Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Evenyan Roller Coaster (ex-Kit Cat, The Nyantokanyaru's), a cat-girl who also claims she is an alien, had been performing solo for some time and now she has finally released a first song of her own! The song is a hyper 80's-style disco track, and it was produced by Maru (BeastieBoyz, ex-Hondalady).

Evenyan was also recently featured in a track by FQTQ, the song "Cat to the Future ~Close Encounters of the Mike~" from his album "Future Funky Vibes" (, Spotify).

Evenyan Roller Coaster "Darling Dreaming Night" (Download)
イヴにゃんローラーコースター 「Darling♡Dreaming♡Night」

Twisterella
Out now (3/30)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Kenmochi Hidefumi (of Wednesday Campanella, also producer of xiangyu) has released two new tracks this month! These are his first original tracks since last year's album "Footwork", and he sticks with his footwork/juke style. Some months ago he also shared a track titled "Otsuka at midnight" part of a sampling project by JR East.

Also check out xiangyu's new song "home" that's just out, produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi.

Kenmochi Hidefumi "Bombay Sapphire" (Download)
ケンモチヒデフミ 「Bombay Sapphire」

Kujaku Club
Out now (3/20)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Kenmochi Hidefumi "Neptune" (Download)
ケンモチヒデフミ 「Neptune」

Kujaku Club
Out now (3/6)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"Bombay Sapphire"

"Neptune"

xiangyu has a released a new song this week digitally! This time she sings about home floor plans. The track is produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella), taking inspiration of the South Africa-originated Gqom dance music genre. Check out the music video which shows a crab(?) who goes to look for a new home.

xiangyu has had some three more songs released this way since mini-album "The First ○○ Picture Book" (2019): "Piano Damper gekini shime saba", "Hiji No Biribiri" and "byō de Pick shiro".

Also check out producer Kenmochi Hidefumi's new tracks "Bombay Sapphire" and "Neptune" just out this month.

xiangyu "home" (Download)

Kujaku Club
Out now (3/27)
Sample/buy: (Japan), Spotify, YouTube Music

Maika Loubté has a new track out now digitally on iTunes, Spotify, etc! It's a new version of "Niet", song from her latest album "Closer" (2019), but this time featuring rapper maco marets. Watch a video of a studio performance they did on Instagram.

The song is planned to be released on 7" early summer, backed with a new exclusive track titled "Wuhan Express".

Album "Closer" has just been released internationally on Toothpaste Records (UK), making it more widely available in Europe and elsewhere. There's also word that she will perform in Europe this year.

Maika Loubté "Niet II feat. maco marets" (Download)

Water Records
Out now (3/27)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Instagram live performance clip w/ official audio

Here's another edition of this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. This is the 7th installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.)

The A side is a ska cover of Mongo Santamaria's "Fat Back" that was released on Byron Lee and the Dragonaires' "Dance The Ska" album (1964), while the AA side is a cover of Tony Hatch's "Call Me" (first sung by Petula Clark) as heard on The Foundations' album "From the Foundations" (1967). The first song is available on 7" for the first time, and while the other was once released part of a 4-song EP from Portugal the sound was said to be bad, making it worth to appear in this series.

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires / The Foundations "fat back / call me" (7")

A. Byron Lee and the Dragonaires "fat back"
AA. The Foundations "call me"

Oldays Records ODREP45027
Out 3/29, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires "fat back"

The Foundations "call me"

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"

tofubeats has a brand new EP out now digitally! Check out the fun video for "Conspiracy Theory" below, and then tune in on your favorite platform. This release follows 2018 album "RUN" (, Spotify).

Release official page

tofubeats "TBEP"

1. inbōron (CONSPIRACY THEORY)
2. MOVE YOUR FEET / AS YOU LIKE
3. MOVE IT
4. HOT TOUCH
5. SOMEBODY TORE MY P
6. Club
7. Along the Coast (bonus track) (Mitsui Outlet Park CM song)

Warner Music
Out now (3/27)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"inbōron (CONSPIRACY THEORY)"

"Somebody Tore My P"

Mitsui Outlet Park TV commercial (BGM: "Along the Coast")

Singer-songwriter guitar duo Recto Berso have a first full-length album out now! This follows their 2012 mini-album "Nice To Love You!" which was produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.). The album which was entirely recorded at home contains plenty of new recordings, and also contains songs from the previous release. Using vintage guitars and recording equipment, they sing in English, French and Japanese.

Recto Berso "No Recto, No Berso"

1. Maria (Original Version)
2. My Bird Has Flown Away (Original Version)
3. Mme.Blonde
4. By The Way
5. Je Dirais
6. For The Day, All Day (Original Version)
7. Hum Together
8. The Mood Will Change (When I Find A Flower On The Road)
9. Fade Away
10. She Said So
11. Sunday Moaning
12. Vision
13. (We Will Meet) Again At Inishmore

VALB DEERCD-1001
Out now (3/25), ¥1818 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"My Bird Has Flown Away" (Short ver.)

This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which 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. If you couldn't tune in at the times below, you can still listen anytime on Mixcloud.

This time is a selection of songs that may vaguely classify as adult contemporary pop music, all of which being relatively recent works by Japanese artists that are very active nowadays.
Also, having heard that city pop has been gaining popularity abroad, this selection might give insights into new music that shares some elements with the genre. All songs played are originals.

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.3) was aired at http://lafaceb.live on March 25, 2020 from 21:00, repeated at 23:00 (EDT = Montréal/New York/Miami).

* Japan time: March 26, 2020 from 10:00 (a.m.) and 12:00 (noon).

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

1. microstar "Sunset Girl" (2016)
(Japanese title: マイクロスター 「夕暮れガール」 "yūgure Girl")

microstar is a duo of producer Satō Seiki and singer Iizumi Yūko (aka P-chan). While their latest and 2nd album "She's Got the Blues" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) goes back a few years ago, the two often contribute songs to other artists, such as Wakita Monari ("If I Fall In Love With You", "hashiru boku", "Boy Friend", "akai Skirt"), SOLEIL ("Red Balloon", "Baby Boo", "Marine I Love You") and RYUTist ("Va Va Vacances!", "a birthday song"). Satō Seiki also does a lot of mastering work.

2. Nakatsuka Takeshi "hatsunatsu no Melody" (2016)
(Japanese title: 中塚武 「初夏のメロディ」)

A member of Shibuya-kei band Qypthone (who returned with a show in Vietnam last year!), and ever since active as a solo singer-songwriter, here's a track from his latest album Nakatsuka Takeshi's latest album "EYE" ( (Japan), Spotify).

3. Hoshino Michiru "My Dear" (2019)
(Japanese title: 星野みちる 「私だけの人」 "watashi dake no hito")

Singer-songwriter Hoshino Michiru has went through several stages and genres since the days when she used to be a member of idol group AKB48. On her latest album "Moonlight Conferssions" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), on which this song appears, she has went for a sound more acoustic than ever, with piano played by herself, woodbass and cello. That latest album was produced by Sally Kubota (The Scooters, ex-SOLEIL, Les 5-4-3-2-1, etc.).

4. hitomitoi "Mystery Train" (2015)
(Japanese title: 一十三十一 「ミステリートレイン」)

One of the first names that come to mind when thinking of recent years city pop is singer hitomitoi's, who just keeps surprising with awesome albums one after another. The song "Mystery Train" is one from her second-to-last album titled "The Memory Hotel" ( (Japan), Spotify). While her previous albums had more down-to-earth themes, in "The Memory Hotel" she went for a mysterious imaginary setting.

Be sure to also check out hitomitoi's latest album "Ecstasy", which was produced by Dorian. Also, her classic album "City Dive" is about to be released as a 2LP on May 20, 2020.

5. Wakita Monari "A la Espadrille" (2019)
(Japanese title: 脇田もなり 「エスパドリーユでつかまえて」 "Espadrille de tsukamaete")

This song is from Wakita Monari's latest solo album "Right Here" (, Spotify, YouTube Music). Its music and arrangement were done by Dorian, with lyrics written by hitomitoi (who you've just heard)! "A la Espadrille" was also released on 7". There's a music video that you can watch below.

6. Her Serves & Receive "Cheerio!" (2018)
(Japanese title: 彼女のサーブ＆レシーブ 「Cheerio!」 kanojo no Serve & Receive "Cheerio!")

Her Serves & Receive is a girl vocal duo described as "future tennis icons". In their live shows, they often appear in tennis wear and holding rackets. Beyond the cool looks, their sounds have an addictive and soothing city pop feel. The song "Cheerio!" is one favorite that was written by (ex-)members of Instant Cytron. It's from their first album "Service Ace" (,, Spotify, YouTube Music).

7. Blue Peppers "Believe in Love" (2019)

Blue Peppers is a duo of two male songwriters, Fukuda Naoki and Inoue Kaoru. "Believe in Love" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) is their brand new song that was released digitally last December, as well as on 7". Aside from their own works, they have contributed a song to Hoshino Michiru ("ki ga tsukeba Looking for your love"), and she was also featured on one song on Blue Peppers' first full-length album "Retroactive" (Spotify, (Japan), YouTube Music). Inoue Kaoru is also often seen playing keyboards in many artists shows such as Tweedees and Amane Trill.

8. HALLCA "Milky Way" (2018)

HALLCA is a singer-songwriter and also keyboardist who last year released her first solo album "Villa" (, Spotify), following a mini-album titled "Apéritif e.p" (, Spotify, YouTube Music). Both of those included the song "Milky Way". For a bit of history, HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka) was previously the leader of idol group Especia, of which Wakita Monari was also part. After the group disbanded HALLCA went her way as a solo artist and has kept collaborating with some producers who often backed Especia, like for this one which was produced by PellyColo.

HALLCA performs live on YouTube every Sunday at 21:00 (Japan time). You can watch her latest archived show here, and subscribe to her channel to stay tuned for more. Also check her Twitter account for show announcements.

9. Sugar's Campaign "Big Wave" (2015)

Sugar's Campaign is a unit formed of two producers, Avec Avec and Seiho. "Big Wave" is from their first album "Friends" (, Spotify), and it's sung by their main singer Akio, although many of their songs feature various other singers. Since then they've released a 2nd album titled "Mamagoto" (Spotify), and more recently a new digital single titled "City Pop" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Individually, Avec Avec can be seen DJing on May 9 at Tokyo Dome City Hall, part of the release party planned for Nijisanji's album "Smash The Paint!" (to which he contributed the song "Playtime Magic" (YouTube)). Find event details here. For Seiho's schedule watch his Twitter account.

10. Izumi Ookawara x P.O.P "How I met you" (2017)
(Japanese title: 大河原泉×P.O.P 「How I met you」)

Izumi Ookawara (Facebook page) is the singer of Qypthone, and she has been mainly active singing solo for the past years. Her latest release was this single titled "How I met you" (, Spotify) in collaboration with P.O.P, a group featuring skillful twin rappers.

Several more of her solo songs were released digitally in the recent years (find a list here). She also appeared on a 7" by unit WabiSabi which contains a cover of Gainsbourg's "Je t'aime... moi non plus" (details). By the way, Qypthone were featured on NY producer Ursula 1000's latest album Esoterique (song "Campari and Soda") (, Spotify)!

11. Yoshida Tetsuto "hitomeguri" (2019)
(Japanese title: 吉田哲人 「ひとめぐり」)

The first solo single by singer-songwriter Yoshida Tetsuto (and producer of many songs for various idols) is "hitomeguri", which was recently released only on 7". This song's lyrics were written by idol group WHY@DOLL for which Tetto (his nickname) wrote and produced many songs (check out the video for their song "Que Sera Sera" below, which appears on album "@LBUM"). Also check out last time 's program which featured B-side "hikari no naka e".

12. BANK "7 Days" (2015)

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). The song "7 Days" is taken from their album "True Tempo" (, Spotify, YouTube Music). BANK's leader and vocalist Nakamura Dai has also been active with a more acoustic band called Vacation Three.

13. Nakatsuka Takeshi "Miracle of Time" (2013)
(Japanese title: 中塚武 「トキノキセキ」 "toki no kiseki")

One more by Nakatsuka Takeshi to wrap up the show! This one is from his second-to-last album "Lyrics" ( (Japan), Spotify).

Thanks for tuning in!

Find previous radio shows here.

Below are videos of songs and artists featured in this radio show.

First, some of the songs that you heard in the show above.

Wakita Monari "A la Espadrille"

Her Serves "Cheerio!"
(Solo acoustic performance with Yafune Tatsurō)

HALLCA "Milky Way"
(Live performance at Roppongi Varit)

And below are other songs and clips by the other artists featured.

microstar "She Got The Blues" album digest

Nakatsuka Takeshi "Japanese Boy"

Hoshino Michiru "Bon Voyage, Michiru!" & "Double Encore"
(Live performance at the release event for album "Moonlight Confessions")

hitomitoi "Flash of Light"

Blue Peppers "Believe in Love"
(Audio from YouTube Music)

Sugar's Campaign "Holiday"

Ookawara Izumi "Strawberry Jam"

WHY@DOLL "Que Sera Sera"
(Written & produced by Yoshida Tetsuto)

BANK "CDF"

No Lie-Sense (official Facebook page), the unit of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders) and Kera, has a new 7" single out now! Containing two brand new songs, this is the follow-up to album "Japan's Period" (2016), and comes ahead of new album expected to be released in June!

Hear audio samples at Jet Set.

No Lie-Sense "warera ga yo wa" (7")
No Lie-Sense 「我等が世は」

A. warera ga yo wa
B. Lie. Lie & Lie

Better Days COKA-86
Out now (4/18), ¥1636 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

From Hosono Haruomi's documentary movie "No Smoking", which was shown in theaters last year, two songs that had been newly written for its soundtrack have just been released digitally.

Hosono Haruomi "No Smoking" (Download)
細野晴臣 「No Smoking」

1. No Smoking
2. Smoko Memories

Victor
Out now (3/18)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"No Smoking"

Sunny Day Service has just released suddenly a brand new album titled "iine!" This is the follow-up to "Popcorn Ballads" (2017). It's available only digitally, including an official stream of the full album on YouTube to enjoy for free.

The album should be available on CD and vinyl later, with details to be announced shortly.

Sunny Day Service has a tour planned from May, starting on May 15 at Line Cube Shibuya (Shibuya kōkaidō), although tickets for that show have apparently already sold out. Find other tour dates here.

Sunny Day Service "iine!"
サニーデイ・サービス 「いいね！」

1. kokoro ni kumo o motsu shōnen
2. OH! Blueberry
3. bokura ga hikatteirarenai yoru ni
4. haru no kaze
5. Entropy Love
6. higasa o sashite
7. Convini no Coffee
8. Sentimental
9. jikan ga tomatte ongaku ga hajimaru

Rose Records
Out now (3/19)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"haru no kaze"

Official full album stream

Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders, Controversial Spark, No Lie-Sense) and Okada Takashi (label Li'l Daisy) went digging Nippon Columbia's archives for covers of movie theme songs, performed by the label's orchestra: Columbia Symphonette. Many of these rare recordings are available on CD for the first time ever!

Various Artists "The Diggers (Keiichi Suzuki & Takashi Okada) loves Sound Archives 01: Spotlight on The Columbia Symphonette"
「The Diggers loves Sound Archives 01: Spotlight on THE COLUMBIA SYMPHONETTE～鈴木慶一・岡田崇、コロムビア・シンフォネットを探る」
(Japanese title: "... ~ Suzuki Keiichi·Okada Takashi, Columbia Symphonette o saguru")

1. Theme From Last Summer (from movie "Last Summer" (USA, 1969))
2. Eclisse Twist (from movie "L'éclisse" (Italy/France, 1962))
3. Delicado (from movie "Terza Liceo" (Italy, 1954))
4. Les Vacances De M.Hulot (from movie "Les Vacances De M.Hulot" (France, 1953))
5. L'Isola Di Arturo (from movie "L'Isola Di Arturo" (Italy, 1962))
6. Tico And The Shark (from movie "Ti-Koyo E Il Suo Pescecane / Tiko And The Shark" (Italy/USA, 1962))
7. Sunlight Twist (from movie "Diciottenni Al Sole" (Italy, 1962))
8. 55 Days At Peking (from movie "55 Days At Peking" (USA, 1963))
9. La Guerre Des Boutons (from movie "La Guerre Des Boutons" (France, 1962))
10. My Heart Belongs To You (from TV movie "The Gallant Men" (USA, 1962))
11. The Third Man Theme (from movie "The Third Man" (USA, 1949))
12. Le Grisbi (from movie "Touchez Pas Au Grisbi" (France/Italy, 1954))
13. Gelsomina (from movie "La Strada" (Italy, 1954))
14. Des Gens Sans Importance (from movie "Des Gens Sans Importance" (France, 1956))
15. Melodie En Sous-Sol (from movie "Mélodie En Sous-Sol" (France, 1963))
16. Love Affair (from movie "Brief Encounter" (UK, 1945))
17. Sinno Me Moro (from movie "Un Maledetto Imbroglio" (Italy, 1959))
18. Giorni E Giorni (from movie "L'Uomo Di Paglia" (Italy, 1958))
19. Ich Bin Der Glucklichste Mensch Auf Der Welt Lied (from movie "12 Madchen Und 1 Mann" (West Germany, 1959)) (Mono)
20. Sous Les Toits De Paris (from movie "Sous Les Toits De Paris" (France, 1930))
21. La Ragazza Di Bube (from movie "La Ragazza Di Bube" (Italy/France, 1963))
22. Mea Culpa (from movie "Le Dolci Notti" (Italy, 1962))
23. Anna (from movie "Anna" (Italy/France, 1951))
24. Bonjour Tristesse (from movie "Bonjour Tristesse" (USA/UK, 1958)) (Mono)
25. Good Bye Again (from movie "Goodbye Again / Aimez-vous Brahms?" (USA/France, 1961))
26. Fascination (from movie "Love In The Afternoon" (USA, 1957)) (Mono)

Nippon Columbia COCB-54297
Out 3/25, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of his debut, this new release of Ohtaki Eiichi works collects mainly songs written for TV drama since the 90's, all of which are previously unreleased!

The album is available in a limited edition which has a bonus disc titled "NIAGARA TV Special Vol.1" of 12 more songs, such as the theme song of anime "Kakushigoto". There's also a vinyl edition released at the same time.

CDJapan (and some other retailers) give away a set of postcards, while Amazon a large print of the jacket artwork (while supplies last).

Ohtaki Eiichi "Happy Ending"
大滝詠一 「Happy Ending」

Disc 1
1. Niagara Dreaming
2. shiawase na ketsumatsu (Album ver.)
3. Niagara bojō
4. koi suru futari (Album ver.)
5. Istanbul Mambo
6. Happy End de hajimeyō (Bacarrach ver.)
7. Glass no Irie
8. Dream Boy
9. Dance ga owaru mae ni
10. So Long
11. Happy Ending

Disc 2 "NIAGARA TV Special Vol.1" (Limited edition only)
1. kimi wa tennen shoku (Kakushigoto Ver.)
2. koi suru Karen (ichiban taisetsu na Date Ver.)
3. koi suru futari (15sec Ver.)
4. koi suru futari (Tokyo Love Cinema Ver.)
5. Istanbul Mambo (Inst Ver.)
6. koi suru futari (Strings Fever Ver.)
7. shiawase na ketsumatsu (CM Ver.)
8. shiawase na ketsumatsu (Love Generation Ver.)
9. Niagara bojō (Inst Ver.)
10. Happy End de hajimeyou (Harmonica Ver.)
11. Multiscope no Theme
12. koi no Knuckle Ball (Maeda Yukinaga Ver.)

Limited edition (2 CDs)
Niagara/Sony Music SRCL-11430
Out now (3/21), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (1st CD only)
Niagara/Sony Music SRCL-11432
Out now (3/21), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

A1. Niagara Dreaming
A2. shiawase na ketsumatsu (Album ver.)
A3. Niagara bōjō
A4. koi suru futari (Album ver.)
A5. Istanbul Mambo
A6. Happy End de hajimeyō (Bacarrach ver.)
B1. Glass no Irie
B2. Dream Boy
B3. Dance ga owaru mae ni
B4. So Long
B5. Happy Ending

Vinyl edition
Niagara/Sony Music SRJL-1140
Out now (3/21), ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Teaser clip

Following their self-titled album "Coastlines" (2019), here come two new songs by Coastlines (Bandcamp), the instrumental unit of DJ/producer Masanori Ikeda (aka Mansfield) and keyboardist Kaneko Takumi (of cro-magnon). The songs are being released on 7".

"'East Coast' with a slow and punchy drumming, an impressive electric piano riff, and acoustic piano solo, with a spiritual jazz feeling like Strata-East or Black Jazz.
Slow Jam Fusion's 'West Coast' with melancholic fretless bass solo and synth pads dancing on a Brazilian-like jazzy hip-hop beat.
Two new original 'Sea of ​​Jazz' songs that make you feel the new draw of Coastlines."
(from Bandcamp)

Sample both songs below or at Bandcamp.

The "Coastlines" album is getting released as a 2LP in the UK this April on label Be With. Find it here.

Coastlines "East Coast / West Coast" (7")

A. East Coast
B. West Coast

Flower Records FLRS-130
Out 3/25, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Charan-Po-Rantan has a new single out now! The title track has a Russia theme, and its music video (watch it below) was shot in Vladivostok. Other tracks include a cover of the theme song from anime "Sally the Witch", a self-cover sung in Russian of the lead track from mini-album "toritomenashi" (2017), and another new original song.

A limited edition comes with a DVD of 9 songs from a show of their latest tour, plus the music video for "Ko Russia" and bonus footage of their trip to Vladivostok.

Retailers are giving away an original Matryoshka doll kit (while supplies last... CDJapan and HMV seem to have run out already).

Charan-Po-Rantan are expected to appear at festivals "Synchronicity 2020" in Tokyo on April 4, and at "Arabaki Rock Fest" in Miyagi pref. on April 25.

Charan-Po-Rantan "Ko Росси́я (Ko Russia)"
チャラン・ポ・ランタン 「コ・ロシア」

CD
1. Ko Russia
2. Sally the Witch (mahō tsukai Sally)
3. susume, tama ni nigete mo ~Russian Ver.~
4. Mirror (kagami)

DVD
"2019 Tour 'Oitekebori jungyō' At Liquidroom (2019.12.12)"
1. saite- na onna
2. hoshii mono
3. Ko Russia
4. Yes Man
5. Hava Nagila
6. Odessa Bulgarish
7. saikō
8. Oitekebori kōshinkyoku
9. Ending
10. Ko Russia (Music video)
11. Charan-Po-Rantan Russia e yuku! (Bonus footage)

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
avex trax AVCD-94803
Out now (3/18), ¥4500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
avex trax AVCD-94804
Out now (3/18), ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Ko Russia"

Singer-songwriter YeYe has a 5th album titled "30" about to be released! It has been about 2½ years since her previous, "Mottainai" (2017). Check out the music videos and sampler below.

On March 17 from 20:00 (Japan time) there will be a special Instagram live (follow @yeyestagram). Also a free in-store solo live and autograph session will be held on March 19 at Flake Records in Osaka, also starting at 20:00 (details).

YeYe "30"

(Japanese titles in parentheses)
1. STEP IN TIME
2. Catch Her
3. Overflow (shiawase ni naranai)
4. Silent Dance
5. It's Love (dakedo sore wa ai)
6. Kurashi
7. Not Brothers, But Brothers (gikyōdai)
8. Invisible Coyote
9. Nearly Broken Reindeer (kowarekake no tonakai)

Rallye Label RYECD285
Out 3/18, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Overflow"

"Kurashi"

Sampler clip

"Nearly Broken Reindeer" (December 2018 studio session)

Childish Tones (Twitter), band that using only toy instruments, has a new single featuring singer Usakura Beni (Twitter, Instagram) about to be released! This time they cover Jane Birkin's "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (1978) and The Spiders' "Nati Bati Yi" (Japanese title "nareba ii", also once known as "Up-Side-Down") (1966). "Ex Fan Des Sixties" was featured on recent CD compilation "Silent Running".

The regular release on black vinyl is limited to 400 copies. There's an additional pressing of 100 on pink vinyl with a different jacket that will apparently be sold only at events.

Les Childish Tones avec Beni Usakura "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (7")
Childish Tones feat. 宇佐蔵べに 「思い出のロックンロール」

A. Ex Fan Des Sixties
B. Nati Bati Yi

Hello From The Gutter HFTG049
Out 3/25, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Ex Fan Des Sixties"

From Kaji Hideki's latest album "Goth Romance" (2019), this 7" cut of lead songs "French Cinema!" and "Non Non Song" was first sold during the album release tour, but here it is finally available more widely! The songs feature respectively Nakagawa Lisa (of The Natsuyasumi Band) and Non. It comes on blue vinyl!

A café style event is planned to be held on March 27 at New Fu-chi-ku-chi in Shimokitazawa. Reservations can be done here.

Kaji Hideki "French Cinema! / Non Non Song" (7")
カジヒデキ 「フランス映画にしようよ / ノンノン ソング」

A. French Cinema!
B. Non Non Song

Blue Boys Club / AWDR/LR2 DDKB91016
Out 3/18, ¥1852 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"French Cinema!"

"Non Non Song"

Shinichi Osawa (Mondo Grosso)'s latest project is RHYME SO (Twitter), featuring Australian singer RHYME (Bandcamp). They have just released brand new song out now titled "Fashion Blogger". Check out the cool video below, and also read more about the song in this article at Attitude.

This is their second song following "Just Used Music Again" (YouTube) (a track that was part of 88rising's album "Head In The Clouds II"). Previously, singer-songwriter RHYME also released an album titled "Internet Girl" (Bandcamp) on which Osawa did some production, prior to which he also did additional production on her song "Ominous Sounds" (Bandcamp) followed by a remix (Bandcamp). RHYME was also featured on a song of Mondo Grosso's latest album "Attune / Detune" (2018).

Shinichi Osawa has also published a Spotify playlist related to the new song.

RHYME SO "Fashion Blogger" (Download)

Avex
Out now (3/13)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Singer-songwriters HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) and AmamiyaMaako have teamed up for this new song. They co-wrote the music, HALLCA did the lyrics, and AmamiyaMaako the arrangements.

HALLCA and AmamiyaMaako plan to hold an event together, on Friday March 27 at Shibuya Guilty. The event titled "Shibuya Three Way Junction" will also feature Kariya Seira. (They do warn of potential sudden changes according to the situation, so check the latest venue listings before going.)

HALLCA & AmamiyaMaako "Floating Trip" (Download)

Magellan-Blue Records & MAXPEC RECORDS
Out now (3/11)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube

Teaser clip

Two skilled Japanese MCs, Kamisuzuki Hakushu (of P.O.P) and Maru (ex-Hondalady), have formed a band called BeastieBoyz and are doing, yes, Beastie Boys covers! Backed by acoustic sounds of guitar, flute and cajón, they sing lyrics in Japanese that are partly inspired by how the original English words may be misheard by Japanese listeners (a phenomenon known as soramimi). While they've been performing live for some time, this is their first release.

In Japanese, the band name is "Beastie Boys" spelled out in hiragana.

BeastieBoyz "BeastieBoyz1" (Download)
びーすてぃぼーいず 「びーすてぃぼーいず1」

1. Sure Shot (Cover)
2. Fight for Your Right (Cover)
3. Body Movin' (Cover)
4. Ch-Check It Out (Cover)

Twisterella
Out now (3/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"Sure Shot" (from YouTube Music)

Live performance of "Ch-Check It Out" (from 2016)

Blan( (previously spelt Blanc) is the dance music unit of darkwave veterans Narita Shinobu (aka Shinobu, of Urban Dance) and Yokogawa Tadahiko (ex-P-Model) (both also of 4-D mode1). So far having only sold CD-R singles at shows and some select shops, here comes their first album which contains renewed versions of those songs plus brand new ones. Check out the new music video below for song "Scary", directed by Sally Kubota.

HMV and Tower are said to give away a promo CD-R of two instrumentals (while supplies last).

An event titled "Blanc et Bleu" will be held on July 15 at Koenji High. Find details here.

Blan( "Bleu & Vert"

1. Light
2. Scary
3. Beach
4. Threesome
5. Ash
6. Mayonaka No Parade (Remix)
7. Flight
8. Fireworks
9. Landscape
10. Skater
11. Vert

Solid Records CDSOL-1896
Out 3/11, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Fireworks"

"Scary"

The Pen Friend Club, a band of eight that takes inspiration from 60's west coast rock, has a brand new single to be released this week! This is actually their last release featuring Fujimoto Yuka who had been the band's lead singer for almost 4 years. Included are two covers — The Association's "Along Comes Mary" and Yamashita Tatsurō's "Love Can Go The Distance" (an a cappella).

It's being released on CD with bonus instrumentals.

Fujimoto Yuka has a planned show at jazz bar Coquelicot Forte in Funabashi (Chiba pref.) on April 11. Find details in her tweet.

The Pen Friend Club "Along Comes Mary / Love Can Go The Distance"

1. Along Comes Mary
2. Love Can Go The Distance
3. Along Comes Mary (Backing Tracks)
4. Love Can Go The Distance (Backing Tracks)

Penpal Records PPRD-0005
Out 3/11, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Funky idol group Philosophy no Dance (aka Dance for Philosophy) has a new remix album about to be released! Included are remixes by FPM, Hyadain, Pasocom Music Club, ikkubaru (Indonesia), Night Tempo (South Korea), among many others.

The album comes in three formats: CD, LP and cassette tape. The CD includes three bonus tracks.

Because of virus-related show postponements, Philosophy no Dance have put up on YouTube footage from a recent show that was backed by a full band with brass section. Watch it here until March 11.

Philosophy no Dance "SAPIOSEXUAL"
フィロソフィーのダンス 「SAPIOSEXUAL」

CD
1. Heuristic City (mabanua remix)
2. It's My Turn (T-Groove Remix)
3. Time After Time (Remixed by Pasocom Music Club)
4. Algorithm no umi (Yamamoto Shō Remix)
5. Supervenience (Night Tempo Shuto Expressway Groove Mix)
6. natsu no Qualia (Remixed by ikkubaru)
7. Like a Zombie ~ Hyadain no ReReReRe☆Remix
8. Dance Founder FPM Never Ever Mix
9. Time After Time (Remixed by Gento Miyano) (Bonus track)
10. Algorithm no umi (Yamamoto Shō Remix AI Mix Version) (Bonus track)
11. Idol Philosophy Remixed by Asami Hokuto (Have a Nice Day!) (Bonus track)

CD edition
Philosophy of the World UXCL-237
Out 3/6, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

LP/Cassette tape
A1. Supervenience (Night Tempo Shuto Expressway Groove Mix)
A2. It's My Turn (T-Groove Remix)
A3. natsu no Qualia (Remixed by ikkubaru)
A4. Time After Time (Remixed by Pasocom Music Club)
B1. Heuristic City (mabanua remix)
B2. Like a Zombie ~ Hyadain no ReReReRe☆Remix
B3. Algorithm no umi (Yamamoto Shō Remix)
B4. Dance Founder FPM Never Ever Mix

LP edition
Philosophy of the World UXCL-238
Out 3/6, ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Cassette tape edition
Philosophy of the World UXCL-236
Out 3/6, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"natsu no Qualia (Remixed by ikkubaru)"

New wave gyaru Haruko Tajima has released a new remix, of song "Flood Of The Vibes" from album "Holy Holy Holy Holy" (2018). The track was remixed by DJ Nonono who was Haruko's support DJ for her recent solo show at Shibuya WWW in January, where the remix was played for the first time.

Haruko Tajima "Vibes No Daikouzui (DJ Nonono Remix)" (Download)
田島ハルコ 「バイブスの大洪水 (DJのののRemix)」

harucorium
Out now (3/4)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Tokyo Beethoven is the new project of Tanaka Tomoyuki (FPM) with art director Chihara Tetsuya (of design agency Lemonlife). Their first release is a 7" single of two songs which both feature singer Momo of Charan-Po-Rantan. Check out the two music videos below!

A-side "Colorful Tokyo" is the theme song for lingerie brand Une Nana Cool's new product "tokitome Bra Tokimeki Colorful". This record comes as the first release of label Kiss,Tokyo Records, which comes from the creative project of the same name: KISS,TOKYO.

Along with the vinyl release, the songs will also be made available digitally on iTunes, Spotify, etc.

Tokyo Beethoven "Colorful Tokyo feat. Momo / uchū wa taihen da! feat. Momo" (7")
トーキョーベートーヴェン 「カラフルトーキョー feat. もも／宇宙は大ヘンだ！ feat. もも」

A. Colorful Tokyo feat. Momo
B. uchū wa taihen da! feat. Momo

Kiss,Tokyo Records KTLR-001
Out 3/4, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Colorful Tokyo feat. Momo"

"uchū wa taihen da! feat. Momo"

Singer-songwriter Ino Hidefumi has just released a new 7"! The A-side is "Squall", which was first released digitally last year (, Spotify), while the B-side is a previously unreleased new song. A new album is expected to be released in 2020, which should contain both of these.

Hear "Squall" below, and also audio samples of both songs at Jet Set.

This physical release follows album "Song Album" (2018), since which another song titled "Magnetic Dance" was also released digitally (, Spotify).

Ino Hidefumi "Squall / Eienteki Slow Motion" (7")
INO hidefumi 「スコール / 永遠的スローモーション」

(Official English title in parentheses)
A. Squall
B. Eienteki Slow Motion (Eternal Slowmotion)

Innocent Record IREP-012
Out now (2/28), ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Squall"

We're already halfway through this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. Here comes the 6th installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.)

This time we get a cover of "what now my love" as performed by The Ventures on album "$1,000,000.00 Weekend" (1967), and a wild track with crazy drumming titled "bogattini" by The 4 Instants from their album "Discotheque" (1966). Both instrumental, they're also both available on 7" for the first time ever.

Hear audio samples at Jet Set.

The Ventures / The 4 Instants "what now my love / bogattini" (7")

A. The Ventures "what now my love"
AA. The 4 Instants "bogattini"

Oldays Records ODREP45026
Out 2/29, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, 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"

xiangyu sings about white T-shirts and how easily they get stained when eating food.

This new track is again produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella) who takes inspiration from music genre Gqom that originates from Durban, South Africa.

Also check out recent tracks "Hiji no Biribiri" and "Piano Damper gekini shime saba" as well as first mini-album "The First ○○ Picture Book".

xiangyu "byō de Pick shiro" (Download)
xiangyu 「秒でピック白」

Kujaku Club
Out now (2/28)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

(M)otocompo has a brand new song out now digitally! Composed by Dr.Usui and with lyrics written by drummer Hirano Kinoko, the both modern and retro catchy winter love song features guest singer Matsunaga Temma (of Urbangarde). This is also apparently (M)otocompo's first song available digitally.

In 2020, (M)otocompo will celebrate its 10th anniversary!

(M)otocompo feat. Temma Matsunaga "Far from BOKU" (Download)
(M)otocompo feat. 松永天馬 「Far from 僕」

Poplot
Out now (2/26)
Sample/buy: YouTube Music, Spotify, , OTOTOY