Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Guitarist Kashif — a member of collective Pan Pacific Playa (PPP), and also known for his works and appearances with Jintana & Emeralds, hitomitoi, Scha Dara Parr, (((sssurrounddd))), G.Rina and Sugar Campaign — has a first solo album being released! It consists of original self-produced tracks with his own singing, with the exception of guest hitomitoi. Kamoda Jun (aka Illreme of (((sssurrounddd)))) also contributed some lyrics. The album was mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori, and the cover artwork is by famous illustrator Nagai Hiroshi.

Kashif "BlueSongs"

1. Breezing
2. On and On
3. The Night
4. Clean Up
5. Desperate Coffee
6. PPP I Love You (Part2.1)
7. You
8. Neverland
9. Be Colorful
10. BGM
11. PPP I Love You (Part3)

Billboard Records HBRJ-1025
Out 5/3, ¥2400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, (Japan ^‡), Spotify
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Digest clip

METAFIVE's latest, mini-labum "METAHALF" released last November, has just been released on vinyl. It even comes with a new track, "Marine" written by Sunahara Yoshinori! The track order and jacket are also different from the CD.

METAFIVE "METAHALF" (12")

A1. Marine
A2. Submarine
A3. Chemical
B1. Musical Chairs
B2. Peach Pie
B3. Egochin

Warner WPJL-10040
Out now (4/26), ¥2700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Musical Chairs"

Cornelius has a brand new 7" single out today! Grab it now at Jet Set while you can.

Another 7" is due for May 26, after which a new album will follow on June 28!

Shows will be held on July 11 and 12 at Liquidroom in Ebisu, Tokyo.

Cornelius "anata ga iru nara" (7")
コーネリアス 「あなたがいるなら」

A. anata ga iru nara
B. Helix / Spiral

Warner WPJL10041
Out now (4/26), ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

"anata ga iru nara (If You're Here)"

Teaser clip

Hachimitsu Pie was a band formed in the early 70's by singer Agata Morio and Suzuki Keiichi, a few years after which Morio went on with his solo career while several others moved on to become Moonriders. Some 45 years later they are back together with a brand new album titled "Baby-lon" that's filled with newly written songs! The first pressing comes as a mini-LP sleeve.

A concert will be held on July 1st at Mielparque Hall in Tokyo. Tickets are on sale. Also, on release day April 26 a special program will be aired on Dommune from 19:00, and on April 29 there will be an in-store talk & mini-live event at Pied Piper House (Tower Records Shibuya 5F) from 17:00 followed by an autograph session.

Agata Morio & Hachimitsu Pie "Baby-lon"
あがた森魚＆はちみつぱい 「べいびぃろん (BABY-LON)」

1. Apollon no seidōki
2. haruichiban ni ikanakucha
3. Motorization
4. Daiheigen
5. mushi no Waltz
6. kono natsu Liberty
7. mori kara umareta kemonotachi wa
8. 4gatsu no yuki
9. Cleaning wa Ahab
10. itsumo no yō ni tada damatte
11. minato no junjō
12. mayonaka o aruku
13. Babyland Babylon

King Records KICS-3484
Out 4/26, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Of her "Shibuya-kei standards" series, Nomiya Maki brings us a new album of summer & vacation-themed covers of Shibuya-kei songs, or ones that inspired the scene's artists. Included are songs originally by Watanabe Marina (written by Ozawa Kenji & Oyamada Keigo), Yoshimura Yumi (Puffy) (written by Konishi Yasuharu), Chappie (written by Matsumoto Takashi & Hosono Haruomi), Ōtaki Eiichi, Takeuchi Mariya (written by Yamashita Tatsurō), The Spiders and Robin Ward. Several of the new studio recordings feature chorus group Smooth Ace.

Also, two live duets from shows held last February are included as bonus tracks, with Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band) and Matsuo Remi (Glim Spanky) respectively. The latter is a cover of Pizzicato Five's "Superstar"!

There will be shows at Billboard Live Osaka on May 3, Nagoya Blue Note on May 4, and Billboard Live Tokyo on May 6. Find details here.

Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Vacances Shibuya-kei o utau. ~Wonderful Summer~"
野宮真貴 「野宮真貴、ヴァカンス渋谷系を歌う。～Wonderful Summer～」

1. WONDERFUL SUMMER [feat. Smooth Ace] (Original: Robin Ward)
2. dai suki na Shirt (1990 ryokō daisakusen) [Duet with Watanabe Marina] (Original: Watanabe Marina)
3. V・A・C・A・T・I・O・N (Original: Yoshimura Yumi (Puffy))
4. natsu no koibito [feat. Smooth Ace] (Original: Takeuchi Mariya)
5. Summer Girl [feat. Smooth Ace] (Original: The Spiders)
6. manatsu no hiru no yume (Original: Ōtaki Eiichi)
7. tanabata no yoru, kimi ni aitai [feat. Smooth Ace] (Original: Chappie)
8. sekai, Nishihara shōkai no sekai! ~Bossa Version~ (Original: Crazy Ken Band)
9. [MC] Talk with Yokoyama Ken from CKB
10. CINDERELLA LIBERTY / Yokoyama Ken feat. Nomiya Maki (Original: Cools R.C.)
11. [MC] Talk with Matsuo Remi from GLIM SPANKY
12. SUPERSTAR / Matsuo Remi & Nomiya Maki (Original: Pizzicato Five)
(Track 8 to 12 are bonus tracks. Tracks 9 to 12 were recorded live at Motion Blue Yokohama shows held February 11 & 12, 2017)

Universal UICZ-4394
Out 5/3, ¥2315 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Trailer clip

Learners' 2nd album "More Learners", out on CD in January, has just been released on vinyl! Also, first album "Learners" was re-issued too. Get them while it's time!

Learners "More Learners" (12")

A1. Good Morning Learners!
A2. Why Do Fools Fall In Love
A3. Water The Flowers
A4. Go Away Don't Bother Me
A5. Let Me In
A6. Saint Tropez Blues
B1. I Want Candy
B2. Love Your Money
B3. Denise
B4. Moonlight Revue 50's
B5. Walking After Midnight
B6. Sleep Walk

KiliKiliVilla KKV-037VL
Out now (4/19), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Learners "Learners" (12")

A1. Fools Fall In Love
A2. Learners Yeah!!!
A3. I Want You To Be My Baby
A4. Da Doo Ron Ron
A5. Teenage Kicks
A6. Rhode Island Is Famous For You
B1. (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave
B2. You're Wondering Now
B3. Gotta Lot Of Rhythm In My Soul
B4. Shampoo Planet
B5. He's My One And Only Jimmy Boy
B6. Rhode Island Is Famous For You feat. Eddi Reader
B7. Goodnight Baby (Outro)

KiliKiliVilla KKV-022VL2
Out now (4/19), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Record Store Day 2017 will be taking place this weekend, on Saturday April 22! As usual, many limited releases will be available at record shops only from that date. Below is a selection of some of the best stuff that shouldn't be missed.

Check out the official site for the full list of releases and participating shops. As the rule goes, online sales will only start a week later (April 29).

Some events are also being held through the day, some of which are listed here.

Nosa Reina is The Blue Valentines "Bye Bye Baby Sayonara / okeiko gurashi" (7")
野佐怜奈がブルーヴァレンタインズ 「バイバイ・ベイビー・さよなら / お稽古暮らし」

This is the final release of Nosa Reina's Blue Valentines project, this time changing the name from "and" to "is". Both sides feature different musicians. The A-side was written by Ygal and features guitarist Akamatsu Haruka and bassist Ozawa Nozomi, while the B-side was written by drummer Nakajima Hajime with lyrics by Reina, and features guitarist Mutō Yoshiaki and bassist Katsuhara Daisaku.

Nosa Reina will be at Disk Union Jinbocho from 19:00 to 21:00 to sign autographs and take photos, wearing a kimono, for those who buy the new 7" there.

A. Bye Bye Baby Sayonara
B. okeiko gurashi

apricot sounds ACEP4
Out 4/22, ¥1852 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no kakumei" (12" picture disc)
キノコホテル 「マリアンヌの革命」

A 12" picture disc release of Kinoco Hotel's latest album (2016). Limited to 500 copies!

A1. hangyaku no kisetsu
A2. onedari Strange Love
A3. kaiten Restaurant no higeki
A4. te no hira gaeshi
A5. enrai
B1. kago no naka no Alastair
B2. ai wa gebageba
B3. aka no rōgoku
B4. rurō Gamble (Mecha shiyō)
B5. tsuki yo tokoshie ni

Voltage Records BQGS-41
Out 4/22, ¥3241 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Salome Lips "shindoi ondō" (7")
サロメの唇 「しんどい音頭」

A new single by the popular GS/wamono band Salome Lips (aka Salome no kuchibiru). The A-side is a previously unreleased song, and the B-side is a song that previously appeared on 3rd album "shū" (2012).

An in-store event will be held at dues Shinjuku (Disk Union) on May 21 from 13:00 only for those who bought the single at eligible Disk Union stores. Details here.

A. shindoi ondō
B. koisuru Tokyo

Sazanami Label SZDW-1036
Out 4/22, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Chie and The Wolf Baits "Two Timin' Man c/w Mean Mean Man" (7" red vinyl)

Chie and The Wolf Baits is led by Learners' guitarist Horiguchi Chie. These two 7"'s are the first releases by this new band. Each is monaural, pressed on color vinyl, and limited to 300 copies!

A. Two Timin' Man
B. Mean Mean Man

Voltage Records BQGS-39
Out 4/22, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Chie and The Wolf Baits "Thunderbird c/w Precious Lie" (7" yellow vinyl)

A. Thunderbird
B. Precious Lie

Voltage Records BQGS-40
Out 4/22, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Mary & The Flying Bowties "It's Only A Paper Moon / Birth Of The Boogie" (7")

Speaking of Learners, this is the debut single of a new band with singer Sara Mary! A release party will be held on April 29 at Asakura Golden Tiger (details).

A. It's Only A Paper Moon
B. Birth Of The Boogie

Niw! Records NEP-73
Out 4/33, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Shonen Knife "Adventure" (12" gold or silver vinyl)

Shonen Knife are celebrating their 35th anniversary! This is a vinyl edition of their latest album on UK label Damnably. It comes pressed on gold and silver vinyl. The color is random so which you get is a mystery until in your hands. Shonen Knife are currently on tour in the US! Their next time in Tokyo will be on July 8 at Fever with The Pats Pats.

1. Jump into the New World
2. Rockʼnʼroll T-shirt
3. Calabash
4. Dog Fight
5. Wasabi
6. Green Tangerine (Kabosu)
7. ImI (Emoji)
8. Hawaii
9. Tasmanian Devil
10. Cotton Candy Clouds

Damnably DAMNABLY40A
Out 4/22, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: To be added later if available

Vanilla Beans × The Pen Friend Club "sweet life / River Deep - Mountain High" (7")
バニラビーンズ × The Pen Friend Club 「sweet life ／ River Deep - Mountain High」

The Pen Friend Club is a band formed of 5 girls and 2 guys, with some deep influences of the 60's, mainly from the Beach Boys and Phil Spector. They're releasing two split singles, of two songs from their latest album "Wonderful World of The Pen Friend Club". Vanilla Beans, The Pen Friend Club and RYUTist will hold an in-store event at Tower Records Shinjuku 7F on April 22 from 15:00.

The first single is a split with Vanilla Beans, the first physical release of their newest song "sweet life" (written by bice). The other side has The Pen Friend Club's "River Deep - Mountain High", a cover of Ike & Tina Turner.

A. Vanilla Beans / sweet life
B. The Pen Friend Club / River Deep - Mountain High

Sazanami Label SZDW-1034
Out 4/22, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

RYUTist × The Pen Friend Club "futari no yūhi Line / 8gatsu no ame no hi" (7")
RYUTist × The Pen Friend Club 「ふたりの夕日ライン ／8月の雨の日」

The other single from The Pen Friend Club is a split with Niigata idol group RYUTist. "futari no yūhi Line" is performed by The Pen Friend Club (also from their latest album) but in a new version with vocals by RYUTist.

A. RYUTist / futari no yūhi Line
B. The Pen Friend Club / 8gatsu no ame no hi

Sazanami Label SZDW-1033
Out 4/22, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Tentenko "Wa-shoi!" / Good bye, Goog girl." (7")
テンテンコ 「Wa・ショイ！/ Good bye, Good girl.」

Tentenko, formerly of BiS, covers techno-kayō/ondō classic "Wa-shoi!" (originally by Hori Chiemi)! The song was previously released digitally only. The B-side contains debut single "Good bye, Good girl." (2015). In-store events will be held on May 14, from 15:00 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta (6F), and from 19:00 at HMV record shop Coppice Kichijoji (A kan 2F). Details here.

A. Wa-shoi!
B. Good bye, Good girl.

Narisu Records NRSP-736
Out 4/22, ¥1300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

hitomitoi "hitomitoi Club Re-edits by XTAL" 12"
一十三十一 「HITOMITOI CLUB RE-EDITS BY XTAL」

XTAL (solo artist and also member of (((sssurrounddd))) and Jintana & Emeralds) remixes 3 songs by hitomitoi, updated with the dancefloor in mind. "Weather Report" and "kemuriiro no koibitotachi" were singles released in 2006 and 2002 respectively, and "koi wa omoi no mama" is an album track from "City Dive" (2012). All three versions are brand new and previously unreleased.

A1. Weather Report
B1. kemuriiro no koibitotachi
B2. koi wa omoi no mama

East End Classix / Jet Set JS12S120
Out 4/22, ¥1800 (excl. tax)
​​Order: Jet Set

Yogee New Waves "Ride On Wave e.p." (7")

7" cut of Yogee New Waves' new song "Ride On Wave", to appear on next album "Waves" to be released on May 17, and a non-album version of song "C.A.M.P".

1. Ride On Wave
2. C.A.M.P (Stoned Forest ver.)

Roman Label / Bayon Production HR7S046
Out 4/22, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Predawn "Absence" (12" + download code)

Predawn's latest album "Absence", released on CD last September, is being pressed on 12". It comes with a download code.

A1. Skipping Ticks
A2. Black & White
A3. Universal Mind
A4. Don't Break My Heart
A5. Sigh
B1. kasumisō
B2. Autumn Moon
B3. Kinds of Knot
B4. Hope & Peace

Flake Sounds FLAKES-163
Out 4/22, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Towa Tei "EMO" (2LP)

Towa Tei's brand new album "EMO", just out last month, is being released as a limited 2-LP edition! This is mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori.

A1. Exformation
A2. Brand Nu Emo
B1. GBI
B2. Sugar
C1. Xylocopa
C2. TG
D1. YOLO
D2. REM
D3. Continua

Mach Beat / Disk Union MBLP-1701
Out 4/22, ¥4600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Ino hidefumi "Can't Sleep / Good Night" (7")

Two songs from Ino hidefumi's upcoming album. The A-side is an original, while the B-side is a cover of John Lennon. Limited to 700 copies.

A. Can't Sleep
B. Good Night

Innocent Record IREP-010
Out 4/22, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

koshi miura / eiichi kogrey "good so good!! e.p." (7")

A split-single of Miura Koshi (Kuchiroro) and Kogure Eiichi (the band apart). Both songs are themes for regular party "good so good!!" held every month on the 3rd Monday at Organ bar.

A. good. / koshi miura
B. so good. (We Love The Night) / eiichi kogrey

Niw! Records NEP-74
Out 4/22, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Mondo Grosso "Labyrinth" (12")
​MONDO GROSSO 「ラビリンス」

Mondo Grosso, the solo project of Ōsawa Shinichi, is back after 14 years! A new album seems to be coming, but first is this single that features a mysterious female singer. The song will be released digitally on April 28.

A1. Labyrinth (Original Mix)
B1. Labyrinth (DUBFORCE Mix)
B2. Labyrinth (Acoustic Mix)

cutting edge CTJ1-40386
Out 4/22, &1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Kaji Hideki "La Boum ~My Boom Is Me~" (7")
カジヒデキ 「LA BOUM ～MY BOOM IS ME～ ラ・ブーム ～だってMY BOOM IS ME～」

Kaji Hideki's hit song from 1997 is being re-issued on 7"! The B-side is from "Muscat e.p." (1996).

A1. La Boum ~My Boom Is Me~
B1. A Small, Good Thing

Polystar / Jet Set JS7S154
Out 4/22, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Kaji Hideki "Muscat e.p." (7")
カジヒデキ 「MUSCAT e.p.」

... and this 7" with the title "Muscat e.p.", and the same jacket as his debut CD EP of the same name released in 1996, contains two other favorites from it.

A1. SIESTA
B1. MUSCAT

Polystar / Jet Set JS7S155
Out 4/22, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Scha Dara Parr "Ani Shinbou" (12")
スチャダラパー 「あにしんぼう」

Scha Dara Parr's latest mini-album "Ani Shinbou" is being released on 12".

A1. Ani ga Bose de Shinco ga Ani de
A2. Let's Rock On
A3. dokimekinishisu
B1. jankuri-tokonguru feat. Robochū
B2. yosa G na Scat
B3. zài jiàn Adios

Melody Fair SDPLP-1701
Out 4/22, ¥2750 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Kyoto Jazz Sextet "Song For Unity / Mission" (12")

Kyoto Jazz Sextet, a side-project of Kyoto Jazz Massive, has a new songs "Song For Unity" and "Mission" being released on 12". A new album is expected to be released on June 14. A release party with a live set will be held at The Room in Shibuya on April 22, starting at 19:00. Details here.

A. Song For Unity
B. Mission

Extra Freedom, ltd / HMV record shop HR12S004
Out 4/22, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Luv Master X "LMX #1" (2LP)

The only album by this unit of Dub Master X with Fujiwara Hiroshi. Re-issued on CD with 4 bonus tracks in 2016, it is now being released on vinyl as a set of 2 LPs.

Victor / HMV record shop HRLP-072
Out 4/22, ¥4300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Subliminal Calm "Subliminal Calm" (2LP)

Same concept for this unique album by the unit of Itō Seikō and Fujiwara Hiroshi. The 1992 album was re-issued with 6 bonus tracks in 2016, and is here being released for the first time on vinyl.

Victor / HMV record shop HRLP-074
Out 4/22, ¥4300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

This list is just a glimpse of what's to be released on Record Store Day in Japan, and there's so much more to look out for, so be sure to have a look at the full list. Visit your favorite record shops on April 22 wherever you are!

And a notable Japan-related release from overseas...

Penguin Cafe & Cornelius "Umbrella EP 1" (12")

Coming from a UK label is this 4-song collaboration EP by Penguin Cafe and Cornelius. Included are two mutual remixes, plus two tracks by Penguin Cafe. Released last year in digital form only, this is a pressing limited to 1000 copies.

1. Solaris (Cornelius Mix)
2. Birdwatching at Inner Forest (Penguin Cafe Mix)
3. Close Encounter
4. The Track Of The Dull Sun

Erased Tapes 4050486113073
Out 4/22, open price
Order: Jet Set

Tentenko "Good bye, Good girl."

Yogee New Waves "C.A.M.P (Stoned Forest ver.)"

Ino hidefumi "Can't Sleep" teaser clip

Mondo Grosso "Labyrinth"

(More clips after the jump!)

Comedian Hollywood Zakoshisyoh's "gokiburi otoko", released digitally in January, is being released on 7" with an exclusive instrumental version. The track was produced by Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove) and has both of Denki Groove singing chorus.

Hollywood Zakoshisyoh "gokiburi otoko" (7")
ハリウッドザコシショウ 「ゴキブリ男」

A. gokiburi otoko
B. gokiburi otoko (Instrumental)

Ki/oon KSKL-8532
Out 4/19, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"gokiburi otoko (Video Edit)"

Twin rappers P.O.P, now a trio with trackmaker Saitō Ryōji, have a new single out now on iTunes! Check it out in the video below!

P.O.P's upcoming shows include one on May 12 at Moon Romantic in Aoyama, where they will share the stage with Nakamura Kaho and her band, and each of the two bands will play one song each in turn without a pre-decided set list! Check out P.O.P's full schedule here.

P.O.P "Fresh & Step" (Download)
P.O.P "FRESHにSTEP"

indahouse
Out now (4/12)
Sample/buy: , Amazon MP3 U.S., Amazon MP3 Japan, OTOTOY

Video clip

Making clip

Yukawa Shione releases a first full-length album under the sione name, a new project in which she sings without using words. The album was produced and arranged by world's end girlfriend who also produced EP "Golden Age" released last year. Strings, harp, piano, synthesizers and other electronic instruments are used.

An in-store live will be held at Tower Records Shibuya (6F) on release day Saturday April 15 from 16:00. It will be her first performance as sione! Those who buy the album there can participate to an autograph session. Details here.

sione "ode"

1. Birds　
2. Wealth of Flowers
3. Nocturn
4. ivy
5. The Seeker
6. Plein Soleil
7. Golden Age
8. The Hole in Your Heart
9. Harvest
10. I saw you one time
11. Kemono
12. Coda

Virgin Babylon Records VBR-040
Out 4/15, ¥2450 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Wealth of Flowers"

Trailer clip #1

Trailer clip #2

Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde is releasing a new live album of a show held at the Shibuya Cultural Center on December 17, 2016. The show was divided in "devil" and "angel" segments, and the audience had to vote for the one they preferred. The show's finale honored the winning side.

The regular edition consists of a CD & DVD set, while a limited CD-only special-priced edition (with some songs removed) is also available.

An in-store event will be held at Tower Records Shinjuku on April 12 (release day) from 21:00. Urbangarde can also be seen at Yatsui Festival 2017 on June 17. And on June 18, leader Matsunaga Temma will hold his first solo concert at Shinjuku JAM. Check out the full live schedule on the official site.

Urbangarde "Urbangarde 2016 Xmas Special Hall Live Tenshi des Akuma"
アーバンギャルド 「アーバンギャルド2016 XMAS SPECIAL HALL LIVE 天使 des 悪魔」

CD
1. Overture
2. Akuma des Akuma
3. kizudarake no Maria
4. Onepiece shinjū
5. Femme Fata Fantasy
6. Zombie Powder
7. mizutamabyō
8. Agape Song
9. tenshi ni shiyagare
10. hako otoko ni kike
11. tokai no Alice
12. daihakai kōkyōgaku
13. datenshi Pop
14. ichigo ure
15. Akuma des Akuma (Reprise)

DVD
1. Overture
2. Akuma des Akuma
3. kizudarake no Maria
4. Onepiece shinjū
5. Femme Fata Fantasy
6. jidori nyūmon
7. Zombie Powder
8. mizutamabyō
9. Agape Song
10. tenshi ni shiyagare
11. My Number Song
12. Lolita fuku to kikanjū
13. hako otoko ni kike
14. tokai no Alice
15. daihakai kōkyōgaku
16. datenshi Pop
17. Yameru Idol
18. ichigo ure
19. Akuma des Akuma (Reprise)
Bonus footage
1. Matsunaga Temma Freestyle "Tenma des Tenma"
2. shijin gari

Regular edition (CD+DVD)
Fabtone Records FBAC-021
Out 4/12, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon (19% off *), HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, Amazon with bonus promo CD (while supplies last / no discount)
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Limited special-priced CD
1. Overture
2. Akuma des Akuma
3. kizudarake no Maria
4. Onepiece shinjū
5. Femme Fata Fantasy
6. mizutamabyō
7. Agape Song
8. tenshi ni shiyagare
9. tokai no Alice
10. daihakai kōkyōgaku
11. datenshi Pop

Limited special-priced edition (CD only, with less tracks)
Fabtone Records FBAC-022
Out 4/12, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon (no promo CD), HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, Amazon with bonus promo CD (while supplies last)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Digest clip

Dé Dé Mouse (who now writes his name with accents aigus) has a new album coming soon! This is his 6th album, and the follow-up to "farewell holiday!" (2015). Included are 11 songs, one of which is a collaboration with Brooklyn band Anamanaguchi. Check out this special site.

Early copies include a limited bonus CD of track "bother nights", while the digital album on iTunes contains another bonus track titled "bother days".

A band-style one-man show will be held at Daikanyama Unit on April 28, followed by an all-night event that will also feature Daito Manabe, Pa's Lam System, Quarta 330 and more. A tour will follow in May, with even an appearance in France at festival La Magnifique Society 2017 on May 20 and 21 (also featuring YMCK, Seiho, Wednesday Campanella, etc.).

Also, a free in-store mini-live will be held at Tower Records Shinjuku 7F on April 23 from 21:00, followed by an autograph session for those who bought the CD there.

DÉ DÉ MOUSE "dream you up"

1. get you back
2. face to face
3. bent
4. dream you up
5. chase after chase
6. rock you up
7. as you like it
8. flesh! + blood
9. whimsy love
10. hand on your hand
11. pump it up (feat. Anamanaguchi from NY)

not records NOT-0015
Out 4/12, ¥2200 (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.

Audio sampler

Album trailer clip

Tour trailer clip

Saoriiiii has a new song out now on iTunes! The electro track was written and produced by SAWA, and it was recorded and mixed by Sasaki Kissa (Recoride).

On June 24 will be held event "Honey" at Lounge Neo in Shibuya from 12:00, with Saoriiiii, SAWA, Aira Mitsuki, The Lady Spade & more! Tickets are available at Peatix.

Saoriiiii "Freepass License" (Download)
Saoriiiii 「フリーパス・ライセンス」

Saoriiiii
Out now (4/5)
Sample/buy: , Amazon MP3 Japan, Amazon MP3 U.S., OTOTOY

Sampler clip

Here's a 3rd album by Dustin Wong & Takako Minekawa! It has already been 2½ years since "Savage Imagination" (2014).

Label 7 e.p. gives away an original hologram sticker when ordering directly. Those outside of Japan should follow the link to instructions for international orders.

The two will be doing a release tour through Japan this April (all dates here). There seems to be no date for Tokyo yet, but on May 15 they will open for "Why?" (U.S.) at Shindaita Fever. Tickets are on sale.

Dustin Wong & Takako Minekawa "Are Euphoria"

1. 7000000000 Human Elements
2. Benbelo
3. Zaaab
4. Yaikele Ya Ma
5. Akubi
6. Haha Mori
7. Elastic Astral Peel

7 e.p. EPCD-099
Out 4/5, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, (World), (Japan), Spotify
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Electric Astral Peel"

Commercial clip

Audio samples

This new live Blu-ray/DVD from Perfume is about their latest tour that followed the release of album "Cosmic Explorer", and it contains not one but two full shows! The first disc is of a show held at Osaka Kyocera Dome last October, and the 2nd is of another show at Makuhari Messe from June 2016.

The limited edition contains a bonus disc of a digest of the U.S. tour plus other bonus footage, while the regular edition has a short digest added to the 2nd disc.

CDJapan, HMV and other retailers give away a poster (A2 size) while supplies last.

Perfume will hold event "Perfume FES!! 2017" on June 2 and 3 at Makuhari Messe, sharing the stage with Denki Groove on June 2 and Chatmonchy on June 3. Tickets go on sale April 29. Details here.

Perfume "Perfume 6th Tour 2016 'COSMIC EXPLORER'" (Blu-ray/DVD)

Limited edition
Disc1
- Perfume 6th Tour 2016 "COSMIC EXPLORER" Dome Edition
Disc2
- Perfume 6th Tour 2016 "COSMIC EXPLORER" Standing Edition -Live Experience Edit-
Bonus Disc
- U.S.A. TOUR 2016 ULTRA DIGEST (Original sound & commentary)
- gotōchi P.T.A. & MC
- 3:5:6:9 Shuffle Player

Regular edition
Disc1
- Perfume 6th Tour 2016 "COSMIC EXPLORER" Dome Edition
Disc2
- Perfume 6th Tour 2016 "COSMIC EXPLORER" Standing Edition -Live Experience Edit-
- U.S.A. TOUR 2016 SHORT DIGEST

Limited edition (3 discs) (Blu-ray (Region A))
Universal UPXP-9007
Out 4/5, ¥9250 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Limited edition (3 discs) (DVD (Region 2))
Universal UPBP-9009
Out 4/5, ¥8250 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (13% 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 discs) (Blu-ray (Region A))
Universal UPXP-1010
Out 4/5, ¥6500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (13% 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 discs) (DVD (Region 2))
Universal UPBP-1010
Out 4/5, ¥5500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Teaser

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single coming in time for Easter, and it's called "Easta"! Both new songs were produced by Nakata Yasutaka, and are used respectively in commercials for Aeon's Easter campaign and Glico's "Ice no mi". An extended version of previous single "Sai & Co" is included too. The limited editions comes as a photo book.

Released at the same time is a Blu-ray/DVD of last year's "KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR"'s final show held at Nippon Budokan on August 19, 2016. The limited editions come with "VR experience glasses".

A free event will be held at Aeon LakeTown (Saitama) on Tuesday April 4 from 15:30 at the "R parking lot". Those who buy the new single at the venue will be allowed to view from a special area and participate to a handshake session. Details here.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Easta"
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「良すた」

1. Easta
2. todoke Punch
3. Sai & Co -extended mix-
4. Easta -instrumental-
5. todoke Punch -instrumental-

Limited edition (CD+Photo book)
Warner WPCL-12624
Out 4/5, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition
Warner WPCL-12610
Out 4/5, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in Nippon Budokan" (Blu-ray/DVD)
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in Nippon Budokan」

1. KPP ON STAGE
2. 5iVE YEARS MONSTER
3. minna no uta
4. kimi ni 100 Percent
5. CANDY CANDY
6. Ninjya Re Bang Bang
7. Invader Invader
8. furisodeshon
9. otona na kodomo
10. Crazy Party Night ~Pumpkin no gyakushū~
11. Cosmetic Coaster
12. KISEKAE
13. do do pi do
14. Scanty Skimpy
15. Cherry Bonbon
16. Family Party
17. Mottai-Nightland
18. Kira Kira Killer
19. Fashion Monster
20. tsukematsukeru
21. Mondai Girl
22. Unite Unite
23. PONPONPON
24. Sai & Co

Limited edition Blu-ray (Region A)
Warner WPZL-90134
Out 4/5, ¥7500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Limited edition DVD (Region 2)
Warner WPZL-90132
Out 4/5, ¥6500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (13% 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 Blu-ray (Region A)
Warner WPXL-90150
Out 4/5, ¥6000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (13% 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 DVD (Region 2)
Warner WPBL-90423
Out 4/5, ¥5000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Easta" (Full ver.)

Aeon TV commercial: "Easta"

Part of Konishi Yasuharu's 7" single project that aims to release J-Pop songs that he had been wanting on 7" for his DJ sets, here are two more that made it to record shop shelves just recently.

The first is Watanabe Marina's "Birthday Boy" and "Night and Sundial" (Japanese title "yoru to hidokei"), both produced by Ozawa Kenji after the split-up of Flipper's Guitar and before he moved on to his solo career. Both were originally included on her "Happy Birthday ep" CD (1992).

The other one is of singer Hiyajō Atsuko, containing the album version of her 4th single "maware maware" and for B-side 3rd single "Sweet Rhapsody". Both were part of album "sasayakareta yume no hanashi" (1999).

Like the Pizzicato Five 7"'s released in February, both were mastered by Bernie Grundman and pressed by Rainbo Records (U.S.).

Watanabe Marina "Birthday Boy" (7")
渡辺満里奈 「バースデー・ボーイ」

A. Birthday Boy
B. Night and Sundial

Great Tracks/Sony Music Direct MHKL-3
Out now (3/22), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Hiyajo Atsuko "maware maware" (7")
比屋定篤子 「まわれ まわれ」

A. maware maware
B. Sweet Rhapsody

Great Tracks/Sony Music Direct MHKL-4
Out now (3/22), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

DJ Fukutake, who selected the great "Yava-kayō" mix CD series, is back with this trio of compilations under a "Toy Character Pop" theme! Respectively subtitled "Hero & Hit", "Fancy & Kawaii" and "Video Game", each compilation is filled with Shōwa-era tunes ranging from famous ones to rarities, including many tracks available for the first time ever on CD. There's aren't mix CDs, all songs are included in full-length to the collectors' greatest pleasure.

On April 15 from 19:00, a free in-store event will be held at the HMV record shop newly opened in coppice Kichijōji. Actually, two more in-store events are held the same day, at Disk Union dues Shinjuku from 13:00 and Mandake Nakano Broadway 4F from 16:00. Buying one of the three CDs at each of the venues and going to all three events will get you a special bonus! Details can be found here.

For information on DJ events with DJ Fukutake, watch his Twitter. Happening soon is J-Pop event "Arakemo." on April 8 at Shibuya Dimension from 15:00 to 21:00. Also regular wamono event "wamono Jamboree" will be held next on May 21 at fu-chi ku-chi in Shimokitazawa from 15:00 with DJ Fukutake, Sally Kubota and others, and a live set by Wakita Monari.

Various Artists "Toy Chara Pop Collection Vol.1 <Hero & Hit Edition>"
オムニバス 「トイキャラポップ・コレクション VOL.1 <ヒーロー&ヒット編>」

(Title / Artist)
1. Toy Chara Pop Collection (Hero & Hit Edition) CM / Takano Mandokoro
2. henshin Cyborg 1 gō / Takeo Tomoharu/Teichiku jidōgasshōdan
3. henshin March / Takeo Tomoharu/Teichiku jidōgasshōdan
4. kyuryu Cyborg Machine Zaw Ra / Ikeda Kō
5. ore no Machine Zaw Ra / Ikeda Kō
6. Astro-mu 5 no uta / Tanaka Seiji - gakudan komadori *
7. FUNKY dakko No.1 / Haruophone (Narration: Sam)
8. Tarō-koi / Maki Noriyuki
9. suteki na Summer Boy / CHIKA *
10. shiokaze no Circuit / Hidaka Noriko
11. TRY TO JUMP ~akiramenai de~ / Hidaka Noriko
12. DASH!! - Racer Mini-yonku no Theme
13. Mini-yon Fighter kumitate uta / Mini-yon Fighter & Maecha
14. Gokiburikko junjō / Gokiburi Kings *
15. Gokiburi kazoku daikōshin / Gokiburi Kings *
16. machikado Graffiti (namida no Ochinai-kun) / Hip Up
17. Ochinai kouta / Hip Up *
18. sekai o mawaru Hula Hoop / Kaneko Tomie *
19. Hula Hoop Romance / Shirane Kazuo, Kusaba Hikaru *
(* First time on CD)

Solid Records CDSOL-1780
Out now (3/22), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Various Artists "Toy Chara Pop Collection Vol.2 <Fancy & Kawaii Edition>"
オムニバス 「トイキャラポップ・コレクション VOL.2 <ファンシー&カワイイ編>」

(Title / Artist)
1. Toy Chara Pop Collection (Fancy & Kawaii Edition) CM / Maki Mariko
2. ichigo musume / Irene *
3. ichigo no koi / Irene *
4. ano ko wa Kitty / HELLO KITTY *
5. Hello Kitty / HELLO KITTY *
6. minna issho ni / PATTY&JIMMY *
7. Patty Patty wa onna no ko Jimmy Jimmy wa otoko no ko / PATTY&JIMMY *
8. anata no tomodachi Kiki to Lala / LittleTwinStars *
9. futagoboshi / LittleTwinStars *
10. sore wa nai yo koneko chan / Romeo *
11. shiawase iro no neko / Romeo *
12. dare ka to dare ka Kitty to Mimmy / Kitty (Shiraishi Fuyumi)/Mimmy (Koyama Mami)/Sakamoto jidōgasshōdan
13. oyasumi Kitty / Kitty (Shiraishi Fuyumi)/Mimmy (Koyama Mami)/Sakamoto jidōgasshōdan *
14. Scarlet-chan no uta / Cutie Q *
15. Licca-chan Trio / Kayama Rika, Izumi, Wataru
16. Licca-chan / Kayama Rika
17. Mama no uta / Kayama Rika *
18. Mama tōku e ikanai de / Kayama Rika *
19. yurete yurete / Winkle *
20. 8ji dayo! futago no Monchhichi / Asakura Rie
21. futago no Monchhichi tenshi / Asakura Rie
22. kyabetsubatake no kodomotachi / Mashita Konomi to kodomotachi
23. kyabetsubatake no tanjō Party / Mashita Konomi to kodomotachi *
24. Wonderful Kitty / UFO'S *
25. hoshi no mukō wa yume no kuni (Lullaby'84) / UFO'S *
26. KISS o sasete yo! / Masagoro
27. be-! / Masagoro

Solid Records CDSOL-1781
Out now (3/22), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Various Artists "Toy Chara Pop Collection Vol.3 <Video Game Edition>"
オムニバス 「トイキャラポップ・コレクション VOL.3 <ビデオゲーム編>」

(Title / Artist)
1. Toy Chara Pop Collection (Video Game Edition) CM / Takano Mandokoro
2. Disco Space Invader / Funny Staff *
3. DISCO CHURENPOHTOW / Itō Mayumi
4. Teddy - Boy Blues / Ishino Yōko
5. doki doki Do it bishatto bashatto Rock'n Roll gakkō hen / mirai dōji *
6. doki doki Do it sukisuki kurakura renai hen / mirai dōji *
7. Love Song sagashite / Makino Anna
8. Star Soldier no Theme / Takahashi Meijin
9. Angel Blue / Chiwaki Mayumi
10. Ultima - hitomi no Knife / Hidaka Noriko
11. Heart no jishaku / Hidaka Noriko
12. aishū Pucelle / Itō Miki
13. sayo Carnival / Itō Miki
14. Psycho Soldier / Shimizu Kaori
15. kizudarake no Blue Moon / Shimizu Kaori
16. Lisa no yōsei densetsu - FAIRY TALE (Long version) / Tachibana Risa
17. Invader ondō / Takatsuchi Shintarō *

Solid Records CDSOL-1782
Out now (3/22), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Commercial clip