The Vapors

British new wave band

The Vapors are a British new wave band that initially rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They are best known for their 1980 hit single "Turning Japanese," which was a top ten hit in the UK, the US, and several other countries. The band's debut album, "New Clear Days," was released in 1980 and reflected the era's concerns with themes of nuclear war and cold war anxieties, as well as more personal and introspective lyrics. Despite their initial success, The Vapors struggled to maintain their momentum and disbanded in 1982 after releasing their second album, "Magnets." After a long hiatus, they reformed in the late 2010s and have since been performing live and releasing new music. Their career is marked by a brief but impactful presence on the new wave scene, with "Turning Japanese" remaining their signature song.