Masayoshi Takanaka – Ocean Breeze (1979, Kitty Records 25MS-0007, Japan)
Released at the height of Japan’s late 1970s fusion movement, Ocean Breeze captures a reflection of seaside resorts, imported cars, and the nation’s growing fascination with the “tropical modern” aesthetic.
The inner sleeve’s comic panel art, credited to CHAMP, underlines Takanaka’s sense of humor and branding instincts, which turns an instrumental album into a piece of visual pop commentary. Original 1979 Kitty Records pressing (25MS-0007). A clean example of Takanaka’s early attempt to fuse technical precision with pop accessibility.
