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Part II of the Upside of R&R Home

Japan

    Then, we were off to Japan. We were excited to say the least. Arriving at the airport, we were not prepared for our welcome. We had heard that our records were doing really well in Japan, but we really didn't understand how well. When we got off the plane, there were fans everywhere. Newsreel cameras going. We were quickly ushered to limos after immigration and customs, and as we were being driven away, I remember a news car driving up beside the limo and filming out the window. GOD, I LOVE ROCK N ROLL. I didn't have time to do a reality check. It would have made little difference, anyway. You don't see too good with your head that far up your bu _ _. One must do what one must do. "Drive on, Holmes."

    While there, we were scheduled to get on a train (one of the super fast trains that they have). I recall being at a Tokyo station, all dressed up in our rock "fab gear" of the times. For me, that would include bell-bottom pants and a Maxi coat. Those were a floor length P coat type thing that was popular back then. A bit on the faggy side of fashion per the times. Add my newly purchased platform tennis shoes, some sun shades, as well as an attitude driven nicely by outrageousness veiled in semi-false modesty and you have it. Not unlike a proud banty rooster, strutting with all his newly grown plumage. There we were, in the train station. Fans crowded all around us. Camera's flashing. I stepped onto the stairs heading down one level. Just to remind you, I had on platform tennis shoes, bell-bottoms and a maxi coat. I stepped on the long bell-bottom pant leg and down I went. Falling down the stairs right in front of the fans and the cameras. Head over heels. Oh, it was BIG! So like me in every way. Somehow, I semi-gracefully pulled out of the fall and with an "I MEANT TO DO THAT" look on my face, smiled and continued on to the bottom of the staircase in a marvelous denial that served me well in my moment of need.

   Below is a picture of Cory and me talking with some fans. I believe it was at a shoot for a Japanese television show. Their version of American Bandstand. They received us with such enthusiasm that it has remained a very special memory for us all.

1972_japan.jpg

The Budakan

   The gig at the Budakan, inTokyo, was absolutely amazing. The audience was wonderful. Our Japanese fans welcomed us with open arms and beautiful smiles. A lasting memory to leave ones own country and be greeted so warmly by an entire generation of young music lovers from this distant shore. So very polite, yet outgoing and ready to rock n roll like you wouldn't believe. Japan will always hold a special spot in our hearts. Recently, I have renewed communication by email with our Japanese fan club president from that time, Yoko Nokano. I received a beautiful handmade Christmas card from her this year. Rekindled friendships over such long distances are very special. The same goes for the general manager for international business with Toshiba Records/EMI, Kei Nishimura and his son, Jun. Our last time in Japan, Kei took us out to a great restaurant. We ordered sushi and when we offered him some of it, we got a kick out of his humorous response. Kei said "Me? No, no. I don't eat that crap." We fell out laughing. I suppose we Westerners expect all Japanese to be sushi eaters. Apparently not. On the other hand, Kei has a great sense of humor and may have anticipated our reaction to that statement.

Below is a December, 1972 stage shot from the Budakan, used in our "Around the World" album.

1972budakon.jpg

   We went onto Kyoto, which was the old capital. Many, many wonderful shrines and statues there. I didn't really get out much in Kyoto. I should have. Next, we went to Osaka. We stayed at the Osaka Grand hotel and on our way to the gig, who should be in the elevator with us? Neil Sedaka. Yes, Neil Sedaka. You know, "I'm Living Right Next Door To An Angel" and "Breakin Up Is Hard to Do." Neil looked great and was a really nice guy. He had many more hits than those two. Originally a writer, turned performer. His first hit was "My Diary" waaaaaaaay back in 1959.

    Let's see. We then went down to Fukuoka City. Some really nice fans there. Nagoya, maybe. Sapporo, then back to Tokyo. Sapporo is great. You probably know the beer by the same name. Their brewery is located there. They treated us to a huge meal with mini cooking units right in front of you that you would stack these thin pieces of meat on, and then cook them yourself. Everything went on these little dome shaped cookers that were about 18" in diameter. Mmmmm, delicious, not to mention the never-ending supply of Sapporo beer. Wonderful hosts, the people of Sapporo. When we toured there again in the 90's, they were just as gracious and forthcoming with a repeat of the wonderful food at the Sapporo brewery.

   I may have some of these places confused with our next trip to Japan. That's just the nature of rock n roll memory. I do recall being back in Tokyo at the Tokyo Hilton. The "Temps" (Temptations) were staying there and one evening I ran into their lead singer,Dennis Edwards. Nice guy. One hell of a singer. (It went something like: "Yo, Dennis. Yes, I was just going out for a Latte and decided to pop on over to Tokyo and .... blah, blah, blah. So good to see you." Said with a jet-set attitude.) NOT.
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