A música Big in Japan de Alphaville fala sobre a luta de um casal contra o vício em drogas em Tóquio. O título é irônico, referindo-se à expressão de que um artista pode ser popular em um lugar, como o Japão, e ainda ser desconhecido em seu próprio país. A inspiração veio de amigos do vocalista Marian Gold que eram músicos em Tóquio, e a canção destaca como eles eram grandes no Japão, apesar de lutarem com problemas pessoais.
Winter cityside Crystal bits of snowflakes all around my head and in the wind I had no illusions That I'd ever find a glimpse of summer's heatwaves in your eyes You did what you did to me, now it's history I see Here's my comeback on the road again
Things will happen while they can I will wait here for my man tonight, it's easy when you're big in Japan
Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight Big in Japan, be tight, big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue Big in Japan, alright, pay, then I'll sleep by your side Things are easy when you're big in Japan, oh when you're big in Japan
Neon on my naked skin Passing silhouettes of strange illuminated mannequins Shall I stay here at the zoo Or should I go and change my point of view for other ugly scenes You did what you did to me, now it's history IIIIIIIIIIIII see
Things will happen while they can I will wait here for my man tonight, it's easy when you're big in Japan
Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight Big in Japan, be tight, big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue Big in Japan, alright, pay, then I'll sleep by your side Things are easy when you're big in Japan Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight Big in Japan, be tight, big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue Big in Japan, alright, pay, then I'll sleep by your side Things are easy when you're big in Japan, oh when you're big in Japan
Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight Big in Japan, be tight, big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue Big in Japan, alright, pay, then I'll sleep by your side Things are easy when you're big in Japan Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight Big in Japan, be tight, big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue Big in Japan, alright, pay, then I'll sleep by your side Things are easy when you're big in Japan, oh when you're big in Japan