Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Idol group Vanilla Beans announced recently that they will be quitting after a last single and last shows. That last single's details have now been announced. "going my way" is an upbeat song, while B-side "Last Song" is a ballad, both are themed around the end of the unit but with a look at the future. The jacket is a nostalgic nod to "Nicola" (2008), the first single that featured Rena and Lisa.

Tower Records gives away a "No Music, No Idol!" poster of a photo from the single's photo shoot, only at 15 physical stores (details here). Vanilla Beans' last in-store event will be held on October 3 from 19:00 on Shibuya Marui's rooftop. A special Vanilla Beans shop and gallery of artifacts is open on the 4th floor of Shibuya Marui until October 7.

Vanilla Beans' last one-man show will be held on October 6 at Shibuya Duo Music Exchange. A special last event will be held the next day on October 7 at Shinjuku ReNY, with guests including Negicco, lyrical school, Tokyo Girls Style and more. Find details on these and other remaining shows here.

Vanilla Beans "going my way"

1. going my way
2. Last Song
3. going my way (instrumental)
4. Last Song (instrumental)

T-Palette Records TPRC-0213
Out 9/18, ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

P.O.P, unit formed of twin rappers and trackmaker Saitō Ryōji, has a new digital single out now! "Summer Back Again" has a laid back feel with a rocking chorus. Check it out on iTunes, Spotify, etc.

A release part will be held on September 12 at Tsutaya O-nest in Shibuya, and will feature, P.O.P, Thai singer Na polycat, and electro band THREE1989. Check out the Facebook event page. Tickets are on sale.

P.O.P "Summer Back Again" (Download)

Libera Records
Out now (8/22)
Order: , Spotify, Amazon MP3 Japan, Amazon MP3 U.S., OTOTOY

Halfby is releasing a brand new album, 3 years after the excellent "Innn Hawaii" (2015). This 6th album features collaborations with Oh shu, Takai Kōki (Ahh! Folly Jet), Morino Yoshitaka (Handsomeboy Technique), Homecomings and Kikuchi Hitoshi (ex-Hotel Mexico). This is to be the last of his "Hawaii" series. Expect elegant pop tracks with an exotic resort feel.

Jet Set says that an original promo is being prepared.

HALFBY "LAST ALOHA"

1. Last Aloha
2. The Sun
3. Pearl City
4. Underwater
5. All Supported by Aloha
6. Diamond Head
7. kurikaesu
8. In & Out of Town
9. Waikiki Rain
10. Countryside
11. Beach of Memories
12. Honeymoon
13. The Wonderful World of Aloha (Album Version)

felicity PECF-1160
Out 9/5, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"kurikaesu feat. Oh shu"

"Diamond Head"

"The Wonderful World of Aloha" (Version different from the album)

Kaji Hideki has a brand new EP being released just ahead of fall. The EP's two lead songs take their theme from fashion magazine Olive (published from 1982 to 2003). Both of these songs were produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil and Iraiza, Dots+Borders), and co-arranged by band Otogivanashi. Also, the jacket uses an illustration by manga artist Okazaki Kyōko, and the booklet's photos were taken by the photographer who took Kaji's photos for his "Semi-charmed Life" column in Olive that ran for two years.

The two next songs were arranged by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke). "kimi wa chikara" was featured in NHK TV show "Shaki-n!", and "My Fav City" was heard in a TV commercial for Chiba Shinkin Bank. The last track is an ondō style song (as heard in Japanese traditional summer festivals) that was made for Peanuts Camp (read below).

A full-length album is also being planned for spring 2019!

The Peanuts Camp festival, curated by Kaji Hideki, is to be held this year on August 25 and 26. It will feature Nomiya Maki, DJ Konishi Yasuharu, Scha Dara Parr, Kaseki Cider, Sokabe Keiichi, SOLEIL, DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan (w/ guest Lisa of Vanilla Beans) and many more. Tickets are on sale.

Kaji Hideki "Autumn Olive"
カジヒデキ 「秋のオリーブ」
(Japanese title: "aki no Olive")

1. natsu no owari no Cecile Cut
2. Autumn Olive
3. kimi wa chikara
4. dai suki na machi — My Fav City —
5. Pea-cam ondō

Blue Boys Club / AWDR/LR2 DDCB-12104
Out 9/5, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"aki no Olive"

The Natsuyasumi Band, formed of piano, bass, drums plus steel drum and trumpet, has a new 7" single being released this month. The song "shinkirō" is a collaboration with band mitsume, featuring two drums, two basses and three guitars, and it comes ahead of album "eizō" to be released on September 5. The single's B-side is an exclusive remix by Dorian.

The Natsuyasumi Band will hold a 10th anniversary tour in September, with a show at eplus Living Room Cafe & Dining in Shibuya on September 23. Tickets are on sale.

The Natsuyasumi Band "shinkirō [TNB×mitsume]" (7")
ザ・なつやすみバンド 「蜃気楼 [TNB×mitsume]」

A. shinkirō [TNB×mitsume]
B. shinkirō [TNB×mitsume] (Dorian remix)

Vybe Music VB-1050
Out 8/29, ¥1750 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Jintana & Emeralds, neo-doo-wop group of Jintana and Kashif (both of the Yokohama-based Pacific Pan Playa collective), DJ Crystal (XTAL, (((sssurrounddd)))), and 3 female vocalists including hitomitoi, has a new single out this week! The A-side is a brand new song in collaboration with Mr.Melody (also of PPP), while the B-side is an ambient pop cover of The La's "There She Goes" that the group had been performing at shows.

Jintana & Emeralds "Summer Begins" (7")

A. Summer Begins
B. There She Goes (The La's cover)

P-Vine P7-6233
Out 8/18, ¥1715 (excl. 10% tax) (excl.tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Summer Begins" lyric video (Short ver.)

This is a 7" single cut from Natsu Summer's latest mini-album "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation" that was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei) and backed by a real band with drums and bass, organ, steel pan, etc. The B-side is a dub version by e-mura of album track "Japanese Reggae Woman".

The 7" will be sold a few days in advance on August 16 at the "One Night Dub Vibration!" show at Moon Romantic in Aoyama with a band of nine! It's still time to reserve. Details here.

Natsu Summer "Old School Surfer" (7")
ナツ・サマー 「オールドスクール・サーファー」

A. Old School Surfer
B. Steelpan Woman Dub

P-Vine P7-6234
Out 8/18, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Mini-album "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation" sampler clip

Her Serves & Receive (Japanese name "kanojo no Serves & Receive") is a girl vocal duo, and "future tennis icons", that has a gimmick of sporting tennis wear and a racket whenever performing live. Beyond the looks, their sounds have an addictive and soothing city pop feel, with music that involves producers such as Indonesian city pop band Ikkubaru, Matsuo Muneyoshi (ex-Instant Cytron) and Nagase Gorō (Instant Cytron). This first album was mixed and mastered by Satō Seiki (microstar). Included is a remix by Hasegawa Hakushi.

About the duo, Her Serves ("kanojo no Serve") aka Aogi (Twitter) came from Nagasaki, and Her Receive ("kanojo no Receive") aka Eri (Twitter) is an active highschooler on weekdays. They perform shows either as a pair or individually (Her Serves alone). At each of their shows a numbered tennis ball is served from the stage, recently reaching #100.

While they can be caught pretty much every weekend somewhere in Tokyo (watch their Twitter accounts), upcoming appearances include "Yokosuka Idol Carnival x Sunday Girls Special" on September 24 at Younger Than Yesterday in Yokosuka (w/ Yume to Cosme, Way Wave, Hirose Aina, Mia Nascimento, 3776, 963, Sokabe Keiichi and more) (details), and "marquee≠night 19" on September 29 at Tokiwadai Cave (w/ The Lady Spade, Milli Milli Bar, 963, pLumsonic and more). Check out their full schedule here.

Her Serves & Receive "Service Ace"
彼女のサーブ&レシーブ 「サービス・エース」

1. Racket Love
2. suki! ~ Love Magic
3. senpai Holic !!!
4. Wondering Girl
5. A Hungry Girl
6. koi wa nani iro
7. suki? ~Cross Road~
8. Cheerio!
9. Racket Love (Hasegawa Hakushi Remix)

Laughface Inc. PARKS-004
Out now (8/5), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Racket Love (Hasegawa Hakushi Remix)

Dé Dé Mouse has just released a 7th full-length album! This is the follow-up to album "dream you up" (2017), since which digital EP "via alpha centauri" was also released. Check out the two music videos below.

Amazon gives away a bonus CD of remix "don't stop the dance (acid & house mix)", while Tower Records gives away a bonus CD of new song "glass of heart" (only while supplies last). Also the iTunes album contains bonus track "to be continued".

A free in-store mini-live will be held on Sunday August 26 from 15:00 at Tower Records Shinjuku. Also a band set tour will take place with dates in Kyoto and Tokyo. The show on September 14 at Shibuya Tsutaya O-East will feature guitar, bass (members of Sawagi) and drums (from Lite). Tickets are on sale.

DÉ DÉ MOUSE "be yourself"

1. be yourself
2. love destination
3. charmed
4. back to love
5. don't stop the dance
6. lonely if
7. scat n' shout
8. next to you
9. flush
10. baby I love you

not records NOT0019
Out now (8/2), ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"be yourself"

"scat n' shout"

Perfume has a new 7th album coming this month! "Future Pop" is the follow-up to "Cosmic Explorer" (2016). As usual all songs are written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). Included are singles "Tokyo Girl", "If you wanna", "mugen mirai", as well as their B-sides "hōseki no ame", "Everyday" and "Fusion".

Both the limited and regular editions come with a Blu-ray or DVD of video clips, however the limited edition has 5 bonus tracks to the Blu-ray/DVD and also includes a bonus sticker.

An arena tour will be starting on September 21 and ongoing through December. Check out the tour's official site.

Perfume "Future Pop"

1. Start-Up
2. Future Pop
3. If you wanna
4. TOKYO GIRL
5. FUSION
6. Tiny Baby
7. Let Me Know
8. chō rairin
9. mugen mirai
10. hōseki no ame
11. tenkū
12. Everyday

Limited edition Blu-ray/DVD
1. TOKYO GIRL -Video Clip-
2. If you wanna -Video Clip-
3. Everyday -Video Clip-
4. mugen mirai -Video Clip-
5. Let Me Know -Video Clip-
6. Let Me Know -Making eizō-
7. TOKYO GIRL -hatsubai kinen Special Live-
8. If you wanna -hatsubai kinen Special Live-
9. TOKYO GIRL -2017/12/31 dai 68kai NHK Kōhaku Utagassen-
10. FUSION -Perfume x TECHONOLOGY presents "Reframe"-
11. Perfume no tadatada Radio ga suki dakara Radio! 3

Limited Blu-ray edition (CD + limited edition Blu-ray + sticker)
Universal Music UPCP-9020
Out 8/15, ¥4611 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (no poster) (20% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Limited DVD edition (CD + limited edition DVD (Region 2 NTSC) + sticker)
Universal Music UPCP-9021
Out 8/15, ¥4259 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (no poster) (20% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition Blu-ray/DVD
1. TOKYO GIRL -Video Clip-
2. If you wanna -Video Clip-
3. Everyday -Video Clip-
4. mugen mirai -Video Clip-
5. Let Me Know -Video Clip-
6. Perfume no tadatada Radio ga suki dakara Radio! 3

Regular Blu-ray edition (CD + regular edition Blu-ray)
Universal Music UPCP-1003
Out 8/15, ¥3685 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (no poster) (19% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular DVD edition (CD + regular edition DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Universal Music UPCP-1004
Out 8/15, ¥3333 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (no poster) (20% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Future Pop"

"Let Me Know" (short ver.)

"If you wanna"

"TOKYO GIRL"

"mugen mirai"

"Everyday - AWA DANCE edit -"

Teaser clip

chelmico, girl rap unit formed of MC Rachel & MC Mamiko, have a first major album out this week! Tracks were made in collaboration with U-zhaan ("Date"), Parkgolf, Mikeneko Homeless, ryo takahashi and Toshiki Hayashi (%C). The first pressing comes with a sticker.

A free in-store event will be held on Friday August 10 from 21:00 at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F). Also a one-man live will be held on September 7 at Shibuya WWW X. Tickets are on sale. Check out their full schedule here.

chelmico "POWER"

1. Power
2. Player
3. OK. Cheers!
4. Get It
5. BANANA
6. Summer Time
7. UFO
8. E.P.S.
9. Good Morning
10. Date
11. Highlight
12. gogo
13. Love Is Over (1UP Version)

unBORDE WPCL-12909
Out 8/8, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler clip

Crazy Ken Band, which has been celebrating its 20th anniversary, has a brand new album out now! In terms of original albums, this is the follow-up to "mō sukkari are nandayone" (2015). Included are four recent tie-up songs: "Soul Train" (NHK "burari tochugesha no tabi" ending theme), "yamabato Waltz" (from NHK "minna no uta"), "Garden" (Del Monte Lycopene Rich Tomato Ketchup TV commercial song) and "ohayo gozaimasu" (NHK "asaichi" Friday entertainment theme song).

The limited edition comes with two DVDs which contain a special show held on September 2, 2017 outside of Akarenga (Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse) celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band's formation.

A tour also titled "Going To A Go-Go" will start at the end of August and continue through November. Part of the tour is a special show at Yokohama Arena on September 24, which will mark the band's 20th anniversary since its debut.

Crazy Ken Band "Going To A Go-Go"
クレイジーケンバンド 「GOING TO A GO-GO」

1. GOING TO A GO-GO
2. eye catch * Departure
3. Soul Train
4. shuro
5. ZZ
6. GARDEN
7. ８８３
8. LOCOMOCO
9. yamabato Waltz
10. Setsuko
11. eye catch * Transit
12. SOUL tsū SOUL
13. yoru no Dodonpa
14. Parang tanga iyan
15. ponkotsu
16. MIDNIGHT BLACK CADILLAC
17. Honmoku Garage
18. ohayō gozaimasu
19. eye catch * Arrival
20. nopperabō

DVD 1 (Limited edition only)
1. Suzy Wong no sekai
2. GT
3. ☆☆☆☆☆
4. Ou Yang Fei Fei
5. taiyō no Playmate
6. Loco Loco Sunset Cruise
7. September
8. chukagai daisakusen / sekai, Nishihara shokai no sekai! (Bossa ver.) / Honmoku Beach Field / Honmoku shiyō no Surfer Girl
9. kemuri / zakuro / migite no aitsu
10. Thai ni ikitai / romen densha
11. Singapura
12. Lantern
13. Towel / ongaku ryoku with Full Of Harmony × ISO from I.S.O.P.
14. Midnight Cruiser / Boxfish Paradise / Macaroni Italian / SUMMER ANTHEM with RHYMESTER / nikutai kankei part2 feat. RHYMESTER
15. 37℃
16. Bomb!Cute!Bomb! / HONOLULU BBQ
17. BRAND NEW HONDA
18. gyaku yūnyū Twist
19. LADY MUSTUNG with IKURA
20. ryūsei Drive

DVD 2 (Limited edition only)
Encore
21. furyō Club
22.Let's Go CKB / Tiger & Dragon / Tiger & Dragon (ska ver.) with CHIBOW from SKA9
23. Marine Tower Go Go / tatsunootoshigo / Yokohama tasogare / Hama no Theme / Wonderful days with FIRE BALL
24. ikiru.
Encore2
25. hakkō! shinya-zoku
26. ai no sekai
27. Hayama Twist
28. Girlfriend

Limited edition (CD + 2 DVDs (Region 2 NTSC))
Universal Music UMCK-9958
Out now (8/1), ¥7000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
Universal Music UMCK-1603
Out now (8/1), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"GOING TO A GO-GO"

Digest clip

Fender Rhodes musician Ino Hidefumi has a new 7" single out now! Both vocal songs have music written by myself, and the A-side "Skytree" has lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu. It was pressed at Toyokasei in Japan and is limited to 500 copies.

A 7th album titled "Song Album" will be released on October 10.

Ino Hidefumi "Skytree / Witchcraft" (7")
イノヒデフミ 「スカイツリー / 魔法」

A. Skytree
B. Witchcraft

Innocent Record IREP011
Out 8/1, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only