Last Updated on 2025-08-11 by a-indie
Recently, I was casually browsing through Japanese records from the 70s to 80s at a used record shop. Among the Japanese-language jackets, there was one record that stood out as distinctly different – it was entirely in English.
I thought it might be a foreign artist mixed in, but surprisingly, it turned out to be Off Course’s single “ENDLESS NIGHTS”.
Why would a Japanese band have such an entirely English-language jacket? This question became the catalyst for writing this article.
For listeners unfamiliar with Off Course, they were a band led by Kazumasa Oda (Vo./Key.), who now performs solo.
Yes, that’s the person familiar from the Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance commercials.
Article Summary in 1 Minute
・Simply translating lyrics into English doesn’t guarantee overseas success; understanding cultural backgrounds and market needs is essential
・About the three barriers Off Course faced in their challenge and hints for overcoming these barriers
Christianity – Protestant and Catholic Series
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Text: Tomohiro Yabe Tools Used: Claude, Gemini Editor: Tomohiro Yabe
BELONG Media is running a series exploring the essence of the “texture” differences between American and European music, examining the cultural influences of Christianity, particularly Protestantism and Catholicism, that form their foundation.
From this perspective, I want to delve deep into a theme that many Japanese bands likely face at least once: “Can success be achieved overseas simply by making lyrics in English?”
For indie bands aiming to go professional, this isn’t just a question – it’s a pressing issue that could determine their future careers.
To conclude upfront, simply translating lyrics into English won’t work well.
Of course, I don’t mean to say that singing in English is meaningless, but if something essential is missing, even with perfect English lyrics and the best sound production, you cannot truly capture the hearts of overseas listeners.
I want to explore this through the case study of Off Course, a legendary band that made a bold challenge in the 1980s.
A Top-Tier Domestic Band’s Challenge for “American Breakthrough”
In the early 1980s, Off Course stood at the pinnacle of Japan’s music scene.
The beautiful melodies and harmonies created by Kazumasa Oda (Vo./Key.), along with lyrics that captured the subtle emotions of listeners’ hearts, garnered tremendous support, and their songs continued to dominate the charts.
In 1982, they successfully held 10 consecutive days of concerts at the Nippon Budokan, truly unstoppable in their momentum.
Their next target was “American breakthrough.”
The album created to realize this dream was ‘Back Streets of Tokyo,’ released in 1985.
This album was written entirely with English lyrics, and they were serious about it. Evidence of this seriousness was the gathering of top-tier American staff for production.
For lyrics, they employed Randy Goodrum, a hitmaker who had provided lyrics for bands like TOTO and Chicago.
Production and mixing were handled by Bill Schnee, a master with numerous Grammy Award wins to his credit.
The song that concluded the album and was later released as a single was “ENDLESS NIGHTS.”
Originally a Japanese song called “Tasogare,” Randy Goodrum rewrote it entirely with English lyrics, making it truly a symbol of their challenge.
The sound was sophisticated and perfect, at the cutting edge of the American AOR scene at the time.
Kazumasa Oda’s high-tone voice showed no inferiority in English lyrics and actually radiated new charm.
Moreover, the songs apparently were broadcast on American radio stations. With the best songs, best English lyrics, and best producer, all the pieces for success seemed to be in place.
Did this challenge succeed? Did they sign with an American label and release the album there?
The Harsh Reality in America
However, reality was harsh. The album ‘Back Streets of Tokyo’ did not secure a contract with a major American label, and an official US release was not achieved.
“ENDLESS NIGHTS,” which was released as a single in Japan, also ended with results that could not be called commercially successful compared to their other hit songs.
Why?
Despite their tremendous popularity in Japan, English lyrics, and world-standard sound, there was still an insurmountable “barrier.”
In the paid section, we reveal the identity of the three “barriers” that even Off Course, at their peak with perfect preparation, couldn’t overcome.
And what should current indie bands aiming to go professional do to overcome these “barriers”?
From here, we introduce essential hints for your music to cross borders.
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The decisive “key” for your music to cross borders might be right here.
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