YMO - Yellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra or YMO is an Electronic / Synthesizer group formed in 1978. They are regarded as pioneers in the field of electronic music much in the same regard as Kraftwerk from Germany is. The nucleus of the group being the trio of Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Their popularity in Japan lead to an advertising deal with Fuji Cassette

The group was also possibly the first to incorporate video game music in their repertoire such as this track which has been sampled by a number of artists most notably Jennifer Lopez

The band broke up in 1984 but have worked together on their various solo project, and Hosono and Takahasi as the duo Sketch Show. Sakamoto has also appeared with them in live performances. Since the group broke up Hosono has also enjoyed cntinued success as a producer and founded the label Daisyworld,  Takahashi outside of Sketch Show has had an extensive solo career and Sakamoto has become highly reknown in the area of film music as well as his many solo works. Perhaps most well remembered outside of Japan for his music for the film "Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence" which he also co-starred in alongside David Bowie and Tom conti
That work produced this hit single with David Sylvian

Selected Ymo Album
Discography:
1978: Yellow Magic Orchestra
1979: Solid State Survivor
1980: X∞Multiplies
1981: Bgm
1981: Technodelic
1983: Naughty Boys
1983: Naughty Boys Instrumental
1983: Service
1993: Technodon

Also numerous live LPs and singles

Links:
wikipedia
my space
last fm