Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Hosono Haruomi is releasing an album titled "Hochono House", a rearranged and re-recorded version of his hit album "Hosono House" (1973). Tracks are in the backwards order, starting with "aiaigasa" and ending with "Rock-a-Bye My Baby".

CD and vinyl editions will be released at the same time. The vinyl edition comes on two records. Some retailers give away a promo postcard while supplies last. Check the links below.

Hosono Haruomi will play two shows at Gramercy Theatre in New York on May 28 and 29, and at Mayan Theatre in L.A. on June 3.

Hosono Haruomi "Hochono House"
細野晴臣 「HOCHONO HOUSE」

1. aiaigasa ~Broken Radio Version~
2. Rose and Beast
3. koi wa momoiro
4. jūsho futei mushoku teishūnyū
5. fuku wa uchi oni wa soto
6. Party
7. fuyugoe
8. owari no kisetsu
9. Choo Choo gatagoto - America hen
10. boku wa chotto - natsu hen
11. Rock-a-Bye My Baby

CD edition
Speedstar VICL-65086
Out 3/6, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Vinyl edition
Speedstar VIJL-60196
Out 3/6, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Learners have a new 7" single being released this March! There's already a video for A-side "Always On My Mind", a cover of a 1969 song (and later covered by Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, etc.), while the B-side is a take on a song by Sheryl Crow from her debut album "Tuesday Night Music Club" (1994). The jacket is an illustration by Harada Osamu.

The release comes with a download code, and is limited to 1000 copies.

Learners can be seen live this Sunday February 24 at event "Choice vol.17" held at Basement Bar & Three in Shimokitazawa. The event is from 15:30 until 21:00 and 10 bands will perform. Details here.

Learners "Always On My Mind" (7")

A. Always On My Mind
B. Strong Enough (Girls Wonder Mix)

KiliKiliVilla KV-079VL
Out 3/20, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Always On My Mind"

Buffalo Daughter's 4th and 5th albums "Pshychic" (2003, Amazon) and "Euphorica" (2006) are being released for the first time on vinyl! They come as two-disc sets (12"+7" and 12"+10" respectively) and each is limited to 300 copies.

Buffalo Daughter "Pshychic" (12"+7")

A1. Cyclic
A2. Pshychic A-Go-Go
B. 303
C. Chihuahua Punk
D. S.O.I.D.

Buffalo Ranch/Jet Set BDV19001
Out 3/13 5/15, ¥3600
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower (Japan only)

Buffalo Daughter "Euphorica" (12"+10")

A1. Mutating
A2. Beautiful You
A3. Peace
B1. Sometime Lover
B2. Bird Song
B3. Elephante Marinos
C1. Lost Guitar
C2. Winter Song
D1. Deo Volente
D2. Three-bass (remix)

Buffalo Ranch/Jet Set BDV19002
Out 3/13 5/15, ¥4100
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower (Japan only)

Follow-up to "okkasan ni kiite minai to wakaranai" (2015) and including recent singles "Fresh ni Step", "Kiss me" and "Summer Back Again", here's a brand new 3rd album from P.O.P, group of twin rappers and trackmaker Saitō Ryōji! Also included is a self-cover of "Tokyo Chewing Gum", a song written for idol rap unit Rhymeberry, as well as many brand new tracks.

Two one-man shows will be held following the release, on May 6 at Heaven's Rock Utsunomiya (the rappers' home town), and on May 23 at Shibuya Club Asia.

P.O.P "itsumo Street"
P.O.P 「いつもストリート」

1. FRESH ni STEP
2. YOU COULD BE MINE
3. gomenne Sorry
4. Tokyo Chewing Gum Brothers
5. Beer like making love
6. Yes or No
7. yo yo yo
8. Marcie
9. Kiss me
10. SUMMER BACK AGAIN
11. omoshiroi ze
12. minna In Da House
13. Youngman
14. motto motto P.O.P
15. pi- (CD exclusive)

Libera Records LBR-001
Out 3/13, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"gomenne Sorry"

"SUMMER BACK AGAIN" (3D 360°ree; VR)

"Kiss me" (3D 360°ree; VR)

"FRESH ni STEP"

Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) who just turned 17 recently has a brand new song out today digitally! "Winter Lil Life" is as usual produced by Yuppa (HNC), and it features young Hokkaido rapper Sleet Mage (YouTube channel). This is her first brand new track since album "Teenage Diary" (aside from the remix "2 Live In A Real World (Remix) feat. Normcore Boyz").

Also check out MANON's latest video for "Gomenne Girl".

MANON will be part of all-day party "Feelin' Fellows 2019" on Sunday May 19 at Ebisu Liquidroom, along with Learners, Kaji Hideki, Koncos, Sokabe Keiichi, Magic Drums & Love and many more, with DJs HNC, Konishi Yasuharu, etc. Details here.

MANON "WINTER LIL LIFE feat. Sleet Mage" (Download)

Caticorn Records
Out now (2/22)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

SOLEIL's 2nd album "SOLEIL is Alright" is being released on vinyl! As it has been with all their recordings and releases so far, this vinyl edition will also be in mono. All of the 12 songs from the album are included.

Songwriters include Takanami K-tarō (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five), Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), microstar, Sawabe Wataru (Skirt), Moriwaka Kaori (ex-Go-Bang's), Harada Shinji, and of course members Sally Kubota and Nakamori Yasuhiro. There's also a cover of Barry Gray's "UFO" theme song.

SOLEIL has been on a break temporarily for singer Soleil's studies, but they will come back at the end of March. Their first show on March 30 is already sold out. Hopefully there will be lots more to look forward to this year!

SOLEIL "SOLEIL is Alright" (12")

A1. My Sweet Fifteen
A2. Baby Boo
A3. La Petite Voleuse
A4. Late Summer Silhouette
A5. My Emo-Coloured Corazon
A6. The Beginning of Love
B1. Bittersweet Graduation
B2. Sweet Boy
B3. Hong Kong Chang
B4. Every Day Every Night
B5. Fever of Love
B6. UFO

Vivid Sound/High Contrast HCR-9681
Out 3/20, ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"My Sweet Fifteen" (short ver.)

Teaser clip

Nomiya Maki's solo album "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings" was released in July 2000 (back when Pizzicato Five was still active) and it is finally being re-issued! The album had a theme of Maki being a jetsetter and travelling across the world, and she really did record four of the songs in Capri, Italy! Maki wrote lyrics for many of the songs. Aside from all ten original versions, a bonus track of a collaboration with Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band) that only appeared on compilation "La Génération Readymade 2000" is also included.

The album contains songs produced by Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto) (with Sean Ono Lennon on bass and lyrics co-written by Yuka, Sean and Shinohara Tomoe), Towa Tei, Suzuki Keiichi, Iwamura Manabu, Montefiori Cocktail, VIP 200, Instant Cafe Records (co-arranged & programming by Yoshida Tetsuto) and Heesey (The Yellow Monkey). Covers of Piero Umiliani's "Topless Party" and Kiss' "Hard Luck Woman" are included.

Check out the video below for "Baby" produced by Towa Tei.

Nomiya Maki "miss maki nomiya sings (Re-issue)"
野宮真貴 「miss maki nomiya sings」

1. star struck (produced by Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto))
2. Baby (produced by Towa Tei)
3. Fiorella with the Umbrella (produced by VIP 200)
4. Ginza Red Oui Oui (produced by Instant Cafe Records)
5. Arrivederci a Capri (produced by Montefiori Cocktail)
6. taiyo no mashita (produced by Suzuki Keiichi)
7. Nicola (produced by Iwamura Manabu)
8. Topless Party (produced by VIP 200)
9. My Bossa Nova (produced by Montefiori Cocktail)
10. Hard Luck Woman (produced by Heesey (The Yellow Monkey))
11. chikyu o 7kaihan maware (Bonus Track) (collaboration with Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band))

Nippon Columbia COCP-40774
Out 3/20, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Baby" (Short ver.)

Hoshino Michiru, who just started her very own label "yoi Record gaisha" (translates to "Good Record Company") at the end of last year, has a brand new EP being released! Included are three songs of which she wrote the music herself, plus another written by and featuring Smooth Ace ("sayonara Blue Bird"). "gyakkō" has lyrics written by Iizumi Yūko (microstar) while "Rock'n'Roll Apple Pie" has lyrics by Michiru herself. "ganbare!" is an acapella that revisits her roots with an early solo song from when she was still part of AKB48. It has lyrics written by the group's producer Akimoto Yasushi.

This new EP is produced by Sally Kubota (SOLEIL, The Scooters), and the art direction and jacket photography was done by Shindō Mitsuo. The arranger is Okada Yumi who also does all of SOLEIL's arrangements.

On March 3, a special café live show will be held at fuchikuchi in Shimokitazawa (details), accompanied by cello and percussion. The new CD will be sold in advance there. And on April 27 there will be a daytime release party at "Haretara sora ni mame maite" in Daikanyama (details) with the same members plus special guest Sally Kubota!

Hoshino Michiru "gyakkō"
星野みちる 「逆光」

1. gyakkō
2. Rock'n'Roll Apple Pie
3. sayonara Blue Bird
4. ganbare!
5. gyakkō (Instrumental)
6. Rock'n'Roll Apple Pie (Instrumental)
7. sayonara Blue Bird (Instrumental)

yoi Record gaisha YRCD-0001
Out 3/6, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler clip

In the 80's, based on the Chikada Haruo album of the same name, director Tezka Macoto (son of Tezuka Osamu) created cult musical movie "The Legend of the Stardust Brothers" (1985, Japanese title "hoshikuzu kyōdai no densetsu") featuring Takagi Kan, Kubota Shingo, Togawa Kyōko, Issay and Ozaki Kiyohiko. This was the director's debut full-length movie.

And some 30 years later, sequel "The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers" was made, also a rock musical featuring some of the original cast plus lead actors Miura Ryōsuke and Takeda Kōhei, Arakawa Chika as the heroin, with also Inoue Jun (ex-The Spiders) and Natsuki Mari in important roles, and even an appearance by Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) among others. For this movie, new music was composed by Chikada Haruo, Akagi Chūji (Films), Takagi Kan, Kubota Shingo (Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys), Kubota Haruo and Saeki Kenzō (both of Pearl Brothers).

The new movie is being released as home video for the very first time, and the old one is in its best condition ever after a digital remaster. Both are excellent and must-see for music and movie fans! Unfortunately there are no English subtitles in these editions, though you might have luck finding them screened at international film festivals.

The movies are available as a deluxe Blu-ray boxed set (region free NTSC) including a bonus DVD of extra footage, a 36-page visual book, and also a 270-page storyboard book of the first movie and a set of 4 postcards. Each movie is also available individually on DVD (region 2 NTSC). The soundtrack of both movies is also already on sale.

A special show celebrating the release will be held on February 28 at haretara sore ni mame maite in Daikanyama (details), featuring a live show by Films (Akagi Chuji, Nakahara Nobuo, Bravo Komatsu, Kuge Yoshio, Hoppy Kamiyama and Chiwaki Mayumi), and a talk show with director Tezka Macoto and Issay.

Also, "The Legend of the Stardust Brothers" will be screened as part of the Glasgow Film Festival 2019 on February 22 (20:30) and 23 (15:45) at the Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA) Glasgow. Details here.

"The Legend of the Stardust Brothers" (DVD)
「星くず兄弟の伝説」
(1985, 100 minutes, no subtitles, Japanese title "hoshikuzu kyōdai no densetsu")

DVD edition (Region 2 NTSC)
Odessa Entertainment/NeonTetra OED-10548
Out 3/2, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (11% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers" (DVD)
「星くず兄弟の新たな伝説」
(2018, 128 minutes, no subtitles, Japanese title "hoshikuzu kyōdai no aratana densetsu")

DVD edition (Region 2 NTSC)
Odessa Entertainment/NeonTetra OED-10549
Out 3/2, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Stardust Brothers Legend BOX -Blu-ray Brothers- 'The Legend of the Stardust Brothers' / 'The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers: Super Complete Edition'" (Blu-ray boxed set)
「星くず兄弟 伝説BOX -Blu-ray Brothers- 『星くず兄弟の伝説』/『星くず兄弟の新たな伝説: 超完全版』」
(1985: 100 minutes, 2018: 128 minutes, + bonus DVD 118 minutes, no subtitles)

Blu-ray boxed set (2 Blu-ray discs, 1 bonus DVD, 36-page color visual book, 270-page storyboard book and 4 postcards)
Odessa Entertainment/NeonTetra OED-10547
Out 3/2, ¥12000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (26% off *), HMV (14% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"The Legend of the Stardust Brothers" (1985) Trailer

"The Legend of the Stardust Brothers" (1985) Remastered clip

"The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers" (2018) Trailer

Song "hoshikuzu kyōdai no densetsu" by Stardust Brothers
from "The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers" (2018)

Song "hoshikuzu kyōdai, tsuki e yuku" sung by Nomiya Maki
from "The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers" (2018)

Song "sakasama tenshi" sung by Candy Bunny (Arakawa Chika)
from "The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers" (2018)

Future tennis icon unit Her Serves & Receive's excellent first album "Service Ace" is being re-released as a "revised" edition. Included is the entire original album plus new track "One" that was contributed by Kobe pop group Sappy. The jacket artwork is brand new too!

Description from original post:
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 or Her Receive alone). At each of their shows a numbered tennis ball is served from the stage, recently reaching #100.

Also be sure to check out 7" cut "Cheerio! / Racket Love" out now! Samples of those two songs can be heard at Jet Set.

Upcoming shows in Tokyo include one on Sunday February 24 at Shibuya Lush in event "Beat Happening! Shibuya-teki Pop Music Match!" along with Machi Akari & Casio Boy, Koto and more. The event starts at 17:30. Also, Her Receive can be caught solo at daytime event "Beat Happening! Roppongi Pop Action" on release day Saturday February 23 at Roppongi Varit from 11:30.

Her Serves & Receive "Service Ace -kaitei ban-"
彼女のサーブ&レシーブ 「SERVICE ACE -改訂版-」

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)
10. One

Laughface Inc. LHFC-005
Out 2/23, ¥2315 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Racket Love (Hasegawa Hakushi Remix)"

Chikada Haruo, an artist active musically since 1970, released last November vocal album "chō jōdan dakara" which was his first original album under his name in 38 years. Just two months later he also released an instrumental album as unit LUNASUN, "Organ Heaven". Through the years he always been active under different names and with various bands or units. So it's about time for a greatest hits album!

With a focus on original songs of rock and vocal pop genres, this album takes its selection from labels King, Columbia and Victor. Included are many rare tracks, with many by his bands Chikada Haruo & Haruophone (active circa 1972-1978) and Chikada Haruo & Vibra-Tones (1981-1984). Also included is a brand new song by Chikada's latest band "katsuyōchū" (formed with long-time collaborators Tsuneda Yoshimi and Takagi Eiichi). All songs have been remastered.

The first pressing includes a random Chikada Haruo trading card (one of 8 different ones).

Chikada Haruo "Chikada Haruo Best ~ The Baddest Guy In The World"
近田春夫 「近田春夫ベスト〜世界で一番いけない男」

(Title / Artist)
1. Platic Moon / Chikada Haruo & Haruophone
2. High-Society / Chikada Haruo & Vibra-Tones
3. aa, Lady Hurricane (New Version) / Chikada Haruo
4. One Scene / Chikada Haruo
5. chō jōdan dakara / Chikada Haruo
6. koi no T.P.O. / Chikada Haruo & Haruophone
7. yume miru Bedtown / Chikada Haruo
8. koi no Silhouette / Chikada Haruo & Vibra-Tones
9. Roxy no yoru / Chikada Haruo
10. hoshikuzu kyōdai no densetsu / Chikada Haruo
11. gokigen Cabriolet / Chikada Haruo
12. yume no shizuku / Chikada Haruo & Vibra-Tones
13. kinyōbi no tenshi / Chikada Haruo & Vibra-Tones
14. La Niña jōnetsu no El Niño / Chikada Haruo
15. Cenderella / Chikada Haruo & Haruophone
16. sekai de ichiban ikenai otoko / Chikada Haruo
17. minna de Happy Birthday (New song) / katsuyōchū

Victor Entertainment VICL-65138
Out 2/27, ¥2778 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"chō jōdan dakara"

Members of Inokashira Rangers (on drums, bass, guitar, organ and piano), Wack Wack Rhythm Band (on trumpet and tenor sax), Your Song Is Good (on trombone) and Omoide yarō A team (OYAT) (on trumpet and tenor sax) join forces as a new super band called International Playboys!

This first 7" single contains "Twenty Twenty", a rock steady track from the soundtrack of movie "Parks" (2017), and new reggae track "Dry Run" that uses sampling of a patwa speech by U.S. former president Obama. Both songs were written, arranged and produced by Takagi Sōta (of Cat Boys).

International Playboys "Twenty Twenty / Dry Run" (7")
インターナショナル・プレイボーイズ 「Twenty Twenty / Dry Run」

A. Twenty Twenty
B. Dry Run

Parktone Records PARK1019
Out 2/22, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Digest clip

DJ Hasebe (aka Old Nick) (Twitter, Facebook) mixes recent R&B and hip-hop songs that connect with 90's Japanese sounds. Look out for songs by DJ Hasebe (including new song "Midnight Dreamin'") as well as many more that give an overview of today's scene. Check out the audio sampler mega-mix below, as well as videos of various the songs found on YouTube.

Various Artists "Manhattan Records Presents® Tokyo Neo 90s Groove mixed by DJ HASEBE"

(Artist / Title)
1. DJ HASEBE / Midnight Dreamin' feat. SALU & SIRUP
2. MALIYA / Breakfast In Bed feat. Ryohu
3. eill / HUSH
4. Mondo Grosso / One Temperature feat. Big-O
5. TWINKLE+ / There is feat. NIPPS, MARIA, GAPPER
6. Till / Overjoyed feat. Chinza Dopeness
7. TOKYO HEALTH CLUB / TAXI feat. Shimano Momoe (Remix)
8. maco marets & RICK NOVA / Cyan
9. iri / Slowly Drive
10. OLD NICK aka DJ HASEBE / Flash & Light, Magic & Night feat. Yakenohara
11. BASI / Cool like that
12. THREE1989 / UNIVERSE (Kan Sano Remix)
13. MSN / Machikaze
14. Tsubaki × Sweet William / Let me feat. CHICO CARLITO
15. SOIL&"PIMP"SESSION / comrade feat. Miura Daichi
16. Okamoto Emi / HIT NUMBER (EVISBEATS & PUNCH REMIX)
17. CBS / Stay Up All Night
18. Alfred Beach Sandal + STUTS / Horizon
19. MGF / D.I.G. feat. DJ WATARAI
20. TOSHIKI HAYASHI(%C) / kinmokusei feat. Suzuki Mamiko
21. illmore / Nonfiction feat. JIVA NeL MONDO & kiki vivi lily
22. pinoko / after pills
23. SIRUP / LOOP
24. underslowjams / meitei
25. Sokabe Keiichi / mixed night

Manhattan Records/Lexington LEXCD19001
Out 2/20, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler mega-mix

Many music videos of songs from this compilation after the jump.

Childish Tones (Twitter) is a band that plays rock'n'roll using nothing but toy instruments! This new 7" single is a collaboration with Usakura Beni (of Avandoned). Included are covers of Nick Lowe's "Cruel To Be Kind" and The La's' "There She Goes", both sung in Japanese.

While not yet released, the original pressing of 300 was completely reserved out so an additional 200 is being pressed. At this time CDJapan still seems to accept pre-orders, so it's best to hurry!

A release party will be held on Friday February 22 at Shimokitazawa Three, also featuring Magic, Drums & Love, Shinmura Tetsuya & John Yoko Rock Band, and Mocche Nagai Band. Details around here.

Childish Tones feat. Usakura Beni "Cruel To Be Kind / There She Goes" (7")
Childish Tones feat. 宇佐蔵べに 「恋のホワンホワン (Cruel To Be Kind) / ゼア・シー・ゴーズ」
(A-side Japanese title: "koi no howan howan")

A. Cruel To Be Kind
B. There She Goes

KiliKiliVilla KKV077VL
Out 2/20, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"There She Goes"

Live venue Saravah in Shibuya opened in December 2010 with the supervision of French artist Pierre Barouh (who passed away in 2016) and taking its name from his record label. The unique venue will close its doors on February 17, 2019.

This compilation album is a tribute by many musicians and artists who loved the venue, with a theme of French chanson. Featured artists include Soirée (the venue's producer), Nosa Reina, Gallantique Kazue (Hoshikuzu Scat), Koharu (of Charan-Po-Rantan) and many more.

A special event will be held on the last day (also release day) February 17. Check out Saravah's final schedule and details here.

Various Artists "chansoirée"
オムニバス 「シャンソワレ」

1. onegai Chanson / Soirée & Koharu
2. La Bohème (Charles Aznavour) / Matsumura Yūki
3. Di Doo Dah (Jane Birkin) / Nosa Reina
4. Plus je t'entends (Pia Colombo) / Minato Haruna
5. Caruso (Lucio Dalla) / Suzuki Yume
6. Le temps des cerises / Yuga
7. The Song from Moulin Rouge / Tamura Ryōta
8. Koshiji Fubuki 1965 Recital Opening Medley: Parlez-moi d'amour ~ Le marchand de bonheur ~ Je t'aimerai ~ Paris canaille ~ C'est si bon / Senorita Tomoyo & Umbre Lovemi & Himeshiro Punch
9. Laissez Moi Le Temps (Romuald) / Ricky
10. Comme ils disent (Charles Aznavour) / Gallantique Kazue
11. Mourir sur scène (Dalida) / Kaya
12. On ne vit pas sans se dire adieu (Mireille Mathieu) / Soirée
13. Marjolaine (Francis Lemarque) / Miura Kōichi
14. Tout le monde peut chanter sa chanson (Nicole Croisille) / All Stars

Nippon Columbia COCP-40733
Out 2/17, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Singer-songwriters Lang Lee (from Korea, also an active filmmaker, writer, etc.) and Shibata Satoko (from Japan) did a tour together of 7 cities in Japan in November 2016. A month after the "Runaway Tour", Lang Lee visited again to record these songs that were born during the tour. Hear the theme song "Run Away" in the music video below.

This release is limited to its initial pressing only.

Lang Lee & Shibata Satoko "Run Away"
イ・ランと柴田聡子 「ランナウェイ」

1. kagami dattara
2. nanigenai michi
3. Run Away
4. baka rōto
5. onaka ippa~i desu
6. Run Away (piano version)

Sweet Dreams Press SDCD-041
Out now (2/7), ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Run Away"

WHY@DOLL is an idol duo from Sapporo (Hokkaido) that combines great songs (and singing) with elegant and charming dances. Their new ep "Hey!" brings four new songs, two of which are written by Yoshida Tetsuto (and co-arranged by Hase Yasuhiro of Yume to Cosme), and the two others by unit Onigawara.

Several in-store events will be held to promote the release, including ones at Tower Records Shibuya (5F) on February 13 from 21:00 and on February 17 from 19:00, and also on release day February 12 at Ikebukuro Marui (7F event space) from 19:00.

Also a one-man tour will be held through March, starting on February 10 in Sapporo, and to end on March 24 at Shimokitazawa Garden. Osaka (February 24), Nagoya (March 17) and Tokyo shows will be backed by a live band, with an extra brass section in Tokyo. Find all details and their full schedule here.

WHY@DOLL "Hey!"

1. Que Sera Sera
2. futari de ikite yukereba
3. It's all right!!
4. Mr.boyfriend　
5. Que Sera Sera (Naked)　
6. futari de ikite yukereba (Naked)　
7. Que Sera Sera (Instrumental)
8. futari de ikite yukereba (Instrumental)
9. It's all right!! (Instrumental)
10. Mr.boyfriend (Instrumental)

T-Palette Records TPRC-0219
Out 2/12, ¥1852 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Que Sera Sera"

Teaser clip

Even though she has only released a CD-R so far, Kanou Emiri (Twitter) has been gaining a lot of attention lately for her songs that take straight inspiration from 80's new wave (despite her young age) while having a great dose of originality and keeping a good balance of kitsch and cool. Her songs are written and produced by herself, and she sings them live accompanied by funny-ish dance moves.

Here finally comes a first release, of her trademark song "gomenne" plus brand new song "Been With You", packaged as a 7" record. It's better to grab it early! For those interested by her CD-R EP, it seems to be available at CDJapan (via their proxy shopping service).

A release event (also celebrating her 24th birthday) will be held on February 13 at Shinjuku Motion. It will also feature Wakita Monari, Koto and Saka-Sama (details here). In-store events announced so far are on February 22 from 19:30 at HMV record shop Coppice Kichijoji, on February 24 from 13:00 at HMV record shop Shibuya, and on March 3 from 15:00 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta.

Kanou Emiri "gomenne / Been With You" (7")
加納エミリ 「ごめんね c/w Been With You」

A. gomenne
B. Been With You

Narisu Records NRSP-755
Out 2/13, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"EP.1" trailer clip
(The first song is "gomenne", thought the 7" version might be slightly different)

Original Love (aka Tajima Takao) has a brand new album coming this month! In terms of original albums this follows "Lover Man" (2015), since which single "Golden Time" (2016) and collaboration live album "Sessions" (2018, with Nagaoka Ryōsuke (Petrolz)) were also released.

The new album was recorded with early Original Love members as well as tour support musicians and more, including Kogure Shinya and Mashiro Megumi (both of Hicksville), Komatsu Shigeru (Nona Reeves), Murata Shige (Kuchiroro, Cubismo Grafico Five), Nagaoka Ryōsuke and many more. Rapper PUNPEE is also featured on song "Goodie Girl".

A limited edition comes with a 68-page photobook that follows Tajima Takao through one day. Songs "Zero Set" and "Goodie Girl" are available in advance on iTunes, Spotify, etc.

On April 13, an event titled "Melody Fair" will be held at Hibiya Yaon, featuring Scha Dara Parr, Tajima Takao (Original Love), D.A.N. and more. Meanwhile Tajima Takao can also be seen on March 31 at the Tokyo International Forum (Hall C). A tour as Original Love will also be held in June and July, to finish at Nakano Sunplaza on July 20.

Original Love "bless You!"

1. Acrobat tachi yo
2. Zero Set
3. AI Joe no Blues
4. Goodie Girl feat. PUNPEE
5. Happy Birthday Song
6. gumonfu
7. kūki - teikō
8. bless You!
9. itsumo te o furi
10. gyakkō

Limited edition (CD+Photobook)
Victor Entertainment VIZL-1527
Out 2/13, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
Victor Entertainment VICL-65123
Out 2/13, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"bless You!"

"Zero Set"

"Acrobat tachi yo"

"Goodie Girl feat. PUNPEE (Love Jam ver.)"
(Live performance different from the album)

Ema Grace (Facebook page, SoundCloud) is an imaginary idol made up with the help of Vocaloid and public domain images. It is the latest project of producer Ryoma Maeda (of Ryoma Maeda & Romantic Suiciders, and previously known as milch of source).

This first EP titled "FAKE" is now available digitally. The music is a mix of pop, electronica and noise. Check out the videos below and then go find the rest on your favorite platform!

Ema Grace "FAKE"

1. Stand By
2. Non-special Life
3. Humming For You
4. End of Capitalism
5. Girls

milch records
Out now (2/1)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

"Non-special Life"

"Stand By"

"End of Capitalism"

Digest clip

HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a new track out today digitally! "Wanna Dance!", a new dancefloor-oriented track with music written by PellyColo, is the follow-up to "Apéritif e.p" released last summer.

It has been announced that there will be two more new songs released digitally, in March and April, so stay tuned!

HALLCA can next be seen live on Wednesday February 6 at her own event "Tipsy Bar vol.2" at Grapefruit Moon in Sangenjaya (details), and then on Friday February 8 at event "Asobitarinai" at Daikanyama Loop (details).

HALLCA "Wanna Dance!" (Download)

HALLCA
Out now (2/1)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music