JapanSylvian.com

Also, I've never heard the similitude.
Anthony from the Johnsons reminds me automatically of Ferry circa 1974.
If there's a similitude it would be with Bowie, but in the voice manierism not the tone.
P.

This should clear things up.

Listen to the man himself..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdGTdxpotMk

Hi there.

I think there is a likeness between Ferry and Bowie one one hand, and Sylvian on the other.
But that said, Sylvian is very much himself.

Take a look at a video for 'I Second That Emotion', he sounds like Ferry, and looks like Bowie (well, and actually reminds me of... Julie Andrews).
Go on a few years, 'Tin Drum'. That´s absolutely nothing like Bowie or Ferry, in fact the both of them would have killed for an album like 'Tin Drum'.
And go further on: 'Secrets of The Beehive', well that´s absolutely himself, and like nobody else at all.

The one thing Sylvian shares with Bowie (who is his greatest influence, not Ferry), is his very long list of collaborators (Fripp, Torn, Sakamoto, etc...). Actually Robert Fripp is also one of Bowie´s favourite 'cronies', and David Torn played with Bowie in his last two albums, I think...

And another thing he shares with Bowie is a certain appeal for esoterism and strangeness. In a way, I´d say he´s probably been Bowie´s best 'imitator' by being original enough not to sound like Bowie at all but keeping his philosophy (to an extent).
And I guess that´s not as difficult for Sylvian because he´s from South London as well.
Bowie was actually born in Brixton and lived in Beckenham.

Bowie and Ferry (and everybody else!) also had their influences...

There's a slight resemblance in the voice, but not much.

Interesting to compare Ferry's All Tomorrow's Parties with Japan's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6XLNwF_QNI

Not alike in my opinion.

I will suggest listening to Icehouse's Hey Little Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKDYyFf1s0I

It sounds like a David/Ferry duet!