Marvin Gaye - Live In Tokyo 1979 - Budokan Hall, Tokyo Japan 13 Nov 1979

Marvin Gaye's performance at Budokan Hall in Tokyo on November 13, 1979, was part of his first-ever tour of Japan. This live radio broadcast from NHK Radio comes after the release of Here, My Dear (1978), a deeply personal album, and just before In Our Lifetime (1981), reflecting a transitional phase in both his music and life. Gaye's performance at Budokan was a masterclass in soul music. Known for his rich, emotive voice, he delivered a setlist that balanced intimacy and exuberance. The show featured a blend of his greatest hits and newer material. Classics such as What's Going On, Let's Get It On, and I Heard It Through the Grapevineform the backbone of the set.Romantic ballads such as If I Should Die Tonight and Distant Lover showcase his vulnerability and vocal control, and are paired with funkier tracks like Got to Give It Up which reflect the danceable, joyous side of his repertoire.

This concert represented not just a musical performance but a cultural bridge, leaving an indelible impression on both Marvin Gaye and his Japanese audience.