One of the first big names on Japan's acid jazz scene, United Future Organization comprised Tokyo club DJs Toshio Matsuura, Tadashi Yabe, and Frenchman Raphael Sebbag. The three had been deejaying independently since London's dance jazz scene hit Japan's shores in 1986, headquartering out of Azabu's famed Bohemia, which was the epicenter of the movement. The three got together in 1990 as United Future Organization - a.k.a. UFO - and were involved in staging fashion, art, and club promos. UFO...

One of the first big names on Japan's acid jazz scene, United Future Organization comprised Tokyo club DJs Toshio Matsuura, Tadashi Yabe, and Frenchman Raphael Sebbag. The three had been deejaying independently since London's dance jazz scene hit Japan's shores in 1986, headquartering out of Azabu's famed Bohemia, which was the epicenter of the movement. The three got together in 1990 as United Future Organization - a.k.a. UFO - and were involved in staging fashion, art, and club promos. UFO rapidly emerged as a pioneer on the Tokyo scene, and dropped their recorded debut the following year with the 12-inch "I Love My Baby (My Baby Loves Jazz)". They followed up in the middle of the next year with "Loud Minority/Moon Dance", which became a cult favorite on club circuits worldwide and earned the top spot on the jazz chart of UK magazine Echo. UFO's debut full-length, entitled Jazzin, was released in September of the same year, the same month they made their successful UK debut at London's Fridge Club. The trio released several more albums in Japan, and in 1994 inked a deal with Verve Forecast in the United States, releasing a self-titled collection of singles. UFO went on to release several more records both at home in Japan and overseas, culminating with 2002's V on the Avex Marketing Communications label. United Future Organization's influence worldwide cannot be understimated, and each of their recordings has demonstrated a high level of professionalism, infectious beats, and a keen sense for where trends are headed. UFO numbers among its fans Dmitri from Paris, Gilles Peterson, Francois K, Masters at Work, and Ross Allen, and the trio has heavily influenced the sound of The Brand New Heavies, US3, Jamiroquai, and many others. UFO's music has been licensed for several television commercials including D'rban and Casio in Japan, Ford Motors in Europe, and Absolut Vodka in Sweden.