SITE INDEX

This page is an index to the content of this blog. I provide direct links to each list and to the associated YouTube playlists, updated December 2021.

Takarajima Best 20
Takarajima asks 60 people for their top five picks (1-30) (31-60)

100 Albums from Japanese Rock/Folk 1968-1978 Complete Album Guide

Rock Chronicles Japan, Vol. 1 (1968-1980)
1968 1968 YouTube
1969 1969 YouTube
1970 1970 YouTube
1971 1971 YouTube
1972 1972 YouTube
1973 1973 YouTube
1974 1974 YouTube
1975 1975 YouTube
1976 1976 YouTube
1977 1977 YouTube
1978 1978 YouTube
1979 1979 YouTube
1980 1980 YouTube
Rock Chronicles Japan Vol 1 Contributors’ Picks for best singles/album YouTube

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol 2 (1981-1999)
1981 1981 YouTube
1982 1982 YouTube
1983 1983 YouTube
1984 1984 YouTube
1985 1985 YouTube
1986 1986 YouTube
1987 1987 YouTube
1988 1988 YouTube
1989 1989 YouTube
1990 1990 YouTube
1991 1991 YouTube
1992 1992 YouTube
1993 1993 YouTube
1994 1994 YouTube
1995 1995 YouTube
1996 1996 YouTube
1997 1997 YouTube
1998 1998 YouTube
1999 1999 YouTube
Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 Contributors’ picks for best singles/albums YouTube

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 Contributors

The following lists the contributors to Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2, including their picks for favorite song and favorite album from the years 1981 to 1999. Initials in parentheses indicate writers who contributed to capsule reviews of the albums listed for each year. Romanization of the writers’ names is from the original publication.

Aida Mai. [相田麻衣]: Song: Jagatara/”Tsunagatta Sekai”; Album: Eastern Youth/Kumo Inuke Koe, Aburadako/Aburadako.

Akita Kazunori. [秋田和徳] (AK): Song: Katsurei/”Kimi no Shashin”; Album: Auto Mod/Eestania.

Azuma Yoichiro [東雄一朗] (AY):  Song: ARB/”After ’45”; Album: Roosters/Four Pieces.

Amatatsu Yasufumi [天辰保文]: Song: Beatniks/”Chotto Tsurainda”; Album: Nakaido Reichi/E.

Iizuka Tatushito [飯塚達弘] (IT): Song: PANTA/”The End”; Album: PANTA/Kristall Nacht.

Ichikawa Makoto [市川誠] (IM2): Song: Puffy/”Nagisa ni matsuwaru etc”; Album: Ozawa Kenji/Life.

Ito Miho [伊藤美保] (IM): Song: La’cryma Christi/”Lhasa”; Album: Kuroyume/Nakigara wo….

Imai Tomoko [今井智子]: Song: Too many to decide; Albums: RC Succession/Blue; hide/Psyence.

Iwase Yuichi [岩瀬陽一]: Song: Kuwata Keisuke/”Dareka no kaze no ato”; Album: Kubota Toshinobu/Such a funky thang.

Endo Taeko [遠藤妙子]: Song: 16 tons/”North Bridge”; Albums: fOUL/Rengoku no naka de; Eastern Youth/Kumo Inuke Koe.

Ohsuka Takeshi [大須賀猛]: Song: SMAP/”Yozora no mukō”; Album: Nenes/Ikawu [He questions whether either of these is really “rock”]

Ohtaka Toshikazu [大鷹俊一] (OT): Song: Yamamoto Seiichi & PHEW/”Masao no Yume”; Album: Friction/Zone Tripper.

Ogawa Shin-ichi [小川真一] (OS): Song: Beatniks/”Chotto Tsurainda”; Album: Itō Takao/Slow and Through.

Otokoyama Jun-ichi [男山順一] (OJ): Song: Haniwachan/”Asobi”; Album: PINK/Hikari no ko.

Kawakami Kenji [川上健二] (KK2): Song: Sawada Tamae/”Hana no sei”; Album: Flipper’s Guitar/Camera Talk.

Kawamura Kyoko [川村恭子] (KK): Song: Too many to decide; Album: Can’t answer.

Kikuchi Sho [菊池昇]: Song: UA/”Ringo oiwake”; Album: Kodama Kazufumi/Requiem 2000.

Kisaragi Yui [如月ゆい] (KY): Song: Ohtaka Eiichi/”1969-nen no Drag Race”; Album: Pillows/Please Mr. Lostman.

Kiriishi Tomoko [切石智子]: Song: Lovejoy/”Kimi ga suki”; Album: Yamamoto Seiichi & PHEW/Shiawase no sumika.

Kogure Hideo [小暮秀夫]: Song: Shi-Shōnen/”Hitomi wa sunset glow”; Album: Test Pattern/Apres-midi.

Kodama Tsunetoshi [兒玉常利] (KT): Song: Plagues/”Saigo no Highway no Yume”; Album: Rockets/Rocket Size.

Sawada Taiyo [沢田太陽] (ST3): Song: Yano Akiko/”David”; Album: Unicorn/Kedamono no arashi.

Shimizu Takashi [清水隆] (ST2): Song: The Mods/”Loose Game”; Album: Kemuri/77 Days.

Shinbo Miyuki [真保みゆき] (SM): Song: Endō Kyoko/”Be Love” (questions whether it’s “rock”); Album: SMAP/SMAP008-TOCOMAX.

Sugiyama Tatsuru [杉山達] (ST): Song: Pizzicato Five/”Koi no Television Age”; Album: Vibratones/Vibra-Rock.

Suzuki Yu [鈴木祐] (SY): Song: YMO/”Cue”; Album: Harry & Mac/Road to Louisiana.

Taki Hiroyuki [滝裕行] (TH): Song: Newest Model/”Hikari no kaibutsu”; Album: Fishmans/Long Season.

Taguchi Fumihito [田口史人]: Song: Jagatara/”Tango”; Album: Nagisa nite/Love Beach.

Tojo Masato [東條雅人] (TM): Song: Brahman/”Answer For”; Album: Gastunk/Dead Song.

Tomita Yui [冨田由比]: Song: PANTA/”Seiki”; Album: PANTA/Kristall Nacht.

Nakayama Kyumin [中山久民] (NK): Song: Yamashita Tatsuro/”Turner no Kikansha”; Album: Minami Yoshitaka/Bōken Ō.

Namekawa Kazuhiko [行川和彦] (NK2): Song: G-Schmitt/”Icarus Descending”; Album: Stalin/Stop Jap.

Hirano Keizo [平野敬三] (HK): Song: Unicorn/”Kuruma mo denwa mo nai keredo”; Album: Blue Hearts/The Blue Hearts.

Fujimoto Kunihiko [藤本国彦] (FK): Song: Okuda Tamio/”Sore wa nanika to tazunetara”; Album: Suzuki Shoko/Shishōsetsu.

Hori Yukiko [堀由希子] (HK2): Song: Unicorn/”Pekepeke Otoko”; Album: Nakamura Kazuyoshi/Kinjitō.

Maeda Yoshitake [前田祥丈]: Song: Blue Hearts/”Linda Linda”; Album: PANTA/Kristall Nacht.

Masabuchi Hideki [増渕英紀] (MH): Song: Ohtaka Sizzle/”Hana”; Albums: Shang Shang Typhoon/Ai ga aru kara daijōbu; Date of Birth/Folk Songs.

Matsumoto Seiji [松本誠司]: Song: Unicorn/”Daimeiwaku”; Album: Doom/Incompetent.

Miyauchi Takeshi [宮内健] (MT): Songs: Ozawa Kenji/”Door wo knock suru no wa dare da?”; Okamura Yasuyuki/”Ijiwaru”; Album: Netanders/MooDoo.

Yahagi Keisuke [矢作計助] (YK): Song: Okuda Tamio/”Mother”; Album: Ringo Shiina/Muzai Moratorium.

Yuasa Manabu [湯浅学] (YM): Songs: Ankoku Tairiku Jagatara/”demo.Demo.DEMO”; Album: Endō Kenji/ Yume yo sakebe.

Yuno Masashi [油納将志] (YM2): Song: Flipper’s Guitar/”Sayonara Pastels Badge”; Album: Ozawa Kenji/Life.

Yoshida Masahiro [吉田真啓]: Song: Cocco/”Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi”; Album: Akiko Yano/Love Life.

Yoshihara Seiyoh[吉原聖洋]: Song: Nanao Tavito/”Gulliver 2″; Album: Sano Motoharu/Visitors.

Yoneda Minoru [米田実]: Song: Yapoos/”Nikuya no yō ni”; Album: Yellow Magic Orchestra/BGM.

Wakui Koji [和久井光司] (WK): Song: Hayakawa Yoshio/”Okujō”; Album: Sunny Day Service/Sunny Day Service.

Link to YouTube playlist featuring a selection of song choices from 1981-1999.

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1999)

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1981-1999), a CD Journal Mook published by Ongaku Shuppan Sha in 1999, is subtitled, “Know the J-POP era via 50 people and 666 albums. ” The book comprises brief articles, interviews, lists of important acts and capsule reviews of albums organized by year.

Here are the essential albums of the year 1999, presented in Japanese order, preserving the romanization of artists’ names as they were printed in the original publication. Note that some romanizations are unconventional (some may be typos). Romanization of album titles, unless printed in roman letters in the original, are mine. (Please leave corrections in the comment field.) Links go to Wikipedia articles in English and Japanese. *=available on U.S. streaming platforms (as of 2022).

Aoyama Yoichi : So far, so close [青山陽一：SO FAR, SO CLOSE] (reviewed by ST3–see link below for full list of capsule review writers)
Asahi Miho : Thrill March [朝日美穂：スリル・マーチ] (KY) *
Anarchy: Paradox [アナーキー：PARADOX] (AY)
Imawano Kiyoshiro: Ruffy Tuffy [忌野清志郎：ラフィー・タフィー] (HK) *
Utada Hikaru: First Love [宇多田ヒカル：First Love] (SM) *
Audio Active: Return of the Red I [オーディオ・アクティヴ：リターン・オブ・ザ・レッド・アイ] (MT)
Odani Misako : Utaki [小谷美紗子：うたき] (MH)
Kanazaki Yoshitaro: Saraba Tokyo [加奈崎芳太郎：さらば東京] (WK)
Kanenobu Sachiko: “Sachiko” [金延幸子：”Sachiko”] (WK)
Kawamura Yuka: Lush Life [川村結花：ラッシュ・ライフ] (IM2) *
Curio: Pawky [CURIO: ポーキー] (HK2)
Gyogun Rend’s: off beat [ギョガンレンズ：off beat] (HK)
Kyon & Black Bottom Brass Band: Dangerous Hoy! Sauce [Kyon & Black Bottom Brass Band: Dangerous Hoy! Sauce] (MH)
Cool Drive Makers: Rainbow juice [クール・ドライブ・メーカーズ：Rainbow juice] (KY)
Clammbon: JP [クラムボン：JP] (ST3)
Quruli: Sayonara Stranger [くるり：さよならストレンジャー] (ST3) *
Grapevine: Lifetime [グレイプバイン：ライフタイム] (HK2) *
Kenso: Esoptron [ケンソー：エソプトロン] (NK) *
Coil: Ropeland Music [コイル：ロープランド・ミュージック] (ST3)
Kobayashi Tateki: Aimaina Inryoku [小林建樹：曖昧な引力] (KY)
Gomes the Hitman: weekend [ゴメス・ザ・ヒットマン：weekend] (YM2) *
The Colts: H.A.P.!!~Happy Together [THE COLTS: ハップ！！〜ハッピー・トッゲザー] (KY)
Sunny Day Service: Mugen [サニーディ・サービス：MUGEN] (OT) *
Saneyoshi Isako: Spoon [さねよしいさ子：スプーン] (ST)
ShakkaZombie: Journey of Foresight [シャカゾンビ：ジャーニー・オブ・フォーサイト] (YM2)
Sheena Ringo: Muzai Moratorium [椎名林檎：無罪モラトリアム] (YM) *
Chocolat: Hamster [ショコラ：ハムスター] (KY)
Supercar: Jump Up [スーパーカー：ジャンプ・アップ] (HK2) *
Sugiurumn: Life is Serious but Art is Fun [スギウラム：ライフ・イズ・シリアス・バット・アート・イズ・ファン] (HK2) *
Scudelia Electro: Flamingo [スクーデリア・エレクトロ：フラミンゴ] (YK)
Zoobombs: Bomb Freak Express [ズボンズ：Bomb Freak Express] (HK)
Takagi Kan: Hello [高木完：ハロー] (OJ)
Tanabe Mamoru: RabuKome [田辺マモル：ラブコメ] (KK)
Daisy: Everest [デイジー：エベレスト] (ST3)
Cibo Matto: Stereo★Type A [チボ・マット：ステレオタイプA] (ST3) *
Daily-Echo: March [Daily-Echo: March] (HK2)
Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set: 9 9/9 [Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set: 9 9/9] (OT)
Dr. StrangeLove (DSL): Twin Suns [ドクター・ ストレンジ・ラヴ：Twin Suns] (KY)
Tomovsky: Leisure [トモフスキー：レジャー] (ST3) *
Dragon Ash: Viva La Revolution [ドラゴン・アッシュ：Viva La Revolution] (OT)
Nasca Car: Electron Water Mother [ナスカ・カー：電子水母] (ST)
Natural Calamity: Lust in the Dust [ナチュラル・カラミティ：ラスト・イン・ザ・ダスト] (MT)
Number Girl: School Girl Distortional Addict [ナンバーガール：スクールガール・ディストショナル・アディクト] (ST3)
Nanao Tabito: Ame ni utaeba…! disc 2 [七尾旅人：雨に撃たえば…!disc2] (YM)
Nozawa Kyoji : FENDER BENDER Harukana Umi e [野澤享司：FENDER BENDER 遥かな海へ] (MH)
Puffy: Fever✩Fever [Puffy: Fever✩Fever] (YM) *
Harry & Mac: Road to Louisiana [ハリーとマック：Road to Louisiana] (MH) *
Piccadilly Circus [ピカデリーサーカス] (FK)
Higurashi Toshiro : Dance in my kitchen [日倉士歳朗：DANCE IN MY KITCHEN] (MH)
Biscuit Fan: Sneaker [ビスケット・ファン：スニーカ] (HK2)
Fisherman Tit Tot: The Instant Fisherman [フィッシャーマン・ティット・トット：ジ・インスタント・フィシャーマン] (ST)
Fabienne: fab. [フェビアン：fab.] (AY)
Fujiwara Kayoko: Kaze no benri  [フジワラカヨコ：風の便り] (HK2)
Petty Booka: Dancing with Petty Booka [ペティ・ブーカ：ペティ・プーカと踊ろう] (OT)
benzo: DAYS [benzo: DAYS] (AY)
Port of Notes: Complain Too Much [ポート・オブ・ノーツ：コンプレイン・トゥー・マッチ] (AY)
Manga✩head: The Planet of the Manga✩head [マンガヘッド：The Planet of the Manga✩head] (AY) *
Murakami Ritsu, Nakagawa Isato: Ritsu to Isato [村上律、中川イサト：律とイサト] (MH)
You-he-s: American School [ユウヒーズ：AMERICAN SCHOOL] (HK) *
Yo-king: Defroster Rock [YO-KING: デフロスタ・ロック] (HK) *
Round Table: Domino [ラウンド・テーブル：ドミノ] (HK2)
Ram Jam World: Sekai [ラム・ジャム・ワールド：世界] (MT)
Rikuo: Heaven’s Blue [リクオ：HEAVEN’S BLUE] (WK)
Little Tempo: Ron Riddim [リトル・テンポ：ロン・リディム] (MT) *
Rocky Chack: Smash Water People [ロッキーチャック：スマッシュ・ウォーター・ピープル] (YM2)
Wino: Useless Music [Wino: Useless Music] (HK2)

Link to list of contributors.

Link to Rock Chronicles Japan (1999) YouTube Playlist.

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1998)

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1981-1999), a CD Journal Mook published by Ongaku Shuppan Sha in 1999, is subtitled, “Know the J-POP era via 50 people and 666 albums. ” The book comprises brief articles, interviews, lists of important acts and capsule reviews of albums organized by year.

Here are the essential albums of the year 1998, presented in Japanese order, preserving the romanization of artists’ names as they were printed in the original publication. Note that some romanizations are unconventional (some may be typos). Romanization of album titles, unless printed in roman letters in the original, are mine. (Please leave corrections in the comment field.) Links go to Wikipedia articles in English and Japanese. *=available on U.S. streaming platforms (as of 2022).

Arch: Atarashii Tabi [アーチ：新しい旅] (YM2)
ACO: Lady Soul  [ACO: Lady Soul](HK2) *
Inotomo: Grapefruits [イノトモ：グレイプフルウツ] (YM2)
Oikawa Mitsuhiro: Uso to Roman [及川光博：嘘とロマン] (ST3) *
Cowpers: Every Little Singles [カウパァズ：エヴリ・リトル・シングルズ] (KT) *
Kahimi Karie: K.K.K.K.K. [カヒミ・カリィ：K.K.K.K.K.] (KK)
Karafuto: Presents Individual Orchestra [Karafuto: Presents Individual Orchestra] (AY) *
Kirinji: Paper Driver’s Music [キリンジ：ペーパードライヴァーズミュージック] (KY) *
Kiroro: Nagai aida~Kiroro no mori [Kiroro: 長い間〜キロロの森] (KT)
Kubota Shingo & Amigo 7: Viva! [久保田真吾＆アミーゴセブン：VIVA!] (WK)
Kuroyume: Corkscrew [黒夢：CORKSCREW] (TM) *
Kemuri: 77 days [ケムリ：７７ディズ] (ST2)
COA: Your chill lobe to my sound sleep [怖：YOUR CHILL LOBE TO MY SOUND SLEEP] (KK)
Cokeberry: Kokoro no uta [コークベリー：こころのうた] (MH)
Coaltar of the Deepers: Submerge [コールター・オブ・ザ・ディーパーズ：サブマージ] (ST3) *
Cocco: Kumuiuta [Cocco: クムイウタ] (KY) *
Kojima Mayumi: Sayonara Cecile [小島真由美：さよならセシル] (ST3) *
The Savoy Truffle: To the higher ground [サヴォイ・トラッフル：トゥ・ザ・ハイヤー・グラウンド] (MH)
Sakura: Lover Light [SAKURA: ラヴァー・ライト] (KY)
Shinohara Tomoe: Megaphone Speaks [篠原ともえ：メガフォン・スピークス] (IM2)
zilch: 3•2•1 [zilch: 3•2•1] (HK2)
Swinging Popsicle [スウィンギング・ポプシクル] (HK2)
Suga Shikao: Family [スガシカオ：FAMILY] (KT) *
Suzuki Shoko: Shishōsetsu [鈴木祥子：私小説] (FK)
Sunahara Yoshinori : The sound of the ’70s [砂原良徳：THE SOUND OF THE ’70s] (AY) *
Cellophane: Balloon Songs [セロファン：Balloon Songs] (ST3)
Takada Wataru: Best Live [高田渡：ベスト・ライヴ] (WK)
Takahashi Tetsuya: Yoru ni ikiru mono [ 高橋徹也：夜に生きるもの] (HK) *
Taniguchi Takashi : becoming [谷口崇：becoming] (YM2)
Tsuji Ayano: Uraraka [つじあやの：うららか] (WK)
Tsuyuzaki Harumi: Believe Yourself [露崎春女：Believe Yourself] (HK2)
DJ Krush: Kakusei  [DJクラッシュ：覚醒] (AY) *
Dexied the Emons: Berry, Berry Bo Hhö [デキシード・ザ・エモンズ：ベリーベリーボッホ] (ST3)
Tokunaga Ken: Ivy [徳永憲：アイヴィー] (ST3) *
Domingos: Domingos Wild Mild [ドミンゴス：ドミンゴス・ワイルド・マイルド] (HK2)
Triceratops [トライセラトップス] (HK2) *
Nagisa Jugo : Koko nara Bara wa Sodatsu [渚十吾：ここならバラは育つ] (WK)
Nekozawa Emi : Broken Sewing Machine [猫沢エミ：BROKEN SEWING MACHINE] (HK2)
Netanders: MooDoo [ネタンダーズ：ムードゥー] (MT)
Noborikawa Seijin : Howling Wolf [登川誠仁：ハウリング・ウルフ] (NK)
Buffalo Daughter: New Rock [バッファロー・ドーター：ニュー・ロック] (ST3) *
Paradise Garage: “Jikken no yoru, Hakken no asa” [パラダイス・ガラージ：「実験の夜、発見の朝」] (WK)
hide with Spread Beaver: Ja,Zoo [hide with Spread Beaver: Ja,Zoo] (TM)
The Pink Stocking Club Band: Rain [ピンク・ストッキング・クラブ・バンド：Rain] (HK2)
Brahman: A Man of the World [ブラフマン：A MAN OF THE WORLD] (MT)
Freebo: Smoking Blues [フリーボ：Smoking Blues] (YM2)
pre-school: peace pact [プリ・スクール：ピース・パクト] (KK2)
The Brilliant Green [ブリリアントグリーン] (HK) *
Boom Boom Satellites: Out Loud [ブンブンサテライツ：アウト・ラウド] (MT) *
Pepperland Orange: Pepperland Orange~Natsu no Mahō [ペパーランド・オレンジ：ペパーランド・オレンジ〜夏の魔法] (HK2)
Penguin Noise: Jetlag [ペンギンノイズ：ジェットラグ] (KY)
Boredoms: SUPER æ [ボアダムス：SUPER æ] (YM)
boat: Fruits☆Lee [ボート：フルーツ☆リー] (ST3) *
magoo swim [マグースイム] (YM2)
Matsuzaki Nao: Shōjiki-na hito [松崎ナオ：正直な人] (HK) *
Monday Michiru: Double Image [マンディ満ちる：ダブル・イメージ] (MT)
Misia: Mother Father Brother Sister [Misia: Mother Father Brother Sister] (HK2) *
Minami Karasuyama Rokuchōme Production: Ah! Minami Karasuyama Rokuchōme Production [南烏山六丁目プロダクション：嗚呼々ミナミカラスヤマロクチョウメプロダクション] (HK)
Miyake Shinji &  The Tramp: Moon Rise [三宅伸治＆ザ・トランプ：ムーン・ライズ] (OJ)
Miyazawa Kazufumi: Afrosick [宮沢和史：アフロシック] (KK)
Moomin: In my life [ムーミン：イン・マイ・ライフ] (KY) *
Merzbow: 1930 [メルツバウ：1930] (NK2)
Melt Banana: Charlie [メルト・バナナ：CHARLIE] (KT) *
Mentanpin: Go to Arcadia [めんたんぴん：GO TO ARCADIA] (OJ)
Yamashita Tatsuro : Cozy [山下達郎：コージー] (HK)
Yazawa Eikichi: Subway Express [矢沢永吉：サブウェイ特急] (OJ)
Phew & Yamamoto Sei-ichi : Shiawase no sumika [山本精一＆PHEW: 幸福のすみか] (OS)
You the Rock: The Graffiti Rock ’98 [ユウザロック：ザ✩グラフィティロック’98] (YM2)
Yuzu: Yuzu Ikka [ゆず：ゆず一家] (KY)
Yura Yura Teikoku: 3x3x3 [ゆらゆら帝国：３x３x３」(ST3) *
ROVO: PICO! [ROVO: PICO!] (OT) *
Wack Wack Rhythm Band: Weekend Jack [ワック・ワック・リズム・バンド：ウィークエンド・ジャック　] (MT)
One Star: Triangulum [ワン・スター：トライアングラム] (YM2)

Link to list of contributors.

Link to Rock Chronicles Japan (1998) YouTube playlist.

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1997)

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1981-1999), a CD Journal Mook published by Ongaku Shuppan Sha in 1999, is subtitled, “Know the J-POP era via 50 people and 666 albums. ” The book comprises brief articles, interviews, lists of important acts and capsule reviews of albums organized by year.

Here are the essential albums of the year 1997, presented in Japanese order, preserving the romanization of artists’ names as they were printed in the original publication. Note that some romanizations are unconventional (some may be typos). Romanization of album titles, unless printed in roman letters in the original, are mine. (Please leave corrections in the comment field.) Links go to Wikipedia articles in English and Japanese. *=available on U.S. streaming platforms (as of 2022).

Outrage: Who we are [アウトレイジ：フ・ウィ・アー] (NK2)
Eastern Youth: Koritsumuen no hana [イースタン・ユース：孤立無援の花] (MT)
Inoueyosuiokudatamio: Shopping [井上陽水奥田民生：ショッピング] (YM)
AIR: My Life as Air [AIR: マイ・ライフ・アズ・エアー] (HK2)
EPO: Dance [EPO:ダンス] (MH)
OOIOO: ∞8∞ [OOIOO: エイト] (KT)
Onuki Taeko : Lucy [大貫妙子：ルーシー] (ST)
Oh! Penelope: Milk & Cookies [オー！ペネロープ：ミルク＆クッキーズ] (IM2) *
Tamio Okuda: Failbox [奥田民生：FAILBOX] (HK2) *
Kaji Hideki: Miniskirt [カジヒデキ：ミニ・スカート] (YM2) *
Kawamoto Makoto [川本真琴] (HK2)
Guitar Wolf: Planet of the Wolves [ギターウルフ：狼惑星] (YM) *
Kyoko: Tokyo Deep London High [杏子：TOKYO DEEP LONDON HIGH] (WK) *
Greedy Green: MW [グリーディ・グリーン：MW] (KY)
Kurihara Jun : Tsuki no Ō [栗原淳：月の王] (YM2)
K-Dub Shine: Genzai Jikoku [K-Dub Shine: 現在時刻] (YM2)
Cornelius: Fantasma [コーネリアス：ファンタズマ] (ST3) *
Surfers of Romantica: On [サーファーズ・オブ・ロマンチカ：オン] (NK2)
Silent Poets: For Nothing [サイレント・ポエツ：フォー・ナッシング] (ST3)
Theatre Brook: Tropopause  [シアターブルック：トロポポーズ] (KT) *
Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her: It’s Brand New [シーガル・スクリーミング・キス・ハー・キス・ハー：イッツ・ブラン・ニュー] (HK2) *
Sugar Fields: Melodious World [シュガーフィールズ：メロディアス・ワールド] (KY)
Judy and Mary: The Power Source [ジュディ・アンド・マリー：ザ・パワー・ソース] (HK2)
The Suzuki: Everybody’s in Working Class [The Suzuki: Everybody’s in Working Class] (OS)
Zeppet Store: Cue [ZEPPET STORE: キュー] (ST3) *
Taiyou no Tou: Sun [太陽の塔：サン] (ST)
Takanaka Masayoshi : Nijidensetsu 2 Live at Budokan~Kako e no Time Machine  [高中正義：虹伝説２ライヴ・アット・ブドウカン〜過去へのタイムマシーン] (OJ)
Takahashi Toshiyuki: Shin-ai narumono e [高橋敏幸：神愛なるものえ] (NK2)
Takemura Nobukazu : Child and Magic [竹村延和：こどもと魔法] (KY)
Chara: Junior Sweet [CHARA: ジュニア・スイート] (HK2) *
Dynamite Masters Blues Quartet: Cog [DMBQ: Cog] (OT)
dj honda: h II [dj honda: h II] (YM2) *
Tei Towa : Sound Museum [テイ・トウワ：サウンド・ミュージアム] (NK2) *
Tipographica: Floating Opera [ティポグラフィカ：フローティング・オペラ] (YM)
Denki Groove: A [電気グルーヴ：A] (HK) *
Nakamura Kazuyoshi: Kinjitō [中村一義：金字塔] (HK2) *
Nagahata Zenji: Camden [ナガハタ・ゼンジ：カムデン] (KT)
Nunchaku: Ichibu fubuku [ヌンチャク：都部ふぶく] (TM)
Pearl [パール] (AY)
hi-posi: House [ハイポジ：ハウス] (IM2)
Vajra: Shichishiki [バサラ：七識] (NK2)
Harada Tomoyo: I could be free [原田知世：アイ・クッド・ビー・フリー] (HK2) *
the pillows: Please Mr. Lostman [ザ・ピロウズ：プリーズ・ミスター・ロストマン] (KY)
Pianica Maeda: Double dream of the summer [ピアニカ前田：ダブル・ドリーム・オブ・ザ・サマー] (MT)
Fantastic Explosion [ファンタスティック・エクスプロージョン] (MT)
Fantastic Plastic Machine[ファンタスティック・プラスチック・マシーン] (KK2)
Blankey Jet City: Love Flash Fever [ブランキー・ジェット・シティ：ラブ・フラッシュ・フィーヴァー] (YK)
Free Kitten: Sentimental Education [フリー・キトゥン：センチメンタル・エデュケーション] (OT) *
Bonnie Pink: Heaven’s Kitchen [Bonnie Pink: ヘヴンズ・キッチン] (KY) *
Thee Michelle Gun Elephant: Chicken Zombies [ミッシェル・ガン・エレファント：チキン・ゾンビーズ] (ST3)
Mari Mari: Mimi to me soshite echo [マリマリ: 耳と目そしてエコー] (HK2)
Minekawa Takako: Cloudy Cloud Calculator [嶺川貴子：クラウディ・クラウド・カルキュレーター] (KT)
Moritaka Chisato: Peachberry [森高千里：ピーチベリー]  (YM)
Moriwaka Kaori: Heaven [森若香織：ヘヴン] (KT)
Yamazaki Masayoshi: Home [山崎まさよし：ホーム] (ST3) *
Rashinban: Rago [羅針盤：らご] (OS)
Lolita No. 18: Hige-ninja [ロリータ18号：髭忍者] (ST)
Various Artists: Topping Up–Radiate presents 8ts Tokyo Mods Collection [トッピング・アップ〜レイディエイト・プレセンツ・8Ts・トーキョー・モーズ・コレクション] (YM2)

Link to list of contributors.

Link to Rock Chronicles Japan (1997) YouTube Playlist

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1996)

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1981-1999), a CD Journal Mook published by Ongaku Shuppan Sha in 1999, is subtitled, “Know the J-POP era via 50 people and 666 albums. ” The book comprises brief articles, interviews, lists of important acts and capsule reviews of albums organized by year.

Here are the essential albums of the year 1996, presented in Japanese order, preserving the romanization of artists’ names as they were printed in the original publication. Note that some romanizations are unconventional (some may be typos). Romanization of album titles, unless printed in roman letters in the original, are mine. (Please leave corrections in the comment field.) Links go to Wikipedia articles in English and Japanese. *=available on U.S. streaming platforms (as of 2022).

Ice: We’re in the Mood [アイス：ウィアー・イン・ザ・ムード] (reviewed by IT–see link below for full list of capsule review writers)
Asagawa Maki : Darkness II [浅川マキ：ダークネスII] (OT)
Asada U-ske : Cinnamon French Toast [浅田祐介：シナモン・フレンチ・トースト] (MT)
Amuro Namie: Sweet 19 Blues [安室奈美恵：スウィート１９ブルース] (HK) *
Yen Town Band: Montage [YEN TOWN BAND: モンタージュ] (NK2) *
Incapacitants: New Movements in CMPD [インキャパシタンツ：ニュー・ムーヴメンツ・イン・CMPD] (YM)
UA: 11 [UA: 11] (ST3) *
Vodka Collins: Chemical Reaction [ウォッカ・コリンズ：ケミカル・リアクション] (MH)
Ulfuls: Banzai! [ウルフルズ：バンザイ] (YM) *
Ellie: Bitch in Zion [エリ：ビッチズ・イン・バビロン(sic)] (YM2) “Bitches in Babylon” was a single from this album.
The Elephant Kashimashi: Kokoro ni hana wo [エレファントカシマシ：ココロに花を] (KY) *
Elephant Love: Kokusai Power [エレファントラブ：国際パワー] (HK2)
The Castanets: Living [カスタネッツ：リヴィング] (KY) *
Endo Kenji: Yume yo sakebe [遠藤賢司：夢よ叫べ] (YM) *
Kamimori Tetsuya: So it’s a nice jam [神森徹也：ソー・イッツ・ア・ナイズ・ジャム] (HK2)
Kyon: 6210 in my house [KYON: 6210 イン・マイ・ハウス] (ST)
GLAY: BEATout! [GLAY:ビート・アウト！] (KY) *
Great 3: Metal Lunchbox [GREAT 3: メタル・ランチボックス] (HK)
Koenjihyakkei: Shiki [高円寺百景：弌] (ST)
Kobayashi Akira with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra: Akira Bushi~Akira no Jin to Paradise [小林旭with東京スカパラダイスオーケストラ：アキラ節〜アキラのジーンとパラダイス] (KT)
coba: Techno Cabaret [小林靖宏：テクノ・キャバレー] (NK)
The Surf Coasters: Surfdelicious [サーフコースターズ：サーフデリシャス] (ST2)
Sunny Day Service: Tokyo [サニーディ・サービス: 東京] (ST3) *
Sano Motoharu : Fruits [佐野元春：フルーツ] (KY) *
Sherbet: Sekilala [SHERBET: SEKILALA] (YK)
Swing Slow:  [スウィング・スロー] (SY) *
Soul Flower Mononoke Summit: asyl ching-dong [ソウル・フラワー・モノノケ・サミット：アジール・チンドン] (KT)
Soul Flower Union: electro asyl-bop [ソウル・フラワー・ウニオン：エレクトロ・アジール・バップ] (HK)
Taifuikka: Kashi 99-do [颱風一家：華氏９９度] (NK2)
Tsuyama Atsushi: Henry the human horse [津山篤：ヘンリー・ザ・ヒューマン・ホース] (NK2)
Tomobe Masato: Yume ga kanau 10-gatsu [友部正人：夢がかなう１０月] (OS) *
Neil & Iraiza: I♡NY [ニール＆イライザ：I♡NY] (IM2)
Novo-Tono: Panorama Paradise [NOVO-TONO: パノラマ・パラダイス] (OT)
The High-Lows: Tigermobile [ハイロウズ：タイガーモービル] (KT)
Pugs: Otona no kimochi [パグス：大人の気持ち] (ST3)
The Happies: Tokai no Happies [ハッピーズ：都会のハッピーズ] (KT) *
Puffy: amiyumi [Puffy: amiyumi] (HK) *
Hanadensha: Narcotic Guitar [花電車：ナーコティク・ギター] (HK)
Pealout: Here, not somewhere [ピールアウト：ヒア、ノット・サムホェア] (ST3)
hide: Psyence [hide: サイエンス] (KT)
Hicksville: Today [ヒックスヴィル：トゥディ] (YM2)
Buddha Brand: Kurofune [ブッダ・ブランド：黒船] (YM2)
Fishmans: Kūchū Camp [フィッシュマンズ：空中キャンプ] (HK) *
Flying Kids: Mayonaka no kakumei [フライング・キッズ：真夜中の革命] (HK2) *
Bloodthirsty Butchers: kocorono [ブラッドサースティ・ブッチャーズ：ココロノ] (ST3)
Flower Companyz: Oretachi Hatachizoku [フラワーカンパニーズ：俺たちハタチ族] (ST3) *
The Hair: Venus no Oka [ザ・ヘア：ヴィーナスの丘] (KT)
Hoff Dylan: Tamagawa Record [ホフディラン：多摩川レコード] (ST3)
Violent Onsen Geisha: Otis [暴力温泉芸者：OTIS] (AY)
Mad 3: Jack the Violence [ MAD3: ジャック・ザ・ヴァイオレンス] (ST3) *
Meiwadenki: Teikyō Meiwa Denki [明和電機：提供　明和電気] (OS) *
L’Arc~en~Ciel: True [ラルク・アン・シエル：トゥルー] (ST2) *
Lamp Eye: Shōgen [ランプ・アイ：証言] (YM2) *
Various Artists: Thumpin’ Camp [さんピンCAMP] (MT)

Link to list of contributors.

Link to Rock Chronicles Japan (1996) Youtube Playlist

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1995)

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1981-1999), a CD Journal Mook published by Ongaku Shuppan Sha in 1999, is subtitled, “Know the J-POP era via 50 people and 666 albums. ” The book comprises brief articles, interviews, lists of important acts and capsule reviews of albums organized by year.

Here are the essential albums of the year 1995, presented in Japanese order, preserving the romanization of artists’ names as they were printed in the original publication. Note that some romanizations are unconventional (some may be typos). Romanization of album titles, unless printed in roman letters in the original, are mine. (Please leave corrections in the comment field.) Links go to Wikipedia articles in English and Japanese. *=available on U.S. streaming platforms (as of 2022).

Agata Morio : 24-ji no wakusei [あがた森魚：２４時の惑星] (reviewed by WK–see link to full list of capsule review writers below)
The Yellow Monkey: Smile [イエロー・モンキー：スマイル] (AY) *
Ide Yasushi: Lonesome Echo [井出靖：ロンサム・エコー] (MT)
El-Malo: 3 [エル・マロ：３] (ST3) *
Electric Glass Balloon: Sound [エレクトリック・グラス・バルーン：サウンド] (ST3) *
Angel’in Heavy Syrup: 3 [エンジェリン・ヘヴィ・シロップ：3] (NK2)
Overhang Party: Live 1994.8.22 at Show Boat [オーヴァーハング・パーテイ：ライヴ 1994.8.22 アット・ショウボート] (NK2)
Omoide Hatoba: Kinsei [想い出波止場：金星] (ST)
Okuda Tamio: 29 [奥田民生：２９] (ST3) *
Carnation: A Beautiful Day [カーネーション：ビューティフル・デイ] (YM2)
CASCADE: Viva! [CASCADE: Viva!] (ST)
Kaseki Cider [かせきさいだぁ] (KK2)
Cano Caoli: Hadaka de Aimashō [かの香織：裸であいましょう] (MT)
Kirihito: Da.vi.de.bo [キリヒト：DA.VI.DE.BO] (NK2)
King Giddra: Sora kara no chikara [キング・ギドラ：空からの力] (MT) *
Ken Ishii: Jelly Tones [ケン・イシイ：ジェリー・トーンズ] (HK) *
Cosa Nostra: Love the music [コーザ・ノストラ：ラヴ・ザ・ミュージク] (IT) *
Saito Miwako: Kayōmi no onna [さいとうみわこ：歌謡実の女] (WK)
Shimoda Itsuro : Hana yo tori yo kaze yo tsuki yo [下田逸郎：花よ鳥よ風よ月よ] (WK)
Sing Like Talking: Discovery [シング・ライク・トーキング：ディスカヴァリー] (NK) *
Suzuki Kenji: Pure Electric [鈴木賢司：ピュア・エレクトリック] (ST)
Suzuki Shoko: Snapshots [鈴木祥子：スナップショッツ] (HK)
Spiral Life: Flourish [スパイラル・ライフ：フローリッシュ] (YK)
Spank Happy: Freak Smile [スパンク・ハッピー：フリーク・スマイル] (KK)
SMAP: SMAP007 Gold Singer [SMAP: SMAP007 ゴールド・シンガー] (NK)
Sekiri: Three [赤痢：スリー] (NK2)
Spitz: Hachimitsu [スピッツ：ハチミツ] (KY) *
Tachibana Izumi : Cross and Coin [橘いずみ：十字架とコイン] (HK2) *
Dassen 3: XXX Japan [脱線３：トリプルエッkス・ジャパン] (MT)
Doopees: Doopee Time [ドゥーピーズ：ドゥーピータイム] (IM2) *
Nagisa Nite: Love Beach [渚にて：LOVE BEACH] (IM2)
Nelories: Star Boogie [ネロリーズ：スターブギー] (AY)
Hi-Standard: Growing Up [ハイ・スタンダード：グローイング・アップ] (ST3) *
Haino Keiji : The 21st Century Hard-y Guide-y Man [灰野敬二：手風琴] (HK)
Ba Chi Ka Bu Ri [ばちかぶり] (NK2) Released 1985. Misfiled?
Hanada Hiroyuki : Rock ‘n’ Roll Gypsies [花田裕之：ロックンロール・ジプシーズ] (AY)
Hal from Apollo ’69: hal from heaven [ハル・フロム・アポロ’６９：ハル・フロム・ヘヴン] (AY)
Ban Ban Bazar: Dekimashita [バンバンバンバザール：できました] (MH)
Fishmans: Oh! Mountain [フィッシュマンズ：オー！マウンテン] (KT) *
Phew: Himitsu no Knife [Phew: 秘密のナイフ] (OT)
Friction: Zone Tripper [フリクション：ゾーン・トリッパー] (OT)
Magokoro Brothers: King of Rock [真心ブラザーズ：キング・オブ・ロック] (KT) *
Machida Koh + The Glory: Dō ni kanaru [町田康＋The Glory: どうにかなる] (OT)
Mondo Grosso: European Expedition [モンド・グロッソ：ヨーロピアン・エクスペディション] (MT) *
Yoshida Minako: Extreme Beauty [吉田美奈子：エクストリーム・ビューティ] (MH)
Yoshino Daisaku & Prostitute: Hikari no umi no naka de [吉野大作＆プロスティチュート：光の海の中で] (AY)
Rhymester: Egotopia [ライムスター：エゴトピア] (ST3) *
Love Tambourines: Alive [ラヴ・タンバリンズ：アライヴ] (HK2)
Lip Cream: Kiki~Close to the Edge [リップ・クリーム：危機〜Close to the Edge] (KT)
Various Artists: Akumyō [悪名] (KT)

Link to list of contributors.

Link to Rock Chronicles Japan YouTube Playlist

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1994)

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1981-1999), a CD Journal Mook published by Ongaku Shuppan Sha in 1999, is subtitled, “Know the J-POP era via 50 people and 666 albums. ” The book comprises brief articles, interviews, lists of important acts and capsule reviews of albums organized by year.

Here are the essential albums of the year 1994, presented in Japanese order, preserving the romanization of artists’ names as they were printed in the original publication. Note that some romanizations are unconventional (some may be typos). Romanization of album titles, unless printed in roman letters in the original, are mine. (Please leave corrections in the comment field.) Links go to Wikipedia articles in English and Japanese. *=available on U.S. streaming platforms (as of 2022).

Easy Walkers: Enfant Terrible [ザ・イージー・ウォーカーズ：アンファン・テリブル] (reviewed by OJ–see full list of capsule review writers below)
The Yellow Monkey: Jaguar Hard Pain [イエロー・モンキー：ジャガー・ハード・ペイン] (ST3) *
Escalators: Planet e [エスカレーターズ：プラネットe] (AY)
The Elephant Kashimashi: Tokyo no Sora [エレファント・カシマシ：東京の空] (HK) *
Endo Michiro: Sora wa Ginnezumi [遠藤ミチロウ：空は銀鼠] (WK)
Ozawa Kenji: Life [小沢健二：ライフ] (IM2)
Girl Girl Girl: homme bis [ガール・ガール・ガール：オム・ビズ] (ST)
Original Love: Kaze no uta o kike [オリジナル・ラヴ：風の歌を聴け] (YM2) *
Kikeji: 1982-1994 [奇形児：1982-1994] (NK2)
Kina Shokichi & Champloos: Hinukan [喜納昌吉&チャンプルーズ：火神] (IT)
Kuwata Keisuke : Kodoku no Taiyō [桑田佳祐：孤独の太陽] (ST3) *
Saito Kazuyoshi: Sutekina nioi no sekai [斉藤和義：素敵な匂いの世界] (IT) *
Sahashi Yoshiyuki: Trust me [佐橋佳幸：トラスト・ミー] (ST)
Zabadak: Oto [ザバダック：音] (ST)
Super Junky Monkey: Screw Up [スーパー・ジャンキー・モンキー：スクリュー・アップ] (ST) *
Sparks Go Go: Rokkon [スパークス・ゴー・ゴー：六根] (ST2)
Slap Happy Humphrey [スラップ・ハッピー・ハンフリー] (NK2)
Daiku Tetsuhiro: Okinawa Jinta [大工哲弘：ウチナージンタ] (HK)
Def.Master: Destroyer has Godmind [デフ・マスター：デストロイヤー・ハズ・ゴッド・マインド] (NK2)
Demi Semi Quaver [デミセミ・クエーバー] (NK2)
dip: I’ll slip into the inner light [ディップ: アイル] (ST3)
Nakamori Akina: Utahime [中森明菜：歌姫] (OT)
Nokko: Colored [NOKKO: カラード] (KY)
Hayakawa Yoshio : Kono yo de ichiban kireina mono [早川義夫：この世で一番キレイなもの] (YM) *
Heatwave: No Fear [ヒートウェイヴ：ノー・フィアー] (KT) *
Piranhans [ピラニアンズ] (MT)
The Fools: Live Freedom! [フールズ：ライヴ・フリーダム！] (TH)
bridge: Preppy Kicks [ブリッジ：プレッピー・キックス] (KT)
Plagues: Cinnamon Hotel [プレイグス：シナモン・ホテル] (YK)
Makihara Noriyuki: Pharmacy [槇原敬之：ファーマシー] (SM) *
Matsutoya Yumi: The Dancing Sun [松任谷由実：ザ・ダンシング・サン] (YM) *
Mad Capsule Markets: Park [マッド・カプセル・マーケッツ：パーク] (YK) *
Mama: Wie Pie [MAMA: ウィー・パイ] (MH)
Maria Kannon: Gigan [マリア観音：義眼] (NK2)
Yamazaki Hako: Ohako [山崎ハコ：十八番] (WK)
Lulu’s Marble  [ルルーズ・マーブル] (KT)

Link to list of contributors.

Link to Rock Chronicles Japan (1994) YouTube Playlist

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1993)

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1981-1999), a CD Journal Mook published by Ongaku Shuppan Sha in 1999, is subtitled, “Know the J-POP era via 50 people and 666 albums. ” The book comprises brief articles, interviews, lists of important acts and capsule reviews of albums organized by year.

Here are the essential albums of the year 1993, presented in Japanese order, preserving the romanization of artists’ names as they were printed in the original publication. Note that some romanizations are unconventional (some may be typos). Romanization of album titles, unless printed in roman letters in the original, are mine. (Please leave corrections in the comment field.) Links go to Wikipedia articles in English and Japanese. *=available on U.S. streaming platforms (as of 2022).

ECD: Walk this way [ECD: ウォーク・ディズ・ウェイ] (reviewed by MT–see full list of capsule review writers below) *
Ito Ginji: Love Parade [伊藤銀次：ラヴ・パレード] (NK)
Inoue Yosui: Under the Sun [井上陽水：アンダー・ザ・サン] (HK) *
Venus Peter: Big “Sad” Table [ヴィーナス・ペーター: ビーグ・サッド・テーブル] (AY) *
S.O.B.: Gate of Doom [S.O.B.: ゲート・オブ・ドゥーム] (TM)
L⇔R: Land of Riches [エルアール：ランド・オブ・リッチズ] (HK)
Elekki Bran: Marchen Satsubatsu [エレキブラン：メルヘン殺伐] (KT)
ODD-BOWZ:  [横道坊主] (ST2)
Ozawa Kenji: The dogs bark but the caravan moves on [小沢健二：犬は吼えるがキャラバンは進む] (HK)
Ohtaka Shizuru: Repeat Performance [おおたか静流：リピート・パフォーマンス] (MH)
Optical*8: 2 [Optical*8: 2] (OT)
Cow Cow: 2 innocent [COW COW: 2イノセント] (ST)
Kimidori [キミドリ] (MT) *
Ground Zero [グラウンド・ゼロ] (NK2)
Glass: Struggle [グラス：ストラグル] (AY)
The Groovers: Top of the Parade [グルーヴァーズ：トップ・オブ・ザ・パレード] (KT) *
Koizumi Kyoko: Travel Rock [小泉今日子：トラヴェル・ロック] (SY) *
The Collectors: UFO Cluv [コレクターズ：ウーフォークラブ] (HK)
Suichu, Sorewa Kurushii: Hitome mite nikume [水中、それは苦しい：ひと目見て憎め] (ST)
Scha Dara Parr: Wild Fancy Alliance [スチャダラパー：ワイルド・ファンシー・アライアンス] (MT) *
Zelda: Full Moon Püjah [ゼルダ：フルムーン・プージャー] (IT)
Tane Tomoko: Mighty Love [種ともこ：マイティ・ラヴ] (HK)
Chica Boom: Esencia [チカ・ブーン：Esencia] (IT) *
Diamantes: Okinawa Latina [ディアマンテス：オキナワ・ラティーナ] (IT) *
Totsuzen Danball: Suki da yo [突然段ボール：好きだよ] (OT)
The 99 1/2 [The 99 1/2] (KT) *
Nenes: Ashibi [ネーネーズ：あしび] (IT)
Nishioka Kyozo: Start [西岡恭蔵：スタート] (WK)
The Pees: Todome o hade ni kure [Theピーズ：とどめをハデにくれ] (HK) *
Pizzicato Five: Bossa Nova 2001 [ピチカート・ファイヴ：ボサ・ノヴァ２００１] (HK)
Blankey Jet City: C.B. Jim [ブランキー・ジェット・シティ：C.B. Jim] (AY)
Be Yonds: Unlucky [ビヨンズ：アンラッキ] (KT) *
Poco-pen: Bonjour Monsieur Samedi [ポコペン：ボンジュール・ムッシューサムディ] (NK2)
YMO: Technodon [YMO: テクノドン] (SY)
Mr. Children: versus [Mr. Children: ヴァーサス] (HK) *
Moritaka Chisato: Lucky Seven [森高千里：ラッキーセヴン] (ST2)
United Future Organization [ユナイテッド・フューチャー・オーガニゼイション] (IT) *

Link to list of contributors.

Link to Rock Chronicles Japan (1993) YouTube Playlist

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1992)

Rock Chronicles Japan Vol. 2 (1981-1999), a CD Journal Mook published by Ongaku Shuppan Sha in 1999, is subtitled, “Know the J-POP era via 50 people and 666 albums. ” The book comprises brief articles, interviews, lists of important acts and capsule reviews of albums organized by year.

Here are the essential albums of the year 1992, presented in Japanese order, preserving the romanization of artists’ names as they were printed in the original publication. Note that some romanizations are unconventional (some may be typos). Romanization of album titles, unless printed in roman letters in the original, are mine. (Please leave corrections in the comment field.) Links go to Wikipedia articles in English and Japanese. *=available on U.S. streaming platforms (as of 2022).

Inoue Mutsumi: L’amour est bleu [井上睦都実：恋は水色] (reviewed by IM2–see full list of capsule review writers below) *
Ogawa Mishio: Ureshii no moto [小川美潮：ウレシイノモト] (ST)
Orquesta de la luz: Somos Diferentes [オルケスタ・デ・ラ・ルス：ソモス・ディフェレンテス] (IT)
Carnation: High and Low [カーネーション：天国と地獄] (ST3) *
Cash: Bedfinger [キャッシュ：ベッドフィンガー] (FK)
Qujila: Straight to Heaven [くじら:ストレイト・トゥ・ヘヴン] (ST)
cocobat: Cocobat Crunch [ココバット：ココバット・クランチ] (TM) *
Cornets: Chichinomi [コルネッツ：乳の実] (OS)
Psychedelix [Psychedelix] (OJ) *
Shang Shang Typhoon: 3 [上々颱風：３] (IT) *
Shonen Knife: Let’s Knife [少年ナイフ：レッツ・ナイフ] (ST3)
Scanch: A Case of Rosy Murder for Miracle Lovers Only [すかんち：恋の薔薇薔薇殺人事件] (SM) *
Scooters: Musume-gokoro wa Scooters [スクーターズ：娘ごころはスクーターズ] (YM2)
Date of Birth [ディト・オブ・バース] (MH)
Dreams Come True: The Swinging Star [ドリームズ・カム・トゥルー：ザ・スウィンギング・スター] (IM2) *
Nakanishi Keizo: Yell [中西圭三：エール] (KY)
Havana Exotica: Hello Martians! [ハバナエキゾチカ：火星ちゃん　こんいちは] (KT) *
B’z: Run [ビーズ: Run] (HK) *
Hijokaidan:  Zatsuon densetsu [非常階段：雑音伝説] (YM)
Mizutani Akira: Nightingale [水谷紹：ナイチンゲール] (KK)
Boredoms: Pop Tatari [ボアダムズ：POP TATARI] (ST)
Modoku: Kore de owari da to omottara Daichigai da!! [猛毒：これで終わりだと思ったら大違いだ！！] (NK2)
Modern Choki Chokies: Rolling Dodoitsu [モダンチョキチョキズ：ローリング・ドドイツ] (KK2)
Yano Akiko: Super Folk Song [矢野顕子：スーパー・フォーク・ソング] (Hori)
Yamaji Kazuhide: Crawl [ヤマジカズヒデ：クロール] (NK2) *
Yann Tomita: Music for Astro Age [ヤン富田：ミュージック・フォー・アストロ・エイジ] (IM2)
Yoshida Takuro: Yoshidamachi no Uta [吉田拓郎：吉田町の唄] (HK)
Rise from the Dead: Rock Fan Dead [ライズ・フロム・ザ・デッド：ロック・ファン・デッド] (NK2)
Rotten Hats [ロッテンハッツ] (MH)

Link to list of contributors.

Link to Rock Chronicles Japan 1992 YouTube Playlist