Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Fukuoka-based idol group 963 (read "kurumi") has just released a 2nd album! Music contributors include Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), Kenichirō Nishihara (Unprivate), Shinjō Kenichi (Submarine, Pineapple Club), ikkubaru and more.

963 has two upcoming events that can be viewed online: "IDOL x COOKING" on September 2 (with Frun Fin Friends, Burst Girl and Gday), and "nice girl, nice middle" on September 23. Find more shows at Tokyo's Coolest Sound's Live streaming information.

963 "tick tock"

1. shingōki no aka
2. SEED
3. watashitachi kikagaku
4. lumen
5. are wa totsuzen no mabushii hikari
6. hoshi no furu machi
7. STARGET
8. I Might Be Your Girl
9. Butterfly Dancing
10. GAME
11. saiai

Laughface, Inc. LHFC-007
Out now (8/28), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"I Might Be Your Girl"

"GAME"

"hoshi no furu machi"

This year Record Store Day has been hit hard by the pandemic, and after one postponement that didn't work out, it ended up finding shape as "RSD Drops Day". Three "RSD Drops" days will be held: on August 29, September 26 and October 24. Also, in addition to the items being sold in shops starting on those dates, online sales will be allowed from 13:00 on release day (compared to usually only being allowed a week or two later). So they're already available online at time of writing.

Here's are just a few picks that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers might not want to miss on this first RSD Drops Day. The full list can be found here (be careful of the release date, since there are three of them).

See also the worldwide Record Store Day site if you want to see the list of international releases.

Sunaga t experience "sekai, Nishihara shōkai no sekai! EP" (7")
Sunaga t experience 「世界、西原商会の世界！ EP」

Cover of Crazy Ken Band's TV commercial song for "Nishihara shōkai" by Sunaga t experience (Sunaga Tatsuo). Each side is a different version: the A-side has a jazzy version featuring Nomiya Maki, and the B-side a bossa arrangement sung by Keissy Costa in Portuguese. Edited by Takamiya Eitetsu (Little Big Bee, of Flower Records).

A. sekai, Nishihara shōkai no sekai! feat. Nomiya Maki
B. sekai, Nishihara shōkai no sekai! feat. Keissy Costa

Zounds / HMV record shop HR7S177
Out now (8/29), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

DÉ DÉ MOUSE "Nulife / Regret" (7")

Two songs from DÉ DÉ MOUSE's 8th album "Nulife", here in exclusive extended versions.

not records NOT0028
Out now (8/29), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Ken Ishii feat. Pac-Man "Join The Pac" (7")

A special collaboration for Pac-Man's 40th anniversary. "Join the Pac" was released digitally in May.

A. Join The Pac
B. The World of PAC-MAN

iam8bit 8BIT81237
Out now (8/29), ¥
Order: Jet Set

cro-magnon "Midnight Magic Feat. ROY AYERS"

The 5th single on DJ Kawasaki's Kawasaki Records label is a collaboration with trio cro-magnon, and features Roy Ayers.

A. Midnight Magic Feat. ROY AYERS (DJ KAWASAKI 45Edit)
B. Midnight Magic Feat. ROY AYERS (DJ KAWASAKI 45Edit Instrumental)

Kawasaki Records / HMV record shop HR7S180
Out now (8/29), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Muro "Han-Tōmē / Han-Tōmē (Flutemental)" (7")

This and below are three 7" of previously released tracks by Muro from around 1998 to 2000. The artwork revisits a series of 12"'s released in 2000, related to the album "Pan Rhythm: Flight No. 11154". (KOD = King Of Diggin, Muro's monicker)

A. Han-Tōmē
B. Han-Tōmē (Flutemental)

HMV record shop HR7S170
Out now (8/29), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Muro feat. Boo "Hip Hop Band / Hip Hop Band (Instrumental)" (7")

A. Hip Hop Band
B. Hip Hop Band (Instrumental)

HMV record shop HR7S171
Out now (8/29), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Muro feat. Boo "Jah Music / Jah Music (Instrumental)" (7")

A. Jah Music
B. Jah Music (Instrumental)

HMV record shop HR7S172
Out now (8/29), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Ken Ishii "Join The Pac (Original Mix - Official Theme Song for PAC-MAN 40th Anniversary)"
(May be different from the 7" version)

DÉ DÉ MOUSE "Nulife"

cro-magnon "Midnight Magic feat. Roy Ayers"
(Different from the 7" version)

cro-magnon "Midnight Magic feat. Roy Ayers (DJ KAWASAKI 45EDIT)" (Short Sample)

cro-magnon "Midnight Magic feat. Roy Ayers (DJ KAWASAKI 45EDIT) (instrumental)" (Short Sample)

Childish Tones (Twitter) featuring singer Usakura Beni (Twitter, Instagram) has just released a new 7" single. Included are covers of The Smiths' "Ask", and New York Dolls' Sylvain Sylvain's solo song "Teenage News". A download code is included. The jacket is also an homage to The Smiths' "This Charming Man". This follows "Ex Fan Des Sixties" released also on 7" earlier this year.

For those in Japan, there's a red vinyl edition of 300 copies available only directly from the label's online shop.

It has also been announced that a full-length album titled "God Bless The Girls" will be released on CD and 10" vinyl on October 26, and also in advance on cassette tape for Cassette Store Day (on October 17). Stay tuned for details!

CHILDISH TONES feat. Beni Usakura "ASK" (7")
CHILDISH TONES feat. 宇佐蔵べに 「ASK」

A. Ask
B. Teenage News

KiliKiliVilla KKV-106VL
Out 8/28, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Ask"

Rocketman (aka Ryō Fukawa) released this week a new version of song "dounikanarisou" featuring Mizuno Mari (paris match). It's available on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Rocketman had previously featured her before on his albums "life is music 2" (2014) and "I'm Music".

The song had also been released digitally last month sung by Tomita Shiori with three remixes (, Spotify), and also back in 2017 apparently sung by Hatsune Miku (, Spotify).

Rocketman "Dōnikanarisō feat. Mari Mizuno -beachside mix-" (Download)
Rocketman 「どうにかなりそう feat. ミズノマリ -beachside mix-」

Tambourine Records
Out now (8/26)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

Shuta Hasunuma Full Philharmonic Orchestra, an orchestral project of 26 musicians, has just released a digital album of original works and remixes, plus a version of Shuta Hasunuma's "windandwindows".

The recording was done in March 2019. The orchestra features members including Hasunuma Shuta (conduction, composition, keyboards and vocals), Itoken and Jimanica on drums, Gondo Tomohiko on euphonium, rapper Tamaki Roy, among many others.

An online show with 14 members will be held on August 29 from 19:00 (archived until September 5 at 20:00 (JST)). Get your ticket at Zaiko. You can also see the countdown clock on our live streaming information page.

Shuta Hasunuma Full Philharmonic Orchestra "Fullphony" (Download)
蓮沼執太フルフィル 「フルフォニー｜FULLPHONY」

1. windandwindows　
"FULLPHONY"
2. I. Difference
3. II. Greeting
4. III. Gush
5. IV. Faces
6. windandwindows remix
"FULLPHONY remixes"
7. I. Creep
8. II. Poly
9. III. Crystallize
10. IV. Pass

Shuta Hasunuma
Out now (8/26)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Digest clip

This is the twelfth and last of this year-long monthly series of 7", named "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") and consisting of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics!

This time Konishi chose two covers of movie hit songs, sang by chorus groups. The A-side is from Little Anthony & The Imperials' album "Movie Grabbers" (1967), and it's a cover of "Un homme et une femme" with English lyrics. The AA-side is a swinging jazz number by Chicago chorus group The Dells, of a song first heard in 1938 movie "Going Places". The latter is a mono edit of the stereo original.

Before this series started there was an opportunity to purchase a subscription, which delivered each record every month by mail. I jumped right in, and it was a real delight to look forward to the monthly delivery of excellent music, sometimes arriving even a few days before the release date. Mail subscriptions aren't the most common thing in recent years, and this series was a great reminder of this special and exciting experience. Thanks for this great idea and the best subscription ever!

Follow the links below to all other releases from the series.

Little Anthony & The Imperials / The Dells "a man and a woman / jeepers creepers" (7")

A. Little Anthony & The Imperials "a man and a woman"
AA. The Dells "jeepers creepers"

Oldays Records ODREP45032
Out 8/29, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

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

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 the theme seems to revolve around guitar sounds! Soothing, exciting and amazing, there's no specific genre around to limit where this magical instrument will take us. Enjoy the show!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.8) was aired at http://lafaceb.live on August 26, 2020 from 22:00 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: August 27, 2020 from 11:00 (a.m.).

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

1. Saigenji "Dance of Nomad" (2018)

Saigenji is a singer and guitarist who debuted in 2002 on Happiness Records. Even when performing with just his guitar he captivates the audience with his rhythmical playing and distinctive singing style. The song "Dance of Nomad" is from his latest original album "Compass" (Spotify, ). Saigenji's most recent release is a 2CD live album titled "Live 'Compass' for the Future" (Spotify, ).

Also in recent news, Saigenji's 2006 album "Music Eater" has been made available on download/streaming platforms starting last week, with 3 bonus tracks (Spotify, ).

2. The Pen Friend Club "hohoende" (2020)
(Japanese title: 「微笑んで」)

The Pen Friend Club has a first-ever live album coming in September, titled "In Concert" (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV), and it's a pleasure to have the chance to give you a special preview! The album will contain 17 songs from two recent shows that featured previous singer Fujimoto Yuka.

While very popular for its covers and arrangements, The Pen Friend Club also has many great original songs such as "hohoende". This one was first featured on album "Wonderful World Of The Pen Friend Club" (Spotify, ).

Stay tuned for one more preview from "In Concert" later in the show!

3. Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys "Sunday morning" (2019)

Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys is a band of currently 8 members, led by singer-songwriter Kubota Shingo, once the frontman of '70s band new wave band 8½ and known as being one half of "The Stardust Brothers" (a cult rock musical movie from 1985, which was followed by a sequel some 30 years later). The band also features guitarist Muramatsu Kunio (ex-Sugar Babe), keyboardist Kotaki Mitsuru (ex-Cinema), bassist Yajima Chikara (ex-8 1/2) among others, not to forget "mascot boy" Sasha who was once a roadie for Pizzicato Five and Boredoms. The song "Sunday morning" is taken from their 3rd and latest album "The man who calls bliss." (2019) (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

A recent show by Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys can be seen in full here on YouTube, as it was streamed live online earlier this month. Their next will be on September 9 from 19:00, and details will be posted shortly on Tokyo's Coolest Sound's Live streaming calendar.

4. KASHIF "B G M" (2017)

Kashif is a guitarist and songwriter of the Pan Pacific Playa collective. He's well known for contributing songs for many artists, and also for being a member of neo-doo-wap group Jintana & Emeralds. He also often accompanies artists such as hitomitoi, Scha Dara Parr and (((sssurrounddd))), to name a few.

Aside from that, he has also released a great solo album as a singer-songwriter titled "BlueSongs" (Spotify, (Japan)) from which the song "B G M" is taken. Kashif has also recently started a project called Sota & Kashif, a duo with keyboardist Takagi Sōta, which so far released a cover of Santana's "Europa" on 7".

5. NUBACK "I Don't Know Why" (2020)

NUBACK, the solo project of Nakamura Dai (BANK, Vacation Three, ex-Arch), has just released a new digital EP titled "Still Life" (Bandcamp, Spotify, ) from which this new song is taken. The EP is said to consist of daily life sketches from the recent months. NUBACK takes some inspiration from new wave and also the waves of Japan's east coast just a bit south of Tokyo.

6. Ryōmei Shirai "Tonpikurenkko" (2017)
(Japanese title: 白井良明 「トンピクレンッ子」)

Ryōmei Shirai is the lead guitarist of Japan's 1975-founded band Moonriders. "Tonpikurenkko" is a song he wrote with Moonriders (released in 1982 on album "aozora hyakkei"), but this version is taken from his solo album "For Instance" (2017) (CDJapan, Amazon) which celebrated his 45th anniversary of becoming a pro musician, and the 40th anniversary of him joining Moonriders. Unlike the upbeat rocking original, this one is instrumental with a fusion vibe, with "Yahoo!" and "Wasshoi!" shouts by Tentenko.

7. playtime rock "motto zutto (unplugged ver.)" (2013)
(Japanese title: プレイタイム・ロック 「もっとずっと (unplugged ver.)」)

Playtime Rock is the unit of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) with singer and flutist Ichiba Mina. "motto zutto" first appeared as a fun techno-pop track on album "Evening Primrose" (2012) (Amazon, HMV), to later surface in this charming unplugged take on album "Play Time" (2013) (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV).

K-taro's latest solo release is a single (CD+7") in collaboration with singer Hoshino Michiru, titled "Memorandum" (CDJapan, Jet Set).

8. Reina Nosa "Jealousy Overheat" (2020)
(Japanese title: 野左怜奈 「ジェラシーオーバーヒート」)

"Jealousy Overheat" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) is the latest song by singer Reina Nosa. Having released four songs digitally since the end of 2019, Reina has been working on an upcoming new album to be titled "Sports and Distractions" (Japanese title "Sports to kibarashi"). Also check out those other latest songs: "Eccentric Western Exercise" (music video below), "City Blue Carnival", and "Pink Delusional Aquarium".

Otherwise, she's been regularly posting great ukulele covers on Instagram and Twitter. Also check out her cover album "Endless Party" (2018).

9. Sloppy Joe "Once And For All" (2013, 2020)

Indie pop band Sloppy Joe (Facebook page) has just recently released a 2nd album, "For The Night Begins" (2020) (, Spotify, YouTube Music). The song "Once And For All" can be found on this album, although it was first released on 7" back in 2013 but it had went rare since.

The album is available directly from the band via Bandcamp on CD and LP. There's a recent bilingual interview with the band that can be read here.

10. Salome no Kuchibiru "Memento mori" (2020)
(Japanese title: サロメの唇 「メメント・モリ」)

Salome no Kuchibiru (aka Salome Lips) is a band that's been active for 17 years, but they will be disbanding by the end of 2020. Nevertheless, they have just released a brand new album titled "Religion" (Spotify, ). Salome no Kuchibiru's sound takes inspiration from late-'60s-inspired rock, uniquely mixing singing that's reminding of Japanese minyō chants.

11. Tokyo Killer "Meiji 150th" (2019)
(Japanese title: トーキョーキラー 　「明治百五十年」)

Tokyo Killer is a surf garage rock band led by skillful guitarist Keme, also seen playing in Kinoco Hotel (as Isabel Keme-Kamogawa), but also in her other band Piggy Banks, and also in her folk-rock solo project as Keme.

The song "Meiji 150th", an original piece written by keyboardist Ookubo Kei (of Urbangarde), is from Tokyo Killer's 2nd album "Boom Go!!" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

12. The Pen Friend Club "Wichita Lineman" (2020)

Here's one more from The Pen Friend Club's upcoming live album "In Concert" (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV). "Wichita Lineman" is a cover of a song first performed by Glen Campbell in 1968.

If you enjoyed The Pen Friend Club's live sounds, they will also be doing a show on September 12, their first with new singer Megumi, and it can be viewed live online. Find details here. While there, be sure to also bookmark Tokyo's Coolest Sound's new Live streaming calendar which collects details of shows from Japan that can be viewed online from anywhere in the world.

13. SOLEIL "Summer of 2019" (2019)
(Japanese title: 「なつやすみ」 "natsuyasumi")

This is the last song of SOLEIL's the 3rd and last album, "Lollipop Sixteen" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), written by guitarist Nakamori Yasuhiro (Hicksville). On this instrumental, singer Soleil plays drums and percussions such as glockenspiel, marimba and guiro!

The album's vinyl edition seems to still be available at this time.

Thanks for tuning in!

Find previous radio shows right here. You can also listen directly and follow on Mixcloud.

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

Saigenji "Dance of Nomad" (Live performance at Motion Blue Yokohama)

The Pen Friend Club "hohoende" (Live performance at Kichijoji Ichibee)

Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys "Sunday morning" (Live performance at Harajuku Crocodile)

KASHIF "Breezing" (Lyric video)

NUBACK "I Don't Know Why" (Preview clip)

Ryomei Shirai "face to guitars"

Takanami Keitaro "Mind Excursion ~ kokoro no tabiji"

Reina Nosa "Eccentric Western Exercise"

Sloppy Joe "Once And For All"

Salome no Kuchibiru "shūkyō"

Tokyo Killer "Hayabusa"

SOLEIL "Mellotron Girl"

The Pen Friend Club have a new album coming (their 7th!), and it's their first-ever live album! It's also the last release featuring their previous singer Fujimoto Yuka. The album contains songs from two recent shows: one held in December 28, 2019 at Yamaha Ginza Studio, and the other being the final show with Yuka, on February 22, 2020 at Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe. The whole was mixed and mastered by leader Hirakawa Yūichi.

Also don't miss checking out The Pen Friend Club's latest 7" single "ippon no ongaku" (released part of the "City Pop on Vinyl 2020" campaign), their first release with new singer Megumi.

The Pen Friend Club's next show will be on September 12, and it can be viewed streaming live online. Find details here.

The Pen Friend Club "In Concert"

1. Darlin'
2. River Deep Mountain High
3. futari no yūhi Line
4. hishō suru nichijō
5. Along Comes Mary
6. Don't Take Your Time
7. Love's Lines, Angles And Rhymes
8. My Little Red Book
9. doyōbi no koibito
10. Tell Me (Do You Really Love Me?)
11. hohoende
12. All I Want For Christmas Is You
13. Do I Love You
14. Good Lovin'
15. Fun, Fun, Fun
16. Wichita Lineman
17. Crocodile Rock

Sazanami Label SZDW-1088
Out 9/23, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Trailer clip

Denki Groove has suddenly released a brand new song today, following a premiere of its music video at the Fuji Rock Festival online edition the night before. The song features guitar by Yoshida Satoshi and extra production by Ushio Kensuke (agraph). The video has finally been unveiled (on September 8), watch it below!

This is a big comeback after a hiatus that lasted over a year. Their music is back online and on the shelves too.

Denki Groove "Set you Free" (Download)
電気グルーヴ 「Set you Free」

Macht
Out now (8/24)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

The High is a '60s-influenced rock band, and they're now releasing a 3rd album which follows album "Welcome To The Next World" (2017). Guest musicians are Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville) on chorus and Ookubo Kei (Urbangarde) on keyboards. Sally Kubota directed the music video "Affair" that you can watch below. This song and another were released in advance digitally (Spotify, ).

The High "Affair"

1. Affair
2. She Was My Baby
3. Baby Baby
4. Mary
5. Live In The City
6. Full Moon Beach And Sunrise
7. So Many Times
8. Hey Girl !
9. Let's Go There
10. hoshi no negai o
11. hana no yō ni
12. Public Monster

Groove Council DQC-1645
Out 8/26, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Affair"

"Affair / hana no yō ni" digital single

chelmico, girl rap unit of MCs Rachel and Mamiko, is releasing a 3rd full-length album! This follows "Fishing" released last year, and includes hit single "Easy Breezy". Featured musicians include U-zhaan, Hasegawa Hakushi, mabanua (Ovall), Toshiki Hayashi (%C) and more.

The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of live performances, including ones of their latest "Fishing Tour" that of which all shows were sold out. Also, HMV gives away a promo postcard with either edition while supplies last.

chelmico "maze"

1. Easy Breezy
2. Terminal chaku, soku Dance
3. Jiki
4. douyara, watashi wa
5. Maze
6. Limit
7. iru yo
8. gohan dayo
9. Premium Natsu Mansion
10. Disco (Bad Dance Doesn't Matter)
11. Energy
12. Milk
13. Green

DVD (Limited edition only)
1. Ok. Cheers! <2018.11.8 unBORDE LUCKY 7TH TOUR @ Zepp Tokyo>
2. Player <2018.11.8 unBORDE LUCKY 7TH TOUR @ Zepp Tokyo>
3. sōkenbicha no Rap <2019.5.17 chelmico onna matsuri @ Shibuya WWW>
4. Switch <2019.5.17 chelmico onna matsuri @ Shibuya WWW>
5. Navy Love <2019.9.29 chelmico Fishing Tour @ Blitz Akasaka>
6. zurui ne <2019.9.29 chelmico Fishing Tour @ Blitz Akasaka>
7. Balloon <2019.9.29 chelmico Fishing Tour @ Blitz Akasaka>
8. Labyrinth '97 <2019.9.29 chelmico Fishing Tour @ Blitz Akasaka>
9. Highlight <2019.9.29 chelmico Fishing Tour @ Blitz Akasaka>
10. Love is Over <2019.9.29 chelmico Fishing Tour @ Blitz Akasaka>

Limited edition (CD+DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Warner Music WPZL-31762
Out 8/26, ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
Warner Music WPCL-13220
Out 8/26, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Green" (Movie "Daughters" version)

"Disco (Bad dance doesn't matter)"

"Easy Breezy"

"milk"

This is the soundtrack for Netflix anime series "Japan Sinks: 2020" (directed by Yuasa Asaaki), of which the music was produced by Ushio Kensuke (agraph). This soundtrack album includes 41 songs on two CDs, and the first pressing is said to come in a specially designed sleeve case.

Ushio Kensuke "'Japan Sinks: 2020' Original Soundtrack"
牛尾憲輔 「日本沈没2020 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK」
(Japanese title: "Nippon chinbotsu 2020 Original Soundtrack")

Disc 1
1. Days
2. Earthquake 1
3. Eruption
4. A Shelter
5. Senpai
6. Short Break
7. Dad 1
8. Dad 2
9. Death Itself
10. Nice Weather Day
11. Fatal Collapse
12. Earthquake 2
13. The Way We Were
14. Long For You
15. Prayer
16. Kite
17. Professional Work
18. Enemy Here
19. Conflict
20. Mari 1
21. Shang-city
22. Avenue Fighter V
23. Primitive Myth

Disc 2
1. In A Dream
2. Dark Sea
3. Warm Up
4. Reprise
5. Mari 2
6. Last Moments
7. Attack Of Legends Theme
8. Days Gone By
9. I'm Here With You.
10. Drifters
11. Mommy
12. Most Valuable Player
13. Get Over
14. Ayumu
15. Is That It?
16. Ayumu 2
17. Rising Suns -theme From Japan Sinks 2020-
18. Rising Suns.again

avex pictures EYCA-13004
Out 8/26, ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Trailer clip

Cosa Nostra is releasing a 12" single of two songs released in 1994 and 1996 respectively, "Jolie" (1994) and "Girl Talk" (1996). Included is an acoustic version of "Jolie" and also a remix of "Girl Talk" by Satoshi Tomiie and Ko Kimura.

Audio samples can be heard at Jet Set.

A Cosa Nostra reunion special show is planned to be held on October 8 at Billboard Live Tokyo (details), with safety guidelines applied. The 2nd set will be streamed via Streaming+ (e+) (details), although no support is available about viewing outside of Japan.

Cosa Nostra "Jolie / Girl Talk ~never fall in love again~" (12")

A1. Jolie
A2. Jolie (Nice Version)
B1. Girl Talk (Never Fall in Love Again)
B2. Girl Talk (Nu Born Radio Mix)

Toyokasei TYO12S1010
Out 8/26, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

RHYME SO, the unit of RHYME (Bandcamp) and Shinichi Osawa (Mondo Grosso), has just released a brand new song digitally. The impressive music video is set in a futuristic club and comes in 360° VR, worth watching directly on the YouTube site or app which lets you look in any direction that you please! This new song follows "Psyche" released just a month ago.

RHYME SO "Hot" (Download)

Avex
Out now (8/19)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

COUNTJOKE (Facebook page), the unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya (SoundCloud, Mixcloud), has just released digitally a compilation of previous 7" singles including rare track "city line" that was only released on CD-R. All songs were newly remastered or mixed into 2020 versions by Arai Toshiya, and the art direction if by Maezono Naoki. All of these songs are available digitally for the first time. Wakita Monari fans will recognize the song "LED" which was first performed by COUNTJOKE, and later adapted for her with rewritten lyrics.

Be sure to also check out COUNTJOKE's new singles "Moon Ride!" and "A.D. 2200". A brand new album is also expected to be released this fall!

COUNTJOKE "ZERO" (Download)
冗談伯爵 「ZERO」
(Japanese title: jōdan hakushaku "ZERO")

1. pink shadow (2020 remaster)
2. LED (2020 remaster)
3. bird man (2020 remaster)
4. ameagari (2020 new mix)
5. city line (2020 remaster)
6. 2nd class angel (2020 remaster) (Japanese title: "nikyū tenshi no Theme")
7. yamabuki song (2020 remaster) (Japanese title: "itsuka dokoka de")
8. ballad of phantom (2020 remaster) (Japanese title: "yūrei no Ballad")
9. egg (2020 remaster) (Japanese title: "tamago")
10. dreamy (2020 remaster) (Japanese title: "nagisa")

Love Shop
Out now (8/19)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Singer-songwriter kiarayui has just released a new album! The song "Strawberry Moon" HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) released digitally in April is included, as well as two songs featuring Northern Ireland singer-songwriter Joe Barry. This album follows album "bambina" released in 2018 (, Spotify). The nine songs recorded on the new album are said to be based on the theme of "the separation of the body and soul". The whole was sound-produced by keyboardist ken akamatsu.

kiarayui "MOONLESS" (Download)

1. Rain on your hair (feat. Joe Barry)
2. after all
3. himatsu
4. Wake me up!
5. Strawberry Moon (feat. HALLCA)
6. Under the Tree (The Other Side Ver.)
7. pearl (The Other Side Ver.)
8. the room
9. Koku Koku (feat. Joe Barry)

Words Studio Records
Out now (8/15)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

"himatsu"

"Strawberry Moon feat. HALLCA"

"Koku Koku (feat. Joe Barry)" Teaser trailer clip

"after all" Teaser trailer clip

"the room" teaser trailer clip

Negicco has a brand new single coming this month! hitomitoi wrote the title song's lyrics and co-wrote the music with PARKGOLF, who also did the arrangement. Two more songs are included: "sakasama" which has music written and arranged by Okino Shuntarō (Venus Peter), while "Sneakers!!!" was performed by CRCK/LCKS with lyrics written by the band's singer/keyboardist Oda Tomomi. Negicco's producer connie wrote the lyrics of "sakasama" and the music of "Sneakers!!!". Check out the music video for "gozen 0ji no Sympathy" below!

Negicco are starting an online tour this weekend, with first three shows performed by just the three (on August 15, August 16 and August 22), and then two more acoustic shows backed by a band (on August 29 and August 30). These can be watched online, so check details at each of the date links.

Negicco "gozen 0ji no Sympathy"
Negicco 「午前０時のシンパシー」

1. gozen 0ji no Sympathy
2. sakasama
3. Sneakers!!!
4. gozen 0ji no Sympathy (inst)
5. sakasama (inst)
6. Sneakers!!! (inst)

T-Palette Records TPRC-0255
Out 8/25, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"gozen 0ji no Sympathy"

Handsomeboy Technique has another brand new song out now! This one features the singer of band Mitsume, Kawabe Moto. It follows another single titled "Dakishimeta" (out on 7") which featured Sokabe Keiichi. It's been announced that a 3rd album should be released this year. The new single's artwork was done by Emori Takeaki (Citrus, yoga'n'ants).

Handsomeboy Technique "Long Slow Distance feat. Moto Kawabe (Mitsume)" (Download)
Handsomeboy Technique 「Long Slow Distance feat. 川辺素（ミツメ）」

Second Royal
Out now (8/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

NT Connection (official YouTube channel) is a unit formed of bassist Kashima Tatsuya, keyboardist/guitarist Ueda Tadashi and drummer Wakiyama Kōsuke. Having been active for a few years, holding events featuring various guest vocalists, here comes a first bunch of recordings released digitally. Mashiro Megumi (of Hicksville) sings Yuming's hit song "Chūō Freeway", singer-songwriter Ishimine Satoko sings Grapevine's "aoi sakana", and Caoli Tsuji sings Katō Kazuhiko's "fushigi na hi".

An event celebrating the release and featuring all three vocalists will be held on Sunday August 16 at Shimokitazawa 440 (with a limited audience) and also streamed online. Find details about viewing it right here.

NT Connection "Chuo Freeway feat. Mashiro Megumi"
NT Connection 「中央フリーウェイ (feat. 真城めぐみ)」

NT Connection
Out now (8/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

NT Connection "aoi sakana feat. Ishimine Satoko"
NT Connection 「青い魚 (feat. 石嶺聡子)」

NT Connection
Out now (8/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

NT Connection "fushigi na hi feat. Caoli Tsuji"
NT Connection 「不思議な日 (feat. 辻香織)」

NT Connection
Out now (8/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Suzuki Kokone, member and leader of idol group SAKA-SAMA, has a first solo album being released! Included are songs written and arranged by pop band bjons, Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo) and Sasaki Kissa (Recoride) among others, as well as a cover of Bo Gumbos. Check out the music video for catchy reggae vibe title song "Fever" below.

Two online streaming shows are planned: one titled "Tokyo Online Club vol.3" that's free to watch today August 10 from 13:00 JST (details with archive link), and another on August 16 from 12:00 JST (details).

Suzuki Kokone "Fever"
寿々木ここね 「FEVER」

1. FEVER
2. suisei machi
3. Aqua Time
4. sakana gokko
5. Righty Right
6. Sweet Celebration!

Trash-Up!! Records TUR-042
Out 8/19, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"FEVER"

tofubeats' latest EP, namely "TBEP", is being released on vinyl! It was previously only available digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Also, a 12" single will be released at the same time, of tofubeats' cover of TC Crew's "I Can't Do It Alone". The song had been previously posted on YouTube although it remained unreleased. The B-side is an instrumental version.

tofubeats "TBEP" (12")

A1. inbōron (CONSPIRACY THEORY)
A2. Move Your Feet / As You Like
A3. Move It
A4. Hot Touch
B1. Somebody Tore My P
B2. Club
B3. Along The Coast (Bonus Track)

Warner Music WPJL-10126
Out 8/19, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

tofubeats "I Can't Do It Alone" (12")

A. I Can't Do It Alone
B. I Can't Do It Alone (Instrumental)

Warner Music WPJL-10127
Out 8/19, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"inbōron (CONSPIRACY THEORY)"

"Somebody Tore My P"

"I Can't Do It Alone"

Two early cassette tapes by hi-posi, the unit of Moribayashi Miho (Instagram, Twitter), are being released on CD for the first time! "tenka no hi-posi" (1988) and "hi-posi Demo Tapes Fall 1993" (1993) (also known as "bakazaru") are both included on one CD mastered by ex-member Kondō Kenji.

The recordings featured musicians including Kondō Kenji, Matsumae Kimitaka (also an ex-member), Kikuchi Naruyoshi (DCPRG, Final Spank Happy, etc.), Masui Akihito (ex-Mute Beat, Lä-Ppisch, The Thrill, Kemuri), Kurihara Masaki (Kuricorder Quartet, ex-DCPRG), Yokozeni Yūji (ex-Vibrastone), Kawaguchi Yoshiyuki (Kuricorder Quartet, Shibusashirazu Orchestra), Sekijima Takerō (Kuricorder Quartet, The Thrill, ex-DCPRG), Komazawa Hiroki (ex-Hachimitsu Pie), and more.

Check out below for a trailer clip, as well as two songs self-covered in a remote session with Mayutan (ammakasie noka, Mint-Lee noka).

Release special page

hi-posi "hi-posi Cassette ~hi-posi early days 1988-1993~"
ハイポジ 「ハイポジ・カセット～hi-posi early days 1988-1993～」

1. sakasama no sekai chizu
2. kimi no seibun hyōji
3. denwa DE Date
4. Semi Nude
5. eva eva pe-
6. jinojino
7. suteki na GOGO
8. abekobe Catacombe
9. POOL'S PARADISE
10. dangomushi no uta
11. dangomushi no uta Karaoke ketteiban!
12. kakushi Track
13. boku de aritai
14. taijūbun no ai
15. iiwake
16. Moon River
17. All You Need Is Circle
18. kanashii koto nanka janai

Super Fuji FJSP399
Out 8/19, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Trailer clip

hi-posi Moribayashi Miho & Mayutan "dangomushi no uta"

hi-posi Moribayashi Miho & Mayutan "boku de aritai"

Electro exotic dub artist Naka Tomizawa (aka King of Opus) (SoundCloud) is releasing a new instrumental album of ambiant guitar sounds, with dub effects and hints of TB-303.

Naka Tomizawa "2020 GW"
冨沢仲 「2020 GW」

1. kūkō
2. sakimori
3. kiryū
4. sansaku
5. omokage
6. aru hamabe
7. yoru no kūki
8. sasagu

ExT Recordings EXT-0034
Out 8/12, ¥1818 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"sakimori" & "yoru no kūki" sampler clip

Kinoco Hotel has two brand new songs that have just been released digitally! These are the first recordings with new drummer Natasha Urayasu.

Kinoco Hotel will perform a live show streamed online, with Salome no Kuchibiru, on Saturday August 15 from 18:00 (JST). You can buy a ticket and watch too! Find details here (with a countdown clock to help figuring out the time where you are). By the way, Tokyo's Coolest Sound has started this week a Live streaming announcements section announcing online shows that should be viewable from overseas! There's a chronological calendar too.

Kinoco Hotel "Red Flower Blue Flower / Silver Monochrome" (Download)
キノコホテル 「赤い花・青い花 / 銀色モノクローム」
(Japanese title: "akai hana aoi hana / giniro Monochrome")

1. Red Flower Blue Flower
2. Silver Monochrome

Voltage Records
Out now (8/7)
Sample/buy: Spotify, , YouTube

7 years since blue marble's "full color", the songwriting/production duo formed of Shock Tarō and Ton-chan is back with a first full album as Mukaju Dan. Their sound is self-described as "Hyper Technology Pops", a blend of techno-pop and city pop with soft female vocals remindful of early Pizzicato Five or Ōnuki Taeko, the result sounding both new and nostalgic! The featured vocalist is named Misaki.

Mukaju Dan "Madoromu"
無果汁団 「マドロム」

(Japanese titles in parentheses)
1. Girls Band in Times Square (Times Square no Girls Band)
2. Magic Cider (mahō Cider)
3. Big Time
4. Wanderers Don't Need Roses (hōrōsha ni bara no hana wa iranai)
5. The Spoon of Goddess (megami no saji)
6. Natsuka Mirai
7. 10 Billion Fantasy Cities (hyakuoku no kūsō toshi)
8. Mon Chéri
9. Fuyugare
10. To Copacabana (Copacabana e)

Mukaju Records MKJR-001
Out 8/7, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Mon chéri"

"Girls Band in Times Square"

Reggae-touch city pop singer Natsu Summer has a brand new album about to be released! Like her previous mini-album "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation", it is produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei). The album features collaborations with Kobayashi Izumi (Mimi of Flying Mimi Band) and Saigenji. Included are covers of Ryusenkei's "3gōsen" (aka "Route No.3 Shibuya", from album "City Music" (2003)) and Miyazawa Rie's "kokoro kara suki".

A 7" of "ano koro, Poolside de" (duet with Saigenji) and "kokoro kara suki" will be released on October 2. Stay tuned!

Natsu Summer "HAYAMA NIGHTS"
ナツ・サマー 「HAYAMA NIGHTS」

1. mayonaka no Miss DJ
2. ano koro, Poolside de
3. 3gō sen
4. nageki no Office Lady
5. futari no kankei
6. kokoro kara suki
7. Hello My Darling

P-Vine Records PCD-24974
Out 8/5, ¥2400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler clip