Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Venus Peter, a Shibuya-kei band formed in 1990, started new activities in January 2019, and now here comes a new 7" of two brand new songs! The release is also available digitally. Check out the video below!

The band had also released two more songs digitally in January, although those were new recordings of songs found in their old demos.

(I think this is the last update of 2019! So see you in 2020, aka Reiwa year 2 in the Japanese calendar!)

Venus Peter "Heartbeat" (7")

A. Heartbeat
B. I Said, She Said

Koga Records KOGA-218
Out now (12/25), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Heartbeat"

Two of the Pearl Brothers have come back as Pearl Brothers TWO (or in Japanese "futari Pearl kyōdai") with a brand new album. The album consists of only Kubota Haruo's guitar sound and Saeki Kenzō's vocals, and the songs were recorded as an open recording in front of a small audience, on August 23, 2019 at Kazurazaka The Glee.

Pearl Brothers TWO "Delay"
二人パール兄弟 「DELAY」

(Official English titles from iTunes)
1. Turning Around (Spring)
2. Drive Into Shell
3. Go Next
4. Season Of Sex
5. Turning Around (Summer)
6. Park Of Illusion
7. Blue Kingdom
8. Turning Around (Autumn)
9. Hare-hare
10. BAKAYARO Is A Word Of Love

Pearl Net PEAR-5005
Out now (12/11), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"BAKAYARO Is A Word Of Love"

Good-music duo Blue Peppers, formed of Fukuda Naoki and Inoue Kaoru, has a new single with a city pop vibe out now digitally and coming on 7" at the end of January. The B-side "Marine Snow no toshi" is a duet with Sasaki Shiori, who also appeared on their album "Retroactive".

A special solo show will be held on January 24 at Meguro Blues Alley Japan, where the 7" will be sold in advance. Tickets are on sale. Find details here.

Blue Peppers "Believe in Love" (Download)
ブルー・ペパーズ 「Believe in Love」

1. Believe in Love
2. Marine Snow no toshi feat. Sasaki Shiori
3. Believe in Love (Instrumental)
4. Marine Snow no toshi (Instrumental)

Vivid Sound
Out now (12/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Blue Peppers "Believe in Love" (7")
ブルー・ペパーズ 「Believe in Love」

A. Believe in Love
B. Marine Snow no toshi feat. Sasaki Shiori

Vivid Sound VSEP-850
Out 1/29, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Believe in Love"

"Marine Snow no toshi feat. Sasaki Shiori"

Do Nothing Productions is a new project of DJ/producer Hase Hajimu and pianist Yafune Tetsurō with director Suzuki Yōsuke (Disk Union). This debut release features 21-year-old female singer Shimizu Nanami. The concept of this release is music you'd want to listen to on a coastline. Hear audio samples below.

Do Nothing Productions "senya ichiya / Sea Gull Song" (7")
DO NOTHING Productions 「千夜一夜 / Sea Gull Song」

A. senya ichiya
B. Sea Gull Song

Do Nothing Productions DNEP1
Out now (12/18), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Way Wave, the funky duo unit of soulful-voiced sisters Anna and Yuna, has a brand new mini-album that has just been released! Follow-up to the excellent "Show Time", this time they have teamed up with songwriters such as Sokabe Keiichi (of Sunny Day Service) ("saikō no kareshi -the supreme man-"), funk band Only Love Hurts ("aitai no aitai no tondeike") and Seki Yoshihiko ("Hello New Wave") among others. Included is also a remake version by Yoshida Tetsuto of "surume Boy" (written by Emiri Kanou). Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo) and Satō Seiki (Microstar) are also involved with arrangements or mixing. The album artwork was done by famous illustrator Terry Johnson.

Way Wave already has several events planned for the start of 2020, including in-store events to promote the new release on January 5 at TOWERmini Shiodome (from 13:00 and 15:00), and on January 11 at Shinseido Sunshine City Alta in Ikebukuro (also from 13:00 and 15:00). Check out their full schedule here.

WAY WAVE "Soul Punch"

1. saikō no kareshi -the supreme man-
2. Looking For Woman
3. aitai no aitai no tondeike
4. shōchū Night
5. Hello New Wave
6. furareta no ni kakko yoku futta tsumori de iru otoko no Blues
7. Surume Boy -TETTO Re-make/Re-model- (Bonus track)

P-Vine PCD-18872
Out now (12/18), ¥1818 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡), Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

"aitai no aitai no tondeike"

"Hello New Wave"

"saikō no kareshi -the supreme man-"

"shōchū Night"

"furareta no ni kakko yoku futta tsumori de iru otoko no Blues"

"Looking For Woman" (Live performance)

Nosa Reina, whose upcoming album "Sports and Distractions" (Japanese title "Sports to kibarashi") is set to be released in 2020, has a new song from it available in advance digitally! A new song is expected to be released every month like this until the album release.

Reina can be seen live on January 4 at Zenbu Uso in Shinjuku, and on January 26 at Nishi-Azabu Shinsekai (details). She's also part of a show in Yokohama on this last day of 2019, which will end with a visit to a shrine at 2am of New Year's Day. Find all details here.

Reina Nosa "City Blue Carnival" (Download)
野佐怜奈 「City Blue Carnival」

Reina Nosa
Out now (12/27)
Sample/buy: Spotify, , YouTube Music

"City Blue Carnival" (Short ver.)

This is the 4th of the monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") series of twelve 7"'s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the first post.)

This time we get no less than four songs from George Cates' 1962 album "Twistin' Twelve Great Hits!" (in 45rpm)! All of the songs are short, sweet and charming. Hear audio samples at Jet Set, and hang on into 2020 for the rest of this great series!

George Cates "12th street rag / stardust / tea for two / frenesi" (7")

A1. 12th street rag
A2. stardust
AA1. tea for two
AA2. frenesi

Oldays Records ODREP45024
Out now (12/29), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

All releases:
#01 2019.9.29: Jackie & Roy / NOVI Singers "cheerful little earful / dancing nuts"
#02 2019.10.29: Billy Strange / Frank Chacksfield "adios / Route 66"
#03 2019.11.29: The Sunrays / The Turtles "have to be myself / too young to be the one"
#04 2019.12.29: George Cates "12th street rag / stardust / tea for two / frenesi"
#05 2020.1.29: Keith / The Arbors "you'll come running back to me / so nice (summer samba)"
#06 2020.2.29: The Ventures / The 4 Instants "what now my love / bogattini"
#07 2020.3.29: Byron Lee and the Dragonaires / The Foundations "fat back / call me"
#08 2020.4.29: Luiz Carlos com conjunto CBS / Johnny (Guitar) Watson "samba na palma da Mao / I'll remember April"
#09 2020.5.29: Peter & Gordon / Gerry & The Pacemakers "black brown and gold / stranger in the night"
#10 2020.6.29: Nick Palmer / Frank Ifield "it's not unusual / I've got you under my skin"
#11 2020.7.29: The Kirby Stone Four / The Anita Kerr Singers "I could have danced all night / one note samba"
#12 2020.8.29: Little Anthony & The Imperials / The Dells "a man and a woman / jeepers creepers"

Japanese funk/soul band Q.A.S.B., formed in 2008, pays tribute to Pizzicato Five with this single of two excellent covers: "Thank You" (from "This Year's Girl" (1991)) and "Week-End" (from "Playboy & Playgirl" (1998))!

Nothing much else to say for now except that I wish I'd have heard of Q.A.S.B. earlier.

Q.A.S.B. "Thank You / Week-End" (7"/Download)
Q.A.S.B. 「サンキュー / ウィークエンド」
(Digital release title: "Pizzicato Five by Q.A.S.B.")

A. Thank You
B. Week-End

Soul Garden Records SG068
Out now (12/21), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Thank You"

"Week-End"

YMC, or Yellow Magic Children, was a special tribute concert featuring artists who were influenced by or have strong ties with Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), for the 40th anniversary of the legendary group.

The show was held at the Shinjuku Bunka Center on March 14, 2019. It featured a main band formed of Takano Hiroshi, Takada Ren (pupa, HASYMO support, etc.), Gondō Tomohiko (pupa, Metafive, etc.), Shirane Kenichi (GREAT3), etc. The show featured several guests including Sakamoto Miu, Nomiya Maki, Kaji Hideki, Katayose Akito, Daoko and more.

This live album consists of the full concert and was mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori. It comes in two editions, the limited one including a Blu-ray of part of the show, a special booklet and jacket.

YMC "Yellow Magic Children #01"

(Vocalists in parentheses)
1. instrumental ~ CUE (HANA + Takano Hiroshi)
2. yume no naka de aeru deshō (Takano Hiroshi)
3. The Other Side of Love (Sakamoto Miu)
4. ONGAKU (Sakamoto Miu)
5. Tighten Up (Hosono Yūta)
6. THE MAD MEN (Takada Ren + Hosono Yūta + Sakamoto Miu)
7. GAMES (Takada Ren)
8. The Night is Still Young (Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji) (Nomiya Maki + Kaji Hideki)
9. Kimi ni Mune Kyun (Kaji Hideki + Nomiya Maki)
10. MAD PIERROT
11. takai kabe ni wa ikusen no Door (DAOKO + Katayose Akito)
12. Kang Tong Boy (DAOKO + Katayose Akito)
13. LOTUS LOVE (Miyazawa Kazufumi + Takano Hiroshi)
14. shimauta (Miyazawa Kazufumi)
15. La Femme Chinoise
16. Fire Cracker

Blu-ray (Limited edition only)
1. CUE (HANA + Takano Hiroshi)
2. ONGAKU (Sakamoto Miu)
3. Tighten Up (Hosono Yūta)
4. THE MAD MEN (Takada Ren + Hosono Yūta + Sakamoto Miu)
5. Kimi ni Mune Kyun (Kaji Hideki + Nomiya Maki)
6. MAD PIERROT
7. Kang Tong Boy (DAOKO + Katayose Akito)
8. LOTUS LOVE (Miyazawa Kazufumi + Takano Hiroshi)
9. La Femme Chinoise
10. Fire Cracker

Limited edition (CD + Blu-ray with special packaging)
U/M/A/A UMA-9135
Out now (12/25), ¥4800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (20% off *), HMV, Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
U/M/A/A or UMA UMA-1135
Out 12/25, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Live movie digest

Yapoos, the band of Togawa Jun, is active again after some 13 years and just released a new album.

Included are 6 songs performed at a live recording last August 17 at Shibuya Club Quattro, with a line-up featuring also Nakahara Nobuo (also of Portable Rock) on bass, Lion Merry and Yamaguchi Shinichi on keyboards, Yakabe Atsunobu on drums, and new guitarist Yamaji Kazuhide (of band dip). One song, "suki suki daisuki", used a previously recorded guitar track by the band's late guitarist Ishizuka "Bera" Norihiro.The two last songs were recorded in studio: new song "kodoku no otoko" and a self-cover of "12sai no hata" (song previously written for Miyamura Yūko).

Hear audio samples on CDJapan (or at other retailers). A vinyl edition is also planned for release in Spring 2020.

A release event will be held on January 28, 2020, again at Shibuya Club Quattro. Tickets are on sale.

Yapoos "Suspicious behavior of Yapoos the 1st year of Reiwa era"
ヤプーズ 「ヤプーズの不審な行動 令和元年」

1. Y0817 -Introduction-
2. Virus
3. hitoka
4. akai sensha
5. kimi no yo
6. suki suki daisuki (Bonus track)
7. kodoku no otoko
8. 12sai no hata

Teichiku Entertainment TECH-26538
Out now (12/11), ¥2364 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's first official episode of its own radio show (following a Christmas special)! The show is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these pages. Tune in or listen later on Mixcloud.

This time is a selection of recent songs mainly from this year (and a few from late 2018 that weren't to be left behind). Enjoy!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.1) was aired on December 25, 2019 from 21:00, repeated at 23:00 (EST = Montréal/New York/Miami).

Listen anytime on Mixcloud!

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

1. Maika Loubté "Prismé" (2019)

A song in French to say « Bonjour » at the start of this new show! Maika Loubté is a singer-songwriter and also a synth wiz! Her excellent new album "Closer" is out now digitally (, Spotify) and on clear vinyl. Also check out the charming video for "Prismé" below, shot in Paris.

Since the album, Maika has also released a new song titled "Numbers".

2. CTO LAB. "not(.)but(,)" (2018)

A song from CTO LAB.'s latest album "Beyond The Box" (, Spotify). This one has music written by Okada Tohru, with lyrics by Saeki Kenzō (of Pearl Brothers, Jollits).

CTO LAB. is a supergroup formed of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils). With a meaning of "Compact Techno Organization", their concept is to use nothing but small synths and gadget instruments.

3. Emiri Kanou "Just a feeling" (2019)
(Japanese title: 加納エミリ 「Just a feeling」)

Emiri Kanou is a self-produced singer-songwriter and "neo electro-pop girl" who takes a lot of her inspiration from 80's new wave. 2019 was a big year with her first official releases including new album "GREENPOP" (, Spotify) that was just released in November. "Just a feeling" is from that album, and also a video of it can be watched below.

4. Monari Wakita "If I Fall In Love With You" (2019)
(Japanese title: 脇田もなり 「恋をするなら」)

This is one of my favorites from Wakita Monari's latest 3rd album "Right Here" released last July (, Spotify). With her powerful voice, she has come a long way since the days when she used to be part of idol group Especia. Always backed by some great producers, the music and lyrics of "If I Fall In Love With You" (Japanese title "koi o suru nara") were made by band Microstar.

5. SOLEIL "Zozoi" (2019)

Another French « Bonjour » ! :) Band SOLEIL, which was fronted by a 16-year-old of the same name, Soleil, did this great cover of France Gall's song "Zozoi" on latest album "Lollipop Sixteen" (, Spotify).

After three amazing albums in approx. 2½ years, the band has just recently put a stop to its activities. Their great music (mostly original songs with a few other exceptions such as this one) which took inspiration from the '60s and early Beatles, sounds completely as if it was from another era. They even went as far as recording and releasing everything in mono, with the only exception of their new remix album "SOLEIL in STEREO". So long, and thanks for all the excellent music!

6. Michiru Hoshino "Bon Voyage, Michiru!" (2019)
(Japanese title: 星野みちる 「みちるの泰平洋航」)

And now for some more international variety of hellos, Hoshino Michiru takes us for a trip to many countries. After having traveled different styles in the past years, the singer-songwriter has found her way which is more acoustic but always somewhat surprising and entertaining. Her new album "Moonlight Confessions" (, Spotify) was produced by Sally Kubota of SOLEIL. "Bon Voyage, Michiru!" is an original written by herself, and she gave it an exotic feel.

7. nimit & co. "Bask" (2018)

nimit & co. is the recent bedroom pop unit of Kunimi Tomoko (Twitter), who is best known as a trumpeter in the groovy collective Wack Wack Rhythm Band (see their latest single "Finish feat. Lemon"). In nimit & co., she finds new directions with lots of synths and a very cool post-rock kind of feel! So far only two songs have been released, as a split-cassette with BANK. Can't wait to hear more! There's a video too, check it out below.

8. MANON "COCO BOI ROMANCE" (2018)

Young singer and model Manon (Instagram), who is always produced by Yuppa (aka HNC), made this collaboration with Canadian producer Ryan Hemsworth. The song is from her first album "Teenage Diary" (, Spotify).

Here's hoping that it gets heard as much in Ryan's country! Check out the fun video below.

9. xiangyu "Mycorrhizal Fungi" (2019)
(Japanese title: xiangyu 「菌根菌」)

xiangyu is a singer whose music is produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (best known for Wednesday Campanella). She sings about daily things such as food and taking out the trash (oops!), and in this case: mushrooms. In terms of music, the tracks take their inspiration from an addictive electro dance music genre called Gqom that came from South Africa..!

Check out her first mini-album "The First ○○ Picture Book" ( (World), (Japan), Spotify) and also her latest single "Piano Damper gekini shime saba".

10. BANK "Number 3" (2018)

BANK is a band that takes its roots from new wave, while having several members who originate from Shibuya-kei bands. Their sound always has some added fresh breeze from the Kamakura area of Japan's east coast (a bit south of Tokyo). "Number 3" is a tribute to the approximately #3 band that BANK gives respect to, Bronx post-punk band ESG. The lyrics are made up of ESG song titles.

This is also from the BANK / nimit & co. split-cassette.

11. SOLEIL "Mellotron Girl" (2019)
(Japanese title: SOLEIL 「メロトロンガール」)

One more by SOLEIL! This one is an original written by the band's dedicated arranger, Okada Yumi. The arrangement is very Beatlesque, and of course very SOLEIL-esque! Be sure to check out the music video below in which zombies are after the band, directed and shot by art director Shindō Mitsuo (famous for all of Pizzicato Five's artwork among many other Shibuya-kei artists, etc.). This song appeared on SOLEIL's 3rd original album "Lollipop Sixteen" (, Spotify).

12. La veuve moustachue "Zettai Renai! COUNT DOWN!!" (2018)
(Japanese title: ヒゲの未亡人 「絶対恋愛！COUNT DOWN!!」)

La veuve moustachue is a unique act that's like a one-person musical, featuring its protagonist, the mustached widow (acted by Kishino You-ichi). The other members are pianist/composer Gary Ashiya and VJ ALi. In their shows the widow becomes a character who interacts with a large video projection, in an amusing and charming result. La veuve moustachue has often performed abroad, especially in France.

"Zettai Renai! COUNT DOWN!!" is their latest single (released on 7"), and it's an infectiously catchy pop song.

13. Francis avec Haruko "Zero Gravity Love" (2018)
(Japanese title: ハルコとフランシス 「ZERO GRAVITY LOVE」)

Francis avec Haruko is a collaboration of Francis (aka bassist Ori Makoto) and Haruko Tajima (a girl who has been gaining popularity with her own electro rap tracks and self-made music videos which can be watched on YouTube).

"Zero Gravity Love" is the title track from their latest mini-album (, Spotify), and it's a shiny electro-pop song that takes you on an adventure into space. Check out the video below!

14. CTO LAB. "Nazo no Enban" (2018)

Another by CTO LAB.! This one has music written by polymoog (who is also a member of lounge pop group Elektel). Actually I had the great opportunity to write lyrics for this song, so of course it's my favorite. :) This is also from their latest album "Beyond The Box" (, Spotify).

15. Vacation Three "City Without Sea" (2018)

The closing song this time is one by Vacation Three i, trio of guitar, sax and percussions: Nakamura Dai (BANK, NUBACK), Nakamoto Kōichirō and Fukuda "Okyon" Kyōko (both active in Wack Wack Rhythm Band, etc.). This song has lead vocals by Okyon, and it's also the last of their excellent first album "One" (, Spotify).

Thanks for listening!

Find other radio shows here.

Maika Loubté "Prismé"

Emiri Kanou "GREENPOP"

nimit & co. "Bask"

MANON "COCO BOI ROMANCE"

xiangyu "Mycorrhizal Fungi"

SOLEIL "Mellotron Girl"

La veuve moustachue "zettai renai! COUNT DOWN!!" (Teaser clip)

Francis avec Haruko "Zero Gravity Love"

Singer Agata Morio has a brand new album out this week! Like its predecessor "risō no kutsushita to fune" (2018), this time again the recording was done in New York City with collaborators including Lary 7, Avery Brooks (Lost Children, Ravens & Chimes, Ice Choir), and Takashi Tsugumi (Eye Röller, Van Goose, Kissed By An Animal) among others.

A special show with the same title as the album has been announced for April 6, 2020, to be held at Shibuya Club Quattro.

Agata Morio "kankō omiyage dai3 wakusei"
あがた森魚 「観光おみやげ 第三惑星」

1. dai3 wakusei no ichiya
2. randen omiyage
3. hitoribocchi de taiyō wa
4. Happiness
5. kiriko no jōki kikansha
6. mitsuboshi ongakukai
7. omocha kōjō no yoake
8. station
9. yuri o ageru Pegasus ni
10. gessekai rassera
11. taiyokei to iu furusato (I Wonder Your Wonder)
12. Greta to Naomi to anata no tame ni

Qpola Purple Hz QPHZ018
Out 12/18, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"randen omiyage"

There's a new remix of Wakita Monari now available for download and streaming! Remixed by Arai Toshiya, it is of the song "fūsen" (English title "Deflated Balloons"), the first track from album "Right Here" released a few months ago.

At the same time as this release, album "Right Here" has been made available digitally (, Spotify).

This Friday December 20, Monari will play a show in Seoul. Find details here. And in Tokyo, her next show will be on Sunday December 29 at Billboard Live & Dining (in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya), and she will be accompanied by keyboardists Dorian and Kayo-chaaan.

Wakita Monari "Deflated Balloons (Toshiya Arai Remix)" (Download)
脇田もなり 「Deflated Balloons (Toshiya Arai Remix)」

Vivid Sound
Out now (12/13)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

SOLEIL's first two albums ("My Name is SOLEIL" and "SOLEIL is Alright") are being reissued as a two-in-one album, and that remixed in stereo for the first time! SOLEIL having always recorded and released in mono only, this time they took an approach that mimics The Beatles' early stereo re-issues in the '60s, mixing their mono masters with techniques such as having an instrument or vocals entirely on either channel, or doing some crazy panning between left and right..!

Surely this album promises to be a time-traveling of an interesting experience, and also it's a great opportunity for recent fans to check out SOLEIL's first two (out of three) albums. For bonus track, latest Christmas single "Twinkle Heart" is included in its original mono version (as heard in Tokyo's Coolest Sound's Christmas radio show).

As a reminder, SOLEIL will be stopping its activities after a last show on December 22 at Shibuya Veats. Don't miss it! Also there will be a last in-store mini-live event on release day, Wednesday December 18, at Tower Records Shinjuku 7F from 19:00.

SOLEIL "SOLEIL in STEREO"

1. Do You Believe in Magic?
2. Guitar in Love
3. Love Letter in Blue Ink
4. Good Bye, Teddy Bear
5. Apple Princess Go Go!
6. The Fruits Who Dream
7. Marine I Love You
8. Pieces of Candy
9. Are You Happy?
10. Summer Wink
11. So Long My Fourteen
12. Theme of SOLEIL
13. My Sweet Fifteen
14. Baby Boo
15. La Petite Voleuse
16. Late Summer Silhouette
17. My Emo-Coloured Corazon
18. The Beginning of Love
19. Bittersweet Graduation
20. Sweet Boy
21. Hong Kong Chang
22. Every Day Every Night
23. Fever of Love
24. UFO
25. Twinkle Heart (Mono) (Bonus track)

Victor Entertainment VICL-65299
Out 12/18, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Do You Believe in Magic?" (Original mono version)

"Guitar in Love" (Original mono version)

"Marine I Love You" (Original mono version)

"My Sweet Fifteen" (Short, original mono ver.)

"SOLEIL is Alright" teaser clip

Tokyo's Coolest Sound is starting its own radio show! Part of La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), the show will bring you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these pages. Tune in or listen anytime on Mixcloud.

The first program is a 30-minute Christmas special of original songs by Japanese artists.

Christmas special "Noël Nippon" on December 13, 2019 from 13:00, repeated at 17:00 and 21:00, and on December 24 from 13:00, 17:00 and 21:00.
(All times are EST = Montréal/New York/Miami)

Listen anytime on La Face B's Mixcloud.

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

1. Vacation Three "Christmas Time Again" (2019, Release info at Bandcamp)

Vacation Three is an acoustic trio of guitar, sax and percussions: Nakamura Dai (BANK, NUBACK), Nakamoto Koichiro and Okyon (both active in Wack Wack Rhythm Band, etc.). At the end of last year they released their excellent first album "One"!

Just weeks ago, they released this original Christmas song titled "Christmas Time Again" on Bandcamp, and also part of CD compilation "Christmas Pavilion ~ Natale ai mirtilli" (Bandcamp, Amazon, HMV). Their music sounds just like hanging around the fireplace, as seen in their video for "Blue Submarine".

2. Michiru Hoshino "suteki ni X'mas Night" (2016, Release info)
(Japanese title: 星野みちる 「素敵にX'mas Night」)

A favorite female singer for many years, Hoshino Michiru has just recently released new album "Moonlight Confessions" in which she takes new directions with more acoustic instruments and with herself writing more songs and playing the piano throughout.

The Christmas song played this time was released in 2016 on 7" and also has music written by herself. She sings that Christmas night makes new lovers.

3. SOLEIL "Twinkle Heart" (2019, Release info)

An unavoidable band of the last few years, SOLEIL is produced and led by bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift) and puts under the spotlight the 16-year-old singer of the same name, Soleil. The band has made many heads turn by creating music that sounds just like it came from the '50s or '60s. Their latest and 3rd album "Lollipop Sixteen" is a delight!

Not included on that album is new Christmas song "Twinkle Heart", released last month on 7" and digitally. The song was written by Ijichi Hiromasa who is known for his many hit songs for 90's idol group Speed. Still this song fits just in place with Soleil's distinctive sound.

The song will also be included as a bonus track of upcoming stereo remix album "SOLEIL in STEREO" coming December 18 (stay tuned for details).

By the way, those in Tokyo shouldn't miss their "Last Christmas Concert" on December 22 at new venue Shibuya Veats, after which SOLEIL will go into hiatus indeterminately for the singer to focus on her high school studies.

4. The Pen Friend Club "Christmas Delights" (2018, Release info)

The Pen Friend Club, currently an 8-piece band, has been around since 2012. They specialize in West Coast rock sound of the '60s that gives homage to the likes of The Beach Boys and Phil Spector.

The song "Christmas Delights" was released part of Christmas album "Merry Christmas from The Pen Friend Club" in 2018, and this year as a vinyl LP for Record Day 2019. Except for this delightful original song, all songs are covers of Christmas classics, all done with surprising arrangements like you haven't heard before.

5. Mint-Lee noka "bokura wa zutto ikiteiru" (2019, Release info)
(Japanese title: ミントリノカ 「僕らはずっと生きている」)

Not specifically a Christmas song, but one that reveals the secret nightlife of your stuffed toys who wake up to play in your house and even sing songs, something that can only seem more plausible in these holiday times. Mint-Lee noka is a trio formed of Mayutan (of toy-pop unit ammakasie noka), Okamura Midori (aka Mint-Lee) and toy instrument percussionist Sayu Candy.

This song was released last January as a beautiful and irresistible 7" picture disc, of which the B-side is just as awesome.

6. HNC "YUKI NO FURU HI" (2014, SoundCloud)

HNC (Instagram, Twitter) (previously known as Hazel Nuts Chocolate) has made this electro and breakbeats track available on SoundCloud for Christmas. Since then HNC (aka Yuppa) has become busy mainly producing Manon, which brings us to our next track...

7. MANON "WINTER LIL LIFE feat. Sleet Mage" (2019, Release info)

French-Japanese singer/model Manon (Instagram) is a teenager about to turn 18 next January. Based in Fukuoka, she is part of the Asobisystem agency that's best known for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. While touching down with the cute and Harajuku things, Manon has her own style that's closer to the street, and her raps are very slick!

The song "WINTER LIL LIFE" was put on YouTube and released digitally at the end of last winter, and it's a collaboration with mysterious rapper Sleet Mage. Also check out Manon's first album "Teenage Diary" which is full of great tracks!

8. CTO LAB. "mahou ga tokeru made" (2018, Release info)
(Japanese title: CTO LAB. 「魔法がとけるまで」)

CTO LAB. is a supergroup formed of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils). With a meaning of "Compact Techno Organization", their concept is to use nothing but small synths and gadget instruments.

This Christmas song written and sung by Imai Kentarō features a young girl who argues she won't go to bed before Santa arrives. It's part of the band's latest album "Beyond The Box".

9. three berry icecream "christmas snow dome" (2019, Release info at disques blue-very)

Three Berry Icecream (Twitter, Instagram) was founded 21 years ago as the solo project of Ikemizu Mayumi who was part of Shibuya-kei band Bridge (along with Kaji Hideki et al.). This latest song appeared on the "Christmas Pavilion ~ Natale ai mirtilli" compilation (Bandcamp, Amazon, HMV).

Three Berry Icecream released last year a retrospective album titled "Sunshine In My Mind 1998-2018 - three berry icecream 20th Anniversary -" (Amazon, Spotify, ).

Thanks for listening!

Find other radio shows here.

SOLEIL "Twinkle Heart" (Short ver.)

MANON "WINTER LIL LIFE feat. Sleet Mage"

The Pen Friend Club "Merry Christmas from The Pen Friend Club" sampler clip

CTO LAB. "Beyond The Box" sampler clip

Various Artists "Christmas Pavilion ~ Natale ai mirtilli" sampler clip

DÉ DÉ MOUSE has a brand new album out now! "Nulife" has an "exotic" concept with lots of latin percussions, with the whole resulting in nu-disco.

HMV (and apparently Amazon and other retailers) gives away a promo CD of new song "Sigh", while Tower Records gives away a CD of the song "Cause". Also, only on iTunes and Apple Music a bonus track titled "True" is included.

A free in-store event will be held on Sunday December 15 at Tower Records Shinjuku 7F from 12:00. Also this month will be a tour of 5 cities in China, and then in early 2020 there will be a Japan tour with a show on February 15 at Shibuya WWW X. Find all details in his live schedule.

DÉ DÉ MOUSE "Nulife"

1. Nulife
2. Magic
3. Heartbeat
4. Regret
5. Moment
6. Breath
7. Growing Up
8. Free
9. Stay (With Me)
10. You Are Right

not records NOT0027
Out now (12/11), ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Heartbeat"

Teaser clip

Singer Kai has a 2nd solo mini-album out now! It's entirely produced by Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders, Controversial Spark, No Lie-Sense), and includes three new originals written by himself, plus covers of ones he wrote for Nomiya Maki ("onna tomodachi", from album "Pink no kokoro") and the theme song of game "Mother". This is the follow-up to mini-album "Moonlight Tokyo".

There are upcoming in-store events on Saturday December 14 from 13:00 at Tower Records Kinshicho, and on Tuesday December 17 from 19:00 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta. Also, label Trash-Up!! Records will hold free event "tanoshii seikatsu" on December 28 and 29 from 11am at Shibuya Cyclone, together with labelmates SAKA-SAMA. Check out her whole schedule here.

Kai "Paper Diamond"
カイ 「ペーパー・ダイヤモンド」

1. Paper Diamond
2. onna tomodachi
3. Gas nuki kinen no hi
4. Anacronópete
5. POLLYANNA (I BELIEVE IN YOU)

Trash-Up!! Records TUR-037
Out new (12/7), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Glue Scissors is a new project of Towa Tei with graphic artist Tomoo Gokita, and this is their first official 7" release! This is actually a split-single with Mermaid, the unit of Hanazawa Takahiro (Energish Golf) (Twitter).

Hear audio samples at Jet Set.

Towa Tei's next DJ event is "records" at Omotesando montoak on Saturday December 14 from 19:00 to 24:00. Entrance is free! Find details here.

Glue Scissors / Mermaid "MACH EP" (7")

A1. Glue Scissors / Robert
A2. Glue Scissors / Yah
A3. Glue Scissors / Nouvo Dans
B. Mermaid / G7

Voltage Unlimited MBEP-1901
Out now (12/1), ¥1900 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only