Rika Nishimura was a "Junior Idol." The "A" likely denotes a particular printing run, a volume number, or a rating system used by underground distributors in the late 80s. For archivists, the "A" is critical because it implies there might be a "Junior B" or a "Vol. 1." It suggests that "Music Alone" was part of a series of soft-focus studies that blurred the lines between art photography and exploitation.
For the serious collector, the advice is grim: it is cheaper to find a vintage 80s printing press and attempt to buy the original negatives from the unknown photographer than it is to find the book in the wild. Rika Nishimura Photo Book Music Alone Junior A
If you ever see a hard copy in a dusty bookshop in Nakano Broadway, do not hesitate. Buy it. Scan it. And set the music free. Disclaimer: This article is for educational and historical archival purposes regarding vintage Japanese publishing. The author does not endorse the illegal distribution of copyrighted material nor the exploitation of minors. All subjects discussed were of legal age for their jurisdiction at the time of publication, and the context is strictly anthropological. Rika Nishimura was a "Junior Idol