Kuchibiru Network
1986 single by Yukiko Okada
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"Kuchibiru Network" (Japanese: くちびる Network, Hepburn: lit. "Lips Network") is the eighth and final single from Japanese singer Yukiko Okada, released on 29 January 1986. It reached number 1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and was Okada's only single to do so. It sold 231,000 copies. The B-side is 'Koi no Etude' (恋のエチュード, lit. "Love Etude").
| "Kuchibiru Network" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Yukiko Okada | |
| from the album Venus Tanjou | |
| Language | Japanese |
| English title | Lips Network |
| B-side | Koi no Etude[1] |
| Released | January 29, 1986 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 3:53 |
| Label | Pony Canyon |
| Composer | Ryuichi Sakamoto |
| Lyricist | Seiko Matsuda |
Background
Okada's previous single, Love Fair, was written and composed by Tetsurō Kashibuchi and arranged by Masataka Matsutoya. Both had worked on several singles for Okada throughout her career.[2] It peaked at number 5 on the Oricon chart in October 1985.[3]
In 1986, singer Seiko Matsuda was on hiatus due to her pregnancy, and wrote the lyrics for "Kuchibiru Network" during this time.[4] Matsuda and Okada belonged to the same talent agency, Sun Music,[5] and Okada was often labelled 'the next Seiko Matsuda'.[6] Ryuichi Sakamoto of Yellow Magic Orchestra composed the song.[7] The song garnered attention due to the celebrity status of Matsuda and Sakamoto.[8]
Release and reception
"Kuchibiru Network" was released on January 29, 1986. It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart,[1] and sold 231,000 copies.[3][8][9] It was Okada's only number 1 single, and would be her final release before her death on April 8, 1986.[8]
On January 23, 2013, idol group Sunmyu debuted with a cover of "Kuchibiru Network". The group also belonged to the Sun Music agency, under the Pony Canyon label.[10]