CTO LAB. "Beyond The Box"
CTO LAB., gadget techno-pop unit and supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), has a brand new album coming in November! It will be their 2nd full-length album, following their 1st "Okie Dokie" (2010) and...
Posted on September 29, 2018 at 23:53. | Released on November 14, 2018
CTO LAB. "The Theme of Ma.K." (Download)
CTO LAB. released this song last year as a limited cassette tape edition, but it's now finally available for download on iTunes, etc.! This is a theme song for Ma.K., aka Maschinen Krieger, a science fiction universe created by...
Posted on October 4, 2017 at 21:53. | Released on October 4, 2017
Chiroline ver.3 "Last Pajama Party"
Chiroline ver.3 (previously Chiroline ver.2) are back as a trio with new mini-album "Last Pajama Party"! While produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), songs written by fellow CTO LAB. members Imai Kentaro (The Aprils) and polymoog (Elektel) are also included. There...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 21:45. | Released on August 5, 2015
CTO LAB. "3 Cycles"
CTO LAB., the supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), is back with a new mini-album! Included are two songs they contributed to the game Groove Coaster, "Go! Spiral Go!" and "Space Arcadian", a cover...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 20:22. | Released on August 5, 2015
Ruby* "sweet music float"
Ruby*, the solo-project of whisper-voice singer Lily, is back with a new album with songs produced by CTO LAB., Imai Kentaro (The Aprils, CTO LAB.), Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.), Nishiura Kensuke (daredemo Esper, ex-sōtaiseiriron), POCO (ku-tyu-bunkai) and more. Included...
Posted on November 13, 2014 at 22:52. | Released on November 5, 2014
Various Artists "NHK dai! tensai terebi-kun MTK the 18th"
This new compilation from NHK's long-running kids program "dai! tensai TV-kun" features original tracks by a bunch of good artists, such as CTO LAB., Nakatsuka Takeshi ("Jump'n'Jive odore!"), Terada Sōichi (aka Omodaka) ("Dark Matter") and Okamoto's, among others. CDJapan gives...
Posted on March 8, 2014 at 00:02. | Released on March 5, 2014
CTO LAB. "sekai wa BON HI-BON! ~ dai! tensai TV-kun no Theme 2013"
CTO LAB., the "compact" electro-pop unit of unit of Okada Tōru (Moonriders), Polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), has a new single out now! This is the first single by the band, and the first release in their name...
Posted on July 7, 2013 at 19:58. | Released on July 3, 2013
Gig report: Joy Ride vol.133: soyuz project, CTO LAB., NeoBallad
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 19 was the 133rd edition (!) of electro-themed event series "Joy Ride" that started in 2006. That's an average of 2+ events per month! I went to...
Posted on April 25, 2013 at 23:18.
Okada Tohru "kakū eiga ongakushū II ~Erewhon no roku de~"
Moonriders' Okada Tohru, lately active with CTO LAB., has a 4th album out this week. It has been no less than 19 years since his previous solo album! Included are several self-covers of Moonriders favorites, and the album is full...
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 22:39. | Released on August 8, 2012
Chiroline ver.2 "Chit Chat Chiroline"
Chiroline (reads -lyn) was a girl techno-pop unit that was produced by Okada Tohru (CTO LAB., ex-Moonriders) in the mid-to-late-80's. This year sees the formation of a group of 4 new girls borrowing the same name, again produced by the...
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:47. | Released on August 8, 2012
Gig report: Tokyo Outbound vol.02, with CTO LAB., Open Reel Ensemble, etc.
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday was event "Tokyo Outbound vol.02" at Koenji High, presented by CTO LAB. and Otona no kagaku, a popular magazine that always comes with something that you can build...
Posted on January 11, 2012 at 23:36.
Gig report: CTO LAB. Presents Tokyo Outbound #01, with (M)otocompo, Shampoo
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday June 27 was an event organized by CTO LAB. at Koenji High, a good venue for which I've heard many praises for its good sound and tall stage....
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 00:18.
Moonriders "Caméra Égal Stylo Special Edition"
The Moonriders has a reissue coming of "Caméra Égal Stylo", their 5th album first released in 1980. This edition contains a special bonus CD with remixes of all songs by the likes of CTO LAB., Kishino Yūichi (La veuve moustache...
Posted on April 24, 2011 at 23:14. | Released on April 27, 2011
Gig report: CTO LAB., Candles, Hi-5, spoon+
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Monday (December 27) was my first occasion to see CTO LAB., a side-unit of Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), polymoog (Elektel) and Okada Tōru (Moonriders), which I had been wanting...
Posted on December 31, 2010 at 17:46.
CTO LAB. "Okie Dokie!"
There's a new techno-pop unit called CTO LAB., formed of Okada Tōru (Moonriders), Polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils). "CTO" standing for "Compact Techno Organization", the concept is to use small synthesizers and electronic instruments for making their music....
Posted on July 14, 2010 at 00:11. | Released on July 28, 2010
Full-text search results for CTO LAB.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.54
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...
Posted on October 18, 2024 at 14:19.
DJ event announcement: "POLY-810" Nov. 10, 2024
DJ 810 of Tokyo's Coolest Sound is organizing the event below with longtime friend polymoog (ELEKTEL/CTO LAB.). Come by for a late-afternoon/early-evening of good music (with lounge, electro, pop, Shibuya-kei, and beyond). Check out the details below in Japanese &...
Posted on October 12, 2024 at 22:50.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.37
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...
Posted on March 16, 2023 at 23:56.
moonriders "Happenings Nine Months Time Ago in June 2022"
moonriders released last year a new original album titled "It's the moooonriders" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), here comes an album that was made from recordings done in June 2022 over two days in the form of impromptu sessions that totaled...
Posted on March 15, 2023 at 21:31. | Released on March 15, 2023
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.24
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...
Posted on February 11, 2022 at 00:14.
Starry Planet☆ "Sweet Daytime - Aikatsu Planet! Featured Songs vol.2"
This is a soundtrack mini-album from the live action TV series "Aikatsu Planet!" that's based on the arcade game of the same name. Included is the song "Lady Lady Lady" that was written and arranged by Imai Kentarō (of...
Posted on April 24, 2021 at 00:05. | Released on April 21, 2021
my♪Rabbits "Hyper Girl / SHINExSHINExSHINExSHINE"
Electro-pop idol my♪Rabbits has just released a new single which is written by Imai Kentaro (The Aprils, CTO LAB.) and arranged by The Aprils! The A-side "Hyper Girl" (or in Japanese "High Tension Girl") is a newly written song, for...
Posted on November 28, 2020 at 00:07. | Released on November 25, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.9
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...
Posted on September 24, 2020 at 00:19.
Posted on August 15, 2020 at 11:46. | Event held on Saturday August 29, 2020 at 21:00 (JST)
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.5
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...
Posted on May 28, 2020 at 01:10.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.4
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...
Posted on April 23, 2020 at 00:50.
Virtualboys x Breezesquad "Chico Ficticio" (Download)
Virtualboys (Soundcloud), the 8-bit chiptune duo of Imai Kentaro (The Aprils, CTO LAB.) and Asahi Taichi (Genius), collaborates with Fukuoka bitpop artist Breezesquad for this new delightful EP of two songs and two remixes! It's available digitally on iTunes,...
Posted on April 20, 2020 at 23:58. | Released on April 15, 2020
Recto Berso "No Recto, No Berso"
Singer-songwriter guitar duo Recto Berso have a first full-length album out now! This follows their 2012 mini-album "Nice To Love You!" which was produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.). The album which was entirely recorded at home contains plenty...
Posted on March 28, 2020 at 19:20. | Released on March 25, 2020
Controversial Spark "G.G.B. c/w Yoru Ha Yurushite Kurenai" (7")
Here's a new 7" single by Controversial Spark (Facebook Page), band formed of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders), Yabe Hiroshi (Musement), bassist Iwasaki Naomi, guitarist Kondō Kenji and vocalist konore! With for A-side a brand new song titled "G.G.B.", this closely...
Posted on January 30, 2020 at 22:27. | Released on January 22, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.2
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...
Posted on January 22, 2020 at 23:55.
Kai "Paper Diamond / kanashii shirase" (7")
A 7" single of Kai's "Paper Diamond" from her recent mini-album of the same name is being released! Produced by Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders), it comes with a brand new cover of Moonriders' "kanashii shirase" (1985). The A'-side was arranged...
Posted on January 19, 2020 at 23:46. | Released on January 29, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.1
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's first official episode of its own radio show (following a Christmas special)! The show is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some...
Posted on December 26, 2019 at 01:31.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Noël Nippon"
Tokyo's Coolest Sound is starting its own radio show! Part of La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), the show will bring you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in...
Posted on December 14, 2019 at 01:04.
Cutie Pai "megane myboy"
Cutie Pai has a new single being released! The title song is of course glasses-themed ("megane"). The single comes in two different versions, the Type A contains a remix of "This Is Megane" by CANDLES, while Type B instead has...
Posted on September 24, 2018 at 11:50. | Released on September 25, 2018
Okada Tohru "Portraiture of T"
Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB., ya-to-i) has a new solo album coming this week! This follow-up to "kakū eiga ongakushū II ~Erewhon no roku de~" (2012) is actually his first entirely vocal album, with himself singing on every song. Featured...
Posted on November 20, 2016 at 21:11. | Released on November 23, 2016
Okada Tohru presents Ukulenica "Phases of the moon ~ Ukulenica meets Moonriders"
Ukulenica is a new project of Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.), and consists of 4 ukulele players including himself, Natsuaki Fumihisa (Jack-tati), Yoshida Takashi (Rose-Unlimited, 5th Garden) and Kuroda Hideaki (plusico). This first album is of covers of the Moonriders....
Posted on December 10, 2014 at 23:13. | Released on December 10, 2014
Recto Berso "Nice To Love You!"
Recto Berso is a band of two guys who love vintage instruments, especially Beatles-era Gibson guitars. They even go as far as using recording equipment from back in the day to create sounds of the same texture. For that reason...
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 22:06. | Released on August 8, 2012
Gig report: (M)otocompo vs The Aprils, with BiS, Ezypt
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On February 4 was an event organized by (M)otocompo, together with The Aprils, BiS and Ezypt. It was held at Shibuya Milkyway, and it was my first time at this...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 00:30.
The Aprils "Magical Girls"
Here's a brand new release from The Aprils coming early January! 2 years have went by since "Back To The Future Music", and this time the band adds a touch of magic to its future-pop post-Shibuya-kei sound. With 4 new...
Posted on December 26, 2011 at 22:35. | Released on January 11, 2012
Gig report: The Aprils "Magical Girls E.P." pre-release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last night (November 22) at Koenji High was the pre-release party for The Aprils' new CD, "Magical Girls" EP going on sale on January 11, 2012. The event was even...
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 22:37.
nAo "Strawberry Heart"
This first album by singer-songwriter and model nAo is produced by Moonriders' Okada Tōru, who is recently also active as CTO LAB. Included are two songs involving The Aprils' Imai Kentarō (also of CTO LAB.), "My Sunshine" in which he...
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 20:52. | Released on January 26, 2011
Gig report: Future Pop Lounge 2010
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On August 28, I went to Future Pop Lounge (official site), a festival style event at Shibuya O-Nest. It was the 3rd time the yearly summer event was held though...
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 22:37.
Gig report: "E*P=10Y" Elektel and Pyokn's 10th anniversary
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last weekend, on Sunday June 13, was held an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of two bands, Elektel and Pyokn, incidentally formed around the same time. The event was...
Posted on June 20, 2010 at 18:21.
