Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Just before year 2020 comes to an end, Sokabe Keiichi (Sunny Day Service) released this brand new solo album digitally. This is the follow-up to "Heaven" (2018), after which was also released greatest hits album "The Best Of Keiichi Sokabe -The Rose Years 2004-2019-" (CDJapan).

In 2020, two singles were released ahead of this new album —"eikyū Mint kikan" on 12" (CDJapan) and 7" one-sider "sensō hantai ondo" (CDJapan)— and also a live album titled "Live In Heaven" in October on CD (CDJapan, Jet Set) and LP (CDJapan, Jet Set). Sunny Day Service also released album "iine!" last March.

Sokabe Keiichi "Loveless Love" (Download)
曽我部恵一 「Loveless Love」

1. Cello Song
2. Yeah Yeah
3. tada ichido
4. fuyu no Drive
5. dokka
6. eikyū Mint kikan (Perpetual Mint Machine)
7. Blue Hawaii
8. Dance
9. sensō hantai ondo
10. Voyage
11. mangetsu Line
12. tengoku no minami
13. Sometime In Tokyo City
14. Heartbreak

Rose Records
Out now (12/25)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"Dance"

"Sometime In Tokyo City"

Miho Hatori (New Optimism, ex-Cibo Matto) dropped this month a brand new song titled "Formula X". Don't miss checking out the mesmerizing music video below!

Miho has been active in the recent years with projects such as New Optimism, Miss Information and Mondialité. She has also started a new one in August named Marine Series, together with Casa Umi. Go dig her official site for all details.

Miho Hatori "Formula X" (Download)

Miho Hatori
Out now (12/11)
Sample/buy: , YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon MP3 Japan

Final Spank Happy, the unit of Boss the NK (aka Kikuchi Naruyoshi) and OD (aka Oda Tomomi of CRCK/LCKS, DCPRG), has released this brand new song earlier this month. This follows album "mint exorcist" that came at the end of 2019. The stylish music video for "Smooth Escalator" (seen below) was shot at department store Isetan in Shinjuku, empty after its business hours.

Final Spank Happy have hinted that they will make an Instagram live appearance on December 29 from 18:00 (JST). Follow @spank_happy.

FINAL SPANK HAPPY "SMOOTH ESCALATOR" (Download)

Bureau Kikuchi
Out now (12/11)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Lo-fi dream pop idol group SAKA-SAMA, who have since August 2019 been active as the duo of Suzuki Kokone and Asakura Mizuho, have just released an album of 28 songs on 2 CDs!

Included are all songs from limited album "Daydream" and single series "SAKA-SAMA Songbook" (all of which had only been available online and at shows), plus several new songs, some re-recordings and new mixes. One of the new songs, "hitoribocchi no chikyūjin", was written by Satō Yūsuke. A cover of D-Day's "Heavenly Blue" is also included, with music performed by band Boris.

The album is available on CD and download/subscription platforms, and also via the label's official Bandcamp.

SAKA-SAMA "kimi ga ichiban kakkoii jan"
SAKA-SAMA 「君が一番かっこいいじゃん」

Disc 1
1. to the stars
2. watashitachi no chizu
3. natsuyasumi jūdan no koi
4. henshin
5. asahi no yō ni sawayaka ni
6. kimi ga ichiban kakkoii jan
7. Timing
8. Masakasakasama
9. Palpitation Pulp Fiction
10. aru hi no dekigoto
11. soramimi kamo shirenai
12. owari kara
13. Heavenly Blue ~zutto soba ni itai~
14. hitoribocchi no chikyūjin

Disc 2
1. asa mo yoru mo onaji
2. Melody
3. kanōsei
4. oyasumi Judy
5. Ex/cla/ma/tion/!!
6. Right Now!!
7. SAMA-DREAMING
8. Winter Marine Snow
9. kakaekirenai wa
10. mayonaka no Sketch
11. nezumi no seikatsu
12. tokidoki watashi
13. Dance o tomeru na
14. tanpopo

Trash-Up!! Records TUR-046
Out now (12/16), ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"kimi ga ichiban kakkoii jan"

"oyasumi Judy"

"Heavenly Blue ~zutto soba ni itai~" (Official audio)

"asa mo yoru mo onaji" (Official audio)

Pop band Skirt, a.k.a. singer-songwriter Sawabe Wataru, has released just recently this album of re-recordings of early indie-days songs, before he joined label Kakubarhythm.

The limited edition includes a Blu-ray disc of Skirt's 10th anniversary concert, held on September 5, 2020.

Release special site

Skirt "Another Story"
スカート 「アナザー・ストーリー」

1. Story
2. Seven Star
3. Henshin
4. Tomosu Hi Yadosu Hi
5. Tsuki no Utsuwa
6. Obake no Piano
7. Sen no Nai
8. Cider no Niwa
9. Switch
10. Waru Fuzake
11. Ghosts
12. Sakasama to Garakuta
13. Sumika
14. Hana wo Motte
15. Gekkōmitsuzō no Yoru
16. Girl

Blu-ray (Limited edition only)
Skirt 10th anniversary concert "shisetsu - gekkō mitsuzō no yoru"

Limited edition (CD+Blu-ray)
Pony Canyon PCCA-04982
Out now (12/16), ¥4500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (27% off *), HMV (10% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Pony Canyon PCCA-04983
Out now (12/16), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Story"

"Tsuki no Utsuwa"

Haruko Tajima has just released this week a new song which is a collaboration with fellow gal rappers Marukido and valknee, both also part of unit Zoomgals. Check out the music video below!

If you haven't yet, check out Zoomgals' recent tracks "Status Ailment Just Alive" and "GALS feat. Yayoi Daimon". Haruko also released several of her own tracks this year: "Happy Duty", "Sun Jewel" and "Still Summer".

Haruko Tajima "Galnia feat. Marukido, valknee" (Download)
田島ハルコ 「未来世紀ギャルニア feat. Marukido, valknee」
(Japanese title: "mirai seiki Galia")

Haruko Tajima
Out now (12/23)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Rock band The Shaolin Brothers (known in Japanese as Shaolin kyōdai) has just released an album! This follows the release of 7" singles "Pandafull World" and "koi no Dial 6700 / tasogare Wo Ai Ni". The songs "Pandafull World" and "tasogare Wo Ai Ni" (a duet with Maki Nomiya) are included on the album, along with a bunch of new recordings of favorite original rocking songs, some of which had been previously heard in their shows (only "Batman Theme" is a cover). The jacket illustration is by Kaseki Cider.

The Shaolin Brothers have also been seen recently backing Maki Nomiya for self-covers of Pizzicato Five's "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" and "Twiggy Twiggy" and also two songs on Suzuki Masayuki's latest album, all of these under the production of Konishi Yasuharu.

The Shaolin Brothers "Hyo-tan Rhapsody"
少林兄弟 「少林兄弟のひょうたん狂想曲」
(Japanese title: Shaolin kyōdai "Shaolin kyōdai no hyōtan kyōsōkyoku")

1. Shaolin kyodai no Theme (Batman Theme)
2. Shaolin Bros R&R Show!!
3. Pandafull World
4. Tokyo Lady
5. yuke! yuke! Tōyūki
6. kyōsōkyoku dai6ban
7. tasogare Wo Ai Ni
8. hebi no michi wa Heavy
9. kyōsōkyoku dai9ban
10. bokura no Compass
11. Kung-Fu Twist
12. kanpai Moon

Vivid Sound MODET7513
Out now (12/16), ¥2545 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Pandafull World"

"Pandafull World" live performance

"koi no Dial 6700 / tasogare Wo Ai Ni" single sampler clip
(The 2nd song is "tasogare Wo Ai Ni")

Singer Agata Morio has just released this month a 10th yearly album of a project that he had started in 2010. This is also said to be the last under his name "Agata Morio", which is likely to mark his ongoing career with a big milestone. This new album features musicians including Hoppy Kamiyama, Kasuga Hirofumi, Ohta Keisuki, Kawaguchi Yoshiyuki (Kuricorder Quartet), Itoken, Azumaya Kenji and more.

Agata Morio "Urashima 2020"
あがた森魚 「浦島2020」

1. chūgaeri shite kōtei de
2. hikōki DADA
3. Rock'n'Road o iku yo
4. Hariusu
5. hokkyokusei Radio ~ umihebi no uta
6. sekai himitsu
7. shima Girl hoshi Girl
8. nichiyōbi no nodo jiman taikai
9. yuki no yane
10. Boxing Day
11. dare mo shiranai
12. jikan no maboroshi

Qpola Purple Hz QPHZ020
Out 12/12, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Trailer clip

Following last year's "SOLEIL in STEREO" album which remixed into stereo all songs from already legendary band SOLEIL's first two albums ("My Name is SOLEIL" and "SOLEIL is Alright"), as the originals were recorded and mixed in mono, here comes a 2nd stereo album that contains all songs from 3rd album "Lollipop Sixteen", stereo instrumental versions of six favorites, plus some songs that were only released on 7": "Gotta Pull Myself Together" (cover of The Nolans), "Multiplies" (YMO cover), and debut single "Pinky Fluffy" that was written by Takanami K-tarō.

This is the final release by SOLEIL, who quit at the end of 2019 after a last show that was later released on DVD. Amazon gives away a large print of the jacket, while supplies last.

SOLEIL "SOLEIL in STEREO 2"

1. Le Coeur Qui Fuzz
2. Mellotron Girl
3. Anachronic Girl
4. High School Lullaby
5. Red Balloon
6. Zozoi
7. 5-4-3-2-1
8. School's Out
9. Soleil's Kanon
10. Tokimeki
11. Lollipop Sixteen
12. Summer Of 2019
13. Gotta Pull Myself Together
14. Twinkle Heart
15. Multiplies
16. Le Coeur Qui Fuzz (Inst.)
17. Anachronic Girl (Inst.)
18. Do You Believe In Magic? (Inst.)
19. Marine I Love You (Inst.)
20. My Sweet Fifteen (Inst.)
21. Baby Boo (Inst.)
22. Pinky Fluffy

Victor Entertainment VICL-65457
Out now (12/23), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Mellotron Girl" (Short ver.)

"High School Lullaby" (Short ver.)

"Pinky Fluffy" single sampler clip

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 episode focuses on seasonal songs with winter or Christmas themes, or some arrangements that would just blend in. Happy Holidays to all, and enjoy!

In addition to the usual Wednesday slot, the show will also be broadcasted during La Face B's day-long "Nowell" feature on the 24th and 25th! Also check out last year's Christmas special which featured all different songs.

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.12) (aka "Noël Nippon" édition 2020) will air at http://lafaceb.live on December 23, 2020 from 22:00 (EST = Montréal/New York), and on December 25, 2020 from 10:00.
* Japan times: December 24, 2020 from noon and December 25 at night from 24:00.

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

1. Negicco "hikari no Spur" (2015)
(Japanese title: Negicco 「光のシュプール」)

Negicco is an idol trio based in Niigata prefecture that's been active since 2003. This winter song titled "hikari no Spur" is from album "Rice&Snow" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) released in 2015. Check out the music video for "hikari no Spur" below.

Negicco and its individual members have kept busy in 2020. They released a new single in a collaboration with PARKGOLF and hitomitoi, titled "gozen 0ji no Sympathy" (Spotify, ), Kaede released a solo album on New Year's Day ("ima no watashi wa kawaritsuzukete ano koro no watashi de irareteru."), and then recently another mini-album ("Stardust in Blue"), leader Nao⭐︎ also released a single ("Best☆Friend") followed by a mini-album ("gift songs"). There's more, Megu got married earlier this year, and Kaede also just announced this week that she will get married in January 2021! Congratulations!

Negicco also performed several shows online this year, viewable from anywhere in the world. Their latest, titled "We Wish You A Neggy Christmas! 2020" can still be seen archived (but only until December 25 (JST)).

2. hitomitoi "Winter Rouge Mellow" (2014)
(Japanese title: 一十三十一 「Winter Rouge Mellow」)

Singer hitomitoi should be already well known to this site's readers and city pop fans around the world. The song "Winter Rouge Mellow" is from winter-themed album "Snowclub Social Club" (Spotify, (Japan)), which had followed shortly summer album "Surfbank Social Club" (Spotify, (Japan)). This song was written and produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryusenkei). Both albums will be released on double-LP in March 2021, in white and blue colored vinyl. Pre-orders can already be placed at Jet Set ("Snowbank Social Club", "Surfbank Social Club") and HMV ("Snowbank Social Club", "Surfbank Social Club").

This year saw hitomitoi participate in several collaborations, the latest being a city pop-inspired soundtrack as Ryusenkei / hitomitoi for NHK TV drama "Talio" (Spotify, ). She was also featured in recent songs by the oto factory (album "paraíso"), Bronze (album "Aquarius"), and ZEUS (the new solo project of Nona Reeves' Okuda Kensuke) (song "sore wa, Wednesday"). hitomitoi's latest show that was held at Billboard Live Tokyo will be rebroadcasted on the Streaming+ platform from December 31 to January 4 (info & tickets, although the site is in Japanese only).

3. Kaseki Cider "fuyu e to hashiridasō" (2012)
(Japanese title: かせきさいだぁ 「冬へと走りだそう」)

Kaseki Cider is a rapper always close to the Shibuya-kei scene, who has been active since the mid-90's. This version of "fuyu e to hashiridasou" is from album "Mr. City Pop" (2012, (World), (Japan)).

Kaseki Cider's latest album is "Onigiri University" (2017, Spotify, (World), (Japan)). One of his most recent appearances was on Scha Dara Parr's latest album "shin Scha Dara daisakusen" (2019, Spotify, ).

4. Monari Wakita "Cloudless Night" (2017)
(Japanese title: 脇田もなり 「Cloudless Night」)

Monari Wakita (ex-Especia)'s "Cloudless Night" is one of my favorite songs. The song was written by Indonesian city pop band ikkubaru. The song appeared on her first solo album "I am ONLY" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The album was also released on vinyl. A version of "Cloudless Night" by ikkubaru featuring Monari is available on the Japanese edition of their latest album "Chords Melodies" (2020).

Monari just performed an online Christmas show accompanied by keyboardists Dorian and KAYO-CHAAAN. The show is still viewable archived until December 26 (JST) althought tickets are only available on Japanese platform Streaming+ (details can be found here). Watch a teaser clip and also footage from a recent show linked below in the music videos section.

5. The Caraway "A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS" (2020)

The Caraway is a band led by Osamu Shimada (Twitter), who is also the guitarist of Swinging Popsicle. This new song was released this month part of Christmas EP "The Caraway's Holiday EP" (released on CD-R and available directly only), and it was also included on Indonesian label Shiny Happy Records' Christmas compilation "Comfort and Joy" available for free on Bandcamp.

The Caraway, which was formed in 2003, and has recently released a vinyl LP titled "the select of the Caraway" which includes songs from their first album and other releases. Other CD-R's and a split cassette can be found at Disques Blue-Very.

6. Three Berry Icecream "Come Away To Winter" (2018)

This winter song by Three Berry Icecream (Twitter) —the solo unit of Mayumi Ikemizu (an ex-member of Bridge)— was first released on greatest hits album "Sunshine On My Mind 1998-2018" (available on CD at Disques Blue-Very), from which a selection can be heard on digital platforms (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The Caraway's leader can be heard singing chorus on this one too.

Three Berry Icecream's new vinyl LP "The Selection of Three Berry Icecream" is still available via Disques Blue-Very, Jet Set and HMV. By the way, another Christmas song was included on Blue Very Label's compilation "CHRISTMAS PAVILION ~ Natale ai mirtilli" released last year, two songs from which can be heard on last year's Christmas radio show.

7. Hideki Kaji "Winter's Sky" (2013)
(Japanese title: カジヒデキ 「Winter's Sky」)

The song "Winter's Sky" is from Hideki Kaji's winter-themed album "Sweet Swedish Winter" ( (World), (Japan)). I love how this song is so groovy despite the absence of drums. Hideki's latest album is "Goth Romance" (Spotify, ) released last year.

Hideki Kaji will hold a show on December 28 which will be viewable online. It will be backed by an all-star band, with Hirohisa Horie (Neil & Iraiza), Nari (Scafull King) and Gakuji "Chabe" Matsuda (Learners), and also feature special guest Maki Nomiya with who Kaji hosts a weekly radio show on community station Shibuya no Radio. Tickets are only available on Japanese platform Streaming+ (find all details here).

8. Her Serves & Receive "nakimushi Raindrops" (2020)
(Japanese title: 彼女のサーブ＆レシーブ kanojo no Serve & Receive 「泣き虫レインドロップす」)

Idol duo Her Serves & Receive has just suddenly released a brand new album titled "Kanosare" this month. Since previous album "Service Ace" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), they had seemed to constantly add songs to their live repertory, so the new album was came as a long awaited surprise. Once again it is full of fun and catchy songs.

Watch the two's Twitter accounts (Aogi and Eri) for sometimes a chance to peek at their live performances, like the one from June that can be seen below.

9. Avec Avec "Rendezvous" (2020)

Avec Avec (aka Takuma Hosokawa, one half of Sugar's Campaign) released this year a new EP titled "Rendezvous" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) from which this is the title song. He debuted as Avec Avec in 2011, releasing EPs on Mush Records (LA) and Maltine Records, and has since been delivering always fresh tracks in many remixes and production works.

10. Bakubaku Dokin "Swingin'" (2015)
(Japanese title: バクバクドキン 「Swingin'」)

Bakubaku Dokin, the unit of girls Yui and Naoko, delivered in 2015 this great winter track titled "Swingin'" () which quickly became one of my favorites of the season. Check out the chill music video below.

Just a few months ago, the duo released a brand new track titled "Hotter Than Havana" (Spotify, ).

11. MIKKO "Happy Xmas With You" (2020)

Having debuted in 2009, singer-songwriter MIKKO has just released a Christmas-themed EP titled "Christmas 2020" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The song "Happy Xmas With You" is a collaboration with band TWEEDEES! Check out the animated music video below. The EP also includes a cover of "Wonderful Christmas Time" featuring RYUTist.

MIKKO just recently appeared on new generation Shibuya-kei compilation "Magical Connection 2020" selected by Sally Kubota. Her latest album "12" (2019) is available digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

12. P.O.P "Endless Christmas feat. Taisei Iwasaki" (2014)
(Japanese title: P.O.P 「エンドレス・クリスマス feat. 岩崎太整」)

This is groovy unit P.O.P that's fronted by twin rappers. The song "Endless Christmas", a collaboration with singer Taisei Iwasaki, was first released on winter-themed EP "fuyuzora to utagoe was kirei no hō ga ii" (Spotify, (Japan)), and later appeared on album "okaasan ni kiite minai to wakaranai" (2015, Spotify, (Japan)).

P.O.P's latest album is "itsumo Street" (2019, YouTube Music). Rapper Hakushu is also part of Beastie Boys cover band BeastieBoyz, which this year released an EP "BeastieBoyz1" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

13. The Pen Friend Club "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" (2018)

The Pen Friend Club released in 2018 a Christmas album titled "Merry Christmas from The Pen Friend Club" (Spotify, ) in which they rearranged many well known Christmas songs in their very own way. Their original song "Christmas Delights" was featured in last year's "Noël Nippon" radio show. The album was also released on vinyl for Record Day 2019.

This year The Pen Friend Club were joined by a new singer named Megumi, and so far released 7" single "ippon no ongaku" (watch the music video below). The band will hold a Christmas show on December 26, viewable online (find details here). The show will be archived until January 9, 2021.

14. Toshiyuki Yasuda & Tarō Sukegawa & The Firefly Clan & Satoru Wono & Seigen Tokuzawa "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (2011)
(Japanese title: 安田寿之 & 助川太郎 & The Firefly Clan & Satoru Wono & 徳澤青弦 「Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas」)

Already 10 years ago, in December 2010, I had the great pleasure to be at this event organized by Toshiyuki Yasuda and held in an old and comfortable house. For the show's encore, all of the musicians part of the event performed this cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Find a report of the event with photos, even one taken during this song, here.

A year later, songs from the event series were released digitally as album "We 'hub' music Vol. 01-04" (2011, ).

Thanks for tuning in to my radio shows this year! I'll be back next year with more new and favorite music. Until then keep your eyes on the site during the holidays as I'll be likely to catch up with the latest news of 2020.

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.

Negicco "hikari no Spur"

hitomitoi "Snowbank Social Club"

Kaseki Cider "Kung-Fu Dance"

Monari Wakita Christmas Live 2021 trailer
(Watch six songs from another recent show here)

The Caraway "Our Secret World" remote session

Three Berry Icecream "Fine Day" live in Osaka in 2011

Hideki Kaji "Heroes"

Her Serves & Receive live performance from June 13, 2020

Avec Avec live performance from May 28, 2020

Bakubaku Dokin "Swingin'"

MIKKO "Happy Xmas With You"

P.O.P. "Endless Christmas feat. Taisei Iwasaki" live performance from January 10, 2016

The Pen Friend Club "ippon no ongaku"

Toshiyuki Yasuda "La pesanteur"

Hoshikuzu Scat has just released a brand new Christmas EP! Title song "Christmas kanpa" was written by member Mitz Mangrove, and B-side "Banana no namida" is a cover of mid-80's idol group Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi (formed of two members from Onyanko Club). Both songs were arranged by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone).

Note that "Banana no namida" seems to not be available on iTunes outside of Japan.

Hoshikuzu Scat "Christmas kanpa" (Download)
星屑スキャット 「クリスマス寒波」

1. Christmas kanpa
2. Banana no namida (Bells & Bells Mix)

Nippon Columbia
Out now (12/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, Amazon MP3 Japan

Idol duo Her Serves & Receive has just suddenly released a 2nd album, titled "Kanosare" (short for their name in Japanese, kanojo no Serve & Receive), after having been adding to their repertory in live shows. The whole is sound-produced by Matsuo Muneyoshi (ex-Instant Cytron), and also featuring Nagase Goro (of Instant Cytron). There are also songs written by Ryohei Tarumoto (of band SAPPY) and uami (SoundCloud), as well as a cover of Instant Cytron's "Still be shine" featuring bassist Okiyama Yūji (ex-Juicy Fruits, ex-Vibrastone).

The whole album consists mainly of catchy pop songs, and it's the follow-up to the great "Service Ace" (, Spotify, YouTube Music). Follow members Aogi and Eri on Twitter for the latest info.

Her Serves & Receive "Kanosare"
彼女のサーブ＆レシーブ 「Kanosare」
(Japanese title: kanojo no Serve & Receive "Kanosare")

1. koigokoro, akai netsu kikyū
2. Ultramarine Girl
3. Dance Floor !
4. dokidoki Eden no koi hirari
5. irozuku kisetsu
6. nakushimono
7. nakimushi Rain Drops
8. ijikenbo
9. STILL BE SHINE

Laughface Inc. LHFC-009
Out now (12/12), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

The latest mini-album by Nao☆ (Negicco), "gift songs" (, Spotify), is being released on vinyl this week! Included are songs written by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Neil and Iraiza), Chocolat & Akito, the band apart, and Lee HwangDae, and also one with lyrics written by Nao☆ herself.

Negicco will do an online show titled "We Wish You A Neggy Christmas! 2020" on December 20 from 18:00 (JST), with archive viewable until December 25.

Nao☆'s "gift songs" (12")

A1. inuke! Midnight
A2. himawari no uta
B1. nantoka naru
B2. yakusoku
B3. koi o shitara Kitchen Table

T-Palette Records TPRV-0056
Out now 12/15, ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"inuke! Midnight"

City pop unit Ryusenkei (project of Cunimondo Takiguchi) has just released a 7" cut of two songs from 2003 album "City Music" (Spotify, ). This follows another 7" of two other songs that was released for Record Day 2020 ("Route No.3 / koi no Cider").

Don't miss checking out Ryusenkei / hitomitoi's new album "Talio" (Spotify, ) just released last month!

Ryusenkei "Friday Night / Airport '80" (7")
流線形 「フライデーナイト / エアポート '80」

A. Friday Night
B. Airport '80

Sony Music MHKL-37
Out now (12/2), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Friday Night"

"Airport '80"

Cornelius has just released a new 12" of original BGM made for the Shibuya Parco department store which reopened in November 2019 after being rebuilt. Along with seasonal jingles are included information and closing time tracks. The white color vinyl plays at 45 RPM.

Cornelius will be part of a year-end show organized by Fuji Rock Festival, titled "Keep On Fuji Rockin' Ⅱ - On The Road To Naeba 2021". There will be online streaming, with tickets available via e+ and Pia Live Stream (although neither seems to have an easy option to buy & view from abroad). Details can be found here.

Cornelius "MUSIC FOR PARCO" (12")

A1. Time Signal
A2. Sketch for Spring
A3. Summer Waves
A4. Information
A5. Parco Jingle
B1. Sketch for Autumn
B2. Winter Promenade
B3. Closing Theme

Disk Union DUPARCOR2020
Out now (12/2), ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Teaser clip

Yes, it's that time of the year! 🎄 Singer-songwriter MIKKO has just released a new Christmas EP digitally, titled "Christmas 2020", which includes a song in collaboration with TWEEDEES ("Happy Xmas With You") and also a cover of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmas Time" produced by Kanke and featuring RYUTist. The song "kesshō suru yoru, tonakai no more" is an original written and produced by Urakami Sōki. Check out the EP on your favorite platform.

MIKKO's latest album "12" (2019) is also available digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music). She has also apparently been releasing Christmas singles/EPs every year or so in the same way, so you might want to look these up too. Also, one of her songs was featured on the just-released CD compilation "Magical Connection 2020".

MIKKO "Christmas 2020" (Download)

1. Happy Xmas With You
2. kesshō suru yoru, tonakai no mori
3. Wonderful Christmas Time (Feat. RYUTist)

Angel Music
Out now (11/27)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"Happy Xmas With You"

Six-girl rap group Zoomgals (formed of Namichie, Marukido, ASOBOiSM, AKKOGORILLA, valknee and Haruko Tajima) have just released a new song digitally, this time featuring guest Yayoi Daimon. Check out the accompanying music video below!

This track follows "Status Ailment Just Alive" that dropped in October.

Zoomgals "GALS feat. Yayoi Daimon" (Download)
Zoomgals 「GALS feat. 大門弥生」

Zoomgals
Out now (12/2)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

80KIDZ has a brand new song out now, and it features vocals by Maika Loubté! "Banane" is a French pop song born in Tokyo, and it's the first track to be reveiled in advance from 80KIDZ' upcoming 6th album expected to be released in February 2021.

On December 26, 80KIDZ will hold a show titled "80KIDZ XMAS '20" that's viewable online for ¥2000. Find details here.

80KIDZ "Banane feat. Maika Loubté" (Download)

PARK
Out now (12/2)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music