Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Fukuoka-based singer/model MANON (Instagram) has a brand new track out now digitally! The music was written by KM and the song features 16-year-old rapper LEX (SoundCloud). As always the whole is produced by Yuppa (HNC) who also co-wrote the lyrics with LEX.

This follows original "Winter Lil Life feat. Sleet Mage" (released in February) and a collaboration on Yackle's album "Frank Throw".

MANON "Air Kissing feat. KM & LEX"

Caticorn Records
Out now (6/28)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Wakita Monari has two new remixes out today digitally! Both are of the song "Peppermint Rainbow", and they're both remixed by its songwriter Arai Toshiya (Count Joke). The "Golden DX mix" is a dancefloor-oriented house mix, while "Swingin' Bigband Ver." is a jazzy version that Monari had been heard using in recent karaoke-style shows.

At the same time, Monari's latest album "Ahead!" (released on CD in July last year) was made available digitally. It contains the original version of "Peppermint Rainbow" as well as many other great songs. Check it out on iTunes, Spotify, OTOTOY (Hi-Res), etc.

Wakita Monari has a new single and a 3rd album coming in July, stay tuned for all details soon!

Wakita Monari "Peppermint Rainbow (Golden DX mix)" (Download)
脇田もなり 「PEPPERMINT RAINBOW (Golden DX mix)」

Vivid Sound
Out now (6/26)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY (Hi-Res)

Wakita Monari "Peppermint Rainbow (Swingin' Bigband Ver.)" (Download)
脇田もなり 「PEPPERMINT RAINBOW (SWINGIN' BIGBAND VER.)」

Vivid Sound
Out now (6/26)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY (Hi-Res)

Idol group avandoned, led by Usakura Beni, is back as a 6-piece, and finally here comes a brand new single! The title song was written by songwriter Tsuruuchi Hana and the music performed by band The Broken TV, while B-side "shohōsen" was written by Suganami Yū and produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji.

The single comes in two editions (types A & B), each with a previous song re-recorded with the new line-up.

A free in-store mini-live event will be held on Tuesday June 25 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta from 19:30. On Saturday July 6 there will be an event celebrating the release and also avandoned's 5th anniversary at Shibuya Deseo from 18:00. On release day, Beni will DJ at Disk Union's du cafe in Shinjuku, part of an event from 19:00 to 21:00.

avandoned "Margaret"
avandoned 「マーガレット」

1. Margaret
2. shohōsen
3. AFTER SCHOOL (2019 Ver.)

Type A
High Contrast HCCD9606
Out 6/26, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

1. Margaret
2. shohōsen
3. bakuhatsu suru Romance (2019 Ver.)

Type B
High Contrast HCCD9607
Out 6/26, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Margaret"

Coastlines is the recent instrumental unit of DJ/producer Masanori Ikeda (aka Mansfield) and keyboardist Kaneko Takumi (of cro-magnon). This is their first full-length album, following the release of two 7" EPs, and included are eight originals as well as covers of Ralph MacDonald's "East Dry Rive" and Azymuth's "Last Summer In Rio".

The album is also already available digitally on Spotify, iTunes, etc.

Coastlines "Coastlines"

1. Sunset Reflection
2. East Dry River
3. Coastline
4. Drifting Ice
5. My Fire
6. Woods And My Guitar
7. Half Moon Shadow
8. Last Summer In Rio
9. Maracas Bay
10. Down Town

Flower Records DQC-1630
Out 6/26, ¥2700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Last Summer In Rio"

Teaser clip

Girl duo WHY@DOLL have a new 7" single being released. A-side "futari de ikite yukereba" is taken from their latest EP "Hey!", while the B-side is a new 2019 mix of a song from a previous single ("kimi wa Steady" (2017)). Both have music written by Yoshida Tetsuto and co-arranged by him and Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme), with lyrics written by the two singers.

Band sets of WHY@DOLL can be seen on Monday June 24 at event "New days" at Daikanyama Loop (details), and at a solo show on Tuesday June 25 at Shibuya Glad (details). They can also be seen at an in-store event together with Enoshima Bakuso Gals (Kanou Emiri + Way Wave) on Wednesday June 26 at HMV record shop Coppice Kichijoji from 19:00 (details).

WHY@DOLL "futari de ikite yukereba / Love Story wa shūmatsu ni" (7")
WHY@DOLL 「ふたりで生きてゆければ c/w ラブ・ストーリーは週末に」

A. futari de ikite yukereba
B. Love Story wa shūmatsu ni (2019mix)

Narisu Records NRSP-756
Out 6/26, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"futari de ikite yukereba" in "Hey!" EP teaser clip

Self-produced new wave idol Kanou Emiri joins forces with soulful voiced sisters Way Wave in this new collaboration unit called Enoshima Bakusō Gals. Their first 7" single is titled "surume Boy" (surume = dried squid), a super catchy track written and produced by Emiri. The B-side is a remix by Yoshida Tetsuto. Check out the humorous video below!

Several in-store events will be held, with ones in Tokyo on June 26 at HMV record shop Coppice Kichijoji from 19:00 (a double event with WHY@DOLL), on June 30 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta from 13:00 and 15:00, on July 1st at Disk Union dues Shinjuku from 19:30, and on July 7 at HMV record shop Shibuya from 13:00 and 15:00.

Enoshima Bakusō Gals "surume Boy" (7")
江ノ島爆走ギャルズ 「スルメボーイ」

A. surume Boy
B. surume Boy -TETTO MIX-

Narisu Records NRSP-765
Out 6/26, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"surume Boy"
(Ending BGM: "surume Boy -TETTO MIX-")

HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a brand new song out now digitally! "Utopia"'s music was co-written by herself and Rillsoul, and arranged by Blackstone Village (unit of Rillsoul), with lyrics by HALLCA. This is her 5th song released this way since "Aperitif e.p" (2018).

HALLCA's next show will be event "Scramble" on Saturday June 29 at Daikanyama Loop, a daytime event that starts at 11:45 AM. Reservations can be done here.

HALLCA "Utopia" (Download)

Hallca
Out now (6/22)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Kenmochi Hidefumi, member and sound producer of Wednesday Campanella, has a new solo album out now! It had been 9 years since his previous solo album "Shakespeare" (2010). As the new album's title states, it has an overall juke/footwork taste. Check out some of his fresh new tracks in the videos below, and his YouTube channel for official audio of all tracks.

Kenmochi Hidefumi "Footwork"
ケンモチヒデフミ 「沸騰 沸く ～FOOTWORK～」
(Japanese title: "futtō waku ~FOOTWORK~")

1. Aesop
2. BabyJaket
3. RoboCop
4. Jaburo
5. Fish Sausage
6. Mountain Dew
7. Hippopotamus
8. Fight Club
9. Hacienda
10. Tiger Balm

KUJAKU CLUB KJKC-0001
Out now (5/15), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"BabyJaket"

"Fight Club"

"RoboCop"

"Tiger Balm"

Sota & Kashif is a collaboration of guitarist Kashif (Pan Pacific Playa) and keyboardist Takagi Sōta (of Inokashira Rangers, Cat Boys, etc.). Their first release is an instrumental cover of Santana's hit song "Europa" in two parts! The 7" comes with a download code.

Sota & Kashif "Europa Part 1 & Part 2" (7")

A. Europa Part 1
B. Europa Part 2

Parktone Records PARK1021
Out 6/19, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records ^†, ReggaeRecord.com
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Teaser clip

The theme of this 7th full-length album by Kinoco Hotel is said to have a concept of "danceable Kinoco Hotel". The album was co-produced by leader/singer-songwriter/hotel manager Marianne Shinonome and hit-maker (and her long time friend) Shimazaki Takamitsu. While keeping their original style, the psychedelic and garage sounds give a bit of place to pop, dance music and rock'n'roll, resulting in a sort of "Pet Sounds" or "Sergeant Pepper" of their discography. The art direction was done by Tokiwa Hibiki.

The album comes with a DVD (Region 2 NTSC) of the video clip for "Nude" as well as making-of footage.

Released at the same time is a limited 7" picture disc of two original songs that were previously only available on a CD sold at shows, and also a 2-LP edition of album "Playgirl dai makyō" (released on CD in 2017) that plays at 45rpm.

Kinoco Hotel have an upcoming solo show to celebrate their 12th anniversary on June 24 at Shinjuku Loft, just before the release. That will be followed by an album release tour of Japan through August. Several other events will be held meanwhile, so check their full schedule.

Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no ōgi"
キノコホテル 「マリアンヌの奥儀」

1. tenmado
2. Nude
3. ai no awa
4. Tokyo hyakke
5. Requiem
6. yukimachi Elegy
7. karei naru tsuigeki
8. kinoko daimeikyū no akumu
9. onna to onna wa kaiten mokuba
10. himitsu chōhōin shutsudō seyo

DVD
"Nude" music video + "Making of..." footage

King Record KIZC-541
Out 6/26, ¥3200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Kinoco Hotel "yūkan Scandoll / jukai no nettai" (7" picture disc)
キノコホテル 「有閑スキャンドール / 樹海の熱帯」

A. yūkan Scandoll
B. jukai no nettai

Voltage Records BQGS53
Out 6/26, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Kinoco Hotel "Playgirl dai makyō" (2x12")
キノコホテル 「プレイガール大魔境」

A1. Go Go Kinoco Hotel
A2. aijin kyōhan sekai
A3. kyūtai kansetsu
B1. atashi no Sniper
B2. akuma na Fuzz
B3. kōya e
C1. kaerazaru umi
C2. ai to kyōiku
C3. onedari Strange Love
D1. fūkei
D2. wakusei Mandragora

King Record JSLP114
Out 6/26, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Tokyo hyakke"

"Nude" (Short version)

Sampler clip

"atashi no Sniper" (from "Playgirl dai makyō")

Kudō Shizuka, who debuted as an idol in 1987, has a concept cover album being released that consists of covers of foreign songs under the theme "relax". Konishi Yasuharu has arranged and produced two songs, a cover of "Heartbreak Hotel" (performed by Elvis Presley, Connie Francis, etc.) in a arrangement that reminds of the King of Rock'n'Roll, and one of "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" (by Paul Anka, also performed by Michael Bublé) done in a jazzy ballad style.

Audio samples of all songs can be heard at CDJapan and other retailers. There's also an official page for the release here.

Kudō Shizuka "Deep Breath"
工藤静香 「Deep Breath」

(Original artist in parentheses)
1. Rumour Has It (Adèle)
2. I Wish You Love (Natalie Cole)
3. For Sentimental Reasons (Nat King Cole)
4. Come On A My House (Rosemary Clooney)
5. Put Your Head On My Shoulder (Paul Anka)
6. Turn Me On (John D. Loudermilk)
7. Shape Of You (Ed Sheeran)
8. Heartbreak Hotel (Elvis Presley)
9. Ex-Factor (Lauryn Hill)
10. How High The Moon (Ella Fitzgerald)

Pony Canyon PCCA-4790
Out 6/12, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Come On A My House"

Kaede of Negicco has officially started a solo career, and here comes a first solo mini-album on T-Palette Records! Included are songs written by Sokabe Keiichi (Sunny Day Service), Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo), Yamazaki Yukari (Kūki Kōdan), Kushibiki Sayaka, and Someya Taiyō (Lamp), with additional arrangements by advantage Lucy, Yoshida Ichirō (ex-Zazen Boys) and Taifū Club.

A free in-store event will be held on Monday June 17 at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F) from 19:00 (details). Also acoustic shows will be held on the following days, on Tuesday June 18 at Kichimu in Kichijoji (details), and on Wednesday June 19 at Fu-chi-ku-chi in Shimokitazawa. Both start at 19:30 (details).

Kaede "shinya. anata wa kyō o furikaeri, mata atarashii asa dane."
Kaede 「深夜。あなたは今日を振り返り、また新しい朝だね。」

1. atarashii uta
2. Cloud Nine
3. kirakira
4. anata wa tōku
5. Kaede no enkyori renai
6. hika rakuyō

T-Palette Records TPRC-0222
Out 6/18, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, Tower Records ^†, Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Kaede no enkyori renai"

"hika rakuyō"

"Cloud Nine"

Negicco's first album "Melody Palette" (2013) is being re-issued on color vinyl (two discs, red and white)! A vinyl edition had been released back in 2013, with the same tracklist, however it was sold only at Tower Records and had gone rare. This time it will be distributed more widely, although it is nevertheless a limited edition.

This album includes single "Idol bakari kikanai de" written by Konishi Yasuharu, as well as songs produced by Yoshida Tetsuto, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), tofubeats, Ram Rider, Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme), Cypress Ueno & Robert Yoshino, and Negicco's main producer connie.

This release is part of a Negicco vinyl re-issue project that will also bring single releases of "ai no Tower of Love" and "anata to Pop With You!" in July and August, and likely "koi no Express Train" and "Get It On!", and also early works collection "Negicco 2003~2012 -BEST-". Stay tuned.

Negicco "Melody Palette" (12")

A1. ai no Tower of Love
A2. anata to Pop With You!
A3. Idol bakari kikanai de
B1. imishin ☆ kamo dakedo
B2. sōshi sōai
B3. koi no EXPRESS TRAIN
B4. GET IT ON!
C1. Natashia
C2. Route Seven no kioku
C3. Negative Girls!
D1. Negicco kara kimi e
D2. Sweet Soul negi (grooveman's Jack Bounce Mix) remixed by grooveman Spot (ENBULL/Jazzy Sport/TettoryBLK)
D3. New Torino Love (banvox remix) remixed by banvox

T-Palette Records TPRV-0038
Out 6/17, ¥4630 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Idol bakari kikanai de"

Sampler clip of all songs presented by DJ Taro

More clips after the jump...

Singer Kai (ex-There There Theres, ex-Engawa) just started her solo career last April, and here comes her first solo release! The EP contains two original songs: title song "Moonlight - Tokyo" written by Yoshida Tetsuto, and "yūsei yori ai o komete" written by Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo). Three covers are also included, of Mita Hiroko's "Pink Shadow" (originally by Bread & Butter), Manabe Chiemi's "fushigi - shojo" and band Honjitsu Kyūen's "himitsu no tobira".

A release party will be held on release day June 12 at Shibuya Glad from 19:00 (tickets). Also, there will be several in-store events including ones on June 11 at Village Vanguard Shibuya (from 19:30), on June 14 at Tower Records Shibuya (from 20:00), on June 15 at HMV record shop Coppice Kichijoji (from 15:00), and on June 18 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta (from 19:30). Check out her full schedule here.

Kai "Moonlight Tokyo"
カイ 「Moonlight Tokyo」

1. yūsei yori ai o komete
2. Pink Shadow
3. fushigi - shōjo
4. himitsu no tobira
5. Moonlight - Tokyo

Trash-Up!! Records TUR034
Out 7/12, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"himitsu no tobira"

"Moonlight - Tokyo"

Shonen Knife has a brand new album out now! This is the follow-up to album "Adventure" (2016), since which original member Atsuko also joined back the band. The 10 songs were written by Naoko, and there's one in which drummer Risa has the lead vocals.

Check out all details and in-depth liner notes and lyrics on this special site. Below are the details of the Japanese release, but the album is also being released in North America, UK, Australia and New Zealand, and available digitally worldwide.

Shows will be held in Japan on June 30 (Osaka), July 6 (Tokyo) and July 7 (Nagoya), after which will follow a UK tour from July 16 to 27. Find all details here.

Shonen Knife "Sweet Candy Power"
少年ナイフ 「スウィート・キャンディ・パワー」

1. Party
2. Dizzy
3. Sweet Candy Power
4. My Independent Country
5. Wave Rock
6. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
7. Never-Never Land
8. Peppermint Attack
9. California Lemon Trees
10. Match 3

P-Vine PCD-25276
Out now (6/5), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Dizzy"

Maika Loubté has a new song available digitally. "Mountaintop" has been a live favorite for about two years I believe, and it's finally here for all ears.

It has also been announced that a new album titled "Closer" will be released on July 12! Stay tuned for details, but note that the album can already be pre-ordered digitally here.

Maika will tour Spain on June 12, 13 to 14 (in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia). Find details in her Facebook page's events. She also has a DJ set on June 16 at event "Mirakuru #3" at Meteoro in Barcelona. And in Tokyo, on August 21 will be held a solo show for the release of her new album "Closer" at Shibuya WWW.

Maika Loubté "Mountaintop" (Download)

Out now (6/7)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

Neo-GS trio girl band The Highmarts (Facebook, Twitter) have a first 7" single out now! Produced by Sally Kubota (SOLEIL, ex-The Phantom Gift), it includes original song "I Want You Bad", and on the B-side are covers of The Phantom Gift's "Frantic Heart's Okay!" (Japanese title "Heart ni OK!") and The Gestures' "Run Run Run". The art direction & design is also by Sally Kubota.

Aside from its physical edition, the single can also be found on Bandcamp.

The Highmarts will play their first show in the U.S. on Friday July 5th at Classic Cars West Garage in Oakland, CA, a pre-party of the Burger Boogaloo festival, along with The Thunderroads, Gorilla (both also from Japan) and also Pops & The Jerks and Whateverglades. Check out the Facebook event page.

The Highmarts "I Want You Bad" (7")
ザ・ハイマーツ 「あなたが欲しいの」
(Japanese title: "anata ga hoshii no")

A. I Want You Bad
B1. Frantic Heart's Okay!
B2. Run Run Run

Radio Underground Records RS-003
Out now (5/29), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"I Want You Bad"

Kaji Hideki has a brand new album being released! With the title "Goth Romance", he revisits his early music days and also invites a whole lot of friends to participate. The album is produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil and Iraiza), and also features musicians including Nomiya Maki, Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Neil & Iraiza, Cubismo Grafico), Kaseki Cider, Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), Otogivanashi, Nagai Seiichi (Sōtaiseiriron), Furukawa Taiichi (Koncos), Nari (Scafull King), Shirane Kenichi, Nakagawa Lisa (The Natsuyasumi Band), Louis Kurihara and yet many more!

The "Goth Romance Tour" will be held in July, with dates in Nagoya on July 18 and in Osaka on July 19, to finish at Shibuya WWW in Tokyo on July 29. An in-store event (talk show and mini-live) is being held on release day June 5 at Pied Piper House (Tower Records Shibuya 6F) from 19:00.

Kaji Hideki "Goth Romance"
カジヒデキ 「GOTH ROMANCE」

1. French Cinema!
2. Spray and Fanfare
3. Sunday Baby
4. Secret Gothic Party
5. Freckles Milk
6. 5 to 7 Shibuya-kei
7. Non Non Song
8. Cecil Cut (of the Summer End)
9. Your Bright Side of the Youth
10. The Old Radio Cassette
11. Humor Is Missing
12. Our Chocolate Music

AWDR/LR2 / Blue Boys Club DDCB-12110
Out now (6/5), ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"French Cinema!"

"Non Non Song"

"Spray and Fanfare"