Kankyō Ongaku: Japanese Ambient, Environmental & New Age Music 1980 - 1990

LIGHT IN THE ATTIC, 2019

Light In The Attic has had a trailblazing 2018. By starting their Japan Archival Series and releasing Haruomi Hosono's albums outside of Japan for the first time, the label's success continues into 2019, with their first Japanese compilation of ambient, environmental, and new age music.

Kankyō Ongaku is an interesting look at the Japan's interpretation of the idea of ambient music, first coined by Brian Eno with Ambient 1: Music For Airports (Polydor, 1978). By exploring acoustic space, sound design, and music for commercial applications, Kankyō Ongaku is very well compiled.

The Japanese principles of Zen Buddhism are explored on this compilation. While most tracks are synthesiser-driven and surprisingly modern, the influences can be heard throughout this compilation, on tracks like Toshi Tsuchitori's Ishiura (Abridged), and even Tibetan bells on Masashi Kitamura + Phonogenix's Variation・III.

With a roster like Haruomi Hosono, and ambient pioneers like Hiroshi Yoshimura, it's no surprise that this compilation is another success for Light In The Attic. The sounds and textures on Kankyō Ongaku provide a refreshing perspective on the Western ideas of 'ambient music', and have helped bring attention to a subgenre of music that has not been given the credit it deserves.

Listen here.

Purchase here.