Step into a time capsule of funky, sentimental soul from 70s Japan

London-based reissue label Time Capsule has turned its attention to 70s Japan with its latest release, ‘Nippon Psychedelic Soul 1970-1979’. Seven previously hidden gems from the era are getting a new life in a kaleidoscope of psychedelic funk and soul.

During the 1970s in Japan, the country was in a fragile and fertile moment following the breakdown of the 1960s protest movements, with many looking for musical inspiration abroad.

At the core of this movement was Happy End — Haruomi Hosono of Yellow Magic Orchestra’s debut project. His iconic distortion-heavy guitar with a crisp backing ushered in a new wave for Japanese rock music, which can be heard on track two of the project.

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Many key players from this movement are involved in the project, including Yoshiko Sai, Jun Fakamachi, Hiroshi ‘Monsieur’ Kamayatsu, Momotaro Pink, Vol.1 Chap.100, and the Tadashi Goino Group.

“Less a compilation of a scene, as a compilation of a sentiment, Nippon Psychedelic Soul is a wild ride from start to finish, shattering the narratives of the Japanese folk and rock tradition into a million tiny pieces,” mentions the label on the release.

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The project as a whole is timeless, with grooves and ideas that wouldn’t be out of place if released 50 years later.

This isn’t Time Capsule's first foray into Asia-based reissues, with Japanese 70s acid folk, anime and manga soundtracks and Tokyo reggae-pop from the 80s all getting the spotlight in previous releases.

Purchase ‘Nippon Psychedelic Soul 1970-1979’ here.

Henry Cooper is a Writer at Mixmag Asia. Follow him on Instagram.