Woman From Tokyo

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic track "Woman From Tokyo" by Deep Purple, from their 1973 album Who Do We Think We Are, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its infectious riff. This song, a hard-rock anthem, was inspired by the band’s first tour in Japan in 1972. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore once shared, “We were in Japan, and it was an incredible experience for us. The song came out of our admiration for the country and the fans there.” The lyrics, filled with imagery like “the rising sun” and “an Eastern dream,” reflect the band’s fascination with Japanese culture, though some fans have speculated it could be about more than just a woman, with one listener on Songfacts suggesting the song might metaphorically reference heroin—a theory the band has never confirmed.

Interestingly, "Woman From Tokyo" was recorded in Rome in July 1972, but the sessions were far from productive. The band spent much of their time lounging by the pool due to a relaxed atmosphere and studio sound issues, resulting in only this track and an outtake, “Painted Horse,” from those sessions. Despite its popularity, reaching #60 on the Billboard Hot 100, Deep Purple didn’t play it live until their 1984 reunion, as they reportedly weren’t fond of it at the time. Roger Glover, the bassist, even noted that no true live versions existed from the 1970s, despite its inclusion on some live compilations. The song’s middle section, a dreamy progressive rock break, was a deliberate choice by Blackmore to take listeners “on a journey,” and it’s become a standout feature of the album version.

A fun tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: the album’s title, Who Do We Think We Are, came from a sarcastic twist on fan hate mail. Drummer Ian Paice recalled receiving letters that began, “Who do Deep Purple think they are?!” The band flipped it to “We” for a cheeky self-own, a nod to their tumultuous internal dynamics at the time. The recording process was fraught with tension, particularly between singer Ian Gillan and Blackmore, leading to Gillan’s departure after the album. Despite this, the song’s driving energy and Blackmore’s unforgettable riff made it a fan favorite, later celebrated as #3 on Ultimate Classic Rock’s list of top Roger Glover songs.

Deep Purple began in 1968 in Hertford, England, originally as a psychedelic rock outfit called Roundabout. Founded by drummer Chris Curtis, the band quickly evolved when guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, keyboardist Jon Lord, and singer Rod Evans joined. Their early sound blended pop, progressive, and classical influences, with Lord’s organ work drawing from his love of Bach. By 1969, the classic “Mark II” lineup—Blackmore, Lord, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice—solidified, shifting to a heavier, hard-rock sound that defined their legacy. Their breakthrough came with 1970’s In Rock, followed by hits like “Smoke on the Water” from 1972’s Machine Head. Despite lineup changes and internal strife, their raw energy and virtuosic performances made them pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Deep Purple through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, merch, and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can also dive into the community at The Highway Star, a dedicated fan site with news, discographies, and forums. For those looking to join the conversation, the Deep Purple Fans Facebook group is a lively spot to swap stories, photos, and vinyl finds with fellow enthusiasts. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let “Woman From Tokyo” take you on that Eastern dream!