Formed in the Tama area of Tokyo, TM Network helped lay the foundation for J-pop
by blending pop hooks, synthesizers, and chart-topping songwriting into a
commercially-acclaimed sound. Much of that sound was constructed by keyboardist
Tetsuya Komuro, who'd go on to become one of the most successful producers in
Japanese history following the band's initial breakup. Even so, TM Network was a
collaboration between Komuro, vocalist Takashi Utsunomiya, and guitar/songwriter
Naoto Kine, all of three of whom launched the group in 1983. Their debut,
Rainbow Rainbow, reached Number 71 in...