Seiji Yokoyama/ Mushi no Symphony (original 1971)

Themed around “Life,” “Love,” “Dance,” and “Death,” this unique work combines actual recordings of insects with orchestral, jazz, Latin, and rock elements, arranged as a single suite.

Highlights include “Higejirosuzu & Kumasuzumushi no Go-Go,” featuring Takeshi Inomata’s sharp, explosive drumming, the funky “Kutsuwamushi no Rock,” and the breezy “Cricket Bossa Nova.” Though conceived as environmental music, it also offers plenty for fans of jazz-funk and rare groove.

With its forward-thinking blend of ambient, Mondo, Japanese jazz, and library music aesthetics, this fascinating work has become highly sought after by collectors in Japan and abroad.