Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Electro artist CMJK (of Cutemen, ex-Denki Groove) has just released a first ever solo album as CMJK. The album contains 10 songs, including ones featuring singers Mona and Rachel, and also ones co-written by George (Mop of Head) and musician Kyoichi Watanabe, who co-wrote "Dying Tokyo" and played saxophone and flute.

Cutemen also released an album titled "2121" digitally last year (Spotify, ).

CMJK "Landscape 1"

1. Echo
2. Secret Savanna - Album Remaster
3. Yako Area
4. Mas Riha
5. Life Goes On - Album Remaster
6. Dying Tokyo
7. Air Bersih
8. Contraction
9. Distance Of Life
10. That's The Way

22nd Century Tunes
Out now (1/27)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Keiichi Suzuki (Moonriders, No Lie-Sense, Controversial Spark), who was recently celebrating the 50th anniversary of his musical career, has just released an album that revisits songs from the soundtrack of Famicom game "MOTHER" (aka "EarthBound Beginnings") that he composed. All of the songs were newly recorded and rearranged, and he did all of the singing. Featured musicians include Gondō Tomohiko, Ueno Yōko, Hasunuma Shūta and U-zhaan.

A deluxe edition comes with a bonus CD of all original Famicom versions from the 1989 game. There's also a 2LP edition of the songs from the new album.

The "MOTHER" original soundtrack was released on vinyl in 2019, and seems to still be available at CDJapan.

Keiichi Suzuki "Mother Music Revisited"
鈴木慶一 「MOTHER MUSIC REVISITED」

1. Pollyanna (I Believe In You)
2. Bein' Friends
3. The Paradise Line
4. Magicant (Inst.)
5. Wisdom Of The World
6. Flying Man
7. Snow Man (Inst.)
8. All That I Needed (Was You)
9. Fallin' Love, And (Inst.)
10. Eight Melodies

CD 2 (Music from 1989 Family Computer Game "Mother") (Deluxe edition only)
1. Mother Earth
2. My Home
3. Poltergeist
4. Pollyanna (I Believe In You)
5. Basement
6. Battle Theme 1
7. Battle Theme 2
8. Battle Theme 3
9. Humoresque Of A Little Dog
10. South Cemetery
11. Bein' Friends
12. Choucream Zoo
13. Cave 1
14. Magicant
15. Wisdom Of The World
16. Twinkle Elementary School
17. Factory
18. The Paradise Line
19. Snow Man
20. Advent Desert
21. Airplane
22. Tank
23. Ruins Of Desert
24. Easter
25. Live House
26. All That I Needed (Was You)
27. Cave 2
28. Holy Loly Mountain
29. Fallin' Love, And
30. Pollyanna
31. Eight Melodies
32. Giegue
33. Ending

Deluxe edition (2 CDs)
Nippon Columbia COCB-54321
Out now (1/27), ¥5000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (Main CD only)
Nippon Columbia COCB-54317
Out now (1/27), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

A1. Pollyanna (I Believe In You)
A2. Bein' Friends
B1. The Paradise Line
B2. Magicant
B3. Wisdom Of The World
C1. Flying Man
C2. Snow Man
C3. All That I Needed (Was You)
D1. Fallin' Love, And
D2. Eight Melodies

Vinyl edition (2LP)
Nippon Columbia COJA-9391
Out now (1/27), ¥5500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Live performance of "Snow Man"

Singer-songwriter keme, known for her bands Tokyo Killer and Piggy Banks as well as being the guitarist of Kinoco Hotel, has just released a 3rd solo album! "hitorigoto" is the follow-up to her previous solo album "shiranai sekai" (2013). Included is a cover of folk group Neko's "chikatetsu ni notte" (music written by Yoshida Takurō). Check out the music video for song "K" below, directed by Sally Kubota and featuring the recently opened record shop Ultra Shibuya.

HMV gives away a promo badge (while supplies last).

keme "hitorigoto"
keme 「ひとりごと」

1. atarashii uta
2. fuyu no asa
3. hajimemashite
4. chimame
5. since1965
6. chikatetsu ni notte
7. Hustler
8. asondeitai
9. K
10. hitorigoto

Solid Records CDSOL-1959
Out (1/27), ¥2800 (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.

"K"

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who will be celebrating this year the 10th anniversary since her debut, has just released a brand new song digitally! "Gum Gum Girl" is being used as the theme song for Nintendo Switch™ game "Ninjala". Check out the impressive music video below, of which the concept is described as "Near Future Psychokinesis Ninja Movie". Kyary took part into some serious action and fighting scenes for the first time! As always, this is produced by Nakata Yasutaka, and the new release comes on Kyary's new label KRK LAB.

Be sure to also check out her 10th anniversary web site. By the way, the release day (January 29) is her birthday! Happy Birthday Kyary!

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Gum Gum Girl" (Download)
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「ガムガムガール」

1. Gum Gum Girl
2. Gum Gum Girl (Instrumental)

KRK LAB
Out now (1/29)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Jintana & Emeralds are back with a brand new ambient doo-wop song that has just suddenly been released digitally! Jintana & Emeralds is a group formed of Jintana and Kashif (both of Pacific Pan Playa), XTAL, and three female singers including hitomitoi. hitomitoi stars in the timeless teaser clip below.

This follows the release of album "Destiny" (2014), and digital singles "Mirage" (2016) and "Summer Begins" (2018) (the latter still available on 7" at HMV).

JINTANA & EMERALDS "Oh! Southern Wind" (Download)

Pan Pacific Playa/P-Vine
Out now (1/27)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Teaser short movie

Maika Loubté has just released a brand new song digitally, titled "Mist"! The lyrics are a mix French, English and Japanese. You can read them at Bandcamp. This comes ahead of a new album expected to be released this year.

Maika will perform an online solo show titled "Misty Momento ML" on February 18 from 19:00 (JST) to celebrate the release. The show will feature special guest maco marets (who sang on "Niet II"). Find details here, or directly at WALL&WALL.

Maika Loubté "Mist" (Download)

Water Records
Out now (1/27)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube Music

Lyric video

Once again, singer Nakano Aya has teamed up with latin sound band Central, this time as Aya Nakano y Central, for a brand new album titled "La Vida"! Along with a bunch of originals is included a cover of Yuming's "ano hi ni kaeritai". Check out the sampler video below which also shows many photos of the recording sessions. This album follows "Reverse" (2019).

Aya Nakano y Central "La Vida"
なかの綾とCENTRAL 「ラ・ヴィーダ」

(Original Japanese title in parentheses)
1. Those Were the Days (ano hi ni kaeritai)
2. Dear My Friend
3. A Day in Summer (natsu no ichinichi)
4. Our Baby
5. Show ga Nai
6. Quantum Leap
7. Yawn (akubi)
8. Voice
9. Flotando

High Contrast HCCD9611
Out now (1/27), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip

tofubeats and rapper dodo (Instagram) have just released a collaboration track digitally, titled "nirvana". Check it out below!

In 2020, dodo released a 2nd album titled "Normal" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) and also collaborated with Manon on the song "World's End". tofubeats released "TBEP" (also on vinyl) and also "Run Remixes".

dodo & tofubeats "nirvana" (Download)

FNT
Out now (1/20)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

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.

To get some energy to start this new year, I did a selection of some fun and rocking tunes!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.13) aired at http://lafaceb.live on January 27, 2021 from 22:00 (EST = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: January 28, 2021 from noon.

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

Intro. "haru no umi"

For intro BGM, I used the typical Japanese new year song! Written by Miyagi Michio in 1929, I played a free version found on Niconicommons and performed by Shimashima (aka Shimashima P) & Kotonee.

Throughout the show you'll hear the same intro used as BGM, but played by me on a Roland JUNO-6 synth. :)

1. Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys "omoi togeta otoko" (2017)
(Japanese title: サニー久保田とオールド・ラッキー・ボーイズ 「想い遂げた男」)

Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys is a large band led by singer-songwriter Kubota Shingo, once the frontman of '70s band new wave band 8½ and known as being one of the "Stardust Brothers" (a cult rock musical movie from 1985). The song "omoi togeta otoko" is from their 2nd album, "One from Sunny's Heart" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The song can also be heard in the movie "The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers", and its soundtrack (while the DVD is still only available in Japan).

Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys' 3rd and latest album is "The man who calls bliss." (2019) (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

2. Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Everyday Shuffle" (2020)

Wack Wack Rhythm Band is a party band with a brass section active since the early 90's. The instrumental "Everyday Shuffle" is the opening track of their brand new album "The 'Now' Sounds" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The album's released was shortly followed by a 7" and also an "official bootleg tape" that's a lot of fun!

The band just started an online radio show, titled "wack wack rhythm R-A-D-I-O", that they've been posting weekly on their web site. It features some talk and always several songs.

3. Magic, Drums & Love "MOMONA" (2019)

Magic, Drums & Love is a funky band with no particular genre but always full of cool tricks, with several of the members taking turns singing. The song "Momona" is from their 2nd album "Hurricane Upsetter" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) which was produced by Gakuji "Chabe" Matsuda (LEARNERS). Last year the band released a brand new single (available on 7" and digitally) titled "Amazon Night / Eyes, Hands, Height & Hair" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

A recent show of Magic, Drums & Love can be watched online part of "Qumomee Collection", a set of 40 shows by different bands viewable for just ¥1100 (until February 28 (JST)). There's also a solo show by member ℃-want you! there, backed by band Meet the Hopes.

4. Sloppy Joe "Over The Candle Holder" (2020)

Indie pop band Sloppy Joe (Facebook page) has released its 2nd album just a few months ago, titled "For The Night Begins" (2020) (, Spotify, YouTube Music). "Over The Candle Holder" is a brand new song from that album. This band also features trumpeter Tomoko Kunimi from Wack Wack Rhythm Band.

You can find also the album via the band's Bandcamp on CD and LP (only few LP copies remaining at this time). Also check out a recent bilingual interview found here.

5. Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura "God Bless the Girls" (2020)
(Japanese title: Childish Tones feat. 宇佐蔵べに 「God Bless the Girls」)

Childish Tones (Twitter) is a band that plays rock'n'roll using only toy instruments! After the release of several 7" singles of covers featuring singer Beni Usakura (also a DJ and active as an idol in groups Apokalippps and Frun Frin Friends), a brand new album titled "God Bless the Girls" was released just a few months ago. This title song is an original. Check out video of a recent studio live performance below!

The album is available on CD (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV) and also on cassette tape (HMV).

6. MANON "BEAT THE BAD LUCK" (2017)

When thinking of rocking songs, this one by singer/model MANON quickly comes to mind! This is from her first album "Teenage Diary" (Spotify, ), since which she has already gone a long way releasing several collaboration tracks (find all of them here), and also her latest solo single "18" (Spotify, ). Watch the music video for it below, which she directed herself.

7. The Shaolin Brothers "Tokyo Lady" (2020)
(Japanese title: 少林兄弟 「東京レディ」 Shaolin kyōdai "Tokyo Lady")

The Shaolin Brothers (known in Japanese as Shaolin kyōdai) is a rocking band with often a cool kung-fu kind of twist! They have just released at the end of 2020 a full-length album titled "Hyo-tan Rhapsody" (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV), and "Tokyo Lady" is one of my favorite songs from it.

Their album also features an appearance by Maki Nomiya (ex-Pizzicato Five)! Actually the band has also backed Maki for a new version of Pizzicato Five's "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji (the night is still young)", which was released on her album "Shibuya-kei Songbook" (2018).

8. Salome no Kuchibiru "namida no naka no jiyū" (2020)
(Japanese title: サロメの唇　「涙の中の自由」)

Salome no Kuchibiru (aka Salome Lips) was a unique band that mixes rock and unique singing that often reminded of Japanese minyō chants. They disbanded towards the end of 2020 after some 17 years of activity, but they did released a brand new last album titled "Religion" (Spotify, ). Check out the mesmerizing music video for title song "Religion" below.

9. The Highmarts "It's All Over Now" (2020)
(Japanese title: ザ・ハイマーツ 「恋はもう............ (It's All Over Now)」 "koi wa mō............ (It's All Over Now)"

The Highmarts (Bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter) is a rock band formed of three girls, taking inspiration from 60's Group Sounds. "It's All Over Now" is their 3rd single, released just recently on vinyl only. The band takes direct orders from international fans, check out this post on Facebook. You can find the first two singles on Bandcamp.

The Highmarts will play a show on February 21 which can be viewed streaming online (with archive viewable until March 7 (JST)). Find details here.

10. Learners "tsukikake" (2020)
(Japanese title: LEARNERS 「つきかけ」)

Learners is the rock band of Gakuji "Chabe" Matsuda (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza), also featuring singer/model Sara Mary, super guitarist Horiguchi Chie (also of Chie & The Wolf Baits), with bassist Masamichi Hamada (of Quattro) and drummer TA-1 (of Koncos). "tsukikake" is from their latest and 3rd album "Hello Stranger" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Learners just played a show streamed live online, and it can still be viewed until January 31 (JST). Find details here.

11. Bambino "atasha Rock 'n'!" (2012, 2015)
(Japanese title: Bambino 「あたしゃロックン!」)

Bambino is the band of Kyoto rock'n'roller Ban Hiroshi (Twitter). This song appeared on album "With Pop" (2015) (CDJapan, Jet Set, HMV), and previously on "Bambino EP" (2012) (CDJapan, HMV, Amazon).

Since then Bambino has also released an album titled "Ozashiki Rock" (2018) (CDJapan, Jet Set, HMV). Ban Hiroshi also supervised a compilation of rocking kayō songs, titled "Ban Hiroshi presents Columbia Rockin' Kayo Collection" (2019) (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV).

12. La veuve moustachue "Rock o odoru mibōjin" (2018)
(Japanese tittle: ヒゲの未亡人 「ロックを踊る未亡人」 hige no mibojin "Rock o odoru mibōjin")

La veuve moustachue (Twitter, Facebook) is a unique act similar to a one-person musical, featuring its protagonist, the mustached widow (acted by Yūichi Kishino). The other members are pianist/composer Gary Ashiya and VJ ALi. In their shows the widow becomes a character who interacts with a large video projection, in an amusing and charming result. La veuve moustachue has often performed abroad, such as in France and Taiwan.

This song is the B-side of 7" single "Zettai Renai! COUNT DOWN!!" (2018) (Jet Set, Amazon, HMV) is their latest single (released on 7"). Their album "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) is also a must! Also, just last year, a cover by Taiwanese singer-songwriter Lin Yiloh of La veuve moustachue's "otomodachi de imashō yo" was released on vinyl (details).

13. Michiru Hoshino "Rock'n'Roll Apple Pie" (2019)
(Japanese title: 星野みちる 「ロックンロール・アップルパイ」)

"Rock'n'Roll Apple Pie" first appeared on Michiru Hoshino's "gyakkō" mini-album, the first release on her own label. It then appeared again on her full-length album that followed, "Moonlight Confessions" (Japanese title: "tsuki ga kirei desune") (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Michiru's 4th solo album "12 signs of the zodiac" (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV) was just re-issued on vinyl for Record Day 2020 on November 3.

14. Natsu Amano "Open My Eyes" (2020)
(Japanese title: 天野なつ 「Open My Eyes」)

Natsu Amano previously debuted as a member of idol group LinQ, but left in 2018 to follow her career as a solo singer. Her first album "Across The Great Divide" (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV) was just released in 2020, and also as a LP (Jet Set, HMV).

Her song "Koi shite Baby!", of which you can see the music video below, was featured on the recent compilation "Magical Connection 2020" selected by Sally Kubota.

15. The Orangers "Dislocation Dance Rock" (2000)
(Japanese title: オレンジャーズ 「Dislocation Dance Rock」)

And to end the show with some rocking dancefloor action, here's a track by a unit of Tetsuto Yoshida from 2000. I remember seeing The Orangers DJ at Pizzicato Five's last show in March 2001, and even caught a flying 7" (but just the jacket) that was frisbee'd from the stage!

Be sure to check out Tetsuto Yoshida's latest single "hitomeguri" (previously heard on this radio show series) and still available at HMV. His most recent works include Sputrip's "Breeze in the Sun", watch the video below!

Thank you 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. Use them to preview or review, and get to know the artists you liked a bit better!

Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys "kinben de doryokuka to fuichō suru Peten-shi"

Wack Wack Rhythm Band "The 'Now' Sounds" album trailer

Magic, Drums & Love "MOMONA"

Sloppy Joe "One And For All"

Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura "God Bless the Girls" studio live performance

MANON "18"

The Shaolin Brothers "Pandafull World"

Salome no Kuchibiru "shūkyō" ("Religion")

The Highmarts "I Want You Bad"

LEARNERS "tsukikake / Wiper Blues / Cassis Oolong" live performance

Bambino "atasha Rock 'n'"

La veuve moustachue "zettai renai! COUNT DOWN!!" (Teaser clip)

Michiru Hoshino "Umbrella Waltz"

Natsu Amano "Secret703"

Sputrip "Breeze in the Sun"
(Music written by Tetsuto Yoshida & co-arranged by Tetsuto Yoshida and Hase Yasuhiro (Yume To Cosme))

"door that wind" is the first album of for instance, the instrumental group led by Moonriders' guitarist Shirai Ryōmei. Taking the name from his previous solo album, "For Instance" (2017) (CDJapan, Amazon), the band features twin drums by Ōta Kōji (Sokabe Keiichi Band, The Bassons, stico) and Kashikura Takashi (toe, the Hiatus), and with Unigame Takuto on bass and Koichi on keyboards (both ex-Sawagi). The album is said to have been recorded remotely.

"door that wind" was released in advance digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music), and is finally getting a proper CD release.

for instance "door that wind"

1. reset
2. usual self
3. small print
4. mosaic
5. intonation 3
6. door that wind
7. go to sports centre

Vivid Sound VSCD-3482
Out 1/27, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Trailer clip

The brand new album of Miho Hatori (New Optimism, ex-Cibo Matto) has finally dropped, following the two singles "Formula X" and "Tokyo Story". Check out the brand new music video for "Tokyo Story" below, and head over to your favorite streaming/download platform.

Miho posted a 2nd episode of her podcast on YouTube, this time speaking in English of her inspiration for the new album. Subscribe to her channel to stay tuned for more.

Miho Hatori "Between Isekai and Slice of Life" (Download)
Miho Hatori 「Between Isekai and Slice of Life 〜異世界と日常の間に〜」

1. Tokyo Story
2. Formula X
3. 19 Years Old
4. Bonaire
5. Don't Be Cheap
6. Desire
7. My Phone
8. I Told Ya

Miho Hatori
Out now (1/22)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, Amazon MP3 Japan, Amazon MP3 U.S.

"Tokyo Story"

"Formula X"

Following the series of 12 monthly 7"'s of the "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") which ended last August, here comes another fun series of collectibles supervised by Konishi Yasuharu! This time the format is a CD and book set, and there will be five monthly releases.

The first of this new series is of a CD containing all 26 songs released in the previous series of 7"'s! The accompanying 60-page book has text (in Japanese) by Konishi and also Ōeda Makoto (Hi-Fi Record Store), Kokaji Mitsugu, Arai Hirotaka (Record Shop Merurido) and more guests. The book is also said to have plenty of visuals.

Those interested should order quickly, as the label has already announced to have run out of its first pressing just with pre-orders (though a 2nd pressing is on the way). Aside from the links below, in Japan the series can also be ordered directly via Merurido (home of Oldays Records) and Readymade Shopping.

The upcoming titles have already been announced as follows: "neko mo shakushi mo Twist" on February 26, "watakushi on Saint-Germain-des-Prés" on March 26 (by guest selector/supervisor Miura Makoto), "renai ni akite shimatta" on April 30, and "nanimokamo akite shimatta" on May 28. Stay tuned every month for all details.

"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 01 'yoasobi ni tsukarete shimatta'" (CD+Book)
「レディメイド未来の音楽シリーズ CDブック篇 01 『夜遊びに疲れてしまった』」
(English CD title: "'Tired of Nightlife' A Compilation.")

1. Frank Chacksfield / Route 66
2. NOVI Singers / dancing nuts
3. Jackie & Roy / cheerful little earful
4. Luiz Carlos com conjunto CBS / samba na palma da Mao
5. The Kirby Stone Four / I could have danced all night
6. The Arbors / so nice (summer samba)
7. The Anita Kerr Singers / one note samba
8. Johnny (Guitar) Watson / I'll remember April
9. Peter & Gordon / black brown and gold
10. Gerry & The Pacemakers / stranger in the night
11. Frank Ifield / I've got you under my skin
12. Byron Lee and the Dragonaires / fat back
13. The Foundations / call me
14. The Turtles / too young to be the one
15. Keith / you'll come running back to me
16. George Cates / tea for two
17. George Cates / stardust
18. George Cates / frenesi
19. George Cates / 12th street rag
20. The 4 Instants / bogattini
21. The Sunrays / have to be myself
22. The Ventures / what now my love
23. The Dells / jeepers creepers
24. Nick Palmer / it's not unusual
25. Billy Strange with The Mexicana Brass / adios
26. Little Anthony & The Imperials / a man and a woman

Oldays Records ODR7001
Out 1/29, ¥2400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Upcoming releases:
#02 2021.02.26: "neko mo shakushi mo Twist"
#03 2021.03.26: "watakushi no Saint-Germain-des-Prés" (guest selector/supervisor: Miura Makoto)
#04 2021.04.30: "renai ni akite shimatta"
#05 2021.05.28: "nanimokamo akite shimatta"
#06 2021.11.26: "Christmas gō koyomi no ue de wa Mirai no ongaku"

Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has just released a brand new track in collaboration with horn section band videobrother! The song "Hashire Shōjikimono" is a cover of an ending theme of TV anime series "Chibi Maruko-chan", originally sung by Saijō Hideki. It was arranged as an high-speed ska tune. The jacket artwork was drawn by manga artist Muramatsu Hiroki, known for his DJ-themed series "DJ dō".

The song will be released on 7" on February 24, with on the other side a cover of Sawada Kenji's "TOKIO". Pre-orders can already be done at Jet Set and HMV.

Nakatsuka Takeshi & videobrother "Hashire Shoujikimono" (Download)
中塚武とvideobrother　「走れ正直者」

Delicatessen Recordings
Out now (1/15)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Singer-songwriter Ino Hidefumi has just released a new 7" single, in advance of a brand new 8th album expected to be released in 2021! While B-side "Magnetic Dance" was previously released digitally in November 2019 (, Spotify), the A-side "In Dreams" is a new song and was also just released digitally at the same time as the 7" (, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon MP3 Japan, Amazon MP3 U.S.).

This release follows another 7" released in 2020, "Squall / Eienteki Slow Motion", which had followed latest album "Song Album" (2018).

On January 21 will be held an online streaming event of a session with Gondo Tomohiko (METAFIVE, etc.), with for back-band guitarist Iga Wataru and drummer Kitayama Yūko. Find details and tickets here.

Ino hidefumi "IN DREAMS" (7")

A. In Dreams
B. Magnetic Dance

Innocent Record irep-013
Out now (1/16), ¥1400 (excl. tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower, CDJapan

"In Dreams"

"Magnetic Dance"

NUBACK (pronounced Noo-back), the solo unit of Dai Nakamura (BANK, Vacation Three, ex-Arch), has just released a 7" single on German label Growing Bin Records! The two songs were previously included on digital EP "Good bye Summer, Again" (2013) (Bandcamp, Spotify).

Song descriptions from Growing Bin:

"Opening with a fanfare of featherlight pads and full bodied bass, 'When The Party Is Over' is pure sonic seduction, holding both Balearic boogie and City Pop in a tender embrace. Delicate guitar and sparkling sequences tug the heartstrings with nostalgic beauty, and Dai's smooth vocals are made to make you swoon. Emotional pop at its finest folks.

On the B-side, 'Heartbeat Summer' drops the tempo and soaks up the sun, losing its cares in a haze of loved up dub. As soulful keys sink into spring reverb and steam kettle synths ride a rolling bassline, this downbeat delight lays back in the long grass, making shapes from the clouds and sipping a cool koshu."

In Japan, the 7" is available at Too Young Records, Newtone Records, Lighthouse Records and Disk Union.

NUBACK "When The Party Is Over" (7")

A. When The Party Is Over
B. Heartbeat Summer

Growing Bin GBR030
Out now (January 2021)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, Juno (UK), Growing Bin (Germany), Disk Union, Lighthouse Records, Newtone Records

Audio samples

Following last month's "Formula X", Miho Hatori (New Optimism, ex-Cibo Matto) has just released one more brand new song digitally, titled "Tokyo Story".

This time she announces that both of these songs will be part of her new album to be released very soon on January 22, with the title "Between Isekai and Slice of Life"! Can't wait for that! Pre-add/pre-save here, and stay tuned for details.

Miho has also started a Podcast called "Blue Lagoon Radio" on her YouTube channel in promotion of the album. Check out vol.1 here.

Miho Hatori "Tokyo Story" (Download)

Miho Hatori
Out now (1/8)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY, Amazon MP3 Japan, Amazon MP3 U.S.

Singer-songwritter Ayane Yamazaki has recently released digitally an album titled "Yobikakerarete", which focuses on pleasant electronic piano and synthesizer sounds, along with the artist's own singing. Closing the album is a cover of the theme song from "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind", written by Takashi Matsumoto and Haruomi Hosono. This album follows another titled "Life" that was released in 2019 (Spotify, YouTube Music).

Ayane Yamazaki also had a 7" released for City Pop on Vinyl 2020, titled "mahō o oshiete" (CDJapan).

Ayane Yamazaki "Yobikakerarete" (Download)
Ayane Yamazaki (山﨑彩音) 「呼びかけられて」

1. Sign
2. China Girl on The Beach
3. The Moment God Dwells
4. Wake up
5. Yobikakerarete
6. Kazeno Tanino Naushika

Forlife Music Entertainment
Out now (2020/11/25)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Two commercial songs by composer Nakagawa Toshio circa 1990 are being released on 7" for the first time, both of which were remixed by Chikada Haruo and to which Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove) participated to the recording. A-side "Mystery Woman" was used in a TV commercial for Suntory Kakubin, and B-side "Shinjuku Gigolo" was used as a campaign song for department store Isetan in 1990. Both songs previously appeared on CD compilation "World Piece" (1990), and the 7" design is a replica of a promo-only 12" from back then.

Hear audio samples at Jet Set.

Nakagawa Toshio "Mystery Woman (Speed Mix) / Shinjuku Gigolo (Continental Mix)" (7")
中川俊郎 「Mystery Woman (Speed Mix) / Shinjuku Gigolo (Continental Mix)」

A. Mystery Woman (Speed Mix)
B. Shinjuku Gigolo (Continental Mix)

Boogie Vox / Jet Set JS7S284
Out 1/20, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

After a bit of catching up with 2020 releases, it's now time to move on to 2021! I look forward to lots of good new music to come this year!

The first release of the new year is from HALLCA, who suddenly dropped a live recording of her latest show, held on November 1st at Roppongi Varit for a limited audience of thirty. The show was backed by a full band, and this digital album contains 8 of the songs that were played. A video of the performance of "Complex City" from this show was posted on YouTube recently, and you can watch it below.

The originals of the songs included can be found on album "Villa" (2019) and digital singles "Pink Medicine" (2020), "Floating Trip" (2020, by HALLCA & AmamiyaMaako) and "Catch your night" (2020, by HALLCA & yuca).

HALLCA "PRECIOUS FLIGHT WITH YOU 20'" (Download)

1. Pink Medicine
2. Floating Trip
3. Catch your night
4. guilty pleasure
5. WANNA DANCE!
6. Complex City
7. Dreamer
8. Milky Way

Magellan-Blue Records
Out now (1/3)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"Complex City" band live movie (2020/11/01 "Precious Flight With You")

Osaka-based R&B band Neighbors Complain has released a 4th album titled "Destruction". This is the first of two releases under a theme of "Neo Soul". It follows cover album "Made in Street" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) and previous original album "WAVE" (, Spotify), both also released in 2020.

A tour of Billboard Live venues (in Yokohama and Osaka) is planned to be held in January and February, and the Osaka show on February 15 will be streamed online on the Streaming+ platform. Find details and tickets here (although the site is only in Japanese).

Neighbors Complain "Destruction" (Cassette/Dowload)

1. Choice
2. We Gotta Feelin'
3. Loser
4. This Era
5. Teiku-Hiko
6. In The Box
7. Ordinary Days

Vivid Sound VSCT-1003
Out now (12/26), ¥2273 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Teiku-Hiko"

"Choice" lyric video

April Set, the solo project of DJ & producer Suzuki Masanori (Instagram), has just recently released a new 7"! The A-side is a cover of Ishikawa Seri's hit song "asayake ga kieru mae ni", written by Yuming, this time sung by Indonesian singer IKEI (Facebook, Instagram). The B-side is a new remix of "yakan hikō", a Minami Yoshitaka cover that was featured on album "Fairground" (2011) sung by Minami Yoshitaka himself with Bougain Ville-A. Ritmo Fantastico is a producer team formed of Hirano Eiji and Mitani Shōhei. This is out now on Groove Unchant's label Unchantable Records.

The previous 7" release of April Set, "nando de mo", is still available at Jet Set.

April Set "asayake ga kieru mae ni / yakan hikō" (7")
April Set 「朝焼けが消える前に / 夜間飛行」

A. asayake ga kieru mae ni
B. yakan hikō (Ritmo Fantastico Remix)

Unchantable Records UCT-033
Out now (12/16), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"asayake ga kieru mae ni" sampler clip

"yakan hikō (Ritmo Fantastico Remix)" sampler clip

VIRTUAFREAK, a music event series that started in 2018 celebrating virtual culture, has just released a compilation of songs by a total of 21 artists, to go along with an event of the same name that was held simultaneously at clubasia and online on December 27. Included is official theme song "REWIRE" written by Avec Avec (of Sugar's Campaign), for which the music video features animation by 15 creators. Watch it below!

The 6-hour event is still viewable archived online until January 3. Find tickets here.

Along with the digital release, the album is also available physically on CD only directly via VIRTUAFREAK's online store which ships worldwide.

Various Artists "REWIRE"

(Title / Artist)
1. Vox House / Miori Ehara
2. RECOAT (feat. KMNZ) / in the blue shirt
3. owaranai / Azami & Aruku Shika
4. L (feat. Hashiyan Kōsaka) / DJ WILDPARTY
5. Blanket (feat. pinoko) / YACA IN DA HOUSE
6. saisei (feat. Chika Amemiya) / Virtual Cat
7. Meimetu (feat. Nowhere) / Funwari-chan
8. Expecto patronum! / PeanutsKun
9. REWIRE (feat. Wotoha) / Avec Avec
10. Alone With U / TEMPLIME
11. with Night (feat. yosumi) / Batsu
12. Twilight Days / Tomggg & THE BINARY

Virtuafreak
Out now (12/27)
Sample/buy: , YouTube Music, Spotify

Avec Avec "REWIRE (feat. Wotoha)"

Ellie, formerly the singer of Shibuya-kei band Love Tambourines, has just released in December a brand new solo album! The whole is produced by keyboardist SWING-O (Flying Kids). The songs "maji muri NOWAY" and "Midnight Parade 2020", a remake of Love Tambourines' hit song, were released in advance on 7" on Record Day 2020 in November. This is the follow-up to album "Stay Gold" (2018).

A release show is planned for February 7 at MoonRomantic, and will be streamed on MoonRomantic Channel (and the archive viewable until February 14).

Ellie "Neo Bitchizm"

1. maji muri NOWAY
2. aijō bunbetsu
3. kaiba Less mondai
4. Iroha
5. Midnight Parade 2020
6. Hot Flash
7. RBF
8. Shame on You
9. nonde nonde nonde

Happiness Records HRBR-019
Out now (12/15), ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY, Amazon MP3 Japan, Amazon MP3 U.S.
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"maji muri NOWAY"

Trackmaker Cherryboy Function (Twitter)'s latest EP of his "suggested function" series has just been released on vinyl. The CD edition had been released in July. A remix by Pasocom Music Club is included.

Cherryboy Function "suggested function EP#5" (12")

A1. The Endless Lovers (Pasocom Music Club Remix)
A2. Sour Deeds
B1. Face Off
B2. Baby and Piper
B3. Suburban Topless Beach (Nova Mix)

ExT Recordings EXT-1209
Out now (12/23), ¥1700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.