Tokyo's Coolest Sound

tofubeats has a brand new release coming up as a dance-oriented EP. This includes title track "Stakeholder" sung by himself, and also a collaboration with pal okadada.

The CD comes with a 20-page photo booklet, and Amazon apparently gives away an exclusive and limited "Special Track(s) Download Card" said to give access to a bonus track (or more?), while supplies last.

tofubeats "STAKEHOLDER"

1. SITCOM (intro)
2. STAKEHOLDER
3. window
4. dance to the beat to the
5. STAKEHOLDER -for DJ-
6. She Talks At Night
7. T.D.M. feat. okadada
8. (I WANNA) HOLD
9. eisei toshi

Warner Music WPCL-12073
Out 4/1, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"STAKEHOLDER"

Izumi Ookawara (singer of Qypthone) has a jazzy brand new single now available on iTunes worldwide! "Strawberry Jam" was written by Izumi and arranged with Ishigaki Kentarō (also of Qypthone). This time she has recorded with a band of 6 musicians (guitar, keys, trumpet, bass, percussion and drums) plus two back singers!

Also check out her previous single "Polka dot on the paper".

Izumi Ookawara "Strawberry Jam" (Download)
大河原泉 「Strawberry Jam」

Delicatessen Recordings
Out now (3/25)
Sample/buy: (World), (Japan)

Guitarist & singer-songwriter Saigenji has a new mini-album. With an acoustic theme, the recording also features cello, violin, viola and piano.

Check out the digest clip below!

Saigenji "hikari mebuku toki" (Download)
Saigenji 「光芽吹くとき」

1. hikari mebuku toki 2015
2. akatsuki e no inori
3. hajimari no uta
4. hikari mebuku toki (Original version)

Happiness Records
Out now (3/25)
Sample/buy:

Digest clip

Sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a first live DVD (and also Blu-ray) out this week. This is made up of recordings from shows held at Tokyo Globe-za (May 25, 2014), Tokyo Kinema Club (Nov. 23, 2014) and Shibuya O-East (Feb. 11, 2015).

Charan-Po-Rantan "Theatre no zanzō"
チャラン・ポ・ランタン 「テアトルの残像」

1. ai no sanka (Hymne à l'amour)
2. wasurekaketeta monogatari
3. NANDE-NANDE
4. utsukushisa to wakasa
5. France kabure
6. Present
7. koi wa mōmoku
8. kūchū buranko nori no Marie
9. sannin no otoko
10. ginnan gakudan Quartet
11. imasara oshikunaru
12. Circus Circus
13. jinsei no Ballad
14. su-dara fushi
15. Yes Man
16. ie naki ko no Dorothy
17. watashi no uchū
18. 71oku Piece no Puzzle Game
19. saigo no bansan
20. Oppai Boogie
21. Mustafa (ENCORE)
22. kisetsu wa mawaru (ENCORE)
23. Charan-Po Show no mei bamen shū 2014-2015

Blu-ray edition (All regions NTSC)
avex trax AVXD-92214
Out 3/25, ¥5000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (15% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

DVD edition (Region 2 NTSC)
avex trax AVBD-92213
Out 3/25, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (15% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Pianist and singer-songwriter kotringo has done the soundtrack for cooking-themed anime "kōfuku Graffiti" (English title "Gourmet Girl Graffiti"). With instruments including piano, celesta, accordion, and also scat by the artist herself, this release is said to be just as enjoyable as a new kotringo album.

kotringo Edible melodies ~Gourmet Girl Graffiti Orignal Soundtrack~"
コトリンゴ 「Edible melodies〜TVアニメ『幸腹グラフィティ』オリジナルサウンドトラック〜」

1. oinari-san no aji
2. koufuku Graffiti no Theme
3. kirin no Theme
4. nani ni shiyō kana
5. hai, a-n!
6. tamago no Samba
7. kirin, harikiru
8. fufufu
9. kachikochi kirin
10. Ryō no Theme
11. ippon yazakura tamagoyaki
12. samishii heya
13. obaachan no kitsune udon
14. Shiina-san no ringo ame
15. Omrice Horror
16. Russian Roulette Sand(wich)
17. densetsu no hanjuku Omrice
18. Omrice o motomete sanzenri
19. shiawase no aji
20. oryōri Humming
21.onigiri shōjo - karaage shōnen
22. atatakai onabe
23. Skinship sakuramochi
24. Shiina-san no Theme
25. Morino-ke no kondate
26. watashi no shiranai Ryō
27. Naiki-san no Theme
28. kazoku ni naru
29. ohanami biyori
30. nigiyaka Canzone
31. gogagaga.
32. oryōri Gallop
33. torokeru
34. mata raishū
35. natsukashii shokutaku

Flying Dog VTCL-60393
Out 3/25, ¥2900 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

The latest Disney cover compilation is one full of pianists. Featured are artists such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, fox capture plan, Schroeder-Headz, →Pia-no-jaC← and more, playing various Disney hit tunes old and new.

This was actually released on CD earlier this month, though the CD edition is available at Tower Records and Village Vanguard only. This limited 2-LP edition is available more widely so get your hands on it while you can!

Release official site

Various Artists "Piano Man Plays Disney" (2x12")

(Title / Artist)
A1. When You Wish Upon a Star (Pinocchio) / jizue
A2. Beauty and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast) / toconoma
A3. Chim Chim Cher-ee ~ Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious ~ Step In Time! ~ A Spoonful of Sugar ~ I Love To Laugh (Mary Poppins) / →Pia-no-jaC←
A4. Main Street Electrical Parade (Disneyland) / Nakatsuka Takeshi

B1. He's a Pirate (Pirates of the Caribbean) / fox capture plan
B2. I See The Light (Tangled) / Schroeder-Headz
B3. A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Cinderella) / Serph

C1. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo (Cinderella) / Nakatsuka Takeshi
C2. Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid) / TLKY.
C3. Winnie the Pooh (Winnie the Pooh) / Nakatsuka Takeshi

D1. Alice In Wonderland (Alice In Wonderland) / Kan Sano × Junpei Kamiya
D2. A Whole New World (Aladdin) ~ Part Of Your World (The Little Mermaid) / →Pia-no-jaC←
D3. Let It Go (Frozen) / fox capture plan

Walt Disney Records AQJW-51112
Out 3/27, ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip

fox capture plan "Let It Go"

This release completes Count Joke's "Air-Replay Series" trilogy of 7" singles. These two songs were being released on CD last December. This packaging includes both 7" and CD (with instrumentals).

"itsuka dokokade" features Smooth Ace, and was written in memory of DJ Hirabayashi Shinichi (Moodsville Records, Showa Dance Party) who passed away last April. "yūrei no Ballad" features accordionist Tanooka Saburō and a kids chorus group.

On April 4 will be held a special event at HMV Record Store in Shibuya from 15:00, with a free show feat. Smooth Ace and Lemon (Wack Wack Rhythm Band). Those who bought all three 7" singles there will receive a bonus CD-R of demo tracks. Find details here.

Count Joke "itsuka dokoka de c/w yūrei no Ballad" (7"+CD)
冗談伯爵 「いつかどこかで / 幽霊のバラード」

7"
A. itsuka dokoka de
B. yūrei no Ballad

CD
1. yūrei no Ballad
2. itsuka dokoka de
3. yūrei no Ballad (inst)
4. itsuka dokoka de (inst)

High Contrast HCCD-9556
Out 3/25, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"itsuka dokoka de"

"yūrei no Ballad"

A live collaboration show of Hosono Haruomi and Sakamoto Ryūichi (both of Yellow Magic Orchestra) has been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The show was held on December 21, 2013 at EX Theater Roppongi, and featured appearances of Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), U-zhaan, Itō Gorō (naomi & goro) and Aoba Ichiko, as well as Takahashi Yukihiro (also YMO). The whole show is included.

Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi x Sakamoto Ryuichi at EX Theater Roppongi 2013.12.21" (Blu-ray/DVD)
細野晴臣 「細野晴臣×坂本龍一 at EX THEATER ROPPONGI 2013.12.21」

1. koi wa momoiro
2. The Song Is Ended
3. Pra Machucar Meu Coracao
4. O Sapo
5. O Grande Amor
6. TANGO
7. 3 biki no kuma
8. bibō no aozora
9. Perspective
10. soto wa senjo da yo
11. kanashimi no Lucky Star
12. Nihon no hito
13. Tibetan Dance
14. Radio Activity
15. Rydeen
16. Smile

Blu-ray edition (Region A NTSC)
Speedstar Records VIXL-138
Out 3/18, ¥6500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

DVD edition (Region 2 NTSC)
SPEEDSTAR RECORDS or SPEEDSTAR VIBL-738
Out 3/18, ¥6000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Digest clip

"koi wa momoiro"

Harada Tomoyo has a new album coming this week, consisting of covers of foreign songs such as The Beatles "I've Just Seen a Face", Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender", Julie London's "Fly Me To The Moon", Burt Bacharach-written "The Look of Love", standard "Night and Day", Nora Jones' "Don't Know Why" in a version featuring composer Jesse Harris, Marcos Valle's "If You Went Away", etc. All songs are sung in their original English lyrics.

The album is produced and arranged by Itō Gorō (naomi & goro), and features guest musicians such as Horie Hirohisa (pupa, Neil & Iraiza), Tzboguchi Masayasu, Yoshino Yuka (tico moon) and more.

A show will be held on June 6 at Ex Theater Roppongi in Tokyo (details), following dates in Nagoya and Osaka.

Harada Tomoyo "Love Song Covers"
原田知世 「恋愛小説」
(Japanese title: "renai shōsetsu")

(Original artist in parentheses)
1. I've Just Seen a Face (The Beatles)
2. Don't Know Why feat. Jesse Harris (Nora Jones)
3. In My Secret Life (Leonard Cohen)
4. Baby I'm a Fool (Melody Gardot)
5. Night and Day
6. Blue Moon
7. If You Went Away (Marcos Valle)
8. Fly Me to the Moon (Julie London)
9. The Look of Love (Dusty Springfield)
10. Love Me Tender (Elvis Presley)

Universal Music UCCJ-2120
Out 3/18, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

"Don't Know Why feat. Jesse Harris"

"I've Just Seen a Face"

Zher the ZOO (a venue in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku) has been around for 10 years already. Here's a nice-priced compilation of various female vocal songs by artists familiar to the venue. Most of these are rare or brand new recordings. Featured are Hicksville, Merpeoples, RIS, Utsumi Yōko (ex-Soul Flower Union) and many more.

In related news, Merpeoples have announced they will be disbanding... Their last show will be held at Shimokitazawa ReG on April 5.

Various Artists "Zher the ZOO YOYOGI 10th Anniversary Compilation Album 'HERE COME THE GIRL'ZOO'"

1. Hickville "BUTTERFLY"
2. POP CHOCOLAT "No request"
3. Hamada Maron "odore IN THE ZOO"
4. Hayashi Tabasa "HOW TO SAY"
5. Utsumi Yoko "Asshole"
6. amenoto "Android no yume"
7. Kawasaki Reon "sensei"
8. RIS "LOVE CLUB"
9. Umizuki Hikari "chidoribashi"
10. Neat's "MOA"
11. Rouse Garden "kanashimi no kuni"
12. Merpeoples "Tonight"
13. RETO "Que sera"
14. spooky "baka ni shinai de"

thank, my girl label UKCD-1154
Out 3/18, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Tweedees is a brand new band formed of Okii Reiji (Scott Goes For, Frog, ex-Cymbals) with 24-year-old singer/actress Kiyoura Natsumi.

Check out the video below, and hear other audio samples at CDJapan. The song "KLING! KLANG!!" is available in advance on iTunes worldwide (World / Japan).

An in-store event will be held at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F) on March 23 from 19:30 (details).

TWEEDEES "The Sound Sounds."

1. anata ni wa gakkari
2. Rock'n Roll is DEAD?
3. tsuki no joō to nemutai Tablecloth
4. The Sound Sounds.
5. shukufuku no tekkyō
6. Boop Boop Bee Doop!
7. semishigure no yamu koro ni
8. Crosstown Traffic
9. buriki no omoide
10. denrisō no kanata e
11. Over The Rainbow
12. KLING! KLANG!! (album mix) (World) (Japan)

Columbia COCP-39060
Out 3/18, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"KLING! KLANG!! (Short ver.)"

Electro unit LLLL (Facebook page, Soundcloud) has a brand new album out imminently! "Faithful" is the follow-up to "Paradice" (2014). The new album features various female vocalists, including Shinobu of Her Ghost Friend, Metoronori, Kanako of kindan no tasūketsu and Montréal artist Meghan Riley.

Check out LLLL's latest video for the addicting "Blue" below.

LLLL "Faithful"

1. Only To Silence
2. Blue
3. All I See
4. Holy Lust
5. Transcribe
6. Dive
7. Sync
8. Heat
9. yume no sama
10. Long Drive
11. You/We
12. Falling Alone Revisited

PROGRESSIVE FOrM PFCD-47
Out 3/15, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Blue feat. Makoto"

"Only To Silence feat. Metoronori"

"Heat feat. Meghan Riley"

"Transcribe feat. Meghan Riley"

Album trailer

Fujioka Minami, previously half of Panda 1/2, has lately been active as the singer of a 3-piece pop-oriented band (official site, and finally here comes a first release in the form of a 5-song mini-album.

HMV gives away a promo sticker (while supplies last).

Fujioka Minami & The Morones can be seen live on March 18 (release day!) at Shibuya O-nest.

Fujioka Minami & The Morones "Hajiki"
藤岡みなみ&ザ・モローンズ 「はじき」

1. onegai toho kennai
2. onaji Mansion ~gekō jikoku no koibito~
3. iroiro
4. dō surya ii ze
5. Three Chord no daibōken

Chuo Line Record MRNS-001
Out 3/18, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"onegai toho kennai"

"iroiro"

Producer yamp kolt has a new album coming, featuring a variety of female vocalists. Those include hitomitoi, Yakushimaru Etsuko (sotaiseiriron), UA, Saya (Tenniscoats), etc. Many musicians also participate, such as U-zhaan (tabla) and Yoshigaki Yasuhiro (drums) (Rovo, ex-Modern Choki Chokies) and many more.

All songs can be sampled at CDJapan.

yamp kolt "Chewing"
yamp kolt 「チュウイング」

1. nahimi (feat. Tonchi)
2. hidamari (feat. HA~HA)
3. Parasol Umbrella (feat. UA)
4. ame no hi wa （feat. hanchan）
5. Kiss & Gold (feat. Hitomitoi)
6. Trick Coriander (feat. Saya)
7. phantom ship (ennichi Version) (feat. UA)
8. ohisama wa taiyō (Kazantō Version) (feat. Yakushimaru Etsuko)
9. She's My Baby (Band version) (feat. Hitomitoi)
10. tsuki no ki kage de naku deshō (feat. Koyama Yoshiko)
11. sleep too tight (feat. Saya)
12. kotoba nara iranai (feat. UA)

Cemetery Records DQC-1446
Out 3/18, ¥2315 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"nahimi (feat. Tonchi)"

City pops band (((sssurrounddd))) has a 3rd album coming up! This one features collaborations with Sunahara Yoshinori, Dorian and Seiho (Sugar's Campaign). Sunahara also did the album's mastering.

A free in-store event will be held at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F) on Sunday April 12 from 15:00.

(((sssurrounddd))) "See you, Blue"
(((さらうんど))) 「See you, Blue」

1. Siren Syrup
2. Boys & Girls
3. To Fail To Fake
4. Hibiscus
5. Please Be Selfish
6. otozzhime (Sleeping Beauty Part3)
7. Time Capsule
8. kuchinashi
9. Her In Pocket

Kakubarhythm DDCK-1041
Out 3/18, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡), Blue by (((sssurrounddd)))" style="border: 0;"/> (World)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

"Siren Syrup"

Nagoya-based new wave band Budo Grape has released 2 new songs digitally, now available on iTunes worldwide!

Budo Grape can be seen in Tokyo on April 18 at Shibuya Last Waltz with Boogie the Machmotors (details).

Budo Grape "4321 hi o tsukero" (Download)
ぶどう÷グレープ 「4321火をつけろ」

Tokyo Mor
Out now (3/5)
Sample/buy:

Budo Grape "zankoku na yasashisa" (Download)
ぶどう÷グレープ 「残酷なやさしさ」

Tokyo Mor
Out now (3/5)
Sample/buy:

Sampler clip

Two albums by synthesizer maestro Tomita Isao were released this month.

The first, "Space Fantasy", is a 2-CD release of which the 1st CD is a collection of tracks from his "Planets" trilogy ("Cosmos", "Bermuda Triangle" and "Firebird") remastered in 4-channel surround sound and served on SACD Hybrid (a SuperAudio CD that's compatible with normal CD players). The 2nd CD is of previously unreleased songs that took inspiration from Disney's "Fantasia" movie, which strongly influenced Tomita.

The second release, titled "Tomita on NHK", is a reissue of the 2003 album of the same name, with bonus tracks "Pippo Pippo Bonbon", a rare version of "minna no sekai", and a new theme song that first aired last year as NHK BS Premium's "Premium Theater".

Both jackets were designed by Ukawa Naohiro (Dommune).

Tomita Isao "Space Fantasy"
冨田 勲 「スペース・ファンタジー」

Disc 1 (SACD)
1. Space Fantasy 2015
2. The Unanswered Question
3. Pacific 231
4. Star Wars-main Theme
5. The Song Of Venus Violin Concerto No.1: Andantino
6. The Dazzling Bright Cylindrical Object Which Had Crashed Into Tunguska. Siberia Symphony No.6: Allegro
7. Aranjuez Concierto De Aranjuez: Adagio
8. Solvejg`s Song From "Peer Gynt"
9. Hora Staccato
10. Prelude à l'après-midi d'un faune
11. A Night On Bald Mountain

Disc 2 (CD)
1. L'apprenti Sorcier
2. Arabian Dance From Ballet "Nutcracker"
3. Trepak (Russian Dance) From Ballet "Nutcracker"
4. 5th Movement From Symphony No.6 "Pastorale"
5. Waltz Of The Flowers From Ballet "Nutcracker"

Columbia COZQ-1023
Out now (3/4), ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Tomita Isao "Tomita on NHK - Tomita Isao NHK Theme ongakushū"
冨田 勲 「TOMITA ON NHK 冨田勲 NHKテーマ音楽集」

1. shin Nippon kikō
2. kaidō o yuku - NHK Special
3. kaidō o yuku
4. aoki ookami Genghis Khan - NHK Special
5. Mitsuko futatsu no seiki matsu - NHK tokushū
6. Tarō no kuni no monogatari - NHK Special
7. News kaisetsu
8. kyōyō tokushū
9. Nippon no sugao
10. shin Nippon kikō (kyū Theme kyoku)
11. gendai no eizō
12. watashi no jinsei (Opening)
13. watashi no jinsei (Ending)
14. kyō no ryōri (kyuu Version)
15. kyō no ryōri (shin Version) (1997 nen shin rokuon)
16. kyō no kenkō
17. minna no sekai (kyuu Version)
18. minna no sekai (shin Version)
19. Pippo Pippo Bonbon
20. uchūsen Shirika
21. uchūjin Pipi
22. kūchū toshi 008
23. bun go torimono ezu
24. hana no shōgai
25. Ten To Chi To
26. shin iraka monogatari
27. Katsu Kaishū
28. Tokugawa Ieyasu
29. Shoutokutaishi
30. Theme
31. Ganges gawa ("India Benares" hen yori)
32. jikan ga tomatta kuni ("Indonesia Yogyakarta" hen yori)
33. Hindu no kami ni inoru shōjo ("Nepal Kathmandu" hen yori)
34. Mosque no Tile shokunin ni naru koto o yume miru shōnen ("Iran Isfahan" hen yori)
35. aoi no gyōretsu ("Nippon Kyoto" hen yori)
36. Ending
37. aoi chikyū wa dare no mono - 70 nen ka ware ra no sekai
38. sin Nippon kikō
39. Opening Theme kyoku
40. Interlude
41. Ending Theme kyoku

Columbia COCQ-85246
Out now (3/4), ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Perfume's 5th tour, titled "Gurun Gurun" (official page) and held through August and September in 2014, has now been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The recording is of the tour's finale show held at Kokuritsu Yoyogi Daiichi Taiikukan in Tokyo on September 21.

New single "Relax In The City / Pick Me Up" has also been announced for release on April 29!

Perfume "Perfume 5th Tour 2014 'Gurun Gurun'"
Perfume 「Perfume 5th Tour 2014 "ぐるんぐるん"」

1. Opening
2. Cling Cling
3. Handy Man
4. Clockwork
5. Laser Beam
6. ijiwaru na Hello
7. I still love U
8. koi wa zekkei shisei
9. EPISODE 0
10. Electro World
11. DISPLAY
12. SEVENTH HEAVEN
13. "P.T.A." no Corner
14. Party Maker
15. GLITTER
16. Ceramic Girl
17. Jenny wa gokigen naname
18. Chocolate Disco
19. Hold Your Hand
20. Linear Motor Girl (Encore)
21. Perfume (Encore)
22. negai (Encore)

Limited edition bonus disc
1. Yoyogi 4 days kakekko shū ~atsuki tatakai no kiroku~
2. 9.21 Major Debut kinenbi micchaku Real Documentary
3. gotōchi Team wake MC

Limited DVD edition (2 DVDs (Region 2 NTSC))
Universal Music UPBP-9005
Out 3/10, ¥6500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular DVD edition (1 DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Universal Music UPBP-1005
Out 3/10, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Limited Blu-ray edition (2 Blu-ray discs (Region A NTSC))
Universal Music UPXP-9003
Out 3/10, ¥7500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular Blu-ray edition (1 Blu-ray disc (Region A NTSC))
Universal Music UPXP-1005
Out 3/10, ¥5000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Teaser ver.1

Teaser ver.2

Here's a wonderful trio of compilations selected by Konishi Yasuharu! He picks up some of the best songs from the catalog of label Tokuma Japan (named Minoru Phone in its early days), now celebrating its 50th anniversary. Plus, each CD features a brand new remix by Konishi, of Vanilla Beans ("Nicola"!), Yoshi Ikuzō ("ore wa zettai! Presley"), and Yamamoto Linda ("Mini Mini Date") respectively.

On a related note, this year is also the 30th anniversary of Pizzicato Five's debut!

Various Artists "yoru no Minoru Phone Hour"
オムニバス 「夜のミノルフォン・アワー 選曲・監修：小西康陽」

(Title / Artist)
1. Misirlou (Narration only) / Edo Yamaguchi & Tokyo Ventures
2. Je t'aime / Flower Meg
3. "matsuribayashi ga kikoeru" no Theme / Yanagi George
4. Dream Racer / nadja Band
5. mata au hi made / Green Pops Orchestra
6. saigo no honne / Sooo Baad Revue
7. Sweet Inspiration / The Violets
8. Stayin Alive / Joan Shepherd
9. PEG / Fukutomi Yukihiro
10. saishū densha / Ueda Masaki to SOUTH TO SOUTH
11. chiccha na toki kara / Hirata Takao to Sellstars
12. kokiriko / Shinme Masae
13. daite / Scooters
14. jiyu e no sanka / The Violets
15. koi no Bang Bang / Yamamoto Linda
16. An apple a day / bice
17. omoide no Rock'n'Roll (Ex FanDes Sixties) / Yasuda Narumi
18. Nicola (Konishi Yasuharu Remix) / Vanilla Beans
19. unga no heitai / Naoe Masatarō
20. Green Books / Portable Rock
21. oshiete kudasai, kamisama / Tenma Rumiko
22. ima sugu kiss me / LINDBERG
23. kemono no nemuri / Flower Meg

Tokuma Japan TKCA-74202
Out 3/25, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Various Artists "Tokuma Dance Party"
オムニバス 「徳間ダンス・パーティー 選曲・監修：小西康陽」

(Title / Artist)
1. Minoru Phone Theme Song
2. anata ga suki suki / Trio The Mantis
3. 4nin no keiji / Trio The Saigons
4. furusato no nioi / The Violets
5. tonbo no megane / Yamamoto Linda
6. Shinjuku dada / Yamakawa Yuki
7. Tokyo musume / Sakura Tamako
8. kawaii akuma / Atsumi Mari
9. matteiru onna / Itsuki Hiroshi
10. iyanbaka~n / Hayashiya Kikuzō
11. Boy Boy Boy / Girl Girl Girl
12. suki ni shite ... / Ōnishi Yuka
13. Oh Honey / Scooters
14. kagayaku seiza / Miyama Toshiyuki to Newherd
15. Baby / The Davys
16. haisai ojisan / Kina Shokichi & Champloos
17. POI / Kuroiwa Miyoko
18. Les musiciens / Natsuki Mari
19. Girl Girl Girl no Theme / Girl Girl Girl
20. Arabia no shūchō / Frankie Sakai & New City Slickers
21. ore no shakkin zenbu de nanboya / Ueda Masaki to Ariyama Junji
22. ore wa zettai! Presley (Konishi Yasuharu Remix) / Yoshi Ikuzō
23. Africa no tsuki / Ōtsuka Masaji
24. rokkabai My Baby / Nishioka Kyōzō

Tokuma Japan TKCA-74203
Out 3/25, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Various Artists "ozashiki Japan"
オムニバス 「お座敷ジャパン 選曲・監修：小西康陽」

(Title / Artist)
1. inakamono / Ōtsuka Masaji
2. Wonderful Tokyo / Yamamoto Linda
3. asobisugita nichiyōbi / Hatsumi & Hitomi
4. onna no ko / The Davys
5. onna nan desu / Uehara Kotomi
6. anata to yoru to ongaku to / Los Onoderas
7. onna no kuchibiru / Atsumi Mari
8. soshite futari wa la lalalala / Flower Meg
9. Shinjuku sodachi / Tsuyama Yōko - Ōki Hideo
10. aishite aishite tsuppashire / Gō Tatsuya
11. o-! harehare / Harenchi gakuen Chorus-bu
12. naku na oppai chan / Hoshi Mariko
13. suna no onna / Mizumura Nako
14. Let's Go Military Look / The Silvey Fox
15. senyū / Tokyo Ventures
16. Mini Mini Date (Konishi Yasuharu Remix) / Yamamoto Linda
17. Salad Candy Orange / Hirata Takao to Sellstars
18. Mrs. Robinson / Miyama Toshiyuki to Newherd
19. Teddy Boy Blues / Ishino Yōko
20. Check Point / Fujii Ichiko
21. Tokyo Disco Night / Scooters
22. Full Throttle / Edo Yamaguchi & Tokyo Ventures
23. mayonaka no Angel Baby / Kinoco Hotel
24. ichiban suki na mono / Natsuki Mari
26. hana no sekai / Kahashi Katsumi

Tokuma Japan TKCA-74204
Out 3/25, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

lyrical school has a new album out now! This is the follow-up to "date course" released 1½ year ago. The album includes tracks by tofubeats ("FRESH !!!" and "yume de aitai ne"), Illreme (of (((sssurrounddd)))) ("gekka bijin" and "waratte.net"), as well as latest single "Pride" and many more.

HMV gives away a promo sticker (while supplies last).

A bunch of in-store events are being held this week and the upcoming weekend, such as one at Tower Records Shinjuku (7th floor) on Saturday March 14 from 18:30 and 20:30. See their full schedule for more.

lyrical school "SPOT"

1. I.D.O.L.R.A.P
2. PRIDE
3. OMG
4. -4years-
5. FRESH !!!
6. Rainbow Disco
7. brand new day
8. -8 p.m.-
9. CAR
10. gekka bijin
11. yume de aitai ne
12. waratte.net album ver.
13. S.T.A.G.E take2 (Bonus track)

T-Palette Records TPRC-0127
Out 3/10, ¥2778 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"I.D.O.L.R.A.P"

"yume de aitai ne" (30 sec.)

Singer Hanae's 2nd album was released this week! Like her first, the brilliant "jikkai Quiz", it is produced by Manabe Shūichi (ex-sōtaiseiriron). On a few songs she experiences with some rap for the first time, such as in "S-T-A-R-S" (see music video below).

The limited edition includes a DVD of the video clip for "kamisama no kamisama" and more bonus footage.

Hanae "jōkyō shōko"
ハナエ 「上京証拠」

1. EXODUS
2. kamisama no kamisama
3. sorette Magic
4. Rainbow Love
5. Handsome
6. Intelligence
7. Dear My Hero
8. Fiction daimaō
9. ototoi oide
10. S-T-A-R-S

1. TV anime "kamisama hajimemashita" no-caption Opening movie
2. "kamisama no kamisama" Music Video
3. Making of the "kamisama no kamisama" Music Video
4. "kamisama no kamisama" furitsuke kaisetsu (Choreography commentary)
5. "kamisama no kamisama / ototoi oide" "jōkyō shōko" Jacket Making Movie

Limited edition (CD+DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Universal Music UICV-9098
Out now (3/4), ¥3200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Universal Music UICV-1047
Out now (3/4), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"S-T-A-R-S" (Short ver.)

"kamisama no kamisama" (Short ver.)

Digest clip

Original Love has a brand new single out now on iTunes worldwide! The groovy title track "Lover Man" is wonderful, and Tajima Takao said it's a song he's very proud of. The single also includes 2 B-sides, one of a live version of a cover used in a Suntory whiskey TV commercial (YouTube). This song was originally sung by Ishikawa Sayuri in 1990.

Original Love "Lover Man" (Download)
Original Love 「ラヴァーマン」

1. Lover Man
2. Crazy About You
3. Whiskey ga, osuki desho (Live)

Wonderful World Records
Out now (3/4)
Sample/buy: (World), (Japan), Amazon MP3 (Japan)

"Lover Man"

Out this week is a 7" cut from Nomiya Maki's latest live album, "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards". Included is a self-cover of Pizzicato Five's most famous song, "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (aka "The night is still young"), and a cover of Toi et Moi's debut song "aru hi totsuzen" (1969).

Both songs are said to have been remastered especially for this single, sounding a bit different than from the CD. A must for all fans!

Audio samples can be heard at Jet Set.

Nomiya Maki "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji / aru hi totsuzen" (7")
野宮真貴 「東京は夜の七時 / 或る日突然」

A. Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji (Single version)
B. aru hi totsuzen (Single version)

AWDR/LR2 DDJB91204
Out 3/6, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single coming. "Mondai Girl" has been heard recently playing at the end of TV drama "mondai no aru Restaurant", while the two B-sides are used in TV commercials for Nintendo and Chintai (a real estate company). Also included is a remix of hit "Candy Candy". As always, the whole is produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE).

The limited edition comes as a 7-inch-sized jacket (note that it's a CD, not 7") and contains a bonus DVD of 9 live songs from shows held throughout 2014 in London, Hawaii and Tokyo. Great value!

Now listen carefully, both editions include a poster with the first pressing (while supplies last), though this also depends on the retailer so see details on the links below. Also it seems that both editions come with a sticker.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Mondai Girl"
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「もんだいガール」

1. Mondai Girl
2. KISEKAE
3. My Room
4. CANDY CANDY -remix-
5. Mondai Girl (Instrumental)
6. KISEKAE (Instrumental)
7. My Room (Instrumental)

DVD (Limited edition only)
from "KPP NANDA COLLECTION WORLD TOUR 2014" at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London 2014.4.29
1. PONPONPON
2. tsukematsukeru
3. Fashion Monster
4. Invader Invader
from "KPP NANDA COLLECTION LIVE" in Hawaii at Waikiki Shell 2014.7.20
5. mi
6. Ninjya Re Bang Bang
from "Pika Pika Fantajin Tour Kyary Pamyu Pamyu no Colorful Panic TOY BOX" at Yoyogi National Stadium 2014.11.9
7. Mottai Night Land
8. Kira Kira Killer
9. Family Party

Limited edition (CD+DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Warner Music WPZL-30990
Out 3/18, ¥2000 (excl. tax)
Order with poster (while supplies last): CDJapan, Amazon, HMV (10% off), Tower
Order without poster: Amazon (15% off), YesAsia

Regular edition (CD only)
Warner Music WPCL-12062
Out 3/18, ¥1400 (excl. tax)
Order with poster (while supplies last): CDJapan, HMV, Tower
Order without poster: Amazon, YesAsia

"Mondai Girl"