Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Singer Nakano Aya has a boxed set of five 7"'s being released on June 10, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of her career! Four of the discs were selected different DJs and one by herself. Those selectors are Sunaga Tatsuo, Kubota Takeshi, Comoesta Yaegashi and Yoshizawa dynamite.jp. All ten songs will be available on 7" for the first time. The box was designed by Sally Kubota, and there's a rubber coaster included.

Aya has recently started a YouTube channel where she has been regularly posting remotely recorded sessions.

Also, some previous albums and singles have recently been made available digitally: "zurui hito" (2010) ( (World), (Japan), Spotify, YouTube Music), "Emerald In Paradise" (2016) (, Spotify, YouTube Music), "Mambo Alc.0.00% feat. Panorama Mambo Boys" (2016) (, Spotify, YouTube Music), and "Asami no Blues" (2017) (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Nakano Aya "10th Anniversary Black Box" (5x7")
なかの綾 「10th Anniversary BLACK BOX」

Disc 1: Sunaga Tatsuo selection
A. sayonara Yesterday
B. aijin (Single version)

Disc 2: Kubota Takeshi selection
A. keiken
B. Una Sera Di Tokyo

Disc 3: Comoesta Yaegashi selection
A. namida no taiyō (Crying in a Storm)
B. Boy and Girl

Disc 4: Yoshizawa dynamite.jp selection
A. Whiskey ga, osuki desho
B. wakarete mo suki na hito (Duet with Yokoyama Ken)

Disc 5: Nakano Aya selection
A. atashi wa anta no kusuri janai
B. One Rainy Night In Tokyo

Vivid Sound HCR-9689
Out 6/10, ¥8500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Wack Wack Rhythm Band has two new releases coming on June 10! A new 7", of two songs from latest album "The 'Now' Sounds", and an "official bootleg" cassette tape.

This 7" happened thanks to a request from Konishi Yasuharu, who said he wanted that Martin Denny cover of "Something Latin" on 7"! The A-side is the excellent original song "Flyaway on Friday", of which the music was written by trumpeter Kunimi Tomoko.

The cassette tape contains 11 live recordings from shows of the last 8 years or so. One of the songs features Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), and two with ex-vocalist Lemon. The whole was mastered by Kanda Tomoki (Crue-L Records). The cassette is limited to 200 copies and comes with a download code, and profits are given to new live venue Live Haus in Shimokitazawa, where their album release party was planned to be held but got canceled, and to the rehearsal studio they had planned to use, Andy's Studio.

These two were actually sold in advance on WWRB's own online shop which does take international orders (the about page instructs to email first regarding postage).

Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Flyaway on Friday c/w Something Latin" (7")

A. Flyaway on Friday
B. Something Latin

WWRB WWRB005
Out 6/10, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Wack Wack Rhythm Band Official Shop
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Wack Wack Rhythm Band "The 'Live' Sounds ~Official Bootleg 11 Covers~" (Cassette)

A1. The Joker 2015.07.26
A2. O WOW! 2014.11.02
A3. Hey Little Girl (with Lemon) 2015.09.26
A4. I Make A Fool Of Myself (with Lemon) 2013.12.13
A5. Bump'n'Hustle Music~Porcupine 2017.07.07
B1. Sunday Drivin' (with Keigo Oyamada) 2017.11.26
B2. Something Latin 2019.11.29
B3. I'll Close My Eyes 2019.03.16
B4. Otokotachi No Melody 2012.10.28
B5. The Chicken 2016.04.10
B6. Apache 2018.05.18

WWRB WWRB006
Out 6/10, ¥909 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Tower Records ^†, Wack Wack Rhythm Band Official Shop
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

hitomitoi's album "City Dive" (2012) is being released as a double-LP! The album was produced by DJ Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), and featured collaborations with Dorian and guitarist Kashif, all of which set the course for her further releases.

Songs from the album were previously released on vinyl separately as "City Dive EP" (2012) and "City Dive EP2 & Remixes" (2014), but this is the first time they are available on vinyl as a whole. Not to be missed this time around.

hitomitoi "City Dive" (2LP)
一十三十一 「CITY DIVE」

A1. DIVE
A2. Galactic ni sasete
A3. koi wa omoi no mama
B1. Harbor Light
B2. ningyo ni naritai
C1. Summer Breeze '86
C2. Summertime ni kuchizukete
D1. matenrō no koibito
D2. RAINBOW
D3. Glass ni ukabeta Nonchalant

Billboard/Jet Set HBRV1012
Out 6/3, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"DIVE"

Album digest

Ambient and modern classical pianist Wataru Satō (aka Gecko, of instrumental band Gecko & Tokage Parade) has just released a solo piano album that he made during this spring, one that was like none other before because of COVID-19. The album consists of 10 beautiful and soothing improvisations.

Also check out digital album "Piano Mediations" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) released just last month, a collection of re-edited previous improvised works.

Wataru Sato, as Gecko, also contributed a song titled "perfect spring" to the recent label compilation "Playwright Library of Sounds -solo works at home-".

Wataru Sato "Feel Like April" (Download)

1. I Feel
2. Spring
3. In Bloom
4. River Song
5. Romantic
6. Still Silence
7. Our Song
8. Spiral
9. Natural
10. Feel Like April

Playwright
Out now (5/27)
Sample/buy: Spotify,

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

This time Konishi introduces two less known yet excellent tracks by British bands. A-side Peter & Gordon's "black brown and gold" is from album "Woman", while AA-side Gerry & The Pacemakers' "stranger in the night" came from "Girl On A Swing". Both of those albums were released in 1966.

Peter & Gordon / Gerry & The Pacemakers "black brown and gold / stranger in the night" (7")

A. Peter & Gordon "black brown and gold"
AA. Gerry & The Pacemakers "stranger in the night"

Oldays Records ODREP45029
Out 5/29, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Peter & Gordon "black brown and gold"

Gerry & The Pacemakers "stranger in the night"

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"

Avec Avec (aka Takuma Hosokawa, one half of Sugar's Campaign) has just released a brand new EP, his first solo release in about 8 years going back to 3-song EP "oshiete" (2012) (, Spotify). The songs "Dedication" and "Goodbye" feature singer YOCO of illiomote. This new release is available on CD and digitally.

Avec Avec "Rendezvous" (Download)

1. Rendezvous
2. Dedication
3. Goodbye
4. Certain Fantasy

Avec Avec AVEC-001
Out now (5/27), ¥1300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

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, or to listen once more, you can still listen anytime on Mixcloud.

This time is a selection with a lounge music theme, often with somewhat of an electronic side, digging some older and newer tracks that will add to a classy atmosphere or also sound fine as BGM. Hoping that you will find some new favorite songs or artists!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.5) was aired at http://lafaceb.live on May 27, 2020 from 21:00, repeated at 23:00 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: May 28, 2020 from 10:00 (a.m.) and 12:00 (noon).

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

1. Elektel "Panoramic View of Jazz" (2005)

Elektel is a unit formed of polymoog (also a member of CTO LAB.) and Ueken, also often featuring various guest singers. "Panoramic View of Jazz" is a song that appeared on their 2nd album "Bit Stream Lounge" (, Spotify, YouTube Music). A long time favorite!

Elektel's newest track was released just recently part of the compilation "Casiotunes!", an indie tribute album to Casiotone. Check it out! Elektel was formed on January 1st of the year 2000, so it's been 20 years this year! Congratulations, and here's looking forward to more great music!

2. Qypthone "On The Palette" (2002)

Here's another favorite when it comes to jazzy party music, by the band Qypthone which was very active since the late 90's, linking with the Shibuya-kei movement. "On The Palette" is from their 4th album "Montuno No.5" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Just last year, Qypthone were featured on New York producer Ursula 1000's new album "Esoterique", and they also went to perform in Vietnam! Leader Takeshi Nakatsuka has been active solo singer-songwriter for a long time (you'll hear one of his later on the show), and vocalist Izumi Ookawara has also released several solo songs digitally in the recent years (find them all here).

3. Toshiyuki Yasuda "Mr. Teleco-Teco" (2005)
(Japanese title: 安田寿之 「Mr. Teleco-Teco」)

Toshiyuki Yasuda is an innovative artist who often goes into unprecedented directions, like with his 2000-released debut solo album "ROBO*BRAZILEIRA" in which he had an imaginary robot sing bossa nova. The song "Mr. Teleco-Teco" comes from a sequel album that revisits the concept, released 5 years later with the title "WITH ROBO*BRAZILEIRA" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

His latest album is "Breaking the Silence (Version 10.3.3)" (2018) (, YouTube Music, Spotify), which he made part of a concept he called "Version Up Music" where the songs keep evolving into various versions. You might also find a version 10.4.0 that was released digitally a year later!

4. Hase Hajimu "Ajiro Dub" (2005)
(Japanese title: はせはじむ 「Ajiro Dub」)

Before becoming a songwriter and producer for other artists, Hase Hajimu (Instagram) released two excellent albums titled "Radio" (2003) and "Camp" (2005) ( (Japan)), mixing some exotic sounds and breakbeats. This song is from the latter.

In the recent years, Hase Hajimu has been mostly writing and producing music for other artists, including many songs for Nakano Aya and Hoshino Michiru. Just lately, he has started a new project called Do Nothing Productions, who released a first 7" single last December, with another to follow next month.

5. Neil and Iraiza "Potassium Purple" (2017)

Neil and Iraiza is a band formed of Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Cubismo Grafico) and Horie Hirohisa (The Cornelius Group, Dots+Borders, etc.), formed back in 1996. This instrumental is from their latest album "Timeless Melodies" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), which was also released on 10" vinyl.

6. CTO LAB. "Chemi-con" (2010)

Here's a song from CTO LAB.'s first album "Okie-Dokie!" ( (Japan)), an instrumental for which the music was written by polymoog (also of Elektel) and arranged by the whole group.

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. Their latest album is titled "Beyond The Box" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

7. Wakita Monari "Lemon" (2018)
(Japanese title: 脇田もなり 「LEMON」)

From singer Wakita Monari's 2nd album "Ahead!" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), which got released on vinyl for the first time just last February. Usually making full use of her strong voice, this is one of her quieter and most mysterious tracks.

Monari's latest album is titled "Right Here" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) and it was released last summer. Just recently, Monari posted on YouTube a remotely recorded cover of Original Love's "Kiss".

8. Pyokn "Be Yourself" (2004, 2011)

Here's one song by Pyokn, a trio who I first knew from seeing them perform live at a festival-like all-night event by label Usagi-chang Records. Originally part of their album "Colorful Vibration" (2004) (, Spotify), the song "Be Yourself" was remastered and re-released as a digital EP in 2011 (, Spotify) on label Flawless World (a reincarnation of Usagi-chang Records).

9. Nakatsuka Takeshi "Earth And The Universe (Tsuchi To Sora)" (2010)
(Japanese title: 中塚武 「大地と宇宙 (TSUCHI TO SORA)」)

This jazzy party tune by Nakatsuka Takeshi (who you heard in Qypthone earlier in the show) is from album "53512010" (), which was released only digitally in a collaboration with men's fashion brand 5351 Pour Les Hommes. Since then he has released several more solo albums, of which the latest is "EYE" (2016) (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

10. Groove Unchant "Break The Guinness" (2010)
(Japanese title: グルーヴあんちゃん 「Break The Guinness」)

DJ Groove Unchant's name is most often seen credited as a remixer. In 2010 he released a full album titled "Notre Musique" of both original songs and covers, featuring a great variety of singers. "Break The Guinness" is a fun original and instrumental track that stands out around midtime!

One of Groove Unchant's recent production works is Dahlia's latest album "Mirror" (2017).

11. Elektel "Integrale" (2005)

One more by Elektel, also from the "Bit Stream Lounge" album (, Spotify, YouTube Music). "Integrale" has lyrics written by Saeki Kenzō.

12. Toshiyuki Yasuda "Nunca Mais (Piano Solo)" (2020)
(Japanese title: 安田寿之 「Nunca Mais (Piano Solo)」)

The ending song is a brand new recording by Toshiyuki Yasuda, which hasn't yet been released! This year is actually the 20th anniversary of his first solo album "ROBO*BRAZILEIRA" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) which contained the original of "Nunca Mais", sung by an imaginary robot. He has revisited this composition, playing it on a felt piano with a very soothing sound. Enjoy!

Thanks for tuning in!

Find previous radio shows here.

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

Elektel "Panoramic View of Jazz (Ursula 1000 Remix)"

Izumi Ookawara (Qypthone) "On The Palette"

Toshiyuki Yasuda "Landfall"

Neil & Iraiza "Wasted Times"

CTO LAB. "Crash Bandicoot"

Wakita Monari "A La Espadrille"

Pyokn "Be Yourself"

Nakatsuka Takeshi "Japanese Boy"

Groove Unchant "I Thought It Was You"

Toshiyuki Yasuda "Nunca Mais" (Original)

Cutemen, the techno unit of CMJK (early Denki Groove) and singer Picorin, has released in May 2020 a new album titled "2121"! Including the songs "Fish" and "Time Rider" that were released in advance in 2019, this is the follow-up to "Exhibition Of Love & Desire" (2017).

Update: An instrumental edition titled "2121 Instrumentals" was later released on August 12, 2020 (, Spotify, OTOTOY).

Cutemen "2121" (Download)

1. Dug
2. Fish
3. 2121
4. Sexaroid
5. Phantom
6. Time Rider
7. Cold Sleeper
8. Beautiful Friend
9. Fruits Jerry Planet
10. From Parallel To Parallel

22nd Century Tunes
Out now (5/27)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

"2121" lyric video (Short ver.)

"Time Rider" lyric video (Short ver.)

"Fish" lyric video (Short ver.)

Classic video game Pac-Man is celebrating this year its 40th anniversary! The game first appeared as an arcade game on May 22, 1980. A compilation album of original collaboration tracks is expected to be released this fall, featuring Ken Ishii, Buffalo Daughter, Nakatsuka Takeshi, Pasocom Music Club, sasakure.UK and DiAN (unit of Seidenba Saku, A-bee and immi). Each song uses sampled sounds from the game, and the mastering was done by Sunahara Yoshinori.

Starting on the 40th anniversary to the day, a few tracks are to be released digitally in advance every month. The first bunch is of three tracks by Ken Ishii and Pasocom Music Club, including new theme song "Join The Pac" by Ken Ishii. Check the music video below! The next bunch in June will be by Nakatsuka Takeshi and sasakure.UK. Stay tuned!

A club mix of Ken Ishii's "Join The Pac" was included in limited editions of his latest album "Möbius Strip", released last November, and a bonus 7" with a version of the song was included in Limited Edition Type A (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV).

Various Artists "Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Collaboration vol.1" (Download)

(Title / Artist)
1. JOIN THE PAC (Original Mix - Official Theme Song for PAC-MAN 40th Anniversary) / KEN ISHII
2. Infiltrate The PAC / KEN ISHII
3. EAT&RUN / Pasocom Music Club

U/M/A/A
Out now (5/22)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

KEN ISHII "JOIN THE PAC (Original Mix - Official Theme Song for PAC-MAN 40th Anniversary)"

Coming in June is a brand new single by Towa Tei! Titled "Magic", it's said to be an uptempo track with synths and guitar, and it's the first cut from an upcoming 10th album expected around fall 2020. Featured on vocals is 2006-born singer HANA who also sang in the Yellow Magic Children concert (YMO tribute) last year. The B-side is a reworked version that features Fukuoka-based reggae DJ & MC NONCHELEEE. The front artwork is by Chicago artist Ryan Travis Christian, while the other side has artwork by Noncheleee who is also an illustrator.

This single comes as a limited release on white 7" that includes an original sticker and a download code. Grab it quick!

Towa Tei "MAGIC" (7")

A. MAGIC
B. MAGIC SIDE B

Nippon Columbia COKA-87
Out 6/17, ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sunny Day Service's latest album "iine!", released suddenly in March digitally, is now available on CD and colored vinyl. There's also a limited edition of the CD album that comes with a bonus live DVD of 9 songs, from a show held on January 4 at Enoshima Oppa-La. The album can also be heard in its entirety on YouTube for free.

Also check out new solo song "Sometime In Tokyo City" by frontman Sokabe Keiichi, available digitally (, Spotify) and of which a lyric video is up on YouTube.

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

DVD (Limited edition only)

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Rose Records ROSE249DX
Out now (5/22), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
Rose Records ROSE249
Out now (5/22), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Limited colored vinyl edition
Rose Records ROSE249X
Out now (5/22), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"haru no kaze"

Official full album stream

LLLL (read "four L") (Facebook page) has a brand new 3rd album that was just released suddenly today! It has been 5 years since previous album "Faithful" (2015). Check out the music videos below.

LLLL "Impure" (Download)

1. Yes
2. Sleep
3. Weep
4. Breathless feat. Yeule
5. Please Tell Her
6. Sink feat. meme
7. Everybody feat. Makoto
8. Sand
9. Pleasure
10. Note to You
11. Impure

Purre Goohn PG052
Out now (5/20)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"Weep"

"Yes"

"Sleep"

Duo jan and naomi (Facebook) are back with two albums, one produced by jan ("Neutrino") and the other by naomi ("YES"). "YES" has dreamy sounds with Rhodes and organs, while "Neutrino" shows a shoegazer synth-pop side. The two sing on both albums. It had been two years since previous album "Fracture" (2018).

jan and naomi "YES"

1. Maybe
2. Amber
3. Clos
4. Pool
5. Yes
6. Lula
7. Monk
8. Smoke
9. Beaut
10. Halmos

Caroline International POCS-23004
Out now (5/20), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

jan and naomi "Neutrino"

1. β Decay - Crystallization
2. Neutrino
3. Lust For Love
4. Sad Peony
5. MBIMYI
6. Nine Eyed Tarantula
7. Deathomosphere 23
8. Last Morning
9. Goddessness
10. Soldierness
11. AI Die For I (><:)
12. Shining
13. Boy Daughter Veroxius
14. Glass Of Lies

Caroline International POCS-23005
Out now (5/20), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Neutrino"

"Amber" (Official audio)

Neo ele-pop girl Emiri Kanou has a new 12" vinyl about to be released! Included are "Koiseyo Otome", the lead track from her album "GREENPOP", as well as a new remix by "new music unit" Lemmon, plus two versions of "Gomenne" that were previously only available on CD (one is a remix by Yoshida Tetsuto that was only found on the blnus disc of the album's limited edition). This comes pressed on clear green vinyl limited to 500 copies.

This is likely to be Emiri's last release in a while, as she has announced last month that she is going on hiatus because of ongoing health problems since last year (unrelated to COVID-19), explaining that she still wants to make music again in the future but she doesn't know when that will be.

Emiri Kanou "Koiseyo Otome" (12")
加納エミリ 「恋せよ乙女」

A1. Koiseyo Otome (CD MIX)
A2. Koiseyo Otome (Lemmon MIX)
B1. Gomenne (TETTO HA NEO NEW MUSIC MIX)
B2. Gomenne (EXTENDED VER.)

Narisu Records NRSP-1274
Out 5/20, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Koiseyo Otome"

"Gomenne" (Original ver.)

○△□ (read "Maru-sankaku-shikaku") is a piano trio led by singer-songwriter Mira Parameter, with bassist Mutō Masataka (of band Cherry's) and drummer Yu-ki Nakamura, and also featuring violinist Akie Doi. This first album was released digitally just recently, and contains some self-covers of songs from Mira Parameter's solo album "Reborn" plus several brand new songs.

○△□ "hoshi ga furu" (Download)
○△□ 「星が降る」

1. Usagi No Tsuioku
2. Okachimachi Roman
3. Hoshi Ga Furu
4. Hysteria
5. Ayaui
6. Ebi Kui Kōkaishi
7. Onion Girl Onion Boy
8. Honokana Hikari
9. Mangekyo

Marusankakushikaku
Out now (3/21)
Sample/buy: YouTube Music, , Spotify, OTOTOY

Tomoyuki Tanaka (aka FPM) has just released a 2nd single under his own name, following the recent "Alone". This new song features vocals by Takano Hiroshi and Harada Ikuko (clammbon). It's available digitally, but first be sure to check out the music video below!

Available on iTunes, Spotify and other digital platforms, the release also includes an instrumental version. The jacket was designed by Tetsuya Chihara (LEMONLIFE), and its daruma doll (Wikipedia) concept suggests adding the other eye when the day we can laugh again will come.

Tomoyuki Tanaka "Change the World Again (feat. Takano Hiroshi & Harada Ikuko)" (Download)
田中知之 「Change the World Again (feat. 高野寛 & 原田郁子)」

1. Change the World Again (feat. Takano Hiroshi & Harada Ikuko)
2. Change the World Again (Instrumental)

Never Ever Recordings
Out now (5/13)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Singer-songwriter and guitarist with scat skills, Saigenji has a new live album being released, of 2 CDs worth of songs selected from shows where he was accompanied by drums, bass, percussions, piano and keyboards. Those shows were held on March 29, 2019 and September 6, 2019 at Motion Blue Yokohama. This album follows original album "Compass" (2018) (Spotify, ).

You can check out his impressive performance skills in this archived solo show that happened this Tuesday May 12.

Saigenji "Live 'Compass' for the Future"

Disc 1
1. First song (for our tales~Magia)
2. asa to matenrō
3. Dance of Nomad
4. On Green Dolphin Street
5. hikari o matsu hito
6. Sunflower ("J"inga)
7. kodō

Disc 2
1. hashiridasu yō ni
2. kumo no kanata ni (Leve~Djavan ni sasagu)
3. Heartbeat
4. Waltz of Thong Lo
5. Compass (Horizonte)
6. kaze no wadachi
7. Music Junkie
8. Midnight departure
9. Tonada de luna llena (mangetsu no Tonada)

Happiness Records HRBR017
Out now (5/13), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Excerpt of "Dance of Nomad"

Piano-led jazz-rock instrumental trio fox capture plan has a brand new single coming on May 13, featuring singer Yosh from rock band Survive Said The Prophet. Included are brand new collaboration song "Curtain Call", a cover of Survive Said The Prophet's "Right and Left", and previously unreleased instrumental "Narrow Edge". The title song is backed by a string quartet, and it can be heard in the new music video below! This song was released digitally in advance (, Spotify), and the new single will also be available digitally.

While fox capture plan has apparently kept busy with soundtrack works, in terms of original physical release this follows 7th album "Capturism". Last year they also released digital singles "NEW ERA" (,Spotify) and "yakan kōro" (, Spotify).

Also check out label Playwright's new compilations "Playwright Library of Sounds -solo works at home-" to which each member of fox capture plan contributed a song.

fox capture plan "Curtain Call feat.Yosh (Survive Said The Prophet)"

1. Curtain Call feat.Yosh (Survive Said The Prophet)
2. Right and Left feat.Yosh (Survive Said The Prophet)
3. Narrow Edge
4. Curtain Call -Instrumental-
5. Right and Left -Instrumental-

Playwright PWT-070
Out 5/13, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Curtain Call feat.Yosh (Survive Said The Prophet)"

Official lyric video

Japanese jazz label Playwright has just released two compilations worth of demos and home recordings by related musicians.

Label director Taniguchi Keisuke explained that feeling privileged to often be the first to hear artist demos (whether programmed, rehearsal recordings or just humming) which are often beautiful, he wanted to share this experience with listeners. Just three weeks after having the idea, these compilations were made possible by the enthusiasm of all artists featured.

Featured are songs by artists such as (or members of) Immigrant's Bossa Band, bohemianvoodoo, fox capture plan, PRIMITIVE ART ORCHESTRA, freecube, MASSAN×BASHIRY, Afro Begue, Alter Ego, POLYPLUS, The SKAMOTTS, YoYo the "Pianoman", tsukuyomi, re:plus, Sunaga t experience, m.s.t., colspan, Gecko&Tokage Parade, SilentJazzCase, Calmera, and JABBERLOOP.

Various Artists "Playwright Library of Sounds -solo works at home- vol.1"

1. Pray_and_light / Kohei Morita (PRIMITIVE ART ORCHESTRA)
2. Spitfire / Iori Kimura (bohemianvoodoo, PRIMITIVE ART ORCHESTRA)
3. climb door / Takuya.N (Gecko&Tokage Parade)
4. My Cats Roll / Shima Yūsuke (SilentJazzCase)
5. Madonosoto / Naoki Koyama (m.s.t.)
6. perfect spring / Gecko (Gecko&Tokage Parade)
7. before summer comes / c.j. (freecube)
8. Sun above the clouds / nassy (bohemianvoodoo)
9. Yūgure / Isao Ohashi (ex.Immigrant's Bossa Band)
10. Konnayoruwa ~ Acoustic Duo Set feat. kagalibic / tsukuyomi
11. Cabin / Tsujimoto Yoshihiro (Calmera, POLYPLUS)
12. Mother / Taro (Gecko&Tokage Parade)
13. O.G Stay Home / YoYo the "Pianoman"
14. relax / Shoko Mochiyama (m.s.t.)
15. acception / Yoshikazu Ogata (Alter Ego)

Playwright
Out now (5/9)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

Various Artists "Playwright Library of Sounds -solo works at home- vol.2"

1. Keep the Faith / Ryo Kishimoto (fox capture plan, POLYPLUS, JABBERLOOP)
2. Good Morning feat. Hiddy, DJ Mitsu the Beats / bashiry (bohemianvoodoo, MASSAN×BASHIRY)
3. little-wisdom-tooth / Anayama Subaru (Gecko&Tokage Parade)
4. EXBAR TOKYO / Sunaga t experience
5. Virtua Rumba / Takuya Yamamoto (bohemianvoodoo)
6. Psyche / re:plus
7. You Can Go Back / Takayuki Umeda (colspan)
8. yoru / emico (freecube)
9. PAJAZZ / Okamura Tomoko (The SKAMOTTS)
10. game / Yuki Nagata (POLYPLUS, JABBERLOOP)
11. link / Kawai Hidehiro (fox capture plan)
12. Gen / MASSAN (MASSAN×BASHIRY)
13. starlight / Tsukasa Inoue (fox capture plan)
14. No one is there / ROUX (colspan)
15. SeeUSoon / SuzKen (Afro Begue)

Playwright
Out now (5/9)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

Singer-songwriter sugar me has just released a new digital EP of two songs! The title song was arranged by Hayashibe Tomonori (Plus-Tech Squeeze Box), while the B-side is a home recording featuring bassist Ray, pianist Kashiwa Saori and drummer Kamiya Jumpei (Akaikutsu). Check out the music video for "Follow The Rainbow" below.

Also check out sugar me's previous release, cover mini-album "6 femmes" (2016).

sugar me "Follow The Rainbow EP" (Download)

1. Follow The Rainbow
2. Sunday Mooning Birds

Wild Flower Records
Out now (5/8)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

"Follow The Rainbow"

Taiwanese singer-songwriter Lin Yiloh (林以樂, aka Skip Skip Ben Ben, also of Freckles, Boyz&Girl) (Bandcamp, Twitter) has a new 7" single being released in Japan. Included are two covers, one of Ohtaki Eiichi's "yume de aetara" (first sung by Yoshida Minako), and the other of La Veuve Moustachue's "otomodachi de imashō yo". Both are sung in Chinese, and sound produced by La Veuve Moustachue's Kishino You-ichi and Gary Ashiya.

Check out the teaser clip below, and hear samples of both songs at Jet Set.

The original version of "otomodachi de imashō yo" can be heard on La Veuve Moustachue's album "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (2016) (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Lin Yiloh "yume de aetara / otomodachi de imashou yo" (7")
林以樂 「相約夢境（夢で逢えたら） / 你不只是一個普通的朋友（お友達でいましょうよ）」

A. 相約夢境 (yume de aetara)
B. 你不只是一個普通的朋友 (otomodachi de imashō yo)

OUTONEDISC LK-37-D
Out 5/13, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"相約夢境 (yume de aetara)" (Short ver.)

The third and last album of singer-songwriter bice, self-produced bedroom pop masterpiece "kanaerarenai koi no tame ni" (2008), is being released on vinyl for the first time. Released on columbia*readymade after Konishi Yasuharu prompted her to finalize some songs, it sadly ended up being her last as she suddenly passed away in 2010.

bice "kanaerarenai koi no tame ni" (12")
bice 「かなえられない恋のために」

A1. Red Balloon
A2. lily on the hill
A3. 100nengo ni wa futari wa inai
A4. in lovers time
A5. teisen shimashō
B1. Splash
B2. ordinary days
B3. taiyō ga umarekawaru koro
B4. heaven
B5. tada koishikute aitai nante ne
B6. cine love

Nippon Columbia/Jet Set JSLP127
Out 5/13, ¥3600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Red Balloon"

This is a fan-made indie compilation of new recordings that use Casiotone keyboards, a series that celebrates its 40th anniversary (the CT-201 was first sold in 1980). As the catch copy says it best: "Cute and Pop Music by Casiotone Lovers"! Featured artists include Elektel, Yokemura (YMCK), Saitone, Shibata (from Pasocom Music Club), and many more.

A CD edition is also available, though only via direct mail order from Tsugtech Records.

Various Artists "Casiotunes!"

(Title / Artist)
(Original Japanese song titles in parentheses)
1. The Adventure of Spring Breeze (harukaze no bōken) / kagerow
2. Beat Bank Twenty-one / Yokemura (YMCK)
3. The President of Tokyo (dai-Tokyo daitōryō) / Furumachi MOI
4. The smallest and best keyboard in the world / ELEKTEL
5. ki-o-ku / Kataoka Tsugumi
6. Big Foot / Daisuke Ohnuma
7. Retro Future Afterschool (hōkago Retro Future) / ToMo K.
8. Meadow / Saitone
9. merge / fluffy
10. Small Friends / Shibata (from Pasocom Music Club)
11. A Mountain Where Medicinal Plants Grow (yakusō ga haetesō na yama) / KNOTS
12. VS. I Have To Move Forward (VS. susumazaru oenai) / geeker-natsumi
13. What You Get is What You Got / nanabits
14. Blooms on you / mu-station
15. Suki! Suki! Casiotone / Komiya Mao & LUNCHBOX

Tsugtech Records
Out now (5/5)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Sampler clip

Nagoya-based synth-pop band Orland has just released a new EP that consists of 4 songs, including one featuring singer Takakoh. In terms of mini-albums this follows "Luv Connection E.P." (2015) (CDJapan, , Spotify), since which a few digital singles were also released.

Within Japan, the new EP is available also on cassette tape via direct mail order.

Orland "Cut Life A City" (Download)

1. Cut
2. Life (feat. Takakoh)
3. Ai No Karakuri
4. City Of Love

Yau Records
Out now (4/22)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Singer-songwriter Watauchi Katsuyuki has just released a brand new album. It was recorded with musicians who played with him back when he did his solo debut (around 1994), such as guitarist Aoki Takaaki, bassist Ori Makoto (aka Francis, ex-The Collectors) and drummer Abe Kōsaku (ex-The Collectors). This is apparently the follow-up to album "Boys Don't Cry" (2014).

The physical CD edition is available within Japan via direct mail order only by filling-in this form.

Watauchi Katsuyuki "almost green"
綿内克幸 「almost green」

1. Hummingbird
2. Gelsomina
3. Flowers In The Sun Kaze Ga Hakobu Uta
4. Monday Monday
5. Riverboat
6. Soleil
7. Mahiru No Tsuki
8. Last Dance
9. Champagne Lights / Downtown Life
10. Country Road

Victor
Out now (4/4), ¥3000 (excl. tax)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, Amazon MP3 Japan

"Hummingbird"

"Monday Monday"

YORUWAKOREKARA (Twitter) is a recently started three-piece idol group with a city pop/soul sound, produced by Blackstone Village (who also do arrangements for HALLCA). This is their 2nd single to be made available on iTunes, Spotify, etc.

Check out their previous 2-song EP "Gimme More" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) that was released on March 1st.

YORUWAKOREKARA "Stronger Like You" (Download)

Blackstone Village Records
Out now (5/3)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Saoriiiii has released a digital EP of remixes, including some rare ones from CDs that were sold exclusively at shows. Check out the crossfade sampler clip below, or head over to your favorite streaming platform.

Also, a music video of a "Stay Home" version of song "Tokyo Kunyan" has been posted on YouTube. The performance features band Seijaku in Tokyo.

Saoriiiii "REMIX" (Download)

1. Retro Train (VIP MIX)
2. Chaplin Orchestra (CUBE JUICE REMIX)
3. runaway? (CANDLES REMIX)
4. runaway? (islandhouse REMIX)
5. plan (islandhouse REMIX)
6. ukiyo Disco (Inimma REMIX)
7. Dancing Through the Night (Polar Night Mix)

Rooftop Studio
Out now (5/1)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Crossfade sampler clip

Funky idol group Philosophy no Dance (aka Dance for Philosophy) has a new digital EP out now, which consists of single B-sides which were versions sung solo by one of the members. This is a limited streaming-only release available until June 30, to give fans something to enjoy despite the situation.

Also check out the group's latest official release, remix album "Sapiosexual".

Philosophy no Dance "Side Dish" (Download)
フィロソフィーのダンス 「サイド・ディッシュ」

1. Dance Founder (Halu Hinata Ver.)
2. kokuhaku wa Summer (Otoha Totsuka Ver.)
3. hajimemashite mirai (Maria Satō Ver.)
4. Speech (Mariri Okutsu Ver.)
5. Algorithm no umi (Otoha Totsuka Ver.)
6. Sauvage Image (Maria Satō Ver.)

Sony
Out now (5/1)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Ram Rider has been back with new monthly digital releases since last December, on his own new label called "401". This is the 5th of those releases, and it's features singer MEG! The two had previously collaborated on his album "Audio Galaxy - Ram Rider vs Stars!!! -" (2012). A music video of this song should be coming later.

Check out his previous releases on download/streaming services, and let's look out for more to come hopefully!

On a related note, it seems that several of MEG's albums have recently been made available on iTunes and Spotify, including greatest hits album "Best Flight".

RAM RIDER "STAY WITH ME starring MEG" (Download)

401 DBR-420
Out now (4/30)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Sapporo-based trackmaker PARKGOLF (SoundCloud, Twitter) has a brand new instrumental track out now digitally. Check out the fun video below for "Good Place"!

This follows a few other digital singles and EPs that were released since 2nd album "Reo" (2017). Check his Bandcamp and then your favorite service for more.

PARKGOLF "Good Place" (Download)

Date Spot
Out now (4/29)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Short version trailer