Description
Expected Release Date 12th September 2025
All pre-orders will be dispatched/made ready for collection once stock is in hand however delays are possible.
If you want to keep up to date with the latest Japanese imports, follow this link to sign up to our bespoke Japanese import mailing list!
https://mailchi.mp/cf9ea92722c9/japanese-import-updates
Side A
1. Highway no Kage ~ Daiichi no Giwaku
2. Matteita Onna ~ Daiichi no Wana
3. Highway no Kage ~ Main Theme
4. Nazo no Onna ~ Wana!?
5. Matteita Onna ~ Main Theme
6. Highway no Kage ~ Wana e no Chosen
Side B
1. Sachiusu no Onna ~ Namiko no Tsuioku
2. Nazo no Onna ~ Main Theme
3. Highway no Kage ~ Teki wo Motomete
4. Sachiusu no Onna ~ Main Theme
5. Matteita Onna ~ Variations
6. Highway no Kage ~ Kanashii Ketsumatsu
Composed, Arranged, and Conducted by: Norio Maeda
Has there ever been a soundtrack so thrilling and beautiful? This is the pinnacle of cine-jazz, crafted by the master Norio Maeda.
Released in 1971, Shadow Of The Highway is a suspense-action film produced and starring Jiro Tamiya, and directed by Jun Fukuda.
True to its tagline—“A sports car tearing vertically through Japan, from Kagoshima to Hokkaido”—the film features a Mitsubishi Galant GTO racing
across the country. Often compared to the American New Cinema classic Vanishing Point, it stands as a Japanese road movie gem.
The music was composed by the legendary Norio Maeda. His piano corners with elegance, the vibraphone dashes forward with flair, the bass charges
ahead with power, and the drums shift gears with precision. Motion and stillness, obsession and desire, joy and sorrow—thrilling performances and
beautiful melodies elevate the film to new heights.
As a soundtrack, it is exceptional. But even more, it represents an extraordinary level of quality for Japanese jazz in 1971. The performances are so
remarkable that it’s unfortunate the exact personnel remain unidentified. However, it has long been rumored that the musicians may have been associated
with Takeshi Inomata’s Sound Limited—or possibly The Third.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for looking at our listing, below are a few points to consider before making a purchase:
- All records we sell are Brand New - pre-orders will normally come sealed but if you are purchasing in stock items, please note the copy may have been unsealed for display in the shop. Please email straight after purchase to enquire if this is of importance to you.
- Orders won't ship until all items are released, so keep this in mind when purchasing multiple pre-orders or a mix of in stock and pre-order items.
- The 'Product' page will show the most up to date info we have with regards to the item and its release date, but this information is subject to change so check in with us if you have any questions.
- We unfortunately don't offer tax/vat outside of the UK via the website so please keep in mind that when the items arrives in your country you may be liable to pay a further charge before delivery. (all UK orders the price you see is the price you will pay). Please also note that we are unable to adjust the declared value on items sold internationally.
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.