The Japanese House

Bain was born in Watford and lived in Harrow, Hemel Hempstead, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire throughout her childhood.{{cite web |last1=Bassil |first1=Ryan |title=A Wander Into the Deep Blue World of The Japanese House |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/rq8dpv/pools-to-bathe-in-an-interview-with-the-japanese-house |website=Vice |access-date=20 June 2024 |language=en |date=13 November 2015 |archive-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608070015/https://www.vice.com/en/article/rq8dpv/pools-to-bathe-in-an-interview-with-the-japanese-house |url-status=live }} As a child, she was taught music by her father, who was also a musician.{{Cite web|url=https://first-avenue.com/performer/japanese-house|title=THE JAPANESE HOUSE First Avenue|website=first-avenue.com|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114225908/https://first-avenue.com/performer/japanese-house|url-status=dead}} She continued practicing and recording music throughout her childhood. She began recording music at the age of 11, when she visited her father's house. As a teenager, Bain pursued a career in music rather than going to university, a decision which her father supported as he felt she had "a clear opportunity".{{Cite web|url=https://www.papermag.com/the-japanese-house-interview-2635942352.html?rebelltitem=14#rebelltitem14?rebelltitem=14|title=The Japanese House Isn't Hiding Anymore|date=1 May 2019|website=PAPER|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114230538/https://www.papermag.com/the-japanese-house-interview-2635942352.html?rebelltitem=14#rebelltitem14?rebelltitem=14|url-status=live}}

File:Amber Bain of The Japanese House.jpgIn 2012 Bain's friend introduced her to singer Matty Healy of the 1975, who Bain's friend was dating at the time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/the-japanese-house-profile|title=The Japanese House Is Ready to Sweep You Off Your Feet|last=Barlow|first=Eve|website=GQ|date=March 2019|language=en|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113204029/https://www.gq.com/story/the-japanese-house-profile|url-status=live}} Bain began working closely with The 1975,{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/under-the-radar-meet-the-japanese-house-amber-bain-4314|title=Under The Radar: The Japanese House|last=Smith|first=Thomas|date=12 August 2016|work=NMW|access-date=29 May 2019|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603113215/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/under-the-radar-meet-the-japanese-house-amber-bain-4314|url-status=live}} and signed to their label Dirty Hit.

Bain settled on the stage name The Japanese House because she did not feel ready to reveal her name or gender.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dummymag.com/features/the-japanese-house-interview-im-a-heartbreaker-what-can-i-say/|title=The Japanese House: "I'm a heartbreaker...what can I say?"|last=Dummy|website=DummyMag|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114012005/https://www.dummymag.com/features/the-japanese-house-interview-im-a-heartbreaker-what-can-i-say/|url-status=live}} As a result, very little was known about The Japanese House when her debut single "Still" was premiered on BBC Radio 1 with Zane Lowe on 2 March 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b054023b|title=BBC Radio 1 – Zane Lowe, The Vaccines + The Japanese House|website=BBC|language=en-GB|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114014239/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b054023b|url-status=live}}

Bain's androgynous voice and avoidance of press photography fuelled speculation about her gender and identity.{{Cite web|url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_au/article/wjm4j5/welcome-to-the-japanese-house|title=welcome to the japanese house|last=DeMarco|first=Nicole|date=26 February 2019|website=i-D|language=en|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=31 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831005719/https://i-d.vice.com/en_au/article/wjm4j5/welcome-to-the-japanese-house|url-status=live}} After the release of "Still", there was widespread speculation that the singer behind The Japanese House was a man, and some fans even speculated that it was a side project of Healy's.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/vbwya8/the-japanese-house-interview-2019|title=How The Japanese House's Walls Came Tumbling Down|last=Connick|first=Tom|date=28 February 2019|website=Vice|language=en|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113200917/https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/vbwya8/the-japanese-house-interview-2019|url-status=live}} Bain went on her first tour as an opening act for the 1975 in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/dec/12/amber-bain-the-japanese-house-sad-modern-synthpop|title=The Japanese House: 'Coming to terms with what pop actually means'|last=Davies|first=Hannah J.|date=12 December 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=30 October 2017|archive-date=21 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621055907/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/dec/12/amber-bain-the-japanese-house-sad-modern-synthpop|url-status=live}} Bain subsequently released three more singles. "Pools to Bathe In" was released on 25 March 2015, "Teeth" on 8 April 2015, and "Sister" on 21 April 2015.For the release date of "Pools to Bathe In", see {{Cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2015/03/the-japanese-house-shares-new-song-pools-to-bathe-in-listen/|title=The Japanese House shares new song "Pools To Bathe In" – listen|date=25 March 2015|website=Consequence of Sound|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113195742/https://consequenceofsound.net/2015/03/the-japanese-house-shares-new-song-pools-to-bathe-in-listen/|url-status=live}}

• For the release date of "Teeth", see the following two {{Cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2015/04/the-japanese-house-premieres-new-song-teeth-listen/|title=The Japanese House premieres new song "Teeth" – listen|date=8 April 2015|website=Consequence of Sound|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113195744/https://consequenceofsound.net/2015/04/the-japanese-house-premieres-new-song-teeth-listen/|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web|url=http://www.vanguard-online.co.uk/japanese-house-release-pools-to-bath-in-ep/|title=Japanese House release Pools to Bathe In EP – Vanguard Online|last=Price|first=Ryan|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114011120/http://www.vanguard-online.co.uk/japanese-house-release-pools-to-bath-in-ep/|url-status=live}}
• For the release date of "Sister", see {{Cite web|url=https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2015/04/audio-premiere-japanese-hours-sister/|title=AUDIO PREMIERE: THE JAPANESE HOUSE – 'SISTER'|website=Wonderland Magazine|language=en|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424012348/https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2015/04/audio-premiere-japanese-hours-sister/|archive-date=24 April 2015}} Bain's first EP Pools to Bathe In, a compilation of her four previous singles, was released on 27 April 2015 to favourable reviews.{{Cite web|url=https://unsungsundays.com/album-reviews/the-japanese-house-pools-to-bathe-in/|title=The Japanese House: Pools To Bathe In Review|website=Unsung Sundays|language=en-CA|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113195745/https://unsungsundays.com/album-reviews/the-japanese-house-pools-to-bathe-in/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.varsity.co.uk/music/13071|title=Review: The Japanese House|website=Varsity Online|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114013056/https://www.varsity.co.uk/music/13071|url-status=live}}

File:The Japanese House @ The Wiltern 10 12 2019 (49311677286).jpg

The titular single from the EP Clean was released on 7 September 2015 and premiered on BBC Radio 1 that same day.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2015/09/07/the-japanese-house-clean-video|title=London Artist The Japanese House Sounds Blissfully Free On "Clean"|website=The FADER|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114013056/https://www.thefader.com/2015/09/07/the-japanese-house-clean-video|url-status=live}} The EP's second single, "Cool Blue" was released 15 September, followed by "Letter by the Water" on 27 October 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://diymag.com/2015/10/27/the-japanese-house-shares-letter-by-the-water|title=The Japanese House shares 'Letter By The Water'|website=DIY|date=27 October 2015|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114013057/http://diymag.com/2015/10/27/the-japanese-house-shares-letter-by-the-water|url-status=live}} The final single, "Sugar Pill" was released on 3 November 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://diymag.com/2015/11/03/the-japanese-house-shares-sugar-pill|title=The Japanese House shares 'Sugar Pill'|website=DIY|date=3 November 2015|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114013056/http://diymag.com/2015/11/03/the-japanese-house-shares-sugar-pill|url-status=live}} Clean was released on 6 November 2015, and received positive reviews from critics.For the EP's release date, see {{Cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/the_japanese_house_announces_second_ep_co_produced_by_members_of_the_1975/|title=The Japanese House announces second EP co-produced by members of The 1975|last=Magazine|first=Alternative Press|date=9 September 2015|website=Alternative Press|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114013054/https://www.altpress.com/news/the_japanese_house_announces_second_ep_co_produced_by_members_of_the_1975/|url-status=live}}

• For Consequence of Sound's review, see {{Cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2015/11/album-review-the-japanese-house-clean-ep/|title=Album Review: The Japanese House – Clean EP|date=4 November 2015|website=Consequence of Sound|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114014149/https://consequenceofsound.net/2015/11/album-review-the-japanese-house-clean-ep/|url-status=live}}
• For Fortitude Magazine's review, see {{Cite web|url=http://www.fortitudemagazine.co.uk/music/ep-review-japanese-house-clean/26705/|title=EP Review: The Japanese House – Clean|date=8 November 2015|website=Fortitude Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114014204/http://www.fortitudemagazine.co.uk/music/ep-review-japanese-house-clean/26705/|url-status=dead}}

On 26 September 2016 Bain released "Face Like Thunder", the first single from her upcoming EP Swim Against the Tide.{{Cite web|url=http://www.passtheaux.co/the-japanese-house-new-song-face-like-thunder/|title=The Japanese House share new song "Face Like Thunder"|date=27 September 2016|website=Pass The Aux|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114015326/http://www.passtheaux.co/the-japanese-house-new-song-face-like-thunder/|url-status=live}} Bain stated that the EP's title was inspired by the feeling of falling in love and losing someone, saying "[it] feels like you're swimming against the tide. In a sense it's a struggle".{{Cite web|url=https://observer.com/2017/02/the-japanese-house-amber-bain-interview/|title=The Japanese House on Harnessing Ambiguity and Recording Her Debut Album|date=28 February 2017|website=Observer|language=en-US|access-date=15 January 2020|archive-date=15 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115051404/https://observer.com/2017/02/the-japanese-house-amber-bain-interview/|url-status=live}} The track received favourable reviews for its emotional subject matter and melodic beat.{{Cite web|url=https://atwoodmagazine.com/face-like-thunder-japanese-house/|title=Honesty and Redemption in The Japanese House's "Face Like Thunder"|date=13 October 2016|website=Atwood Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=10 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210060945/https://atwoodmagazine.com/face-like-thunder-japanese-house/|url-status=live}}

Bain released Swim Against the Tide on 11 November 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://atwoodmagazine.com/japanese-house-2016-interview/|title=A Tidal Force: A Conversation with The Japanese House|date=18 November 2016|website=Atwood Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=28 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928141506/http://atwoodmagazine.com/japanese-house-2016-interview/|url-status=live}} She supported the 1975 on their 2016 North American tour to promote their second album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It.{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YSa3DwAAQBAJ&q=the+japanese+house+amber+bain&pg=PT178|title=The 1975 – Love, Sex & Chocolate|last=Nolan|first=David|date=9 March 2017|publisher=Bonnier Zaffre|isbn=978-1-78606-487-5|language=en|chapter=Chapter Ten: Dressed in White, Head to Toe.|access-date=26 October 2021|archive-date=21 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621055906/https://books.google.com/books?id=YSa3DwAAQBAJ&q=the+japanese+house+amber+bain&pg=PT178#v=snippet&q=the%20japanese%20house%20amber%20bain&f=false|url-status=live}} The Japanese House headlined a North American tour beginning on 21 February 2017 and ending on 28 March.{{Cite web|url=http://www.onestowatch.com/blog/examining-the-mystery-behind-the-japanese-house|title=Examining The Mystery Behind The Japanese House / Ones To Watch|website=Ones To Watch|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=21 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421233328/https://www.onestowatch.com/blog/examining-the-mystery-behind-the-japanese-house|url-status=live}}

On 26 April 2017 Bain released the single "Saw You in a Dream".{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/the-japenese-house-saw-you-in-a-dream-interview-2017-2060523|title=The Japanese House on new single 'Saw You In A Dream' – NME|date=26 April 2017|website=NME|language=en-GB|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114002056/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/the-japenese-house-saw-you-in-a-dream-interview-2017-2060523|url-status=live}} The single was noted for using fewer layered tracks, and having a starker, less production heavy sound than many of Bain's previous songs.{{Cite web|url=http://diymag.com/2017/04/26/the-japanese-house-saw-you-in-a-dream-track-review|title=The Japanese House – Saw You In A Dream|website=DIY|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114025429/http://diymag.com/2017/04/26/the-japanese-house-saw-you-in-a-dream-track-review|url-status=live}} The full EP Saw You in a Dream was originally scheduled for release on 16 June 2017 but was released on 30 June.{{Cite web|url=https://atwoodmagazine.com/saw-you-dream-japanese-house-review/|title=Longing, Loss, & Hope in The Japanese House's "Saw You in a Dream"|date=8 May 2017|website=Atwood Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=16 January 2020|archive-date=31 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031170443/http://atwoodmagazine.com/saw-you-dream-japanese-house-review/|url-status=live}} The EP was praised for showcasing the evolution of Bain's dreamy style, with strong vocals and a more reserved use of production effects.For description of the song as "dreampop", see {{Cite web|url=https://www.baeblemusic.com/musicblog/6-30-2017/the-japanese-house-shines-on-saw-you-in-a-dream-ep.html|title=The Japanese House Shines on 'Saw You In a Dream' EP|website=Baeble Music|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114025430/https://www.baeblemusic.com/musicblog/6-30-2017/the-japanese-house-shines-on-saw-you-in-a-dream-ep.html|url-status=live}}

• For descriptions of the less heavy production and praise for Bain's vocals, see the following two{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrbbradio.org/2016/11/27/the-japanese-house-release-swim-against-the-tide-ep/|title=The Japanese House Release "Swim Against the Tide" EP|date=27 November 2016|website=WRBB 104.9 FM|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114082035/http://www.wrbbradio.org/2016/11/27/the-japanese-house-release-swim-against-the-tide-ep/|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite web|url=https://www.londoninstereo.com/the-japanese-house-swim-against-the-tide-ep-review/|title=THE JAPANESE HOUSE – SWIM AGAINST THE TIDE // EP REVIEW|last=Hancock|first=Tom|website=London in Stereo|date=18 November 2016|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114082032/https://www.londoninstereo.com/the-japanese-house-swim-against-the-tide-ep-review/|url-status=live}}

File:The Japanese House at the Phoenix in Toronto.jpg tour|alt=|left]]

Bain released the single "Lilo" on 27 September 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://substreammagazine.com/2018/09/japanese-house-lilo/|title=The Japanese House returns with stunning new single "Lilo"|last=Aikins|first=Gabriel|date=27 September 2018|website=Substream Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114025431/https://substreammagazine.com/2018/09/japanese-house-lilo/|url-status=live}} After the release of "Lilo", The Japanese House announced a North American tour in December 2019.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8478661/the-japanese-house-tour-dates|title=The Japanese House Announce North American Tour Dates|magazine=Billboard|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114032516/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8478661/the-japanese-house-tour-dates|url-status=live}} On 12 November 2018 Bain released "Follow My Girl", the album's second single. That same day, Billboard announced that The Japanese House's debut album Good at Falling was to be released on 1 March 2019.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8484370/the-japanese-house-announces-debut-album-follow-my-girl|title=The Japanese House Announces Debut Album, Unveils New Song 'Follow My Girl': Listen|magazine=Billboard|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114030931/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8484370/the-japanese-house-announces-debut-album-follow-my-girl|url-status=live}} The album was co-produced with George Daniel (of The 1975) and BJ Burton.

Upon its release, Good at Falling received mostly positive reviews.{{Cite web|url=https://diymag.com/2019/03/05/burning-down-the-house-the-japanese-house-good-at-falling-interview|title=Burning down the house: The Japanese House|website=diymag.com|date=5 March 2019|language=en|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128075253/https://diymag.com/2019/03/05/burning-down-the-house-the-japanese-house-good-at-falling-interview|url-status=live}} Megan Buerger of Pitchfork called it "confident and intoxicating", although she commented that its melancholic lyrical content almost exasperated her at points.{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/the-japanese-house-good-at-falling/|title=The Japanese House: Good at Falling|website=Pitchfork|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023230/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/the-japanese-house-good-at-falling/|url-status=live}} Bain announced her second Good at Falling tour in the US for October and November 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://substreammagazine.com/2019/07/the-japanese-house-second-gaf-tour/|title=The Japanese House announces second 'Good At Falling' tour|last=Magan|first=Valerie|date=18 July 2019|website=Substream Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=21 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621055909/https://substreammagazine.com/2019/07/the-japanese-house-second-gaf-tour/|url-status=live}}

Bain released the EP The LA Sessions on 8 August 2019. The LA Sessions featured re-imagined tracks from Good at Falling and Saw You in a Dream which were recorded live in Los Angeles.{{Cite web|url=https://substreammagazine.com/2019/08/the-japanese-house-la-sessions/|title=The Japanese House share live EP 'The LA Sessions'|last=Aikins|first=Gabriel|date=8 August 2019|website=Substream Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=18 January 2020|archive-date=6 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206222127/https://substreammagazine.com/2019/08/the-japanese-house-la-sessions/|url-status=live}} On 27 September 2019, Bain released a single titled "Something Has to Change", and announced an upcoming extended play of the same name.{{Cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/the-japanese-house-returns-with-something-has-to-change|title=The Japanese House Returns With 'Something Has To Change'|website=Clash Magazine|date=27 September 2019|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=29 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929145627/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/the-japanese-house-returns-with-something-has-to-change|url-status=live}} The EP was announced to be released in November 2019,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-japanese-house-announces-something-has-to-change-ep-and-shares-title-track-2551745|title=The Japanese House announces 'Something Has To Change' EP and tour, shares title track|last=Reilly|first=Nick|date=27 September 2019|website=NME|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001013209/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-japanese-house-announces-something-has-to-change-ep-and-shares-title-track-2551745|url-status=live}} but was delayed into early 2020.{{cite web |last=Tayler |first=Sean |date=6 January 2020 |title=The Japanese House – Interview |url=https://www.opinionpolice.org/interviews/the-japanese-house-interview |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303225921/https://www.opinionpolice.org/interviews/the-japanese-house-interview |archive-date=3 March 2021 |access-date=9 January 2020 |website=Opinion Police}} On 22 November 2019, she released a single titled "Chewing Cotton Wool."{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-japanese-house-shares-chewing-cotton-wool-new-single-listen-2577392|title=The Japanese House shares pensive new song 'Chewing Cotton Wool'|date=22 November 2019|website=NME|language=en-GB|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114013822/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-japanese-house-shares-chewing-cotton-wool-new-single-listen-2577392|url-status=live}} On 10 August 2020, Bain announced that the EP, now titled Chewing Cotton Wool, was to be released on 12 August 2020.{{Cite web|date=10 August 2020|title=The Japanese House announces 'Chewing Cotton Wool' EP {{!}} NME|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-japanese-house-announces-chewing-cotton-wool-ep-2724878|access-date=21 August 2020|website=NME|language=en-GB|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101103928/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-japanese-house-announces-chewing-cotton-wool-ep-2724878|url-status=live}} Bain released the EP on 12 August 2020.{{Cite web|date=12 August 2020|title=The Japanese House shares new EP and Justin Vernon collaboration 'Dionne'|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-japanese-house-to-release-new-track-dionne-featuring-bon-ivers-justin-vernon-2725717|access-date=21 August 2020|website=NME|language=en-GB|archive-date=19 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819213516/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-japanese-house-to-release-new-track-dionne-featuring-bon-ivers-justin-vernon-2725717|url-status=live}} It featured four songs, one of which was a collaboration with Justin Vernon of indie folk band Bon Iver, as well as the previously released singles. Upon its release, Chewing Cotton Wool received praise for showing further growth of Bain's signature lush, hazy production, introducing more textured and sporadic electronics.{{Cite web|date=12 August 2020|title=The Japanese House – 'Chewing Cotton Wool EP' review|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/the-japanese-house-chewing-cotton-wool-ep-review-2726285|access-date=21 August 2020|website=NME|language=en-GB|archive-date=21 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821032832/https://www.nme.com/reviews/the-japanese-house-chewing-cotton-wool-ep-review-2726285|url-status=live}}

File:The Japanese House Bristol 2023.jpg, Bristol, during part of her 2023 UK Tour.]]

Bain released a new single on 20 March 2023, titled "Boyhood", the lead single to her second album In the End It Always Does. The album was announced on 18 April 2023, concurrent with the release of the second single "Sad to Breathe". In the End It Always Does was released on 30 June 2023, and was revealed to feature credits from previous collaborators George Daniel, Matty Healy, Justin Vernon, and new collaborators Charli XCX, Muna, Chloe Kraemer and more. In May 2023, Bain announced tours in North America and the United Kingdom.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs35IazNvBR/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=www.instagram.com}}{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable; a secondary source (not one from social media) would be preferable here (WP:NOTRS).|date=October 2024}}

On 12 January, it was announced Bain would join The 1975 for select dates on their 2024 UK tour.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-12 |title=The Japanese House set to support The 1975 on upcoming UK tour |url=https://diymag.com/news/the-japanese-house-support-the-1975-uk-tour-2024 |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=DIY |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112183627/https://diymag.com/news/the-japanese-house-support-the-1975-uk-tour-2024 |url-status=live }}

In October 2024, a billboard themed after Charli XCX's highly anticipated remix album Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat was found in The Japanese House's hometown, London. After some speculations, it was officially revealed that The Japanese House will feature on the remixed version of the song "Apple".https://www.nme.com/news/music/charli-xcx-confirms-all-18-features-for-the-brat-remix-album-3799823

File:Sorakuen04s3200.jpg

Bain began producing music professionally under the pen name "The Japanese House". She has stated that her reasons for using a pseudonym include not wanting to be defined by her gender and wanting to avoid the public eye. The name "The Japanese House" was inspired by a cottage in Cornwall, England, in which she and her family had vacationed for a week during her childhood. The property had been previously owned by Kate Winslet, with furnishings reminiscent of traditional Japanese tea houses,{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/rq8dpv/pools-to-bathe-in-an-interview-with-the-japanese-house|title=A Wander Into the Deep Blue World of The Japanese House|last=Bassil|first=Ryan|date=13 November 2015|website=Vice|language=en|access-date=18 February 2020|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113201042/https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/rq8dpv/pools-to-bathe-in-an-interview-with-the-japanese-house|url-status=live}} and during her stay in Cornwall, Bain posed as a boy.{{Cite web|url=https://dmy.co/Features/the-japanese-house-interview-im-a-heartbreaker-what-can-i-say|title=Interview: The Japanese House|author=|website=DMY|access-date=8 November 2023|archive-date=8 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108093631/https://dmy.co/Features/the-japanese-house-interview-im-a-heartbreaker-what-can-i-say|url-status=live}}

During her early career, Bain avoided photo shoots and publicity which, combined with her androgynous vocals, led many outlets to label her as an anonymous artist. After the release of her debut EP Pools to Bathe In, fans speculated about her gender and identity, with some even claiming that The Japanese House was Matty Healy of the 1975.

Despite the shroud of anonymity which surrounded The Japanese House, Bain never hid her personal identity online. In a 2019 interview, she noted that her official social media accounts even used her full name, Amber Bain.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/the-japanese-house-and-the-myth-of-anonymity|title=The Japanese House and the myth of anonymity|website=The Line of Best Fit|language=en|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113195751/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/the-japanese-house-and-the-myth-of-anonymity|url-status=live}} She eventually became more public, appearing in interviews and photo shoots, stating that the reason for this was that she had become more comfortable with being in the spotlight and "didn't want the mystery to become bigger than the music".{{Cite web|url=https://diymag.com/2015/09/19/the-japanese-house-i-didnt-want-the-mystery-to-become-bigger-than-the-music-im-not-wearing-a-balaclava|title=The Japanese House: "I didn't want the mystery to become bigger than the music; I'm not wearing a balaclava"|website=diymag.com|date=19 September 2015|language=en|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128075241/https://diymag.com/2015/09/19/the-japanese-house-i-didnt-want-the-mystery-to-become-bigger-than-the-music-im-not-wearing-a-balaclava|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/under-the-radar-meet-the-japanese-house-amber-bain-4314|title=Under The Radar: The Japanese House|date=12 August 2016|website=NME|language=en-GB|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603113215/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/under-the-radar-meet-the-japanese-house-amber-bain-4314|url-status=live}}

Bain is known for her androgynous style and wavy blond hair, the latter of which has been compared to that of American musician Kurt Cobain.{{Cite web|url=https://the-radical.com/2017/the-japanese-house-interview/|title=Don't Label The Japanese House – THE RADICAL|last=Salud|first=April|language=en-US|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128075244/https://the-radical.com/2017/the-japanese-house-interview/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dummymag.com/features/the-japanese-house-interview-im-a-heartbreaker-what-can-i-say/|title=The Japanese House: "I'm a heartbreaker...what can I say?"|last=Dummy|website=DummyMag|language=en-US|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114012005/https://www.dummymag.com/features/the-japanese-house-interview-im-a-heartbreaker-what-can-i-say/|url-status=live}} Megan Buerger of Pitchfork described Bain at the beginning of her career as "a soft-spoken, queer 19-year-old girl with Kurt Cobain hair and boyish style".

Bain has been compared to pop acts with strong melodic styles such as the xx, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/under-the-radar-meet-the-japanese-house-amber-bain-4314|title=Under The Radar: The Japanese House|date=12 August 2016|website=NME Music|language=en-GB|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603113215/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/under-the-radar-meet-the-japanese-house-amber-bain-4314|url-status=live}} She has been compared to the 1975 with whom she has toured, particularly band members Matty Healy and George Daniel who helped produce many of her tracks. Bain has cited musicians like Brian Wilson, Blondie, Bon Iver, and Franki Valli & the Four Seasons as influences on her work.{{Cite web|url=http://diymag.com/2015/12/15/the-japanese-house-playlist-influences|title=The Japanese House offers up some of her inspirations|website=diymag.com|date=15 December 2015|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114230844/http://diymag.com/2015/12/15/the-japanese-house-playlist-influences|url-status=live}} In a 2019 interview with W Magazine, she described herself as "a modern day, more depressing ABBA".

Pools to Bathe In was a synth-pop album, and her subsequent releases have prominently incorporated synth-pop. Her experimental musical style also contains dream pop, electropop, synth-pop, indie pop,{{Cite web|url=https://seattlespectator.com/2019/03/06/new-music-japanese-house-falling/|title=New Music From The Japanese House Has You Falling For Them|last=Divinagracia|first=Frances|website=The Spectator|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114085443/https://seattlespectator.com/2019/03/06/new-music-japanese-house-falling/|url-status=live}} and alt pop.{{Cite web|url=https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2016/11/18/interview-japanese-house/|title=Interview: The Japanese House|last=Ferguson|first=Rowan|date=18 November 2016|website=The Oxford Student|language=en-GB|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114011134/https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2016/11/18/interview-japanese-house/|url-status=live}} Andy Meek of Billboard described Bain's discography as a combination of experimental electronica and "catchy pop hooks backed by drums and chugging guitars".{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/8545414/the-japanese-house-interview|title=After a Breakthrough 2019, Here's What's Next for The Japanese House|magazine=Billboard|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114083903/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/8545414/the-japanese-house-interview|url-status=live}}

Her later releases were increasingly influenced by art pop and rock music. Saw You in a Dream was a yacht rock album,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/the-japanese-house-announces-new-ep-saw-you-in-a-dream|title=The Japanese House announces new EP Saw You In A Dream|website=The Line of Best Fit|language=en|access-date=18 February 2020|archive-date=18 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218084432/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/the-japanese-house-announces-new-ep-saw-you-in-a-dream|url-status=live}} while Good at Falling was influenced by rock and art pop.{{Cite web|url=https://earmilk.com/album-reviews/636697/the-japanese-house/good-at-falling/|title=Album Review: The Japanese House's first full length "Good at Falling", is a gem of innocent maturity|website=EARMILK|language=en-US|access-date=18 February 2020|archive-date=18 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218084429/https://earmilk.com/album-reviews/636697/the-japanese-house/good-at-falling/|url-status=dead}} She is known for her atmospheric tracks and moody lyrical themes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/the-japanese-house-reveal-atmospheric-track-sister-from-upcoming-debut-ep|title=The Japanese House reveals atmospheric track "Sister" from upcoming debut EP|website=The Line of Best Fit|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=13 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113195743/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/the-japanese-house-reveal-atmospheric-track-sister-from-upcoming-debut-ep|url-status=live}} Max Migowksi, writing for Indie Mag, summarized Bain's musical style as "[an] androgynous voice embedded in ethereal, post-indie pop synths with hints at gentle acoustic guitar".{{Cite web|url=https://indie-mag.com/2019/02/the-japanese-house-interview/|title=The Japanese House on breakups, breakdowns and breakthroughs -INDIE|date=19 February 2019|website=INDIE Magazine|language=en-GB|access-date=15 January 2020|archive-date=20 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320220503/https://indie-mag.com/2019/02/the-japanese-house-interview/|url-status=live}}

Many of Bain's releases explore themes such as love, loss, solitude, and personal growth. Her later releases have been favorably compared to her first two EPs, with critics noting the more mature lyrics and refined composition of Swim Against the Tide and Good at Falling. Bain's debut album Good at Falling was praised by its critics for its dark, heartfelt lyrics and light, pop melodies.{{Cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/japanese-house-good-at-falling-2630212103.html|title=The Japanese House Offer Open Doors on Debut 'Good at Falling'|date=28 February 2019|website=PopMatters|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031054352/https://www.popmatters.com/japanese-house-good-at-falling-2630212103.html|url-status=live}}

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Bain's singing vocal range extends from contralto to tenor and has been especially noted for its androgynous character. Critics have favorably compared her vocals to Victoria Legrand and Imogen Heap,{{Cite web|url=https://rockshotmagazine.com/live-japanese-house-dingwalls/|title=Live: The Japanese House @ Dingwalls RockShot Magazine|date=3 March 2016|language=en-GB|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114012003/https://rockshotmagazine.com/live-japanese-house-dingwalls/|url-status=live}} though Bain rejects comparisons to Heap.{{Cite web|url=https://www.opinionpolice.org/interviews/the-japanese-house-interview|title=The Japanese House – Interview|last=Tayler|first=Sean|date=6 January 2020|website=Opinion Police|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303225921/https://www.opinionpolice.org/interviews/the-japanese-house-interview|url-status=dead}} A distinctive feature of Bain's discography is her use of layered harmonies, often three tracks or more, which simulates the effect of a vocoder.{{Cite web|url=http://diymag.com/2015/09/19/the-japanese-house-i-didnt-want-the-mystery-to-become-bigger-than-the-music-im-not-wearing-a-balaclava|title=The Japanese House: "I didn't want the mystery to become bigger than the music; I'm not wearing a balaclava"|website=DIY|date=19 September 2015|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114011123/http://diymag.com/2015/09/19/the-japanese-house-i-didnt-want-the-mystery-to-become-bigger-than-the-music-im-not-wearing-a-balaclava|url-status=live}} Her use of overlapping harmonies to create "a kind of thick, organic Auto-tune [sic]" has been praised for lending depth to her tracks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.papermag.com/the-japanese-house-interview-2635942352.html|title=The Japanese House Isn't Hiding Anymore|date=1 May 2019|website=PAPER|language=en|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114011119/https://www.papermag.com/the-japanese-house-interview-2635942352.html|url-status=live}} Alice French of Varsity called Bain's vocals one of the highlights of her performance.

At the time of a {{As of|2015|bare=yes}} article, Bain resided in East London.{{Cite web|url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/j5m5vp/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-japanese-house|title=10 things you need to know about the Japanese house|last=Dunn|first=Francesca|date=28 October 2015|website=i-D|language=en|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119171128/https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/j5m5vp/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-japanese-house|url-status=live}} Bain has a pet German Shepherd named Calvin and a Dachshund named Joni Jones after Joni Mitchell. She has been open about her struggle with alcohol abuse and stated that she became sober after the release of Good at Falling. The song "Maybe You're the Reason" from Good at Falling deals with her past struggles with an eating disorder, and this subject is also depicted in the music video for "Lilo".Bain's discussion of alcohol abuse, see {{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/japanese-house-interview-amber-bain-album-good-at-falling-marika-hackman-a8804331.html|title=The Japanese House interview: 'If people think I'm using my sexuality, then so be it. Let's f**king use it'|date=2 March 2019|website=Independent|language=en-GB|access-date=15 January 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319002447/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/japanese-house-interview-amber-bain-album-good-at-falling-marika-hackman-a8804331.html|url-status=live}}

• For Bain's sobriety, see {{Cite web|url=https://mancunion.com/2019/01/24/in-conversation-with-the-japanese-house/|title=In Conversation with The Japanese House|date=24 January 2019|website=The Mancunion|language=en-GB|access-date=15 January 2020|archive-date=21 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621055912/https://mancunion.com/2019/01/24/in-conversation-with-the-japanese-house/|url-status=live}}
• For the discussion and depiction of eating disorders, see {{Cite web|url=https://www.honeypunchmag.com/the-japanese-house-album-review|title=The Japanese House Album Review|website=Honey Punch Mag|language=en-US|access-date=15 January 2020|archive-date=15 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115051046/https://www.honeypunchmag.com/the-japanese-house-album-review|url-status=live}}

Bain was in a four-year relationship with singer-songwriter Marika Hackman until 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/japanese-house-interview-amber-bain-album-good-at-falling-marika-hackman-a8804331.html|title=The Japanese House interview: 'If people think I'm using my sexuality, then so be it. Let's f**king use it'|date=2 March 2019|website=The Independent|language=en|access-date=13 January 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319002447/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/japanese-house-interview-amber-bain-album-good-at-falling-marika-hackman-a8804331.html|url-status=live}} Hackman later appeared in the music video for "Lilo".{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/the-japanese-house-debut-album-interview-2404388|title=The Japanese House talks her stunning debut album 'Good At Falling'|date=20 November 2018|website=NME|language=en-GB|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114040926/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/the-japanese-house-debut-album-interview-2404388|url-status=live}} At the time of a 2019 interview with W Magazine, Bain stated that she was in a three-way polyamorous relationship with Polly Mackey, also known as Art School Girlfriend.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/the-japanese-house-music-relationship-interview|title=The Japanese House Opens Up About Her New Stardom and Her New Relationship|website=W Magazine {{!}} Women's Fashion & Celebrity News|date=31 May 2019|language=en-US|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=13 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613153211/https://www.wmagazine.com/story/the-japanese-house-music-relationship-interview|url-status=live}} {{As of|2023}}, Bain has been together with her partner, Alyssa. The couple announced their engagement on 2 April 2024.{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C5PbtvQpPxu/?img_index=1 |title=Instagram |access-date=18 May 2024 |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518221403/https://www.instagram.com/p/C5PbtvQpPxu/?img_index=1 |url-status=live }} On 21 March 2025, Alyssa revealed the two had married. {{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DHevtyLSUxG/?img_index=1 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=www.instagram.com}}

Bain stated in 2020 that although she previously felt that being gay explained her gender expression, due to changing perceptions of sexuality, "maybe [she] would identify as nonbinary now, because [she doesn't] feel fully female."{{Cite web |last=Nordstrom |first=Leigh |date=September 8, 2020 |title=The Japanese House Makes Use of Her Sorrowful Heart |url=https://wwd.com/eye/people/the-japanese-house-chewing-cotton-wool-ep-1234575115/ |website=Women's Wear Daily |access-date=5 June 2022 |archive-date=5 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605042009/https://wwd.com/eye/people/the-japanese-house-chewing-cotton-wool-ep-1234575115/ |url-status=live }}

In an interview with the Current recorded in 2023, Bain described her gender as fluid and stated a lack of preference for any particular gender pronoun set.{{Cite web |title=The Japanese House performs in The Current studio |url=https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2024/01/06/the-japanese-house-performs-in-the-current-studio |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=www.thecurrent.org |language=en}}

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{{sister project links|d=Q28739912|c=category:The Japanese House|n=no|b=no|s=no|q=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|species=no}}

• {{cite web | interviewer-first = Mac | interviewer-last = Wilson | title=The Japanese House performs in The Current studio | website=The Current | date=2024-01-06 | url=https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2024/01/06/the-japanese-house-performs-in-the-current-studio | publisher = Minnesota Public Radio}}
• {{Official website|http://thejapanesehouse.co.uk/}}

{{The Japanese House}}

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