Happy End (1970 album)

Happy End is the self-titled debut album by the Japanese folk rock band Happy End, released in August 1970. It is often referred to as "Yudemenasai Japan" (ゆでめんすいません) because of the phrase printed prominently on the album cover.

The album marked a significant turning point in Japanese popular music history, pioneering the use of rock instrumentation with lyrics written entirely in the Japanese language. Prior to Happy End, most Japanese rock bands sang in English, believing it was necessary for mainstream appeal. Happy End's success helped to establish the possibility of creating authentic Japanese rock music that resonated with local audiences.

The album features a mix of folk, rock, and psychedelic influences. The band members at the time of its release were Haruomi Hosono, Eiichi Ohtaki, Takashi Matsumoto, and Shigeru Suzuki. The lyrics, primarily written by Matsumoto, are often introspective and poetic. The music, a collaborative effort, showcases the band's diverse talents and innovative approach to blending Western musical styles with Japanese sensibilities.

While not an immediate commercial success, Happy End is now considered a landmark album and a foundational work in the development of Japanese rock music (J-Rock). Its influence can be seen in the subsequent generations of Japanese musicians who followed in their footsteps.