Hitori (album)

Hitori is the debut studio album by Japanese electronic musician and composer, Susumu Hirasawa. It was released on February 21, 1982. The album is notable for its pioneering use of synthesizers and sampling techniques, particularly the Roland MC-4 MicroComposer, and is considered a significant work in the development of Japanese electronic music and progressive rock. The album’s title, Hitori, translates to "alone" or "one person" in Japanese, reflecting the album's creation primarily by Hirasawa himself. The tracks often blend experimental soundscapes with more structured melodies and rhythms. Hitori represents a transition from Hirasawa's earlier work with the progressive rock band MANDRAKE and foreshadows his later solo career characterized by conceptual albums and exploration of world music influences.