Burning The Ground Exclusive
In the mid-1980s, John Waite was enjoying major solo success after leaving The Babys, thanks to his 1984 U.S. #1 hit “Missing You” and the platinum album No Brakes. At the peak of his popularity, EMI issued a special release in Japan: the four-track mini-LP For Japan Only. True to its title, this record was pressed exclusively for the Japanese market in 1985, and it has since become a sought-after collector’s item.
The mini-LP offers a mix of extended and alternate versions that went beyond standard album cuts. This release is also especially notable for the inclusion of the extended remix of Euroshima which has never been issued anywhere else, making For Japan Only essential for Waite completists.
Why Japan Only?
Japan has long been a unique market for music. Labels often created special editions with bonus tracks, deluxe packaging, and the coveted obi strip to appeal to local fans. Releases like For Japan Only weren’t just marketing gimmicks—they were carefully designed to give Japanese buyers something they couldn’t get elsewhere.
Tied to the Tour
Waite toured Japan in 1985 during his Mask of Smiles era, performing several of the tracks included on this mini-LP (Missing You, Tears, Restless Heart, and Euroshima all appeared in his Tokyo setlist). It’s likely that For Japan Only was issued as a tie-in for those shows, giving fans a unique souvenir to take home.
Final Thoughts
For Japan Only isn’t just a quirky title—it’s a perfect example of how the Japanese music market created exclusive treasures for fans. With its rare mixes, especially the unique extended remix of “Euroshima,” and its deluxe presentation, this mini-LP remains one of the most collectible pieces in John Waite’s discography.
SIDE A:
Missing You (Extended Version) 7:01
Mixed By, Edited By – John Luongo
Written-By – C. Sandford, J. Waite, M. Leonard*
Tears (Live) 3:59
Written By – A. Mitchell, V. Cusano
SIDE B:
Restless Heart (Remix Version) 4:30
Remix – John Luongo
Written By – John Waite
Euroshima (Remixed Extended 12″ Version) 6:40
Remix – John Luongo
Written By – G. Myrick, J. Waite
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
OBI Strip: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI America – EYS-50149
Format: Vinyl, 12″, EP, Promo
Country: Japan
Released: Apr 20, 1985
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Soft Rock
CREDITS:
- Engineer – Gary Hellman
- Engineer [Assistant] – Ken Stiger
- Mixed By, Edited By – John Luongo (tracks: A)
- Photography By – Geoffery Thomas
- Producer – David Thoener, Gary Gersh, John Waite
NOTES:
Originally Recorded in EEC
This released includes full color (red, white & black) jacket, OBI strip and insert with lyrics.
Made In Japan.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
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