I agreed to meet Aratame a few years ago at our mutual friend, Tomoko’s adamant insistence. Tomoko, having worked with us both, had reason to believe we’d get on like a house on fire, and when she arranged a dinner for us to meet, and as soon we started talking about obscure cameras, Polaroid film, iconic typewriter design, vinyl records, our favorite 80’s gadgets, toys, movies, and cars, all manner of sophomoric comedic pranks or borderline juvenile fashion trends that neither of us seemed to outgrow, music, books, baseball cards and so on, trading stories of adolescent antics and subversive subculture, it became evident that we had grown up with parallel existences despite being on opposite sides of the planet, and that we’d likely become good pals.
Whenever I stumble into question about, say, a particular Japanese-only market Sony walkman or an apparently very rare and highly-coveted vintage Casiotone Keyboard, Aratame is who I call. If I want to know about Japanese New Wave, City Pop, or “Mentai Rock,” or about the highly collected soundtracks from the 70’s hit Crime show, Daitokai (pictured here), Aratame is who will know. If I’m searching info for modding a Technics 1200 for high gauge interconnects, or if I’m trying to source an ever-elusive Sound Burger, Aratame always has an answer. In fact, the 1200MII /M44G combo that I listen to my every record on, was incredibly graciously provided by Aratame for free cuz he had an extra that he wasn’t using. Now THAT’S a DUDE!
So needless to say, I am thrilled to feature Aratame on Tokyo Record Style! We made a quick last-minute dash to Flash Disk Ranch in Shimokita before meeting for end-of-year bonnenkai dinner with kindred spirit, DJ Bemsha and homie-cupid who introduced us, Tomoko. Now our unlikely little gang is called “The Tomokodachis” all of whom I’m looking forward to seeing more of in 2023.
大野克夫 (Katsuo Ohno) – 太陽にほえろ!
Label: Toho Records – AT-1066
Format: Vinyl, 7″, 45 RPM, EP
Country: Japan
Released: 1977
Genre: Jazz, Funk / Soul, Stage & Screen
Style: Soundtrack
https://www.discogs.com/release/7439619-%E5%A4%A7%E9%87%8E%E5%85%8B%E5%A4%AB-%E5%A4%AA%E9%99%BD%E3%81%AB%E3%81%BB%E3%81%88%E3%82%8D-
大野克夫 (Katsuo Ohno) – 太陽にほえろ2!
Label: Toho Records – AT-1101
Format: Vinyl, 7″, 45 RPM
Country: Japan
Released: 1977
Genre: Jazz, Funk / Soul, Stage & Screen
Style: Theme, Soundtrack
https://www.discogs.com/release/7439491-%E5%A4%A7%E9%87%8E%E5%85%8B%E5%A4%AB-%E5%A4%AA%E9%99%BD%E3%81%AB%E3%81%BB%E3%81%88%E3%82%8D-2
大野克夫 (Katsuo Ohno) – 太陽にほえろ3!
Label: Toho Records – AT-1122
Format: Vinyl, 7″, 45 RPM, EP
Country: Japan
Released: 1977
Genre: Funk / Soul, Stage & Screen
Style: Soundtrack
https://www.discogs.com/release/4268604-%E5%A4%A7%E9%87%8E%E5%85%8B%E5%A4%AB-%E5%A4%AA%E9%99%BD%E3%81%AB%E3%81%BB%E3%81%88%E3%82%8D-3
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