Magic Kayoukyoku' 3CD set which is a collection of tunes produced by YMO members.
[/quote]

Thanks for refreshing my memory. Yes, that should be on my hit list.

And of course, the Japanese release of the Kraftwerk double DVD, Minimum Maximum!

Not new wave, but you have to go to the Sapporo Beer Garden for "Genghis Khan", which is a meal that you grill right at your table. It consists of meat and assorted veggies that are brought to you raw on a platter, and it's fun to grill and eat them while you're drinking lots of Sapporo Beer! Also, Sapporo is known for its spicy variation of ramen, so you absolutely must try some. (In case you don't know, in Japan ramen is much more than a little pouch of salty dried noodles. It's a complete meal with meat and veggies. And it's considered good manners to slurp loudly!)

You also have to go to the Jozankei area for rotenburo (outdoor hot spring bath) or onsen (indoor hot spring bath). My husband and I went there in February, 2000, for the Sapporo Snow Festival, and the hot springs were so refreshing on a cold snowy day, after cross country skiing. Even in the summer it should be very relaxing to sit in the baths.

I'm so envious that you get to go to Sapporo! I still have lots of information on Sapporo, so if you have any touristy questions, let me know!

Not new wave, but get some of this stuff.

http://gprime.net/video.php/japaneseschwarzenegger1

There was talk on the forum here a while back about how HMV Japan had their own "80's Renaissance" series or something, and they had included things such as "ArgyBargy" by Squeeze (with bonus tracks), "Cookin' on the Roof" by Roman Holliday, and some New Musik releases, among others. I would definitely check around for those if you can.
Now, if it were me going, I'd be looking for the first two Flying Lizards albums, the first two Bram Tchaikovsky albums (though that would have to be through a second-hand store since they're out of print), "Dreamtime" by the Cult (mini-LP format), and would contemplate getting "Sandinista!" by the Clash (mini-LP format), just to have the novelty of its simulated original packaging.
Have a great time, Schwenko! You deserve it!

http://www.nwoutpost.com/forum/topic.as ... enaissance

Thanks for the suggestion!
I have all of the Flying Lizard cds, so that will let me spend money on that Translator box set [:D].