UNDER THE SUN

Released in 1993, Under the Sun is Yosui Inoue's 16th studio album and a significant commercial triumph during his third decade of activity. The album is anchored by the massive hit 'Make-up Shadow,' which served as a TV drama theme and showcased a collaboration with arranger Jun Sato. Sonically, the record is a departure from his folk-rock origins, embracing the sophisticated 'City Pop' evolution of the early 90s with heavy use of synthesizers, drum programming, and polished engineering. Despite the commercial sheen, Inoue’s lyrics remain characteristically surreal and abstract, maintaining his reputation as Japan's premier enigmatic poet. The album features a diverse range of arrangers, including Tsuyoshi Kon and Haruo Kubota, resulting in a rich, multi-layered sonic palette that ranges from upbeat synth-pop to melancholic ballads. It debuted at number one on the Oricon charts, solidifying Inoue's status as a cross-generational icon capable of adapting his unique vision to the changing sounds of the decade.