In 1983, Sony Records commissioned Andy Warhol to design the cover for Soul Vacation by the Japanese group Rats & Star. By this stage of his career, Warhol had become a global cultural icon, and his work was increasingly sought after by musicians and companies around the world.

Using his own photographs as source material, Warhol created a series of screenprints featuring the band's members in bold colours. The front cover presents the group's four lead performers, while the reverse expands the composition to include the remaining members.

The project was created during a period when Warhol was developing strong connections with Japan, where he appeared in advertising campaigns and enjoyed considerable popularity. It remains one of the most distinctive examples of his work for the Japanese music industry.