The band Japan received its distinctive name purely by chance, rather than through a deliberate connection to Japanese culture or a specific concept.
The Serendipitous Naming Process
The story behind the band's unique name is quite straightforward and unplanned:
- An Unexpected Find: The members of the band stumbled upon a holiday brochure featuring the country of Japan.
- Unusual Location: This discovery occurred while they were on a double-decker bus.
- Simple Appeal: They simply liked the sound of the name "Japan" and decided it would be a fitting moniker for their group.
An Outsider's Identity
This casual approach to naming the band inadvertently aligned with their identity within the British music scene. In the late 1970s, Japan stood out as an outsider in British pop music, charting their own course distinct from mainstream trends. Their chosen name, derived from a random discovery and a subjective liking, perhaps subtly emphasized their unique and unconventional position in the industry.