Nippon Banzai

[3][4] The concept for Nippon Banzai was envisioned by Jossart N'Yoka Longo, who sought to encapsulate the band's Japanese tour experience in a commercially viable format.

Initially met with skepticism from other band members, the concept eventually garnered acceptance, and recording commenced after the tour concluded in late 1986.

It features the band members, depicted from left to right: Jossart N'Yoka Longo, Bimi Ombale, Dindo Yogo, and Lengi Lenga.

[10] Upon its release, Nippon Banzai swiftly gained widespread acclaim and commercial success, transcending geographical boundaries to resonate with audiences across Africa, the West Indies, Europe, and notably, Japan.

[8] While the album narrowly missed earning gold certification in France,[11] it faced challenges from pirated versions that proliferated in the market.

Nonetheless, Nippon Banzai played a pivotal role in globalizing Congolese rumba, with the genre occasionally referred to as "du Zaïko" in various African regions.

The flag of Japan is slightly modified on the album cover (the red circle appears sliced).