LED ZEPPELIN led zeppelin iii MT2043

A Folk-Rock Departure: Led Zeppelin III Japanese First Pressing (MT-2043)

Today’s entry highlights a Holy Grail for Zeppelin collectors in Japan. We are examining the 1970 First Japanese Pressing of Led Zeppelin III, released by Atlantic (manufactured by Nippon Grammophon) with the catalog number MT-2043.

The Acoustic Shift

Released in November 1970, this album famously marked a stylistic pivot for the band. After the heavy blues assault of their first two albums, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant retreated to the Bron-Yr-Aur cottage in Wales, resulting in a sound deeply rooted in acoustic folk and country blues. The album features the iconic “Immigrant Song” and the soulful blues of “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” alongside acoustic gems like “Gallows Pole,” “Tangerine,” and “That’s The Way.”

The Nippon Grammophon Era

This pressing is distinct from the more common later issues manufactured by Warner-Pioneer.

- Blue and Green Label: This early issue features the rare blue and green Atlantic label design, specific to the Nippon Grammophon era.
- Price Code: The cover and obi list the original retail price of ¥2,000.

Elaborate Packaging

- Rotating Wheel: The album is housed in a gatefold sleeve that faithfully reproduces the original UK and US design by Zacron, featuring the fully functional rotating wheel (volvelle) that changes the images through holes in the front cover.
- Inclusions: This copy comes complete with the Obi strip (which often features the “hojuhyo” re-order tag on the back) and the original lyric insert containing English and Japanese text.

It is a vital piece of history, documenting the moment the “Hammer of the Gods” unplugged.