About the band: Japan were an English New Wave / New Romantics band formed in 1974 and broken up in 1982, with the members (most notably lead singer David Sylvian) pursuing different careers (a brief reunion occurred in 1991 under the name Rain Tree Crow). They released five studio albums, of which the latter three are among my favourites. Japan currently have three songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.
About the song: Visions of China is a track from the 1981 album Tin drum, the last Japan album and also their best. Many tracks on this fantastic album have a strong Asian influence, and none clearer than Visions of China with its evocative lyrics: "We walk backwards, say nothing, building our visions of China". As usual, Sylvian's deliverance is stunning and incomparable with anyone else, but the song also shows off the drumming talent of co-writer Steve Jansen - his drum break is really jaw-dropping! Run time 3:39.
