Yes/Tokyo,Japan 3.10.1973

The legendary recording of their first performance in Japan is back. This work was recorded on March 10, 1973 at Kanda Kyoritsu Auditorium (Kyoritsu Women’s University Auditorium). It was the third day of their first visit to Japan. First, let’s check the dates. March 8: Tokyo Welfare Pension Hall March 9: Shibuya Public Hall March 10: Kanda Kyoritsu Auditorium [This work] March 11: Nagoya City Public Hall March 12: Osaka Welfare Pension Hall March 14: Kyoto Hall The above is the full story of their first visit to Japan. Half of the six performances were in Tokyo, and this was the final day of the Tokyo performances. This is a very popular recording that is also part of the CDs “IN JAPAN” and “CLOSE TO THE EAST”. The reason for its popularity is, above all, the quality. The original cassette handed over by the recordist himself was used directly, and the freshness is as fresh as if it was recorded yesterday. Although it is not the type that can be called “just like a sound board”, there is no dubbing or master deterioration at all, and the atmosphere of 43 years ago blows out from the speaker exactly as it was. Of course, the recording itself is also wonderful. Although there is some distance, the air is transparent, and each clear musical note dances vividly and pours into the space. In addition, the audience at the site also plays a part in the beautiful sound. Even now, progressive rock performances in Japan are attended by spectators who are staring and listening carefully, but in this work, the cheers that rise up every time a song is finished are youthful, and the enthusiasm that can be heard is a concentration that makes even the silence during the performance feel hot. In fact, this recording has a faint hiss noise in the silent parts, but even this is full of a sense of breath-taking atmosphere. Of course, it was possible to erase it by remastering, but in order to convey the fresh smell of the precious first visit to Japan and the breath of the audience who are holding their breath, we dared to leave the master as it was. For YES, this was their first experience with the unique Japanese mood, but this album was recorded on the third day. It depicts the moment when, while still confused, they learned that “it’s quiet but hot,” and gradually began to get used to it. Particularly interesting is “Heart Of The Sunrise.” The rhythm is out of sync, and John makes a big blunder by forgetting the lyrics. Perhaps they let their guard down because of the relief of being welcomed in Asia for the first time, but that mood is also a document of history. At the time, it was just before the release of “YESSONGS,” and the atmosphere in the venue was not something that can be played as it is today, but rather, “Can such detailed music be played live?”, and they were overwhelmed by the band reproducing complex musical ideas one after another in front of them. In such a moment of confusion, it is not even possible to judge in real time whether it is a mistake or an arrangement for a live performance… The feeling of being in such an unknown is real. On the other hand, it is heartwarming to see “Sakura Sakura,” which was performed before Steve Howe’s acoustic solo. John Anderson said, “I’m going to try an old Japanese folk song,” and began to sing “Sakura笙ｪSakura笙ｪ” in halting Japanese. This was the first time he sang in Japanese. Of course, the audience was surprised but delighted. It was a truly historic scene. 43 years after their legendary first visit to Japan, they will be visiting Japan for the 10th time (including ABWH) in November this year. YES and Japan have been on honeymoon for a long time. This is the original master that has absorbed the “air of encounter” that was floating on the third day. We will deliver to you a masterpiece that will wrap your weekend room in the “smell of 1973”. Live at Kanda Kyoritsu Koudou, Tokyo, Japan 10th March 1973 TRULY AMAZING SOUND(from Original Masters) Disc 1(48:31) 1. Siberian Khatru 2. I’ve Seen All Good People 3. Sakura Sakura 4. Mood For A Day 5. Clap 6. Heart Of The Sunrise 7. And You And I Disc 2(66:31) 1. Close Rick To The Edge 2. Wakeman Solo 3. Roundabout 4. Yours Is No Disgrace 5. Starship Trooper Jon Anderson – Vocals Steve Howe – Guitar & Vocal Chris Squire – Bass & Vocal Rick Wakeman – Keyboards Alan White – Drums