Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Maika Loubté has released a new self-remix of her song "Ice Age". The song's original version was first released in May 2023 and later appeared on latest album "mani mani". The original having been played over a million times on TikTok, it was also recently featured in a commercial for perfume brand Anideal (watch it here).

The remix takes its base from a track that Maika used in her DJ sets, which she completed in order to release it officially. The techno track feels like a sequel of the original, like spring coming after winter.

Maika is also distributing stem files from the song for free. The Dropbox link can be found in the profile of her TikTok account. Grab them while you can!

Maika Loubté "Ice Age - Remix" (Download)

Water Records
Out now (1/29)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Owarikarahajimari has released a new song titled "We Are Feeling Love", out now digitally. This song follows the EP "back to me" released last year (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Owarikarahajimari is an electronic rock band, formed of Ayup1ko (lead vocals & keyboards), Naka Tomizawa (a.k.a. King of Opus) (guitar, bass, programming), ALi Sueoka (guitar), and Wada Masao (computer/sound effects). All members also sing backing vocals.

Their next show will be on Sunday February 16 at Koenji AMPcafe. Find details here.

Owarikarahajimari "We Are Feeling Love" (Download)
おわりからはじまり 「We Are Feeling Love」

Romantic Technology Records
Out now (1/23)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Hajime Tachibana (known as the guitarist of Plastics) has released a greatest hits album, the first to cover his whole solo career that started with his first album "H" (1982). The album was supervised by Kan Takagi, and the songs were selected in collaboration with him and also Keigo Oyamada (Cornelius). Included is a new remix of "Ma Ticarica" that's also remixed by Kan Takagi and Keigo Oyamada. Watch its music video below! The album was mastered by Yoshinori Sunahara, and all artwork design is by Hajime Tachibana himself.

The album is available as a double-CD, in limited and regular editions. The limited edition comes as a special cardboard sleeve of 17cm, and it includes a bonus track of a cover of "eign no Idol" by the Brazilian artist Paul Nagao.

The new remix, "Ma Ticarica (2025 Remix)" is available digitally: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY.

A special show will be held this Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Shibuya Club Quattro, featuring guests Yann Tomita and Keigo Oyamada, and eri (Low Powers). Find details here.

Hajime Tachibana "hajimeht"
立花ハジメ 「hajimeht」

Disc 1
1. H (THEME FROM CLUB FOOT)
2. ROBIN'S EYE VIEW OF CONVERSATION
3. THE BASSMAN FROM LDK
4. PIANO PILLOWS
5. ALPS
6. GUITAR GENIUS
7. THEME FROM "Hm"
8. PIANO PILLOWS GOING ABSTRACT
9. LIQUID
10. ARRANGEMENT
11. YORU NO TOKKIBUTSU
12. AB1013
13. THEME FROM "NIHON NO SUGAO"
14. THEME FROM BARRICADE
15. MA TICARICA
16. LUNCHTIME DAPANPIS
17. MR. TECHIE & MISS KIPPLE
18. ROCK (NEW RECORDING)
19. TAIYO • SUN
20. MODERN THINGS
21. XP41
22. FLASH

Disc 2
1. CHICKEN CONSOMME
2. HOGONOMO (FOR GO NO MORE)
3. THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA (FROM LIVE TAIYO-SUN)
4. BEAUTY
5. HAPPY
6. THEME FROM FUJI AV LIVE
7. BQ
8. BAMBI
9. TAMIL MUSIC (King)
10. TAMIL MUSIC (Bambi)
11. TAMIL MUSIC (Drive)
12. TAMIL MUSIC (I want to dance)
13. eien no Idol
14. Low Power 16 / Hajime Tachibana & Low Powers
15. shinshi / Tachibana & Low Powers
16. Sleeper / Tachibana & Low Powers
17. naite dō naru!? / Tachibana & Low Powers
18. UP DATE / THE CHILL
19. MAX'S KANSAS CITY
20. COMING INTO LOS ANGELES
21. MA TICARICA (2025 Remix)
22. eien no Idol (Cover) / Paul Nagao (Bonus track) (Limited edition only)

Limited edition
Sony Music MHCL-31034
Out now (1/15), ¥6000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition
Sony Music MHCL-31037
Out now (1/15), ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"MA TICARICA (2025 Remix)"

new type of immigrations b (or in Japanese shinshu no ImmigrationsB) is a band led by Masamichi Tōyama, also known as the CEO of the company behind restaurant chain Soup Stock Tokyo and the Pass The Baton shops. In this band, he does poetry reading backed by guitar, drums and theremin.

Having previously released an album and several singles digitally last year, here are two songs from a live performance held last November featuring guest Maki Nomiya.

new type of immigrations b feat. Maki Nomiya "Ferry (Live at Benten)" (Download)
新種のImmigrationsB feat. 野宮真貴 「フェリー (LIVE AT BENTEN)」
(Japanese title: shinshu no ImmigrationsB feat. Nomiya Maki "Ferry (LIVE AT BENTEN)")

new type of immigrations b
Out now (1/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

new type of immigrations b feat. Maki Nomiya "What Am I (Live at Benten)" (Download)
新種のImmigrationsB feat. 野宮真貴 「私は何 (LIVE AT BENTEN)」
(Japanese title: shinshu no ImmigrationsB feat. Nomiya Maki "watashi wa nani (LIVE AT BENTEN)")

new type of immigrations b
Out now (1/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Lo-fi dream pop idol group SAKA-SAMA is back since July 2024 as a 4-piece, and this is their introduction EP release. Included are latest song "Itsuka Deau Sekai" as well as the previously unreleased "DANCIN' DIAMOND" and "Sutekina Kataomoi", and also a re-recording of "Sushiday Night Fever".

The EP is available on CD and digitally. Out at the same time is a new album by member Kokone Suzuki, titled "thorny".

SAKA-SAMA and also Kokone Suzuki, and many others, will be part of the "Yokosuka Idol Carinval 2025" to be held on January 19. Find details and tickets here. SAKA-SAMA's full schedule can be found here.

SAKA-SAMA "DANCE with SAKA-SAMA"

1. Itsuka Deau Sekai
2. DANCIN' DIAMOND
3. Sushiday Night Fever (2024 ver.)
4. Sutekina Kataomoi

Trash-Up!! Records TUR-057
Out now (1/15), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Kokone Suzuki (Instagram, 𝕏), also active as a member of SAKA-SAMA, has released a 2nd solo album. It had been over 4 years since "Fever". The new album includes the song "Nakasete Gomenne" written by °C-want you!, and also new songs such as "thorny" and "Lover's High", for a total of 6 tracks.

Titled "thorny", it is available on CD and digitally. Out at the same time is a new EP by SAKA-SAMA, "DANCE with SAKA-SAMA".

Kokone Suzuki and also SAKA-SAMA, and many others, will be part of the "Yokosuka Idol Carinval 2025" to be held on January 19. Find details and tickets here. SAKA-SAMA's full schedule can be found here.

Kokone Suzuki "thorny"
寿々木ここね 「thorny」

1. Lover's High
2. Nakasete Gomenne
3. thorny
4. C'mon everyday!
5. Nemurenaihito-Za
6. Bon Voyage

Trash-Up!! Records TUR-059
Out now (1/15), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

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. Tune in at the times below at https://lafaceb.live.

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.56) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on January 13 from 20:30 (EST = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: January 14, 2025 from 10:30 a.m.

This episode is not archived as-is. Some replays are expected to be aired in the following weeks.

EST (Montréal/New York) —

Thurs. January 16 at 6h30 a.m.

Japan time —

Thurs. January 16 at 20h30

Listen to the Spotify playlist of some of the songs played (according to Spotify availability), or scroll down this page to find music videos and individual songs, and also listen to the narration.

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes, and narration parts you can listen to.

1. Cocopuff Club "France à la mode" (2024)
(Japanese title: Cocopuff Club 「ふらんす・あらもーど」)

Cocopuff Club (Bandcamp), the solo project of COCO (𝕏, Instagram), lead singer and guitarist of THE LET'S GO's. "France à la mode" is her 4th and latest song, recently released on Bandcamp. It was inspired by THE LET'S GO's France tour last summer!

THE LET'S GO's started 2025 with a new drummer, Amechi (ex-The Tomboys). They can next be seen in Tokyo on January 19 at Hatagaya Heavy Sick. There's also an upcoming special show on March 3 to introduce the new drummer properly. Find all show details in the band's schedule.

🎙️ Listen to Narration I
Presenting: Cocopuff Club, NUBACK

2. NUBACK "Nozomu Mono" (2024)

NUBACK (pronounced Noo-back), the solo project of singer-songwriter Dai Nakamura (also of Blank Music, BANK and Vacation Three, ex-Arch) has released digitally a set of two new songs as an EP titled "Nozomu Mono" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Dai Nakamura also recently released an EP under his own name titled "Nami Oto". A 7" has just been released on London-based singles club style label wonderfulsound (wonderfulsound).

3. hitomitoi "Like a First Kiss feat. Wild Nothing" (2024)
(Japanese title: 一十三十一 「Like a First Kiss feat. Wild Nothing」)

This is a brand new song from hitomitoi, released iin December. It's a collaboration with U.S. artist Wild Nothing (a.k.a. Jack Tatum). "LIke a First Kiss" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) is said to be from her upcoming 8th album. Wild Nothing produced the track and is also heard singing in duet.

4. WAY WAVE "FREE MY SOUL (album ver.)" (2024)

From funky soulful sisters unit Way Wave's self-produced album "Journey" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), this is the album version of "Free My Soul". This song was first released as a collaboration single wiith Zettai Wasureruna, available as an 8cm CD for Tanzaku CD Day. Watch the original version's music video below.

Way Wave can be seen perform on January 24 at Yoyogi Live Studio Lodge (details & reservations). Their schedule also lists a solo show on February 16.

🎙️ Listen to Narration II
Presenting: hitomitoi, WAY WAVE, Machi Akari

5. Machi Akari "Uchu Jangara Odori" (2024)
(Japanese title: 町あかり 「宇宙じゃんがら踊り」)

From Machi Akari's latest EP, "Machi Akari Techno Phase II" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), this is "Uchu Jangara Odori". The song's meaning takes its roots in Iwaki, Fukushima prefecture. A member of Pasocom Music Club apparently produced the song under a new monicker, "Hayama Kazuhiro".

Machi Akari will take part in a competition that will allow the winner to perform at the Emergenza festival in Germany. Her first appearance in the competion will be on February 22 at Shinjuku Nine Spices (tickets available via e+). You can read my support comment in English part of this article.

6. Aina Hirose "megami to 21bangai no Dress Up" (2024)
(Japanese title: 広瀬愛菜 「女神と21番街のドレスアップ」)

Singer Aina Hirose (𝕏) has released recently a 2nd full-length album, titled "21" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The song "megami to 21bangai no Dress Up" was written by Yasuhiro Hase (Yume to Cosme).

The album also includes songs written by Keiichi Sokabe (Sunny Day Service), and Muneyoshi Matsuo (ex-Instant Cytron) ("Motor Cycle Girl"), and producer Yoshihiko Seki.

7. QUINCAMPOIX "Do Nothing" (2024)

QUINCAMPOIX is an indie girl rock band formed less than two years ago, and "Do Nothing" is from their first EP, "Go!Go!QUINCAMPOIX" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Check out their YouTube channel too!

The band has hinted that their next show in Tokyo will be on January 31, 2025. Watch their SNS accounts for details: Instagram, 𝕏.

🎙️ Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Aina Hirose, QUINCAMPOIX, usabeni

8. usabeni "Bye-bye (Demo)" (2024)
(Japanese title: usabeni 「バイバイ (Demo)」)

Last is a song by usabeni (a.k.a. Beni Usakura), from her latest CD single "Patchwork". While the single's title song is available digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music), the track "Bye-bye (Demo)" was first only included on the CD but it surfaced on the Internet as a music video.

usabeni's schedule currently includes a show on January 26, 2025, at Ebisu Batica, opening at noon. Another will take place on March 9 at Shinjuku Marble (details & reservations).

Thank you for tuning in! Information about replays can be found at the top of the page.

Find previous radio shows right here. You can also listen to some older ones on Mixcloud.

Sunaga t experience, the solo project of DJ Tatsuo Sunaga (𝕏), has just released a 7" of two songs that were previously posted on SoundCloud last September prior to an event titled "STE100" celebrating his 60th birthday and 40th anniversary since he began DJing. The A-side is an original, while the B-side is a cover of the main theme of the Bruce Lee film "The Way Of The Dragon".

For those within Japan, the 7" and also related T-shirts can be ordered at label Disc Minor's online shop.

Sunaga t experience "STE100 c/w The Way Of The Dragon" (7")
Sunaga t experience 「STE100 c/w The Way Of The Dragon〜ドラゴンへの道〜」
(Japanese title: "STE100 c/w The Way Of The Dragon ~Dragon e no michi~")

A. STE100
B. The Way Of The Dragon

Disk Minor DM-030
Out now (1/8), ¥2273 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, Juno (UK), Disk Union
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"STE100"

"The Way Of The Dragon"

Guitarist and singer-songwriter Chie Horiguchi (Learners) is releasing her new song "Cosmic Highway" as a 7" single! The B-side is a cover of country favorite "Why You Been Gone So Long". The 7" includes a download code.

The new song follows original album "Outsider", since which live album "We Saw The Light" was also released. Like the latter, the new single was also recorded with The Desperado Gentlemen: Kōsuke Miyashita on pedal steel guitar (of Phono Tones), Hiroyuki Kitajima on double bass, and Kosuke Wakiyama on drums.

Only the A-side is available digitally: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY. The B-side is expected to be only avaliable on the 7" (and its download code).

For those in Japan, it's also possible to order the 7" directly from the artist's online shop, where she also offers signed copies, or directly at the label.

Chie Horiguchi "Cosmic Highway" (7"/Download)

A. Cosmic Highway
B. Why You Been Gone So Long

KiliKiliVilla KKV-170VL
Out 1/10, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, Disk Union
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Cosmic Highway"

Released in October digitally, the first full-length album of band OCHA∞ME (Instagram, 𝕏), titled "walk on the boat", is also being released on vinyl this month. Included are many songs that were first released digitally and as music videos, starting with "You'll never walk alone" as well as the song "ageless" that was released as part of an 8cm CD for Tanzaku CD Day 2023. The LP edition contains an exclusive cover of Taylor Swift's "You Need To Calm Down". A download code of the album is included with the LP. Check out the many music videos below!

Buying the LP from HMV or Disk Union might apparently include a promo cassette of 3 cover songs (also including a download code), only while supplies last.

A special day-time live event for the release will be held on Sunday January 26 at Shimokitazawa Live Haus, with doors opening at 12:30 and the show starting at 13:00 (details).

OCHA∞ME "walk on the boat" (12"/Download)

A1. seven pack
A2. Jamboree
A3. Girls Color
A4. No Girlie Wrapping
A5. ageless
A6. Salad Days
B1. walk on the boat
B2. Morning Routine
B3. You'll never walk alone
B4. You Need To Calm Down (Taylor Swift Cover)
B5. gradually
B6. Anarchy? Human Rights Attitude

safer/sound SASO-001
Out now (1/22), ¥3600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY, Disk Union
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip

"seven pack"

"Jamboree"

"No Girlie Wrapping"

"ageless"

"Salad Days"

"walk on the boat"

"Morning Routine"

"You'll never walk alone"

"gradually"

"Anarchy? Human Rights Attitude"

Geno London (𝕏), the band of guitarist Geno Sato (previously known as Ai Satō of The Hair), has just released a new single and EP, respectively named "girlfriend" and "geno london pop", and both of which are mainly instrumental. Check them out on your favorite download/streaming platform.

Both of these were also released on CD, sold by the band at recent shows. In terms of CD releases, I believe this follows "Geno London EP" (2018), since which the band had shared several performances on their YouTube channel.

For the band's latest information and gig info, watch their 𝕏 account.

geno london "girlfriend" (Download)

1. Girlfriend
2. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
3. Come on Let's Go

geno london pop GLP-008
Out now (12/21)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

geno london "geno london beat" (Download)

1. Hipster
2. Youngster
3. Souvenir a Go Go
4. Desmond
5. Ramrod
6. Miniskaboots

geno london pop
Out now (12/21)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Towa Tei has released a new song titled "Time In Tokio" for New Year's Day 2025! It's available digitally on download/streaming platforms.

This new song follows "Typical feat. Takkyu Ishino" released last August (on 7" and later digitally), since which a Tofubeats remix was also released digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY). Last year, Towa Tei also produced a new song by KOJI 1200, titled "Shining Star" music video).

Towa Tei "Time In Tokio (EU Ver.)" (Download)

Mach Beat
Out now (1/1)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY