Considered one of the cornerstones of the Japanese folk rock scene, Off Course helped influence decades of artists making music around acoustic guitar. Formed in the mid-'60s and initially exploring sparse sounds reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel, the quintet made waves for catchy acoustic numbers that feature liberal amounts of harmonica. Off Course excelled at dramatic ballads, highlighted by the late-'70s slow-burner “Sayonara”. The group called it quits in 1989, but its impact carries on today in acts like Yuzu.