Various Artists "seiki no uta, kokoro no uta -Ryoichi Hattori Tribute-"
A tribute album for famous songwriter Ryōichi Hattori (1907-1993), a pioneer of Japanese pop music, has been released. The album contains covers and reworks, performed by various artists including Konishi Yasuharu feat. Miyako Kōda (dip in the pool), Scha Dara...
Posted on March 3, 2024 at 23:56. | Released on February 21, 2024
Tetsuro Yafune "Yafune Tetsuro, Bellissima o utau", "Wakusei / Yubikiri" (7"/Download)
Jazz pianist and singer-songwriter Tetsurō Yafune's next album has been announced as being a cover album of Pizzicato Five's 2nd album "Bellissima!" (1988) in its entirety, and produced by Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five)! Like his previous album —"Song, Piano, Bass,...
Posted on October 23, 2023 at 22:54. | Released on November 22, 2023
Negicco "Perfect Sense" (Download)
Negicco is back with a brand new mini-album, titled "Perfect Sense" and out now digitally! Included are songs written by Konishi Yasuharu ("Good to See You Again - How Are You", Japanese title "ohisashiburi desu - ogenki desuka"), Yasuhiro Hase...
Posted on July 23, 2023 at 11:40. | Released on July 20, 2023
The Scooters "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (7" / 8cm CD)
This 7" by The Scooters is a brand new recording of a cover of Pizzicato Five's hit song, "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" ("The night is still young"). It was decided to record the song after Yasuharu Konishi asked...
Posted on July 7, 2023 at 00:30. | Released on July 7, 2023
Francis "sabakaruru Emiri feat. Emiri Kanou / Sessomatto" (7")
The new single of Francis, the solo project of bassist and singer-songwriter Makoto Ori, is a brand new song with lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu and sung by Emiri Kanou. The B-side is "Sessomatto" from Francis' latest album "Bolero"....
Posted on May 22, 2023 at 22:46. | Released on May 24, 2023
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 10 'Blanket no shita de'" (CD+Book)
This is the 10th of the CD+Book series of "Readymade mirai no ongaku", a series that's wholely supervised by Konishi Yasuharu. This time the CD is of songs best listened in winter, selected by Juri Tominaga who is a music...
Posted on December 9, 2022 at 23:55. | Released on November 25, 2022
Record Day 2022 Day 1
Record Day is being held this year again, on November 3 (coinciding with public holiday Culture Day) and also on December 3. Below are some picks that are not to be missed from the November 3 crates, but there's also...
Posted on November 6, 2022 at 12:11. | Released on November 3, 2022
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 09 'ocha to okashi to ongaku to'" (CD+Book)
Here's the 9th of the CD+Book series of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" has been released today! The guest this time is dessert expert Kaede Fujisawa, and the book and CD contents are said to fit perfectly together. The book has...
Posted on October 28, 2022 at 21:59. | Released on October 28, 2022
Posted on October 27, 2022 at 00:08. | Event held on Saturday October 29, 2022 at 15:30 (JST)
Readymade mirai no ongaku Series 2nd Season: Part 4 out of 4 (7"x3)
These are the last three 7"s from the 2nd season of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics under the title "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). Below are the details of this month's releases. Collect them all by following links...
Posted on September 4, 2022 at 22:57. | Released on August 26, 2022
Readymade mirai no ongaku Series 2nd Season: Part 3 out of 4 (7"x3)
Here's the 3rd of four monthly batches of three 7"s, from the 2nd season of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics under the title "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). Below are the details of this month's releases. Collect them...
Posted on July 30, 2022 at 00:17. | Released on July 29, 2022
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 08 'Love Ballad ja odorenai'" (CD+Book)
An eighth installment of the fun CD+Book series of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" has been released! While the series as a whole is supervised by Konishi Yasuharu (most often featuring music selected by himself), this time he has named DJ...
Posted on July 28, 2022 at 00:18. | Released on August 26, 2022
Kono y Los Chicos de Cuba "Tokio a las 7 de la Noche" (7")
Released on CD last November, the Cuban salsa cover of Pizzicato Five's "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji (the night is still young)" by Kono y Los Chicos de Cuba is now available on 7"! Both Spanish and Japanese versions...
Posted on June 30, 2022 at 13:05. | Released on June 22, 2022
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 07 'mata yoasobi ga koishikunaru'" (CD+Book)
To go along the 2nd season of 7" releases which started last month (6 are now available, with 6 more coming in the next two months), the CD+Book series of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" has also come back! This issue...
Posted on June 29, 2022 at 21:41. | Released on June 24, 2022
Readymade mirai no ongaku Series 2nd Season: Part 2 out of 4 (7"x3)
Here's the 2nd drop of three 7"s from the 2nd season of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics, under the title "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"), in which he selected songs that he wished to have on 7" for...
Posted on June 29, 2022 at 00:06. | Released on June 24, 2022
Tetsuro Yafune "Song, Piano, Bass, Drums." (12")
"Song, Piano, Bass, Drums.", the new album of pianist and singer-songwriter Tetsurō Yafune which was produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five), is being released on vinyl! All of the songs from the CD are included, with the order...
Posted on June 21, 2022 at 22:11. | Released on June 22, 2022
Readymade mirai no ongaku Series 2nd Season: Part 1 out of 4 (7"x3)
Following a series of twelve 7" of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics under the title "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"), one a month from September 2019 to August 2020 (find them all linked here), here comes a second...
Posted on June 3, 2022 at 20:09. | Released on May 27, 2022
Portable Rock "Past & Future ~ My Favorite Portable Rock"
Portable Rock, the new wave band fronted by Maki Nomiya since the 80s together with Tomofumi "Chibun" Suzuki and Nobuo Nakahara, has just released an album of favorite songs, all newly remastered. Also included are brand new songs "Lonely Girl,...
Posted on May 26, 2022 at 21:18. | Released on May 25, 2022
Shingo Katori "Tokyo SNG"
Shingo Katori (Twitter, Instagram) (ex-SMAP) has just released a new album, the follow-up to "20200101". The album's concept is "tuxedo jazz". Featured guests are Takao Tajima (Original Love), Atarashii Gakko!, H ZETTRIO, Gentle Forest Jazz Band, Higuchi Ai and...
Posted on April 17, 2022 at 11:14. | Released on April 13, 2022
Maki Nomiya "New Beautiful"
Maki Nomiya (ex-Pizzicato Five) has been celebrating the 40th anniversary since her debut (with album "Pink no kokoro" released in 1981), and here comes a brand new album to mark the milestone. "New Beautiful" comes as a combination of three...
Posted on March 26, 2022 at 11:51. | Released on April 20, 2022
Konishi Yasuharu "Drama 'nigatsu no shousha -zettai goukaku no kyoushitsu-' Original Soundtrack"
Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One) made the original soundtrack for the NTV drama series "nigatsu no shōsha -zettai gōkaku no kyōshitsu-", an adaptation of the manga series by Takase Shiho. Other recent Konishi Yasuharu news include the production of jazz pianist/singer-songwriter...
Posted on December 21, 2021 at 20:27. | Released on December 15, 2021
Tetsuro Yafune "Song, Piano, Bass, Drums."
Pianist and singer-songwriter Tetsurō Yafune has released a new full-length album, which is entirely produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five)! Titled "Song, Piano, Bass, Drums." (or in Japanese "uta, Piano, Bass, Drums"), the album contains a variety of...
Posted on December 15, 2021 at 22:41. | Released on December 15, 2021
Posted on December 3, 2021 at 22:32. | Event held on Saturday December 18, 2021 at 18:30 (JST)
Tetsuro Yafune "A Sweet & Dangerous Scent / A Transparent Moment" (7")
Pianist and singer-songwriter Tetsurō Yafune is about to release a new full-length album on December 15, which is entirely produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One)! With the title "uta, Piano, Bass, Drums." (uta means song/singing), the album will feature...
Posted on November 23, 2021 at 23:59. | Released on November 24, 2021
Pizzicato Five "pizzicato five in hi-fi" (2CD)
After the three "Pizzicato Five On Demand" digital releases over the last three months (see the Takanami keitaro, Konishi yasuharu and Nomiya maki editions), here comes a Pizzicato Five 2-CD compilation made of songs from those that were made available...
Posted on November 23, 2021 at 11:29. | Released on November 24, 2021
Pizzicato Five "Pizzicato Five On Demand (Nomiya maki edition)" (Download)
Here comes the third of the "Pizzicato Five On Demand" trilogy! The "Takanami keitaro edition" and "Konishi yasuharu edition" are of course followed by the "Nomiya maki edition", with this time 38 tracks! Some vinyl-only and non-album tracks are included,...
Posted on November 17, 2021 at 19:38. | Released on November 17, 2021
Pizzicato Five "Pizzicato Five On Demand (Konishi yasuharu edition)" (Download)
Following last month's "Pizzicato Five On Demand (Takanami keitaro edition)", here comes the second digital compilation of Pizzicato Five, this time focusing on songs penned by Konishi Yasuharu. The 32 songs (over 2 hours!) were apparently selected from Columbia's catalog...
Posted on October 20, 2021 at 20:35. | Released on October 20, 2021
Hipster Image "Make Her Mine" (7")
Hipster Image's hit song "Make Her Mine" (from 1965), and its remix by Konishi Yasuharu (first released in 1999 on a compilation titled "The Mod Scene 2"), are being released for the first time on 7"! This limited release...
Posted on October 18, 2021 at 00:03. | Released on October 20, 2021
Various Artists "What a Wonderful World with Original Love?"
Original Love has just released an official cover album, in which many artists perform their versions of Original Love's songs from the repertory of 30 years. Featured are Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One) — with "Let's Spend The Night Together", a...
Posted on September 30, 2021 at 22:54. | Released on September 29, 2021
Pizzicato Five "Pizzicato Five On Demand (Takanami keitaro edition)" (Download)
13 songs of Pizzicato Five that have music written by K-taro Takanami and are sung by Maki Nomiya, from the catalog of Nippon Columbia, have been released digitally as a compilation album! This is apparently the first of a series...
Posted on September 23, 2021 at 10:47. | Released on September 22, 2021
Shoko & The Akilla "kanashii uwasa" (Download)
Shoko & The Akilla (Facebook page), a duo formed of singer Shoko and guitarist Akilla, have just released a cover of The Scooters' "kanashii uwasa"! This song was written for The Scooters by Konishi Yasuharu. Check out the cover...
Posted on August 28, 2021 at 21:27. | Released on August 27, 2021
Ino hidefumi "In Dreams" (12")
Ino Hidefumi's latest album "In Dreams", released on CD and digitally in May, has just been released on vinyl! This album contains 8 original songs, one of which has lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu ("My Definition Of Blues"), as well...
Posted on July 11, 2021 at 12:02. | Released on July 9, 2021
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 05 'nanimokamo akite shimatta'" (CD+Book)
This is the 5th of five monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" CD+Book series supervised by Konishi Yasuharu! This time he selected music from his record collection, including some jazz, beguine, rock'n'roll, twist, mambo, cha-cha-cha and folk songs. The 60-page booklet...
Posted on May 28, 2021 at 21:42. | Released on May 28, 2021
Ino hidefumi "In Dreams"
Singer-songwriter Ino Hidefumi has a brand new album being released! "In Dreams" is the follow-up to "Song Album" (2018). Along with the 8 original songs, one of which has lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu ("My Definition Of Blues"), covers of...
Posted on May 15, 2021 at 13:06. | Released on May 16, 2021
Various Artists "Kyohei Tsutsumi Song Book"
Famous songwriter Tsutsumi Kyōhei passed away last October at the age of 80. This album is a tribute made of brand new recordings, featuring the work of producers Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One), Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Takebe Satoshi, Kameda Seiji,...
Posted on March 25, 2021 at 10:14. | Released on March 24, 2021
Posted on February 18, 2021 at 13:23. | Event held on Thursday February 18, 2021 at 18:00 (JST)
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 02 'neko mo shakushi mo Twist'" (CD+Book)
Started in January, here's the 2nd of the "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") monthly CD+Book series supervised by Konishi Yasuharu! This time the CD is an updated edition of a limited edition mix tape of twist tunes, while...
Posted on February 5, 2021 at 20:29. | Released on February 26, 2021
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 01 'yoasobi ni tsukarete shimatta'" (CD+Book)
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...
Posted on January 21, 2021 at 11:09. | Released on January 29, 2021
RSD Drops Day 2: Pizzicato One, Toki Asako, Avec Avec
Record Store Day's second of three "RSD Drops Days" is being held on September 26. In addition to the items being sold in physical shops from the morning, online sales are allowed from 13:00 on release day. Below are just...
Posted on September 25, 2020 at 20:57. | Released on September 26, 2020
Little Anthony & The Imperials / The Dells "a man and a woman / jeepers creepers" (7")
This is the twelfth and last of this year-long monthly series of 7", named "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") and consisting of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This time Konishi chose two covers of movie hit songs,...
Posted on August 26, 2020 at 23:55. | Released on August 29, 2020
World Standard "taiyou wa oshiete kurenai" (7")
World Standard has just released a 7" of two songs from album "Allo!" (1986). The song "taiyō wa oshiete kurenai" has lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu (of Non-Standard labelmates Pizzicato V) and music by then-member Mikami Masaharu, while B-side...
Posted on July 29, 2020 at 21:48. | Released on July 29, 2020
The Kirby Stone Four / The Anita Kerr Singers "I could have danced all night / one note samba" (7")
At the end of every month comes another of the great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This is the eleventh installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first...
Posted on July 28, 2020 at 20:53. | Released on July 29, 2020
Suzuki Masayuki "Ultra Chu Chu Medley" (7")
From his new 40th anniversary album "All Time Rock'n'Roll", here's a 7" of two songs by singer Suzuki Masayuki (aka Martin). Konishi Yasuharu edited the medley on the A-side, and also produced the B-side cover of Little Anthony &...
Posted on July 17, 2020 at 00:54. | Released on July 15, 2020
Nick Palmer / Frank Ifield "it's not unusual / I've got you under my skin" (7")
At the end of every month comes another of the great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This is the tenth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first...
Posted on June 30, 2020 at 20:00. | Released on June 29, 2020
Pizzicato One "The Night Before: Pizzicato One In Person"
Pizzicato One (Instagram), the solo project of Konishi Yasuharu (of Pizzicato Five), has a first live album being released! Made from recordings of shows held at Billboard Live Tokyo and Osaka in October 2019, it features Konishi personally singing his...
Posted on June 13, 2020 at 23:30. | Released on June 24, 2020
Mellow Mellow "saikou kessaku"
Mellow Mellow, a trio formed of girls "not taller than 150cm", has a new single out now digitally and the title song was written and arranged by Konishi Yasuharu! Check out the cool music video below! The B-side was written...
Posted on June 11, 2020 at 23:43. | Released on June 10, 2020
Peter & Gordon / Gerry & The Pacemakers "black brown and gold / stranger in the night" (7")
Another month, another edition of the great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This is the ninth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) This time Konishi...
Posted on May 29, 2020 at 23:59. | Released on May 29, 2020
Luiz Carlos com conjunto CBS / Johnny (Guitar) Watson "samba na palma da Mao / I'll remember April" (7")
Here's another edition of this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. This is the eighth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) Two Brazilian tracks this...
Posted on April 29, 2020 at 11:16. | Released on April 29, 2020
Suzuki Masayuki "All Time Rock'n'Roll"
Singer Suzuki Masayuki (aka Martin) is celebrating this year his 40th anniversary since his debut in February 1980 part of chorus group Chanels (later to become Rats & Star). This new album celebrates that with self-covers of Chanels and Rats...
Posted on April 11, 2020 at 15:24. | Released on April 15, 2020
Byron Lee and the Dragonaires / The Foundations "fat back / call me" (7")
Here's another edition of this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. This is the 7th installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) The A side is...
Posted on March 28, 2020 at 20:56. | Released on March 29, 2020
The Ventures / The 4 Instants "what now my love / bogattini" (7")
We're already halfway through this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. Here comes the 6th installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) This time we get...
Posted on March 1, 2020 at 01:13. | Released on February 29, 2020
Keith / The Arbors "you'll come running back to me / so nice (summer samba)" (7")
This is the 5th of the series of twelve monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") 7"s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on January 28, 2020 at 22:19. | Released on January 29, 2020
Katori Shingo "20200101"
Out on the first day of 2020 is a first solo album by Katori Shingo (atarashii chizu, ex-SMAP). The title "20200101" is to be read "niwaniwa waiwai". Included are several collaborations such as ones with Scha Dara Parr, BiSH,...
Posted on January 1, 2020 at 21:45. | Released on January 1, 2020
George Cates "12th street rag / stardust / tea for two / frenesi" (7")
This is the 4th of the monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") series of twelve 7"'s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on December 31, 2019 at 00:12. | Released on December 29, 2019
The Sunrays / The Turtles "have to be myself / too young to be the one" (7")
This is the 3rd of the monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") series of twelve 7"'s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on November 30, 2019 at 13:38. | Released on November 29, 2019
Konishi Yasuharu & Playboys "Inoue Jun no Playboy kouza 12 shou"
This is Konishi Yasuharu's latest project! A modern take on 1969-released album "Enraku no Playboy kōza 12 shō", a 12-chapter narrative course for becoming a playboy with perfect lounge music BGM (then performed by pianist Maeda Norio & His Playboys),...
Posted on November 14, 2019 at 23:37. | Released on November 20, 2019
Billy Strange / Frank Chacksfield "adios / Route 66 (Readymade mirai no ongaku Series)" (7")
This is the 2nd of the monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") series of twelve 7"'s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on October 29, 2019 at 22:59. | Released on October 29, 2019
Nomoto Karia "Chocola ni muchū" (7")
Originally released on CD in 2005 on label Readymade International (CD release), this single sung by Nomoto Karia and produced by Konishi Yasuharu was the opening theme song for anime series "Sugar Sugar Rune" (based on the manga of...
Posted on August 10, 2019 at 13:21. | Released on September 4, 2019
Pizzicato Five "The Band of 20th Century: Nippon Columbia Years 1991-2001"
Pizzicatomania all over the world! Check this out! This is a compilation of the best from Pizzicato Five's Nippon Columbia years (Triad/Readymade), which featured vocalist Nomiya Maki. The whole was supervised and selected by Konishi Yasuharu himself, with art direction...
Posted on August 2, 2019 at 23:40. | Released on November 3, 2019
Ultra-Vybe Japanese hit release re-issues
Long-running indie label and distributor Ultra-Vybe has just made available many of the acclaimed releases from its catalog, and priced them down to only ¥1000 (+tax) each! This includes many rarities. Below is a small selection from their Japanese re-issues....
Posted on July 12, 2019 at 23:18. | Released on July 10, 2019
Kudo Shizuka "Deep Breath"
Kudō Shizuka, who debuted as an idol in 1987, has a concept cover album being released that consists of covers of foreign songs under the theme "relax". Konishi Yasuharu has arranged and produced two songs, a cover of "Heartbreak Hotel"...
Posted on June 14, 2019 at 23:56. | Released on June 12, 2019
Negicco "Melody Palette" (2x12")
Negicco's first album "Melody Palette" (2013) is being re-issued on color vinyl (two discs, red and white)! A vinyl edition had been released back in 2013, with the same tracklist, however it was sold only at Tower Records and had...
Posted on June 9, 2019 at 22:41. | Released on June 17, 2019
Suzuki Masayuki "Funky Flag"
Singer Suzuki Masayuki has a new album released just recently. The album's last song, "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch Marching Band", which was written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu and it features chorus by Nomiya Maki (!) and Yoshikawa Tomoko (of...
Posted on March 21, 2019 at 21:40. | Released on March 13, 2019
Hachimitsu Rocket "chuuken Hachiko"
Hachimitsu Rocket is an idol group of 7 members that was formed in 2014 and did a major debut last year. This 4th single's A-side is a fun song of which the music video shows the girls in Twiggy-like outfits....
Posted on March 19, 2019 at 00:03. | Released on March 20, 2019
Gig report: Adieu, Vanilla Beans!: Retrospective & last gig reports
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound They came carried by winds from Northern Europe, where they returned to last October 7 (2018). So goes the setting of Vanilla Beans, a unique idol group that had debuted...
Posted on December 31, 2018 at 22:03.
Hoshino Michiru "After 6 Sessions" (Download)
Singer-songwriter Hoshino Michiru has released a digital EP of a session recently performed live on TBS Radio show "After 6 Junction" hosted by Utamaru (Rhymester) on weekdays from 18:00 to 21:00. The set featured keyboardist Inoue Kaoru (Blue Peppers)...
Posted on November 7, 2018 at 00:27. | Released on October 31, 2018
Record Day 2018
Record Day is this Saturday November 3, always held on the same day as national holiday "Culture Day". Led by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, many labels and artists coordinate their releases in the favorite physical format of many to...
Posted on November 2, 2018 at 23:22. | Released on November 3, 2018
Nomiya Maki "Shibuya-kei Songbook" (2 CDs), "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji c/w Happy Sad" (7")
This new album by Nomiya Maki comes with 2 discs. The first is a collection of songs from her recent albums of the "Shibuya-kei Standards" series (released from 2014 through 2017), and the 2nd is of a previously unreleased entire...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 21:26. | Released on October 31, 2018
Ino Hidefumi "Song Album"
Fender Rhodes musician Ino Hidefumi has released a brand new album titled "Song Album", of which all songs are vocal and sung by himself. "Skytree" and "From 3000 Feet The Sky Of Tokyo" have lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:06. | Released on October 10, 2018
Ino Hidefumi "Skytree / Witchcraft" (7")
Fender Rhodes musician Ino Hidefumi has a new 7" single out now! Both vocal songs have music written by myself, and the A-side "Skytree" has lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu. It was pressed at Toyokasei in Japan and is...
Posted on August 3, 2018 at 22:09. | Released on August 1, 2018
The Scooters "Be My Baby" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single that has just been released! "Be My Baby" is a new original song that was made as the theme of leader Shindō Mitsuo's exhibition held a few months ago sharing the same title....
Posted on July 14, 2018 at 22:58. | Released on November 14, 2018
Various Artists "Brilliant Ideas Works Of Yasuharu Konishi 1986-2018" (5CD)
Here comes a massive boxed set compilation of works by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five) spanning his whole career from 1986 to now! Included are many of the hits and wonderful songs he wrote music or lyrics for, produced,...
Posted on June 3, 2018 at 23:09. | Released on June 6, 2018
atarashii chizu "72"
atarashii chizu is the new group formed of 3 ex-SMAP members: Inagaki Gorō, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi and Katori Shingo. "72" is the theme song of a 72-hour online TV show they held last November, and it was written and produced...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 23:40. | Released on December 24, 2017
Duke Aces "atarashii uta" (7")
Duke Aces is a Japanese jazz chorus group that was formed in 1955 and had been active ever since. However, the group has announced that they will officially end their activities at the end of 2017. Konishi Yasuharu had...
Posted on December 20, 2017 at 23:22. | Released on December 20, 2017
Vanilla Beans "Vani Best II"
Vanilla Beans are celebrating their 10th anniversary! This is a greatest hits album that consists of all singles since their debut in 2007. Also included are one brand new song and also a new version of "Tokyo wa yoru no...
Posted on November 30, 2017 at 23:54. | Released on December 6, 2017
Gig report: "Shibuya no Radio no Shibuya-kei Festival"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday October 21, 2017 was held a very special music event for Shibuya-kei music fans. Shibuya ward organizes annually a music festival called "Shibuya ongakusai" (or "Shibu-on", official site) and for...
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 11:43.
Yashiro Aki "yoru no tsuzuki"
Enka singer Yashiro Aki has a 2nd jazz album being released, this time again produced by Konishi Yasuharu! It's been five years since the first, "Songs Around Midnight" (2012). The media is a high-fidelity SHM-CD which plays in regular CD...
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 22:29. | Released on October 11, 2017
Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Holiday Shibuya-kei o utau."
Nomiya Maki's new album is coming this month, and this time she sings Shibuya-kei standards that share a winter theme. Included are duets with Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Watanabe Marina, Takano Hiroshi and Suzuki Masayuki, with also chorus by...
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 21:11. | Released on October 18, 2017
Various Artists "Ace 2", "Ace ep" (7"x2)
Konishi Yasuharu compiles another CD from Sony's J-Pop hit catalog, consisting of songs that have not been released on 7". This follows the release of "Ace" last February that was the starting point to the release of several 7" singles...
Posted on September 12, 2017 at 23:20. | Released on September 13, 2017
Magokoro Bros "Summer Nude / Endless Summer Nude" (7")
Part of Konishi Yasuharu's on-going 7" project under the "A" (Ace) name, here comes a single of two songs by band Magokoro Bros. The two summer-themed songs were released respectively in 1995 and 1997. The single was mastered by...
Posted on August 21, 2017 at 21:36. | Released on August 23, 2017
Monsieur Kamayatsu "So Long 20 seiki / hatachi no koro" (7")
Kamayatsu Hiroshi (aka Monsieur Kamayatsu, ex-Spiders) passed away last March at the age of 78. Many Shibuya-kei artists deeply respected him. Here's a 7" from Readymade of two songs from the Konishi Yasuharu-produced album "Je m'appelle Monsieur" (2002). The...
Posted on August 13, 2017 at 10:22. | Released on August 30, 2017
The Boom "kaze ni naritai" (7")
Next up from Konishi Yasuharu's 7" single project is hit song "kaze ni naritai" by The Boom. Released in 1995 as a 3" CD single, it was never released as a single on vinyl until now. The B-side "Tokyo Love"...
Posted on May 5, 2017 at 22:51. | Released on May 24, 2017
Watanabe Marina "Birthday Boy" (7"), Hiyajo Atsuko "maware maware" (7")
Part of Konishi Yasuharu's 7" single project that aims to release J-Pop songs that he had been wanting on 7" for his DJ sets, here are two more that made it to record shop shelves just recently. The first is...
Posted on April 2, 2017 at 00:20. | Released on March 22, 2017
Various Artists "Ace", Pizzicato Five "couples ep" (7"), "Bellissima! ep" (7")
Konishi Yasuharu supervises a new 7" single project on the Great Tracks label (Sony). First of all comes a compilation called "Ace", named after monthly event (((((((A))))))) held at Organ bar the 3rd Friday of each month. Having been playing...
Posted on February 16, 2017 at 23:30. | Released on February 22, 2017
Konishi Yasuharu "hulu Original Drama 'Debusen' Original Soundtrack"
Konishi Yasuharu didn't only produce the excellent ending theme (performed by Dorusen from TPD) of drama "Debusen", but also all of its BGM! Here's the original soundtrack. Most tracks can be sampled at CDJapan. Konishi Yasuharu "hulu Original Drama 'Debusen'...
Posted on September 29, 2016 at 23:06. | Released on September 28, 2016
Dorusen from TPD "sensei no okiniiri"
Here's a brand new catchy rocking pop track written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu! Dorusen from TPD, a sub-unit of idol group Tokyo Performance Doll, sings the ending theme of school-themed drama series "Debusen". The title translates to "the...
Posted on September 15, 2016 at 22:53. | Released on September 21, 2016
Nomiya Maki "otoko to onna 'Un Homme et Une Femme' ~ Nomiya Maki, French Shibuya-kei o utau."
Nomiya Maki has a brand new album just about to be released! This album has a theme of "French Shibuya-kei", highlighting bits of the French culture that influenced the Shibuya-kei scene. This is a 2-CD release of both a studio...
Posted on August 29, 2016 at 23:22. | Released on August 31, 2016
Horie Mitsuko "New Moon ni koi shite" / Chibiusa (CV. Fukuen Misato) "otome no susume" (CD+DVD)
This single from latest Sailor Moon series "Sailor Moon Crystal 3rd Season" contains ending theme "otome no susume" that was written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One)! Also, the opening theme "New Moon ni koi shite" was produced by...
Posted on May 26, 2016 at 00:17. | Released on May 25, 2016
Record Day 2023
Record Day is being held this year again, on November 3, coinciding with public holiday Culture Day. Below are some picks that are not to be missed from the November 3 crates, but there's also much more to be found...
Posted on November 3, 2023 at 11:43. | Released on November 3, 2023
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.42
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 August 18, 2023 at 13:44.
Tanzaku CD (8cm CD) Day
What's going on in 2023? Well, it's the 35th anniversary of the 8cm CD, also known as "Tanzaku CD" (or also 3" CD or "mini CD"), which was a very popular format for singles in Japan in the 90s. A...
Posted on July 8, 2023 at 01:15. | Released on July 7, 2023
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.40
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 June 16, 2023 at 22:23.
Seikatsu no Sekkei "Kisetsu no Tsukamaekata"
Seikatsu no Sekkei (Twitter, Instagram) is a band that was previously active as Bluems, and changed names in January this year. Members are frontman Shintarō Ōtsuka (guitar & vocals), Shūtarō Tsujimoto (bass & chorus) and Kumpei Ōtsuka (drums & chorus,...
Posted on April 27, 2023 at 00:06. | Released on April 19, 2023
Wink Music Service "To Rome With Love / My Funny Honey" (7"/Download)
Wink Music Service is an exciting brand new group formed of Keitaro Takanami (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) and Sally Kubota (The Phantom Gift, The Scooters, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1, ex-SOLEIL). The project is expected to feature various guests, and the first single...
Posted on April 7, 2023 at 21:55. | Released on April 7, 2023
Tetsuro Yafune Trio & Seira Kariya "Singin' On The Wind"
Tetsurō Yafune Trio has just released a full-length album in collaboration with singer Seira Kariya (Instagram, Twitter) (who is also a member of HallKariMaako)! Along with many originals are included covers of "My Boy Lollipop" (originally sung by Barbie Gaye),...
Posted on December 12, 2022 at 23:10. | Released on December 7, 2022
Maki Nomiya "Sweet Soul Revue (duet with Rainych, feat. evening cinema)" (Download)
Here's the 3rd of three "World Tour Mix" tracks in which Maki Nomiya collaborated with artists from abroad. This time she invited Indonesia's Rainych to sing along on "Sweet Soul Revue"! The music was arranged and performed by Japanese...
Posted on March 2, 2022 at 21:33. | Released on March 2, 2022
Maki Nomiya "On the sunny side of the street (feat. Phum Viphurit)" (Download)
2nd installment of her "World Tour Mix" series, here comes a collaboration of Maki Nomiya with Thai singer-songwriter and producer Phum Viphurit (Facebook page, Instagram)! This song is a self-cover of Pizzicato Five's "On the sunny side of the...
Posted on February 9, 2022 at 20:27. | Released on February 9, 2022
Maki Nomiya "The night is still young (feat. Night Tempo)" (Download)
Maki Nomiya suddenly released a new version of "The night is still young", Pizzicato Five's most famous song, reconstructed by South Korean producer Night Tempo. This is part of a "World Tour Mix" project for the 40th anniversary of...
Posted on December 19, 2021 at 23:17. | Released on December 17, 2021
Kono y Los Chicos de Cuba "Tokio a las 7 de la Noche"
Habana-based group Kono y Los Chicos de Cuba, led by Japanese percussionist Haruhiko Kōno, is releasing a Cuban salsa cover of Pizzicato Five's "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (aka "The night is still young")! Konishi Yasuharu praised the cover...
Posted on November 23, 2021 at 11:06. | Released on November 21, 2021
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.16
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 26, 2021 at 21:01.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.15
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 25, 2021 at 00:36.
The Shaolin Brothers "Hyo-tan Rhapsody"
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...
Posted on December 26, 2020 at 14:35. | Released on December 16, 2020
Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura "God Bless the Girls" (CD/10")
Childish Tones (Twitter) has just released a full-length album, titled "God Bless the Girls", and it's the first featuring singer Beni Usakura (Twitter, Instagram)! Following the early-bird cassette edition released for Cassette Store Day, here it comes on CD and...
Posted on October 28, 2020 at 23:59. | Released on October 28, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.7
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 July 22, 2020 at 23:35.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.6
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 June 25, 2020 at 01:32.
bice "kanaerarenai koi no tame ni" (12")
The third and last album of singer-songwriter bice, self-produced bedroom pop masterpiece "kanaerarenai koi no tame ni" (2008), is being released on vinyl for the first time. Released on columbia*readymade after Konishi Yasuharu prompted her to finalize some songs, it...
Posted on May 6, 2020 at 22:42. | Released on May 13, 2020
Record Day 2019
Record Day 2019, an initiative of Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, is being held this Sunday November 3rd (the same day as Japan's "Culture Day" national holiday). Items are available in stores and online from that date. Below is a...
Posted on November 3, 2019 at 01:12. | Released on November 3, 2019
The Shaolin Brothers "koi no Dial 6700 / tasogare Wo Ai Ni" (7")
Rock band The Shaolin Brothers' new 7" single is a rock'n'roll cover of FInger 5's hit song "koi no Dial 6700", with on the flip side a new original in duet with Nomiya Maki! This follows a recent single...
Posted on October 28, 2019 at 23:14. | Released on October 30, 2019
Miho Keitaro & His Group "Sound Poesy 'Sachio'" (12")
This rare and unique album of pianist and composer Miho Keitarō is getting a first ever vinyl re-issue. "Sound Poesy 'Sachio'" is an album first released in 1969, taking inspiration from a close friend of Miho, Paris-born car racer Fujisawa...
Posted on September 13, 2019 at 23:40. | Released on September 11, 2019
The Shaolin Brothers "Pandafull World / Tokyo Kung-Fu Nite" (7")
Rock band The Shaolin Brothers has a new 7" single being released on July 31! The A-side is original "Pandafull World", while the B-side is a customized cover of The Scooters' hit track "Tokyo Disco Night", renamed "Tokyo King-Fu...
Posted on July 26, 2019 at 23:55. | Released on July 31, 2019
Record Store Day 2019
Record Store Day 2019 is just around the corner! This year it's to be held on April 13, a week earlier than usual. This year again there are many great releases happening in Japan. Below are Tokyo's Coolest Sound's picks!...
Posted on April 11, 2019 at 22:33. | Released on April 13, 2019
MANON "Winter Lil Life feat. Sleet Mage" (Download)
Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) who just turned 17 recently has a brand new song out today digitally! "Winter Lil Life" is as usual produced by Yuppa (HNC), and it features young Hokkaido rapper Sleet Mage (YouTube...
Posted on February 22, 2019 at 20:53. | Released on February 22, 2019
