Dubby
By: Dream Chimney
The following interview was conducted on October 17, 2025
Dream Chimney shines a light on the Techno Kayō scene with the help of Japanese record store owner and DJ, Dubby. Dubby is the owner of the legendary record shop Ondas in Tokyo and on this project teams up with Antal of Rush Hour to put together this most fascinating compilation. On the week of the release of ‘Techno Kayō Volume One’ we are treated to some inside knowledge: In late 70s Japan, a new and unique genre called Techno Kayō emerged, blending pop melodies with futuristic sounds, influenced by acts like Kraftwerk, and pioneered by Yellow Magic Orchestra. Dubby highlights here some key tracks. Kyoko Koizumi / Micro Wave
The impact of the lyrics, with Chikada in mind, is particularly great, harmonizing the roughness of the acid house that was sweeping London and Chicago with a precise Japanese aesthetic.
The Targets / City Train
The only original album released by the mysterious one-off unit - The Targets. The major quality recording and indie-quality production create a strange harmony on this new wave electro cut.
TPO / Rock the Hour
The second track - which was a super-local find with a guest appearance by a foreign female singer - is some pleasant urban boogie with a light step of 80's synth pop.
The Peters / Happy Time
Sloppy electro that blends electronic sounds from the well-known YMO and other strains of the Japan's electro new wave scene with a somewhat heartwarming groove that eases the tension away.
Kazuo Ohtani / Last Battle
A virtual dance battle that is overshadowed by such classics as "Cat's Eye” and “City Hunter” and is not well known, but the quality of the music is excellent, and the melody of the synth lines draws you in.
Kuniko Yamada / Tetsugaku Shiyo (Viens Philosopher)
A synth-pop boogie tune with a string of French phrases that everyone will recognize, and a fun play on words!
Hikashu / Melon No Nakano
This is the most experimental music with the most diverse atmosphere. Please experience its high degree of perfection when played at double or triple speed.
Asami Kado / 退屈と2つの月
A remake of the masterpiece 'October in the Mirror', produced by Yellow Magic Orchestra. The mistress version.
Mioko Yamaguchi / Yugao
The foremost exponent of techno-kayō. Logic applied with logic.
Noriko Miyamoto / Arrows & Eyes
A fusion of French synth pop and techno-pop.
Check out the latest release from Dubby.
"TECHNO KAYŌ VOL. 1 - JAPANESE TECHNO POP 1981 - 1989"
Available September 26, 2025 on RUSH HOUR
