How to decode the release date on collectable 1980's Japanese CDs.

Japanese record companies often conveniently print the release date on the back tray insert of their CDs. Now it is in the understandable 09.8.13 style meaning. August 13, 2009, but what about this CD?



This  first pressing of Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet has the cryptic date of H.8.25.  When you check out the handy converter table below you will see that the release was August 25, 1986.



This Mick Jagger CD (I.4.1) becomes April  fools day 1985.


Release Year  /   Code
1984                /    N
1985                /     I
1986                /    H
1987                /    O
1988                /    R
1989                /    E
1990                /    C
1991                /    D


I hope this is helpful for collectors out there. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments.