Tokyo's Coolest Sound

This compilation's title says it all: it translates to "Why is it that Konishi Yasuharu's drama BGM is often used in variety shows?". Yes, this is a collection of Konishi's best drama BGM works from shows aired on Nippon TV over the past 10 years. Included are tracks from "kui tan" (2006), "kui tan 2" (2007), "seigi no mikata" (2008), "Dekawanko" (2011), "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo" (2012), "senryokugai sōsakan" (2014) and "Debusen" (2016). All of these soundtracks were released individually before, but unless you already have all of them here's a good place to start.

And yes, his instrumental works really are often heard on unrelated variety shows! But of course for those who watched those drama series, hearing just a few seconds of these songs is enough to be take you back there instantly.

All songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other online shops.

Konishi Yasuharu "naze Konishi Yasuharu no Drama BGM wa TV no Variety bangumi de yoku tsukawareru no ka."
小西康陽 「なぜ小西康陽のドラマBGMはテレビのバラエティ番組でよく使われるのか。」

1. Brindisi from "La Traviata" (from "kui tan")
2. Bolero (from "kui tan")
3. Spring from "The Four Seasons" Allegro (I) (from "kui tan")
4. Funiculi Funicula (from "kui tan")
5. Opera "die Walkure" Ride of the Valkyries (from "kui tan")
6. Prelude from "Carmen" (from "kui tan 2")
7. Vii.Dance of the Reeds from "Nutcracker Suite.Op.71a" (from "kui tan 2")
8. Makiko no Theme. (+ 8 versions) (from "seigi no mikata")
9. Yōko no Twist. (from "seigi no mikata")
10. seigi no mikata no genjitsu. (from "seigi no mikata")
11. "gekijō" no Theme (from "Dekawanko")
12. "heion" no Theme (from "Dekawanko")
13. "kyūkaku" no Theme (from "Dekawanko")
14. "kyūten" no Theme (from "Dekawanko")
15. mae o muite arukō (from "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo")
16. kono Groovy na sekai de (from "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo")
17. toshokan no ongaku (from "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo")
18. Tokyo wa Merry Go Round (+ 8 versions) (from "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo")
19. Sports kōshinkyoku (senryokugai sōsakan Remix) (from "senryokugai sōsakan")
20. Sports kōshinkyoku ~ Scat hen featuring Time Five (from "senryokugai sōsakan")
21. Sports kōshinkyoku ~ kuchibue hen (from "senryokugai sōsakan")
22. Sports kōshinkyoku ~ Dixieland hen (from "senryokugai sōsakan")
23. Rock'n'Roll High School (from "Debusen")
24. Funky gakuen (from "Debusen")
25. kachinuki eleki gakuen (from "Debusen")
26. yutori kyōiku (from "Debusen")

Vap VPCD-81895
Out now (2/22), ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

DJ Hasebe (official Facebook page) has a new mix album out now of 90's songs revolving around Shibuya-kei. This includes a brand new original song that features Nomiya Maki!

DJ Hasebe "DJ HASEBE Butter Smooth - Tokyo 90's Groove -"

1. hareta gogo wa Daikanyama de feat. Nomiya Maki / DJ HASEBE
2. Lovely / Ozawa Kenji
3. konya wa Boogie Back (nice vocal) feat. Scha Dara Parr / Ozawa Kenji
4. yume no naka de aeru deshō / Takano Hiroshi
5. It's gonna rain / Bonnie Pink
6. seppun / ORIGINAL LOVE
7. Beat de Jump / ROUND TABLE
8. wakakusa no koro (with Monsieur Kamayatsu) / Kahimi Karie
9. Travel Lolita / SPANK HAPPY
10. ano tokei no shita de / Chara
11. asahi no ataru michi AS TIME GOES BY / ORIGINAL LOVE
12. Cider Blues / Kaseki Cider
13. Do The Miracle / CHIEKO BEAUTY
14. KISS YOUR LIPS / ICE
15. GET DOWN, GET DOWN, GET DOWN / ICE
16. Sweet Child / COSA NOSTRA
17. Lemon / NOKKO
18. Summer Nude / Magokoro Brothers
19. WHEN I'M WITH YOU - DJ KRUSH MIX / MONDAY Michiru
20. Tell me of mama -Remix- / Gushima Naoko
21. BABY BLUE / Fishmans
22. kyō o ikiyō / Sunny Day Service
23. Cherish Our Love / Love Tambourines
24. NEMURENAI insomnia（instrumental） / United Future Organization
25. gozen 2ji no Angel / Cano Caoli
26. Night Cruising / Fishmans

Universal UICZ-8185
Out now (2/22), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

This is a cover album of songs by lyricist Urino Masao whose career amounts to 35 years. These are all new arrangements of some of his most known works, here sung by many vocalists such as hitomitoi, Mizuno Mari (paris match), Nakano Aya, Natsu Summer, Takeda Kaori and many more. A newly written song is included, sung by Sugiyama Kiyotaka.

All songs can be sampled at Amazon.

Various Artists "manatsu no Innocence ~ Urino Masao Works Covers"
オムニバス 「真夏のイノセンス 作詞家・売野雅勇 Hits Covers」

(Title / Artist)
1. manatsu no Innocence / Sugiyama Kiyotaka (New song)
2. Aquamarine no mamade ite / Mizuno Mari (Original: Carlos Toshiki & Omega Tribe)
3. saigo no Holy Night / Takeda Kaori (Original: Sugiyama Kiyotaka)
4. ai wa kokoro no shigoto desu / hitomitoi (Original: Ramu)
5. megumi no hito / Nakada Yūji (Original: Rats & Star)
6. Cinderella tachi e no dengon / Nakajima Megumi (Original: Takai Mamiko)
7. kinku / Nakano Aya (Original: Nakamori Akina)
8. hoshikuzu no Stage / Mitsunaga Ryōta (Original: Checkers)
9. Say Yes! / Natsu Summer (Original: Kikuchi Momoko)
10. natsu no Klaxxon / Itō Shungo (Original: Inagaki Junichi)
11. 2oku4senman no hitomi / Rio (Original: Gō Hiromi)

Crown Tokuma TKCA-74477
Out now (2/22), ¥2870 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

A set of two 7"'s of songs from Nomiya Maki's latest album "otoko to onna 'Un homme et une femme'" is being released! The songs are covers of Pierre Barouh (from the movie "Un homme et une femme"), Michel Legrand (from "Les demoiselles de Rochefort"), Suzuki Masayuki, and Pizzicato Five!

On February 27, Nomiya Maki will be "one day boss" at Pied Piper House, within Tower Records Shibuya (5F) from 19:30 to 21:30. Details can be found here.

Also, she will DJ at Kissa SMiLE (Shibuya) on Friday February 24 in event "wamono Meeting" organized by Comoesta Yaegashi, with also Nosa Reina, Sumire (Twee Grrrls Club) and more. The event starts at 18:00. (Facebook event page)

Nomiya Maki "otoko to onna 'Un Homme et Une Femme' ~ Nomiya Maki, French Shibuya-kei o utau." (2x7")
野宮真貴 「男と女 ～野宮真貴、フレンチ渋谷系を歌う。」

French Cinema Side
A. Un Homme et Une Femme [en duo avec Ken Yokoyama de Crazy Ken Band]
B. Chanson des Jumelles [en duo avec Clémentine]

Japanese Love Song Side
A. Shibuya de 5ji [en duo avec Clémentine et avec Masayuki Suzuki]
B. Weekend [en duo avec Clémentine]

Universal Music/Jet Set JS7S-151
Out 2/22, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

"Un Homme et Une Femme [en duo avec Ken Yokoyama de Crazy Ken Band]" (Short ver.)

Konishi Yasuharu supervises a new 7" single project on the Great Tracks label (Sony).

First of all comes a compilation called "Ace", named after monthly event (((((((A))))))) held at Organ bar the 3rd Friday of each month. Having been playing almost only 7"'s at club parties for the recent years, Konishi selected J-pop hit tracks that he wishes would be available on 7" for his live mixing.

This marks the beginning of a series of 7" releases of tracks featured on this compilation. The first two 7"'s are cuts from Pizzicato Five albums "couples" and "Bellissima!", respectively titled "couples ep" and "Bellissima! ep". See details below!

For those in Japan, Tower Records has a promotion where buying both the "Ace" compilation and either of the P5 7"'s at the same time gets you an original clear folder (while supplies last).

"Ace" 7" single project official page

The next (((((((A))))))) will be held tomorrow Feb. 17 at Organ bar in Shibuya. Doors open at 22:00.

Various Artists "Ace"
オムニバス 「エース」

(Title / Artist)
1. N.O. / Denki Groove
2. ai wa fushigi sa / Kome Kome Club
3. Shibuya de 5ji / Suzuki Masayuki & Kikuchi Momoko
4. Shangri-La / Denki Groove
5. Locolotion / Orange Range
6. Shanghai Honey / Orange Range
7. V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N / Yoshimura Yumi
8. Wedding Bell / Puffy
9. Birthday Boy / Watanabe Marina
10. ureshii! tanoshii! daisuki! ('Everlasting' Version) / Dreams Come True
11. Planets / Pizzicato Five
12. kaze ni naritai / The Boom
13. maware maware / Hiyajō Atsuko
14. Boyfriend / Inoue Mutsumi
15. Seven O'clock News / Pizzicato Five
16. Let's spend the night together / Pizzicato Five
17. daisuki / Okamura Yasuyuki

Great Tracks/Sony Music Direct MHCL-2677
Out 2/22, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Pizzicato Five "couples ep" (7")
ピチカート・ファイヴ 「カップルズep」

A. Seven O'clock News
B. They All Laughed

Great Tracks/Sony Music Direct MHKL-1
Out 2/22, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Pizzicato Five "Bellissima! ep" (7")
ピチカート・ファイヴ 「ベリッシマep」

A. Planets
B. This Can't Be Love

Great Tracks/Sony Music Direct MHKL-2
Out 2/22, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

See also:
Pizzicato Five "Pizzicatomania!" (Remaster)

Here comes a remastered edition of Pizzicato Five's "Pizzicatomania!" (1985), with bonus previously unreleased 1985 mixes of "Action Painting". The whole CD was also newly remastered this year, and the leaflet includes new liner notes by Konishi Yasuharu in regard to the unexpected tape find. Check out a photo of the recently found master tape here.

Pizzicato Five "Pizzicatomania!" (Remaster)
ピチカート・ファイヴ 「ピチカートマニア！」

1. The 59th Street Bridge Song
2. Boy Meets Girl
3. September Song
4. The Audrey Hepburn Complex
5. From Party To Party
6. Action Painting
7. Let's Go Away For A While
8. What's New, Pizzicato?
9. Action Painting (1985.9.29 Mix) (Previously unreleased bonus track)
10. Action Painting (1985.9.29 Mix Vocal less) (Previously unreleased bonus track)
11. Action Painting (1985.9.29 Mix Instrumental) (Previously unreleased bonus track)

Teichiku TECI-1539
Out 2/22, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

See also:
Pizzicato Five "couples ep" (7"), "Bellissima! ep" (7")

Singer dahlia has a brand new album out soon! This was sound produced by Groove Unchant who had previously produced her album "Beautiful, But Noir" (2006). One song features programming by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei).

A very limited edition of 100 that comes with a beautiful 30-page photo book is being released in advance. It is available exclusively through her web shop. International orders are welcome, so fans outside Japan who don't want to miss this should order directly without waiting.

The album is now available on iTunes worldwide, and comes with a different version of "ciel blanc" in English, and two bonus tracks.

dahlia "MIRROR"

1. kūchū fuyū
2. KIKKAH ~boku no utsukushii hito~
3. ai wa kūki
4. ciel blanc
5. RENEWER
6. neko o sagashite
7. ai wa doko da
8. Sincerely

Regular edition
Orange Records ORGR-053
Out 2/22, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"ai wa doko da"

"ai wa kūki"

"The Legend of Zelda" celebrated last year its 30th anniversary! On October 16, 2016, a special concert where the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra performed music from the famous game series was held, and it is now being released on CD. The orchestra was conducted by Takemoto Taizō.

The regular edition comes as a 2-CD set, and a limited edition includes a DVD of most of the concert's music paired with visuals from the original games as were projected on screen at the concert. The limited edition is a boxed set that also contains exclusive goodies: a CD stand and badges.

There's also a 2-CD music collection being released at the same time (Amazon, CDJapan). And those who can't get enough of "The Legend of Zelda" should also check out character goods at CDJapan, as several are being released along with the anniversary.

Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra "The Legend of Zelda 30th Anniversary Concert"
東京フィルハーモニー交響楽団 「ゼルダの伝説 30周年記念コンサート」
(The track list below is an unofficial translation.)

CD 1
1. Hyrule Castle
2. Princess Zelda's Theme
3. Tact of Wind Medley
4. Ocarina Melodies Suite
5. Boss Battle Music Medley
6. A Link Between Worlds & Tri Force Heroes Medley
7. "Skyward Sword" Staff Roll

CD 2
1. The Legend of Zelda 30th Anniversary Symphony
2. The Legend of Zelda Pieces Suite
3. Gerudo Valley
4. "Ocarina of Time" Hyrule Field
5. Great Fairy's Fountain Theme
6. Twilight Princess Medley
7. The Legend of Zelda Main Theme

DVD (Limited edition only)
1. Hyrule Castle
2. Princess Zelda's Theme
3. Tact of Wind Medley
4. Boss Battle Music Medley
5. A Link Between Worlds & Tri Force Heroes Medley
6. "Skyward Sword" Staff Roll
7. The Legend of Zelda 30th Anniversary Symphony
8. Gerudo Valley
9. Great Fairy's Fountain Theme
10. Twilight Princess Medley
11. The Legend of Zelda Main Theme

Limited edition (2 CDs + DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Columbia COZX-1293
Out 2/15, ¥5500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon (12% off *), HMV (12% off *), Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (2 CDs)
Columbia COCX-39895
Out 2/15, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) has a 2nd solo single being released on Vivid Sound! Both synth-pop style songs were produced by the two of Microstar: Satō Seiki and Iizumi Yūko.

The single is available in 3 editions, a limited edition including instrumentals and a DVD of the video clip, a 7" edition (no CD), and a regular CD edition (no instrumentals).

Free in-store events will be held on February 15 from 19:00 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta (details), and on February 26 from 13:00 at Disk Union Shinjuku Used Center (details). Check out Monari's full schedule here.

Wakita Monari "Boy Friend"
脇田もなり 「Boy Friend」

Limited edition CD
1. Boy Friend
2. akai Skirt
3. Boy Friend (Inst.)
4. akai Skirt (Inst.)

Limited edition DVD
Boy Friend MV

Limited edition (CD w/ instrumentals + DVD)
Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCCD-9583
Out 2/15, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition CD
1. Boy Friend
2. akai Skirt

Regular edition (2-song CD)
Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCCD-9584
Out 2/15, ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

7" edition
A. Boy Friend
B. akai Skirt

7" edition
Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCR-9673
Out 2/15, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Boy Friend"

Sampler clip

See also:
"In The City / anone,,," (CD+7")

Mother Tereco, the unit of Sato Kimitoshi and Namba Takumi (both ex-members of Open Reel Ensemble), has a first album about to be released! Mother Tereco has also been seen on stage performing with Maika Loubté, whose latest album "Le Zip" was mixed by them. A must check for synth fans!

Also watch this clip of a recent "Electronic & Acoustic Session".

Mother Tereco "Oracle"

1. Glow
2. Echo Love (feat. ico! from Far Farm)
3. 42 (feat. OBKR)
4. Tour d'ivoire
5. 24bit Oracle
6. Fall Dawn
7. Eine Langen Reise Ziel
8. Holotone
9. W/E (feat. Annie The Clumsy)
10. Saturday Night Calm Down (indoor Ver.)

Rallye Label RYECD-259
Out 2/8, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Echo Love"

Album trailer

Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyoubi no Campanella) has a new album coming this week! "Superman" is the follow-up to album "UMA" (June 2016), and includes two songs from digital EP "Superkid" released last November.

The physical album comes in CD and USB formats, with the USB containing both high-resolution audio (24bit 96KHz/WAV) and MP3 (320kbps) files. Amazon gives away a promo mouse pad (while supplies last). Also, pre-ordering on iTunes will get you an exclusive instrumental "Ikkyu-san" bonus track.

Wednesday Campanella will play Nippon Budokan on March 8! Tickets are on sale.

Wednesday Campanella "Superman"
水曜日のカンパネラ 「Superman」

1. Aladdin
2. Sakamoto Ryōma
3. Ikkyu-san
4. Onyankopon
5. Genghis Khan
6. Chapplin
7. Audrey
8. Kamehameha the Great
9. Zeami
10. Ame-no-Uzume

CD edition
Warner WPCL-12464
Out 2/8, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

USB edition
Warner WPEL-10009
Out 2/8, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Ikkyū-san"

"Kamehameha taiō"

"Aladdin"

Negicco have just released a new digital single! "We Are VR Friends" is the opening theme song of Tokyo MX "Pakkun & Kawakita Mayuko no atsumare! VR Friends", a kids educational TV show that focuses on virtual reality. How cool is that! The song was written by connie. Short & sweet. :)

Negicco "We Are VR Friends" (Download)

T-Palette Records
Out now (2/3)
Sample/buy: , OTOTOY

Vanilla Beans have a brand new single out today on iTunes! This song's music was composed by the late singer-songwriter bice, and lyrics by long time collaborator Takata Mikiko. In 2017, Vanilla Beans will celebrate their 10th anniversary! Here's hoping for many good things to come!

A one-man event will be held on March 19 at Shibuya Glad, with a talk event in the afternoon, and a live show starting at 18:30. Tickets go on sale on Saturday February 4.

Vanilla Beans "sweet life" (Download)
バニラビーンズ 「sweet life」

Avex
Out now (2/1)
Sample/buy: (Japan), Amazon Japan, Google Play