#1 · 2022
A seminal track from 1983, "Chinese Revenge" is a cornerstone Italo disco record integral to Koto's sound, reissued by ZYX in 2022.
Reissue 2022ZYX labelSingle track focus
Artist page · 07/07/2026
Koto
Koto is an Italian synth pop group formed in the 1980s, known for italo disco and electronic music, with a catalog covering electro, funk, and ambient genres.
13Albums on Vinyles.com
566Discogs releases
68kLast.fm listeners
About
Koto, Italian 80's synth pop with a legacy in Italo disco and spacesynth.
14 vinyl releases spanning 1983 to 2025, with key tracks like "Jabdah" and "Dragon's Legend" remixed by ZYX label.
Koto emerged from Italy in the early 80s, created by composer Anfrando Maiola and producer Stefano Cundari under Memory Records. The project gained success with singles such as "Chinese Revenge" (1983), "Visitors" (1985), and "Jabdah" (1986), rooted in Italo disco and spacesynth styles. In 1989, the German label ZYX Music acquired the Memory Records catalog and tasked Michiel Van der Kuy with remixing Koto tracks and launching new albums under the name, including "Masterpieces" (1989) and "Synthesizer World Hits" (1990).
Maiola later regained control of the Koto name to continue releasing music like "Koto is Still Alive" (2001).
Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Koto's career.
01
Jabdah
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02
Visitors
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03
Dragon's Legend
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04
Chinese Revenge
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05
Time
·
06
Japanese War Game
·
07
La parole c'est le pouvoir
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08
Crockett's Theme
·
The essentials
The 3 Koto albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
#2 · 2024
Released by ZYX in 2024, this title represents Koto's continued impact on Italo disco and funk genres, featuring remixed classics.
2024 releaseZYX labelFunk/Soul/RnB/Disco genre
#3 · 2023
"Jabdah" is a 1986 track with enduring popularity in the Italo disco scene, famously remixed and released on vinyl by ZYX in 2023.
2023 reissueZYX labelPop genre
Go further
Artists similar to Koto
Artists who share part of Koto's musical DNA.
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Koto
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
Koto is an Italian 80's synth pop group known for their italo disco vibes and iconic tracks.— Editorial overview
01Origins
Koto's first release "Chinese Revenge" in 1983
The project by Anfrando Maiola debuted with "Chinese Revenge" in 1983, establishing a distinctive synth pop sound within Italo disco.
02Label acquisition
ZYX Music acquires Memory Records catalog in 1989
In 1989, German label ZYX Music took over Memory Records and commissioned Michiel Van der Kuy to remix Koto's tracks, producing new albums named after the band.
03Remixes
Michiel Van der Kuy remixes "Masterpieces" in 1989
"Masterpieces" was one of the Koto albums remixed by producer Michiel Van der Kuy after ZYX acquired the catalog, contributing to renewed interest in the project.
04Continued releases
Anfrando Maiola resumes Koto releases in 2001
After a period of remixes and label changes, Maiola reclaimed Koto in 2001, releasing new music including "Koto is Still Alive" and "Blow the Whistle" in 2003.
Records by Koto
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FAQ
FAQ: Koto on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who founded Koto and when was their first single released?
Koto was founded by Italian composer Anfrando Maiola; their first single "Chinese Revenge" came out in 1983.
What genres does Koto's vinyl catalog cover?
Koto's vinyl spans Italo disco, synth pop, electro, funk, soul, and ambient genres.
Which labels have released Koto vinyl records in France?
In France, Koto vinyl has been released mainly through the label ZYX, known for italo disco collections.
Can you find Koto vinyl at French record shops?
Yes, Koto vinyl can often be found in French record shops specializing in Italo disco and electro genres.
What are some of Koto's top vinyl tracks to listen to?
Top tracks include "Jabdah", "Visitors", "Dragon's Legend", and "Chinese Revenge".
Are Koto vinyl records mainly reissues or original pressings?
Many Koto vinyl records available today are reissues by labels like ZYX, with some original 80s pressings being rare collector items.
Why is Koto important in Italo disco history?
Koto helped shape the Italo disco sound with synth-driven hits from the 80s, influencing spacesynth and electronic music genres.
What formats of Koto vinyl exist for collectors?
Koto vinyl exists in various formats including singles, EPs, and LPs, with some releases on 7", 12", and 180g vinyl.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 07/07/2026