Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Ichiban (Instagram) is a new indie band whose singer Yoko No-no is located in Japan while band members Marty, Jared and Allen are in California. The distance hasn't kept them from working on their music and recording some songs, so here comes their first release which has a fun power-pop kind of feel! Check out the animated music video below for title song "Super Drive".

"Super Drive EP" is now available both digitally and as a self-released 7", directly from the band on Bandcamp, and it can also be heard on iTunes, Spotify, etc.

Ichiban "Super Drive EP" (7"/Download)
イチバン 「Super Drive EP」

A1. Super Drive
B1. Kikoeru?
B2. For Peace

Ichiban
Out now (7/31)
Order: Bandcamp, , YouTube Music, Spotify

"Super Drive"

Singer Gallantique Kazue has just released a new single of two songs. "namida, ame, Adieu" is an original written by Mitz Mangrove (another member of Hoshikuzu Scat), while the B-side is a cover of Nakajima Miyuki's "kizashi no Season". Both songs are arranged by guitarist/trackmaker Kashif (Pan Pacific Playa, Jintana & Emeralds), who also previously produced Gallantique's "yoru ni okiru Patron" (2017).

This single is the first of a series also sold as "music cards", featuring artwork by graphic designer Ushiro Tomohito. The music card edition includes a CD and lyric sheet, and is only sold on Gallantique's official shop, which ships within Japan.

Gallantique Kazue "namida, ame, Adieu / kizashi no Season" (Download)
ギャランティーク和恵 「涙、雨、アデュー｜兆しのシーズン」

1. namida, ame, Adieu
2. kizashi no Season

Nippon Columbia COKM-42920
Out now (7/29)
Sample/buy: (Japan ^‡), Spotify
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Sampler clip

World Standard has just released a 7" of two songs from album "Allo!" (1986). The song "taiyō wa oshiete kurenai" has lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu (of Non-Standard labelmates Pizzicato V) and music by then-member Mikami Masaharu, while B-side "Desa Finado No.6" was written by Suzuki Sōichiro (aka World Standard). It's the first time these two songs are available on 7". The single's jacket uses artwork of "Allo!".

The song "taiyō wa oshiete kurenai" was also featured on the wonderful compilation "NON-STANDARD collection".

Hear audio samples at Jet Set.

World Standard "taiyō wa oshiete kurenai" (7")
ワールドスタンダード 「太陽は教えてくれない」

A. taiyō wa oshiete kurenai
B. Desa Finado No.6

Teichiku Entertainment / Jet Set JS7S275
Out now (7/29), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

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

Two chorus groups! The A-side is a cover of "I could have danced all night" by The Kirby Stone Four, taken from album "My Fair Lady Swings" (1964), and the AA-side is a cover of "one note samba" by The Anita Kerr Singers, from album "Slightly Baroque" (1966). Both are released on 7" for the first time ever.

The Kirby Stone Four / The Anita Kerr Singers "I could have danced all night / one note samba" (7")

A. The Kirby Stone Four "I could have danced all night"
AA. The Anita Kerr Singers "one note samba"

Oldays Records ODREP45031
Out 7/29, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: 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"

COUNTJOKE (Facebook page), the unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya (SoundCloud, Mixcloud), has another new song that has just been released digitally! This follows last month's "A.D. 2020". The new song "Moonride!" has music and lyrics written by singer Maezono Naoki, while the arrangement and production was done by Arai Toshiya.

There's been word that all of their earlier songs, previously released separately as 7" and CD singles, will be made available on streaming platforms starting on August 3 (the release has been postponed). Stay tuned for details. Also, a brand new album is expected to be released this fall!

COUNTJOKE "MOON RIDE!" (Download)
冗談伯爵 「月に飛び乗れ」
(Japanese title: jōdan hakushaku "tsuki ni tobinore")

Love Shop
Out now (7/27)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"City Pop on Vinyl" is a campaign organized by Japan's famous record press Toyo Kasei, and on August 8 will be a special day with many releases that file under the "city pop" category that we love! While only sold from August 8, there's no limitation regarding pre-orders or reservations, so hurry while stocks last.

Below is a selection of a bunch of those August 8 releases that wouldn't be missed by Tokyo's Coolest Sound, but find many others in the full list here, including lots of re-issues of famous city pop artists. Note that some items on the full list are already released on different dates so availability may vary. Why not share your own recommendations in the comments. :)

The campaign aims to encourage enjoying city pop on vinyl, (re)discovering some of the best of Japanese city pop hit releases through re-issues, and also finding out about today's young artists who found inspiration in city pop. Let's go dig great music! By the way the official site has titles and artist names that you can read on the individual item pages.

hitomitoi "Wake Up!" (7")
一十三十一 「Wake Up!」

"Wake Up!" from album "TOICOLLE", plus a new remix by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience). The edit is up on SoundCloud.

A. Wake Up! (Original)
B. Wake Up! (Tatsuo Sunaga EDIT)

Disc Minor DM-0020
Out 8/8, ¥1700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Wakita Monari "passing by c/w Kiss" (7")
脇田もなり 「passing by c/w 接吻」
(Japanese title: "passing by c/w seppun")

"passing by" from latest album "Right Here" (written and arranged by COUNTJOKE), and a previously unreleased cover of Original Love's "seppun -Kiss-" arranged by Arai Toshiya (COUNTJOKE) (video on YouTube).

* "passing by" was played on Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show vol.7

A. passing by
B. seppun -Kiss-

Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCR9697
Out 8/8, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

The Pen Friend Club "ippon no ongaku" (7")
ザ・ペンフレンドクラブ 「一本の音楽」

First release featuring new singer Megumi! A-side "ippon no ongaku" is a cover of Murata Kazuhito, and B-side is a self-cover with the current line-up. There's a short version of "ippon no ongaku" and a remote session music video of "Rainy Day In August" up on YouTube.

A. ippon no ongaku
B. Rainy Day In August (Japanese title: "hachigatsu no ame no hi")

Sazanami Label SZDW1086
Out 8/8, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Negicco "attōteki na Style / Gatta! Gatta! Gatta!" (7")
Negicco 「圧倒的なスタイル / ガッター！ ガッター！ ガッター！」

Re-issue of Negicco's first 7" single (released in February 2013), with a slightly different jacket. Watch the music video for "attōteki na Style" below.

A. attōteki na Style
B. Gatta! Gatta! Gatta!

T-Palette Records TPRV-0053
Out 8/8, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

microstar "Feelin'! / Tokyo no sora kara" (7")
マイクロスター 「フィーリン！ c/w 東京の空から」

Two songs from microstar's first album "microstar album" (2008) (Spotify, ).

A. Feelin'!
B. Tokyo no sora kara

Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCR9695
Out 8/8, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

microstar "Sunset Girl" (7")
マイクロスター 「夕暮れガール」
(Japanese title: "yūgure Girl")

Re-issue of 2011 single, now rare. "Sunset Girl" also appeared on microstar's latest album "She Got the Blues" (2016).

* "Sunset Girl" was played on Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show vol.3

A. Sunset Girl
B. daisy daisy (99-11 English Version)

Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCR9696
Out 8/8, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Amane Trill "Sunset Trail / Wonderful Journey" (7")
アマネトリル 「SUNSET TRAIL / Wonderful Journey」

New single by city pop male duo Amane Trill. The recording also features keyboardist Inoue Kaoru (Blue Peppers), drummer Ibuki Fumihiro and bassist Sakamoto Noboru. Jacket design by Sally Kubota, who also directed the music video. Amane Trill also released another 7" at the end of 2019 titled "Candy Blue / Cruise WIth Me" (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, , Spotify).

A. SUNSET TRAIL
B. Wonderful Journey

Azabudai Music Communications AMC-073
Out 8/8, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, , Spotify

Arai Hitomi "koi no Mirage" (12")
新井ひとみ 「恋のミラージュ」

First original solo song by Arai Hitomi (Tokyo Girls' Style). 12" single includes a remix by Night Tempo. The release will also be available digitally. There's a short teaser clip on YouTube. There's also a digital release out the same day, with a different tracklist (, Spotify).

A1. koi no Mirage - Night Tempo 'Romantic Romance' Remix -
A2. koi no Mirage - Night Tempo 'Romantic Romance' Remix Instrumental -
B1. koi no Mirage - Original ver. -
B2. koi no Mirage - Acappella ver. -

Toyo Kasei TYO12S1011
Out 8/8, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Shin Rizumu "Flavor of lie c/w Half of the Living" (7")
シンリズム 「Flavor of lie c/w 暮らしの半分は」
(Japanese title: "Flavor of lie c/w kurashi no hanbun wa")

Two songs from 3-song EP "NOVO RITMO" released digitally in May 2020 (Spotify, ). There's a video for "Half of the Living".

A. Flavor of lie
B. Half of the Living

Toyo Kasei TYO7S1021
Out 8/8, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

TDO "Summer Blue / makka na taiyō feat. bird" (7")
TDO 「Summer Blue / 真っ赤な太陽 feat. bird」

TDO (aka Tokyo Discotheque Orchestra) is the project of bassist Watusi (Cold Feet) with percussionist matzz (also of très-men and quasimode) and guitarist Horikoshi Yūsuke. "Summer Blue" is a cover of Bread & Butter (arranged by Hosono Haruomi) and B-side "makka na taiyō" is a cover of Misora Hibari. Both songs are from album "Tokyo Discotheque Orchestra" (2017) (Spotify, ).

A. Summer Blue feat. bird
B. makka na taiyō feat. bird

Brickwall Records BWEP-0015
Out 8/8, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Best Music "Super City Pop 2020" (7")

Best Music, a unit formed of illustrator/designer Odajima Hitoshi and musician/arranger Hosono Shinichi, came back this year with new song "Stay Home Ondo" which showed up on YouTube recently, and now here's another new song titled "Super City Pop 2020". The jacket was illustrated by manga artist Suzy Amakane. Best Music is known for their cult album "Music For Supermarket" (2007) which was released on vinyl for Record Day 2019 with a bonus track (there seem to still be copies available).

A. SUPER CITY POP 2020
B. STAY HOME ONDO

Narisu Records NRSP-784
Out 8/8, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Polycat "The Earrings / The Flowers" (7")
POLYCAT 「君のピアス / たくさんの花」

Polycat is a band from Thailand that takes influence from Japanese city pop. This 7" consists of two songs from their first album released in Japan, "doyōbi no terebi" (2017). Both are sung in Japanese. There are music videos for both songs below.

A. The Earrings
B. The Flowers

Toyo Kasei TYO7S1022
Out 8/8, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Bagus! "Cheek time" (7")
Bagus! 「チークタイム」

Lovers rock tune that takes influence from Happy End, city pop and Shibuya-kei. Check out the music video. The B-side is a remix by HF International.

A. Cheek Time
B. Cheek Time (HF International Lovers remix)

Hawaii Label HLV07-0001
Out 8/8, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Various Artists "Kayama no shin sekai" (12")
オムニバス 「加山雄三の新世界」

Vinyl edition of the 2017 tribute album to Kayama Yūzō, released to celebrate his 80th anniversary. There's a music video and sampler clip below.

A1. oyome ni oide 2015 feat. PUNPEE
A2. aoi hoshikuzu feat. Momoiro Clover Z x Cypress Ueno & Roberto Yoshino x Dorian
A3. yozora no hoshi feat. KAKATO x Kawanabe Hiroshi
A4. Black Sand Beach ~Eleki danjiri~ feat. Scha Dara Parr
B1. tabibito yo feat. RHYMESTER / RHYMESTER
B2. yūhi wa akaku (yah-man version) feat. RITTO x ALTZ
B3. umi sono ai feat. Wednesday Campanella
B4. kimi to itsumademo (together forever mix) feat. ECD x DJ Mitsu The Beats

Dreamusic MUJD-1004
Out 8/8, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

GREAT3 "Richmondo High" (2LP)

First album by GREAT3 (released in 1995), and the first time it's released in its entirety on vinyl. A bonus track of a demo of "Cruel World To Heaven" is included. Cut from the original analog master.

A1. Richmondo High
A2. Fool & the Gang
A3. I Believe In You
A4. Oh Baby (Original Version)
B1. Eden Express
B2. Madness Blue
B3. Summer Breeze
C1. Koshinuke Machine
C2. Jet Coaster Biyori
C3. Summer's Gone
C4. Mr. Spicoli (with The Guitar Hero)
D1. Under the Dog
D2. My Bunny Eyes
D3. Cruel World To Heaven (Original Demo)

USM UPJY-9103/4
Out 8/8, ¥4500 (excl. tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), CDJapan

Last but not least, five re-issues from Sony on clear vinyl of different colors.

Sakamoto Ryuichi & Kakutougi Session "Summer Nerves" (12")
坂本龍一 ＆ カクトウギセッション 「サマー・ナーヴス」

Cut by Bernie Grundman. Clear yellow vinyl.

A1. Summer Nerves
A2. You're Friend To Me
A3. Sleep On My Baby
A4. Theme For "Kakutougi"
B1. Gonna Go To I Colony
B2. Time Trip
B3. Sweet Illusion
B4. Neuronian Network

Great Tracks MHJL-155
Out 8/8, ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Hosono Haruomi, Ishikawa Takahiko, Mastutōya Masataka "The Aegean Sea" (12")
細野晴臣・石川鷹彦・松任谷正隆 「エーゲ海」

Cut by Bernie Grundman. Clear vinyl.

A1. Aegean Fantasy / Mastutōya Masataka
A2. Atlantis / Ishikawa Takahiko
A3. Reggae Aegean Woman / Hosono Haruomi
A4. Mykonos Bride / Hosono Haruomi
B1. Image / Mastutōya Masataka
B2. The Rose Between Waves / Mastutōya Masataka
B3. Day Break / Ishikawa Takahiko
B4. Aphrodite's Mourning / Ishikawa Takahiko

Great Tracks MHJL-153
Out 8/8, ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Hosono Haruomi, Suzuki Shigeru, Yamashita Tatsurō 「Pacific」 (12")
細野晴臣・鈴木 茂・山下達郎 「PACIFIC」

Cut by Bernie Grundman. Clear blue vinyl.

A1. saigo no rakuen / Hosono Haruomi
A2. Coral Reef / Suzuki Shigeru
A3. Nostalgia of Island / Yamashita Tatsurō
A4. Slack Key Rumba / Hosono Haruomi
B1. Passion Flower / Suzuki Shigeru
B2. Noanoa / Suzuki Shigeru
B3. Kiska / Yamashita Tatsurō
B4. Cosmic Surfin' / Hosono Haruomi

Great Tracks MHJL-151
Out 8/8, ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Akiyama Kazumasa, Omura Kenji, Suzuki Shigeru, Takeda Kazuo, Matsuki Tsunehide, Matsubara Masaki, Mizutani Kimio, Yajima Masaru "New York" (12")
秋山一将・大村憲司・鈴木 茂・竹田和夫・松木恒秀・松原正樹・水谷公生・矢島 賢 「NEW YORK」

Cut by Bernie Grundman. Clear orange vinyl.

A1. Kennedy Airport / Suzuki Shigeru
A2. Hard Times / Matsubara Masaki
A3. New York Subway / Mizutani Kimio
A4. Him To Staff / Matsuki Tsunehide
B1. Central Park / Akiyama Kazumasa
B2. My One And Only Love / Omura Kenji
B3. Manhattan Sunrise / Yajima Masaru
B4. New York Woman Serenade / Takeda Kazuo

Great Tracks MHJL-152
Out 8/8, ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Inoue Akira, Matsutōya Masataka, Satō Hiroshi "Seaside Lovers" (12")
井上 鑑・松任谷正隆・佐藤 博 「SEASIDE LOVERS」

Cut by Bernie Grundman. Clear aqua blue vinyl.

A1. Lovers Paradise / Matsutōya Masataka
A2. Melting Blue / Inoue Akira
A3. Sun Bathing / Satō Hiroshi
A4. Sunset Afternoon / Inoue Akira
A5. X'S And O'S / Satō Hiroshi
B1. Wind Wave And Wine Glass / Inoue Akira
B2. Coconut Island / Matsutōya Masataka
B3. Evening Shadows / Satō Hiroshi
B4. Blue Memories / Matsutōya Masataka

Great Tracks MHJL-154
Out 8/8, ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

There's also much more on the full list on the official site!

hitomitoi "Wake Up! (Tatsuo Sunaga EDIT)"

Wakita Monari "Kiss" (Original Love cover)

The Pen Friend Club "ippon no ongaku" (Sampler clip)

The Pen Friend Club "hachigatsu no ame no hi"

Negicco "attōteki na Style"

Amane Trill "Sunset Trail"

Arai Hitomi "koi no Mirage" teaser clip

Shin Rizumu "Half of the Living"

TDO "Tokyo Discotheque Orchestra feat. bird" sampler clip (2nd & 3rd songs)

Best Music "Super City Pop 2020" official trailer

Best Music "Stay Home Ondo"

Polycat "The Earrings"

Polycat "The Flowers"

Bagus! "Cheek time"

"oyome ni oide 2015 feat. PUNPEE" (from "Kayama Yuzo no shin sekai")

"Kayama Yūzō no shin sekai" sampler clip

NUBACK, the solo project of Nakamura Dai (BANK, Vacation Three, ex-Arch), has just released a new digital EP titled "Still Life"! Coming almost a year after previous EP "I'm not in DUB" (2019), this new release is said to consist of daily life sketches from the recent months.

The release is available in advance on Bandcamp, and it will show up on streaming platforms starting on August 12.

NUBACK "Still Life" (Download)

(Japanese titles in parentheses)
1. Desire (yokubō)
2. 14 Days (Instrumental) (jūyokkakan)
3. I Don't Know Why
4. Deai (deai no Theme)

Too Young Records
Out now (7/24)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify, OTOTOY

xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) has a brand new track out right now! It's titled "Y△M△" (read "Yama", which means "mountain"). As it's usually the case with her music, this seems inspired by addicting African dance music beats. The producer is Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella). The song, and its music video, is a collaboration with mountain climbing app Yamap.

This follows latest mini-album "Kiki" that was just released last month. Meanwhile Kenmochi Hidefumi has also released his own new album titled "Town Work".

xiangyu "Y△M△" (Download)

Kujaku Club
Out now (7/24)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"Y△M△" (Short version)

Almost 4 years since mini-album "METAHALF", METAFIVE just came back suddenly with a brand new song that features Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) on main vocals, with Takahashi Yukihiro and Leo Imai also singing along. The band had hinted a return with a mysterious video posted two weeks ago.

METAFIVE is a super-group formed of Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO), Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko and Leo Imai.

METAFIVE "Environmental" (Download)
METAFIVE 「環境と心理」
(Japanese title: "kankyō to shinri")

Warner Music
Out now (7/24)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Teaser clip

From an upcoming Pac-Man 40th anniversary compilation expected to be released this fall, here's a last bunch of digital pre-releases. This time we get new tracks by Buffalo Daughter and DiAN (unit of Seidenba Saku, A-bee and immi), one featuring chinese rapper J-Fever! The mastering was done by Sunahara Yoshinori.

This follows two more bunches, vol.1 which featured Ken Ishii and Pasocom Music Club, and vol.2 with Nakatsuka Takeshi and sasakure.UK.

Various Artists "Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Collaboration vol.3" (Download)

(Title / Artist)
1. Dots In The Maze / Buffalo Daughter
2. TAOTIE / DiAN (Seidenba Saku, A-bee and immi) feat. J-Fever
3. PAC-MAN Fever / DiAN (Seidenba Saku, A-bee and immi)

U/M/A/A
Out now (7/24)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

DiAN (Seidenba Saku, A-bee and immi) feat. J-Fever "TAOTIE" teaser clip

No Lie-Sense, the unit of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders) and Kera (Uchōten), is about to release a 3rd album! It had been 4 years since "Japan's Period". Two of the songs were released in advance on 7" in April, "warera ga yo wa" and "Lie, Lie & Lie", though the first is included in a different version.

The album's vinyl edition comes as a double-LP with two bonus tracks and it's autographed by the two.

No Lie-Sense "Dadalogue"
No Lie-Sense 「駄々録〜Dadalogue」

1. Ah - rōsui Mambo
2. My Disco Queen
3. Dadarium / Dadatriam
4. Lie, Lie & Lie
5. D-shi, 7dome no sansaku
6. warera ga yo wa No Anthem-Sense Version
7. Cs. Saheiji
8. Torisuta Tsurao Show (uta wa torihiki ~ yama ni noboreba ~ senkoishi ~ otoko to onna no yubitsukai ~ tsukinamina jijii ~ nikuppoi sekai ~ Tabla no Rhythm wa yukai na Rhythm)
9. chonbo Mambo
10. nise dada shi, hōkō
11. Islanders wa tori to ningen desu
12. Centaurus no komoriuta

CD edition
Nippon Columbia COCB-54298
Out 7/29, ¥3300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

No Lie-Sense "DADALOGUE" (2LP)
No Lie-Sense 「駄々録〜Dadalogue」

A1. Ah - rōsui Mambo
A2. My Disco Queen
A3. Dadarium / Dadatriam
A4. Lie, Lie & Lie
B1. D-shi, 7dome no sansaku
B2. warera ga yo wa No Anthem-Sense Version
B3. Cs. Saheiji
B4. Torisuta Tsurao Show (uta wa torihiki ~ yama ni noboreba ~ senkoishi ~ otoko to onna no yubitsukai ~ tsukinamina jijii ~ nikuppoi sekai ~ Tabla no Rhythm wa yukai na Rhythm)
C1. chonbo Mambo
C2. nise dada shi, hōkō
C3. Islanders wa tori to ningen desu
C4. Centaurus no komoriuta
D1. ashita no asa, boku wa nemuru
D2. Torisuta Tsurao Show shōtengai Version

Limited vinyl edition (2LP)
Nippon Columbia COJA-9386
Out 7/29, ¥5500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"My Disco Queen"

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.

The theme this time is "summer"! All songs were selected for having to do with summer or having somewhat a summer-y feeling. Let's bring a bit of sunlight in the living room!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.7) was aired at http://lafaceb.live on July 22, 2020 from 22:00 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: July 23, 2020 from 11:00 (a.m.).

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

1. Michiru Hoshino "natsu nandashi" (2015)
(Japanese title: 星野みちる 「夏なんだし」)

The show starts with this song of singer Hoshino Michiru, which was written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five, now Pizzicato One). First released as a single (a set of 7" & CD), the song appeared shortly after on album "You Love Me ~you love me more today than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow~" (CDJapan, YesAsia). The song features a short appearance by storyteller Inagawa Junji, who is known for being mainly active during summer and telling spooky tales.

Michiru's latest album is "Moonlight Confessions" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), released late 2019. By the way Konishi Yasuharu has just released a live album as Pizzicato One, titled "zenya Pizzicato One In Person" (Spotify, ), in which he sings his own compositions (including several Pizzicato Five self-covers).

2. NUBACK "Walk Out To Summer" (2017)

NUBACK is the solo project of Nakamura Dai (BANK, Vacation Three, ex-Arch). This song was released as a single in 2017 (Bandcamp, Spotify, ), but it was also included on a split cassette tape of BANK and NUBACK (which includes a CD-R), which can be ordered via label Too Young Records (see their "For foreign customers" page).

NUBACK released last year a digital EP titled "I'm not in DUB" (Bandcamp, Spotify, ). Check out Too Young Records' Bandcamp for a large variety of like-minded releases, and watch the music video for "Summer in your eyes" below (another great summer song).

3. HALLCA "Twisted Rainbow" (2020)

This song is from singer-songwriter HALLCA's latest digital single, "Twisted Rainbow / Pink Medicine" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Since her first album "Villa" (2019) (Spotify, ), HALLCA has been active releasing new songs, including collaborations with AmamiyaMaako ("Floating Trip") and kiarayui ("Strawberry Moon").

HALLCA performs live on YouTube every Sunday at 21:00 (Japan time). Her latest archived show was a special in two parts celebrating her 50th edition (here and here). Subscribe to her channel to stay tuned every week.

4. Kenzō Saeki feat. polymoog "Sunshine in your eyes" (2018)
(Japanese title: サエキけんぞう feat. polymoog 「太陽は瞼の中に Sunshine in your eyes」 "taiyō wa mabuta no naka ni")

Kenzō Saeki is a prolific artist of Japan's new wave scene since around 1979, having been a member of Halmens and Pearl Brothers, and now being active with his band Jollits. "Sunshine in your eyes" is one of his recent solo songs with a city pop taste, which was produced by polymoog (of Elektel). Check out the Vaporwave version in the music video below.

Saeki's most recent release is an album as Pearl Brothers TWO, as a duo with guitarist Kubota Haruo. It's titled "Delay". As for Jollits, their first album "Enter Jollits" was released in 2017 and it's available on CD and digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Jollits will have a show with The Lady Spade on July 31, which will be streamed live online. Watch their Twitter account for details.

5. Cubismo Grafico "Jamaica Song" (2000)

Here's a cover of "Jamaica Song" by Cubismo Grafico, featuring singer Kushibiki Sayaka. Kaji Hideki also plays bass on this song, which was first released on mini-album "St. Nicholas" (2000), and later appears on "Cubismo Grafico Carribean Ensemble" (2006).

Lately, Chabe (Cubismo Grafico) is mainly active as the leader of band Learners, who have just released a 3rd album titled "Hello Stranger" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music), also available on CD and vinyl.

Learners will perform a show streamed live online on Monday July 27 from 21:00 JST. Tickets can be bought here. (There will be no archives, so the show must be watched in real-time.)

6. MANON "WAVY PINEAPPLE DAYS" (2017)

This one is by singer/model MANON, from her first album "Teenage Diary" (Spotify, ). Check out the smartphone-sized music video for "Wavy Pineapple Days" on YouTube.

MANON has just released a brand new song, "World's End feat. dodo" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) which came along with a remix by Hiroshi Fujiwara (Spotify, , YouTube Music)! Check out the song's cool animated music video below!

7. Elektel "Premium do Brasil" (2005)

Elektel is the first unit that comes to mind when thinking of futuristic lounge music. "Premium do Brasil" is a song about traveling that features vocals of Tomoko (from Jellyfish) and Rie Brasileira. It's taken from Elektel's 2nd album "Bit Stream Lounge" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

For Elektel's latest, be sure to check out compilation "Casiotunes!"

8. hitomitoi "Summer Breeze '86" (2012)
(Japanese title: 一十三十一 「サマーブリーズ '86」)

Inevitable when talking of city pop of the recent years, here's a song by hitomitoi, from her excellent album "City Dive" (Spotify, (Japan)) released in 2012. This song was sung in duet with guitarist Kashif. "City Dive" was just reissued recently as a 2LP.

hitomitoi's latest album is "Ecstasy", since which she has also taken part in Jintana & Emeralds' latest single "Summer Begins" (Spotify, ), and done collaborations with STUTS and YonYon.

9. Wakita Monari "passing by" (2019)
(Japanese title: 脇田もなり 「passing by」)

Then here's a song from singer Wakita Monari's latest album "Right Here" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The song "passing by" was written and produced by duo COUNTJOKE, who themselves just released new song "A.D. 2200" last month (with another new one coming in a few days).

"passing by" will be released on 7" on August 8 part of the "City Pop on Vinyl 2020" campaign! It will have for B-side a cover of Original Love's hit song "seppun -Kiss-", of which you can see the music video below (a remote style session with producer Arai Toshiya, of COUNTJOKE). Stay tuned for in-depth details about "City Pop on Vinyl 2020" on this site very soon.

10. Blue Peppers "hachigatsu no kagebōshi" (2017)
(Japanese title: ブルー・ペパーズ 「八月の影法師」)

Blue Peppers is a duo of male songwriters who make songs with a city pop feel. "hachigatsu no kagebōshi" (meaning "August silhouette") is the opening song from their first album "Retroactive" (Spotify, (Japan), YouTube Music).

More recently they have released an EP of two songs, titled "Believe in Love" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) on vinyl and digitally.

11. SOLEIL "Late Summer Silhouette" (2018)
(Japanese title: SOLEIL 「夏の終わりのシルエット」 "natsu no owari no Silhouette")

There's no summer without SOLEIL! :) This trio led by bassist Sally Kubota and fronted by singer Soleil was active until the end of last year. "Late Summer Silhouette" is a song that appeared on their 2nd album "SOLEIL is Alright" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The album was later also released on vinyl (Jet Set, Amazon).

While all of the band's recordings were done in mono, with respect to 60's standards the band took their inspiration from, the song also appears on special stereo mix album "SOLEIL in STEREO" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) which playfully remixed the songs using techniques that remind of early stereo days.

12. Hideki Kaji "Cecil Cut (of the Summer End)" (2018)
(Japanese title: カジヒデキ 「夏の終わりのセシルカット」 "natsu no owari no Cecil Cut")

Hideki Kaji has been a very active as a singer-songwriter and performer ever since the Shibuya-kei days. The song "Cecil Cut (of the Summer End)" first appeared on EP "Autumn Olive" (2018) (Spotify, ) and then on latest album "Goth Romance" (2019) (Spotify, ). The title refers to a haircut (also called "Pixie cut") that gained popularity in Japan from character Cécile (played by Jean Seberg) as seen in movie "Bonjour Tristesse" (1958).

Hideki Kaji animates a weekly live radio program on the Shibuya No Radio community station, along with co-host Maki Nomiya. The show can be heard live on Monday from 5 to 7pm anywhere within Japan using the official app. The talk parts are later archived on this page.

13. Qypthone "Once Upon A Summertime" (2000)

To end the show is a song by Qypthone, club-lounge pop unit led by Takeshi Nakatsuka and featuring singer Izumi Ookawara. "Once Upon A Summertime" is from their 3rd album "Modernica In The House" (Discogs, Amazon). The song can also be found on their compilation "Episode I (Qypthone Early Complete)" (2005) (Spotify, ).

A collaboration of Qypthone with New York producer Ursula 1000 can be found on his latest album "Esoterique" (2019). Also Takeshi just did a cool collaboration with game Pac-Man (celebrating its 40th anniversary), check it out here.

Thanks for tuning in!

Find previous radio shows here.

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

Hoshino Michiru "natsu nandashi"

NUBACK "Summer in your eyes (Preview edit)"

HALLCA "Twisted Rainbow"

Kenzō Saeki feat. polymoog "Sunshine in your eyes (Vaporwave mix)"

Cubismo Grafico and Friends "Jamaica Song" (Live at Apple Store Ginza on Aug. 31, 2009)

MANON "WORLD'S END feat. dodo"

Elektel "better sound for better kindness"

hitomitoi "Flash of Light"

Wakita Monari "seppun -Kiss-" (Cover of Original Love)

Blue Peppers album "Retroactive" digest clip

SOLEIL "My Sweet Fifteen"

Hideki Kaji "French Cinema!"

Izumi Ookawara (Qypthone) "Awakening" (Qypthone self-cover)

Chari Chari, aka DJ/producer Kaoru Inoue (SoundCloud), has just released a brand new album, 18 years since his latest under the same monicker (album "In Time", in 2002). Along with his latest sounds of electronic music with an organic feel, also included are some rare tracks such as the 10-minute "Luna de Lobos" (previously released on 12" in 2016).

Just recently, many releases of Kaoru Inoue from his label Seeds And Ground have been made available digitally on Spotify, Apple Music, etc. Check out the whole list here.

Chari Chari "We hear the last decades dreaming"

1. Tokyo 4:51
2. Of Mystic Dreams
3. Esfera de Água
4. In Exotic Haze
5. Suburban Archeology
6. Uluwatu Monkey Dance
7. Nanban Lights & Shadows
8. Saravah
9. Luna de Lobos
10. Fading Away
11. Nocturnal Bell
12. Black Shrine

Seeds And Ground SAGCD035
Out now (7/22), ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love has a new double-A-side 7" single being released! Like their latest album, "Hurricane Upsetter", it's produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Neil and Iraiza, Cubismo Grafico). The single is said to include a download code. The single is also available digitally.

Magic, Drums & Love have an upcoming event on July 24,to be streamed live from Shimokitazawa Basement Bar, with also a set by Childish Tones feat. Usakura Beni. The show starts at 20:00 (JST) and can be watched here (it's free to watch and "pay as you wish"). There will be an archive available from July 25 for ¥1000.

Magic, Drums & Love "Amazon Night / Eyes, Hands, Height & Hair" (7")
Magic, Drums & Love 「AMAZON NIGHT / 君は最上級の目と手と背と毛」
(Japanese title: "Amazon Night / kimi wa saijōkyū no me to te to se to ke")

A. Amazon Night
AA. kimi wa saijōkyū no me to te to se to ke

Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCR9694
Out 7/22, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Having announced that they will be disbanding in 2020, after 17 years of activity, here comes the 5th and last album of kayō rock group Salome no Kuchibiru (aka Salome Lips). A message from the members can be found here (in English and Japanese). The album includes two songs from 7" single "Yotarō funauta" released last December. Guest musicians include Ookubo Kei (Urbangarde).

The band has also just released a 7" single in collaboration with comoestas (aka Comoesta Yaegashi) of a song titled "ozashiki Rock" that isn't included on the new album.

A live show was streamed online on July 23 from 18:30 (JST) and available archived until August 6 (details and viewing ticket here). Another show with Kinoco Hotel will be streamed live from Shibuya La.mama will be held on Saturday August 15 from 17:30 JST (the show starting at 18:00). Viewing tickets can be bought here.

Salome no Kuchibiru "Religion"
サロメの唇 「宗教」
(Japanese title: "shūkyō")

1. shūkyō
2. Yotarō funauta
3. Sōran bushi
4. ame to sakura
5. nijū rasen no koi
6. rojiura no Blues
7. namida no naka no jiyū
8. Theater
9. Memento Mori
10. mugen kairō
11. kimi no inai heya
12. Shihōzan bushi

Sazanami Label SZDW1085̄
Out 7/22, ¥2500 (excl. tax)
Order: HMV, Tower, CDJapan, Amazon, , Spotify

"shūkyō" ("Religion")

"Ame to Sakura"

Sampler clip

RHYME SO, the unit of RHYME (Bandcamp) and Shinichi Osawa (Mondo Grosso), has just dropped a sudden double release of two versions of song "Psyche", respectively subtitled "Hoshi" (Star) and "Tsuki" (Moon). An impressive music video of "Psyche -hoshi-" can be watched below, depicting a parallel world of reality and fantasy.

Since the release of hit song "Fashion Blogger" last March, followed by two remixes, RHYME SO has also shared two songs on YouTube: "FAIRYTAIL-ing" and "Getting Better".

RHYME SO "Psyche" (Download)

1. Psyche -Hoshi-
2. Psyche -Tsuki-

Avex
Out now (7/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"Psyche -Hoshi-"

From his new 40th anniversary album "All Time Rock'n'Roll", here's a 7" of two songs by singer Suzuki Masayuki (aka Martin). Konishi Yasuharu edited the medley on the A-side, and also produced the B-side cover of Little Anthony & The Imperials which features The Shaolin Brothers and Satō Yoshio. Cutting was done by Bernie Grundman.

Suzuki Masayuki "Ultra Chu Chu Medley" (7")
鈴木雅之 「Ultra Chu Chu Medley」

A. Ultra Chu Chu Medley <Hurricane ~ machikado Twilight ~ akogare no Slender Girl ~ shūmatsu Dynamite>
B. Tears On My Pillow <With The Shaolin Brothers, Satō Yoshio>

Sony Music MHKL-30
Out now (7/15), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Brazilian singer Fernanda Takai, known as the vocalist and guitarist of band Pato Fu, has released just today a brand new album titled "Será que você vai acreditar?", which includes a collaboration with Maki Nomiya (ex-Pizzicato Five)!

Along with many new originals, some of which are written by producer John Ulhoa (member of Pato Fu), also included are covers of Amy Winehouse ("Love is a losing game"), Michael Jackson ("One day in your life"), Paulo Sérgio ("Não creio em mais nada"), and an unreleased song written by Nico Nicolaiewsky. There's also another collaboration, with French-Brazilian artist Virginie Boutaud.

Fernanda previously collaborated with Maki on a mini-album titled "Maki Takai No Jetlag" (2009).

Make shared video of a remote session with Fernanda of "Love Song" on Twitter.

Fernanda Takai "Será que você vai acreditar?"

1. Terra Plana
2. Não Esqueça
3. Não Creio em Mais Nada
4. One Day In Your Life
5. O Amor em Tempos de Cólera feat. Virginie Boutaud
6. Love Is a Losing Game
7. Corações Vazios
8. O Que Ninguém Diz
9. Love Song (Japanese version) feat. Maki Nomiya
10. Who Are You?

Deck
Out now (7/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"Terra plana"

"Não Esqueça"

Singer/model MANON (Instagram), who recently moved from Fukuoka to Tokyo for her studies, has just suddenly released a brand new song digitally. This one is a collaboration with rapper dodo (Instagram), and the track is produced by Yuppa (HNC) as always!　Check out the cool animated music video below.

And, also released at the same time is a disco-ish dancefloor-oriented remix by Hiroshi Fujiwara!

MANON's previous release was "Air Kissing feat. KM & LEX".

MANON "WORLD'S END feat. dodo" (Download)

Asobimusic
Out now (7/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

MANON "WORLD'S END feat. dodo (LUV STEP REMIX)" (Download)

Asobimusic
Out now (7/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Niigata-based idol group RYUTist has a 4th album finally being released, after having suffered some delays from the virus situation. Including some songs previously released as singles, and also a bunch of brand new ones. It had been 3 years since album "ryūtogeigi" (2017) (Spotify, ).

Featured producers and songwriters include Okii Reiji (Tweedees), Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), Hasunuma Shūta, Shibata Satoko, ikkubaru (from Indonesia), Pasocom Music Club, Kan Sano and Shin Rizumu.

Also, a re-issue of 7" single "nichiyōbi no Summer Train" will be released on August 12. This is a split single with Niigata legendary band so nice feat. Muramatsu Kunio (ex-Sugar Babe), with both groups performing the same song, and it had sold out quickly when it was first released in August 2018. It can be reserved at Jet Set and HMV.

A full show of RYUTist's "Home Live" series held in their home town can be seen for a limited time on YouTube.

RYUTist "Falsetto"

1. GIRLS
2. ALIVE
3. kitto, hajimari no kisetsu
4. Nice Pose
5. suki dayo...
6. Sensitive Sign
7. zettai ni zettai ni zettai ni GO!
8. aozora Signal
9. jikan dayo
10. mujūryoku Fantasia
11. haru ni yubikiri
12. tasogare no Diary

Penguin Disc PGDC-0012
Out 7/14, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"ALIVE"

"haru ni yubikiri"

"kitto, hajimari no kisetsu"

Trackmaker Cherryboy Function (Twitter) has just released a 5th EP of his "suggested function" series. Included are three new tracks, a new lounge-style mix of early track "Suburban Topless Beach", and a brand new remix by Pasocom Music Club of Cherryboy Function's club anthem "The Endless Lovers". It had been 2½ years since "suggested function EP#4". The EP is also available digitally on iTunes.

Samples of all songs can be heard at Jet Set.

There's a bonus 41-minute live CD-R giveaway at Jet Set, Amazon, Tower Records (and maybe also HMV, according to the label), while supplies last. The CD-R is titled "LIVE at OPPA-LA 2019.9.16".

Cherryboy Function had also contributed a remix to Pasocom Music Club, which can be heard on remix album "Night Flow Remixes" (2019) (Bandcamp).

Cherryboy Function "suggested function EP#5"

1. Sour Deeds
2. Face Off
3. Baby and Piper
4. Suburban Topless Beach (Nova Mix)
5. The Endless Lovers (Pasocom Music Club Remix)

ExT Recordings EXT-0033
Out now (7/8), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

23-year-old singer-songwriter/trackmaker Mom has a brand new 3rd album being released this week! This is the follow-up to last year's "Detox". Included are a few songs that were available in advance digitally (of which the music videos you can watch below), and a whole bunch of brand new tracks. Mom was saying again recently that he records his singing in his car!

Mom "21st Century Cultboi Ride a Sk8board"

1. tainai kaiki
2. akarui mirai
3. shokutaku
4. Anti Timetravel
5. Mask
6. Requiem no naranai machi
7. Sputnik no inu
8. Ghost Work
9. Cultboi
10. Happy Newspaper
11. Old Friend (waste of time)
12. 2040
13. (open_mic)

Colourful Records VICL-65381
Out 7/8, ¥2700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"akarui mirai"

"Old Friend (waste of time)"

"tainai kaiki"

"Anti Timetravel"

"Ghost Work"

"Cultboi"

"Happy Newspaper"

"Mask"

Sampler clip

Jun Kamoda (aka Illreme, also the singer of band (((sssurrounddd)))) (Facebook, Bandcamp) has just released a 7" of two tracks that consist of sampling works, officially using sounds from Kashif's "The Night" (song that featured hitomitoi, released on album "BlueSongs") and Zainichi Funk's "bakudan kowai". The release is also available digitally on Bandcamp and other platforms.

A few months ago Jun Kamoda also released a book of a hundred poems that comes with a CD album titled "3" of eight acoustic songs which feature guitarist Kashif. The book is titled "kotoba no seiza". Find details below, and also check out this special site which shows a selection of the poems with English translations. Some audio samples from the CD can be heard at Jet Set.

Jun Kamoda "Escape The Night / Funky Protection" (7")

A. Escape The Night
B. Funky Protection

(((Jun Records))) / Jet Set JS7S273
Out now (7/3), ¥1700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube Music

Kamoda Jun "kotoba no seiza" (Book+CD)
鴨田 潤 「言葉の星座」

CD "3"
1. owari yo
2. ai
3. hisabisa
4. michikusa
5. kirifuda
6. tabi no shizuku
7. saichū
8. 100

Little More 9784898155158
Out now (4/6), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Escape The Night / Funky Protection"

Rapper/trackmaker Punpee has just released a new EP of 5 songs. Included is a collaboration with his brother 5lack, and also another with rapper Kreva. The jacket artwork is by French bédé artist Stéphane Oiry. This release is the follow-up to 1st album "Modern Times" (2017).

Also, it has just been announced in late June that Punpee got married with actress and ex-AKB48 member Akimoto Sayaka.

Punpee "The Sofakingdom" (Download)

1. The Sofakingdom VR
2. GIZMO (Future Foundation)
3. Dream Goes On (feat. KREVA)
4. Operation : Doomsday Love
5. Wonder Wall (feat. 5lack)

Summit
Out now
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"Dream Goes On (feat. KREVA)"

Hiroshi Fujiwara (Instagram) is back with a new song titled "Territory", which was sound-produced by Watanabe Shunsuke (aka Schroeder-Headz), featuring bass by Hama Okamoto (OKAMOTO'S) and chorus by Yamaguchi Ichirō (sakanaction). Check out the music video below which is directed by onnacodomo (Instagram). The song can also be heard in short movie for his collaboration brand with Moncler, "7 Moncler Fragment Hiroshi Fujiwara".

This follows another song released digitally last October, titled "Time Machine" (Spotify, ).

Hiroshi Fujiwara "Territory" (Download)
藤原ヒロシ 「TERRITORY」

JVC Kenwood Victor Entertainment
Out now (6/29)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

"Territory" (Short ver.)

Promotional short movie for 7 Moncler Fragment Hiroshi Fujiwara