INOYAMALAND

INOYAMALAND is a pioneering Japanese electronic music duo formed in 1977 by Makoto Inoue and Yasushi Yamashita. The name blends their surnames and evokes an imaginative musical landscape. They originally met while working in an avant-garde theater production, with Yamashita handling music and Inoue the visual art, before starting to collaborate musically. Both musicians were also members of the experimental group Hikashu, with Inoyama Land becoming their separate outlet focusing on ambient and environmental music inspired by childhood sound play and diverse influences such as German jazz/fusion, Asian folk, and early European medieval music. Their sound is characterized by analog synthesizers and a minimalist, dreamy quality that bridges natural and electronic realms.

Known for their contributions to the Japanese “kankyō ongaku” (environmental music) scene, Inoyama Land created commissioned pieces for museums, exhibitions, and public spaces, including a notable soundtrack for a slime mold exhibition. Their 1983 album *Danzindan-Pojidon* is considered an ambient gem, reflecting their consistent aesthetic over decades while working with evolving synth technology. Despite being somewhat obscure, their influence and output have been rediscovered and appreciated in recent years, leading to new releases and collaborations. Their discography includes albums like *Radio Yugawara* (2024), *Revisited* (2023), and *Trans Kunang* (2021), continuing their legacy of evocative, tranquil soundscapes from Japan.