YMCK "Ten+Ten"
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, YMCK has released a brand new album, their 10th, and it's titled "TEN+TEN" (read "Ten Ten"). The double album is made of 20 tracks, and as usual YMCK has a few tricks in their bag...! The...
Posted on November 8, 2023 at 22:01. | Released on September 29, 2023
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
Takeshi Nakatsuka "Dreaming of the Future" (12")
First released as a digital EP in July, this month Takeshi Nakatsuka's "Dreaming of the Future" was released a vinyl 12" edition, including the original plus all three remixes by FPM, in the blue shirt, and Sasuke Haraguchi (a.k.a....
Posted on September 19, 2023 at 23:25. | Released on September 6, 2023
Takeshi Nakatsuka "Parade" (2CD)
Takeshi Nakatsuka has just released a brand new original album, titled "Parade". Included are the Toyota TV commercial song "Dreaming of the Future", a collaboration with orange pekoe titled "Forever and Ever", Pac-Man tribute song "Ladies and PAC-MAN" (from the...
Posted on August 2, 2023 at 23:56. | Released on August 2, 2023
Takeshi Nakatsuka "Dreaming of the Future" (Download)
Takeshi Nakatsuka has a brand new song & 3 remixes out now as an EP digitally! "Dreaming of the Future" is a song used in a TV commercial for Toyota's Prius (watch it below). The remixes are by FPM, in...
Posted on July 6, 2023 at 21:16. | Released on July 5, 2023
Takeshi Nakatsuka and The Skamotts "Romantic ga tomaranai / futari no ai Land with Maki Nomiya" (7")
Takeshi Nakatsuka (Qypthone) collaborates with ska band The Skamotts (led by Tawoyame Orquesta's Tomoko Okamura) for this 7" single. The A-side is a cover of C-C-B's hit song "Romantic ga tomaranai", while the B-side is a cover of Ishikawa...
Posted on June 26, 2023 at 22:40. | Released on June 28, 2023
Hoshikuzu Scat "eki / Tattoo"
Hoshikuzu Scat has released this month two new covers, "eki" and "Tattoo", both of which were oriiginally sung by Nakamori Akina in 1986 and 1988 respectively. "eki" was written by Takeuchi Mariya who also did a self-cover in 1987....
Posted on December 26, 2022 at 23:30. | Released on December 7, 2022
Takeshi Nakatsuka "kita no kuni kara / Black Screen" (7"), "Your Voice / Make Her Mine" (7")
Four songs by Takeshi Nakatsuka (Qyptone) have just being released on 7", at the same time from two different labels. Three of the songs are from his 3rd album "Girls & Boys" ("kita no kuni kara", "Your Voice" and...
Posted on June 26, 2022 at 12:11. | Released on June 22, 2022
Posted on October 29, 2021 at 09:02. | Event held on Friday October 29, 2021 at 21:00 (JST)
Hoshikuzu Scat "la distanza" (Download)
Hoshikuzu Scat released today a new song titled "la distanza", which was written by member Mitz Mangrove, and arranged by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone). This release follows digital single "Christmas kanpa" (December 2020) which was also arranged by Nakatsuka Takeshi....
Posted on October 13, 2021 at 23:46. | Released on October 13, 2021
Nakatsuka Takeshi & videobrother "TOKIO / Hashire Shoujikimono" (7")
Following the digital release of "Hashire Shoujikimono" (Spotify, ), cover by Nakatsuka Takeshi & videobrother of an ending theme of "Chibi Maruko-chan", here it comes as the B-side of a 7"! On the A-side is a new cover of...
Posted on February 9, 2021 at 22:56. | Released on February 24, 2021
Nakatsuka Takeshi & videobrother "Hashire Shoujikimono" (Download)
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....
Posted on January 17, 2021 at 20:19. | Released on January 15, 2021
Hoshikuzu Scat "Christmas kanpa" (Download)
Hoshikuzu Scat has just released a brand new Christmas EP! Title song "Christmas kanpa" was written by member Mitz Mangrove, and B-side "Banana no namida" is a cover of mid-80's idol group Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi (formed of two members from...
Posted on December 14, 2020 at 22:10. | Released on December 10, 2020
Various Artists "Join The Pac - Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Album -"
Following the release of Pac-Man tribute songs as three digital EPs earlier this year (vol.1, vol.2 & vol.3), here finally comes the awaited Pac-Man 40th anniversary album! Included are all of the tracks from those three EPs, plus songs by...
Posted on November 3, 2020 at 22:01. | Released on October 28, 2020
Various Artists "Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Collaboration vol.2" (Download)
From the upcoming Pac-Man 40th anniversary compilation expected to be released this fall, here are two more tracks available in advance digitally. Following last month's vol. 1 (Ken Ishii and Pasocom Music Club), this time we get songs by...
Posted on June 26, 2020 at 21:40. | Released on June 24, 2020
WHY@DOLL "＠LBUM ~Selection 2014-2019~"
Idol duo WHY@DOLL, who has announced in July that they will be ending their activities because of a member's health condition, is releasing a final album. Along with a selection of their best songs are some new mixes, a new...
Posted on November 3, 2019 at 23:41. | Released on November 5, 2019
Ursula 1000 "Esoterique"
New York producer Ursula 1000 (aka Alex Gimeno) has a brand new album out now! Featured are collaborations with Qypthone's Ookawara Izumi and Nakatsuka Takeshi, The Gentle People, Ferd Schneider (The B-52s), Isabelle Antena, Loredana Grimaudo (Swingrowers), and remixes by...
Posted on October 5, 2019 at 18:27. | Released on October 1, 2019
Various Artists "Toki Asako Remixies Weekend Shuffle" (12")
2007 remix album "Toki Asako Remixes Weekend Shuffle", which consisted of remixes of songs from Toki Asako's "Weekend Shuffle" (2006), is being released on vinyl for the first time. Included were remixes by Nakata Yasutaka, Nakatsuka Takeshi, Indigo Jam...
Posted on August 14, 2019 at 23:26. | Released on August 21, 2019
Hoshikuzu Scat "Absolutely Adorable"
Hoshikuzu Scat has a brand new single out today! The title song is a dance track written by member Mitz Mangrove, with music co-written by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), while the B-side is a cover of Wada Kanako. Both were...
Posted on March 25, 2019 at 23:07. | Released on March 25, 2019
Hoshikuzu Scat "keshoushitsu"
Hoshikuzu Scat, the Shōwa-kayō drag queen trio formed of Mitz Mangrove, Gallantique Kazue and Meili Mu, has a first full-length album being released! Most songs were arranged—and many written—by Nakatsuka Takeshi. Most songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other...
Posted on April 22, 2018 at 22:46. | Released on April 25, 2018
WHY@DOLL "Show Me Your Smile"
Idol duo WHY@DOLL from Sapporo (Hokkaido) has a new single coming, the follow-up to their self-titled album released last August. The title track was written and produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi, while B-side "Promises, Promises" has music written by Yoshida Tetsuto...
Posted on January 2, 2018 at 23:05. | Released on January 23, 2018
Various Artists "Sweets Wonderland / es koyama with friends"
This concept album is a collaboration of pastry shop es koyama (located in Hyōgo prefecture) with several artists who created new songs inspired by the shop's various cakes and sweet treats. Included are new songs by Nakatsuka Takeshi, Nanba Shiho,...
Posted on September 23, 2017 at 12:08. | Released on September 27, 2017
Taketatsu Ayana "Lyrical Concerto"
Voice actress/singer Taketatsu Ayana has a 3rd album about to be released. It features an outstanding list of composers/producers including Takeshi Yokemura (YMCK), Hayashibe Tomonori (Plus-tech Squeeze Box), Mito (clammbon), Okii Reiji (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals) and Nakatsuka Takeshi among others. The...
Posted on November 1, 2016 at 00:29. | Released on November 2, 2016
dorlis "Portrait"
Singer-songwriter dorlis has just recently released a new original album on Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen Recordings label. This is her first self-produced album, and the follow-up to "swingin' street 4" released 6 years ago (2010). "furidashi no kataomoi" was arranged by...
Posted on October 10, 2016 at 13:19. | Released on September 21, 2016
Nakatsuka Takeshi "EYE"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has a brand new album coming! It has already been 3 years since "Lyrics". We're told to expect aggressive and thrilling new jazzy sounds. A release party will be held on April 21 at Daikanyama Unit (details)....
Posted on March 10, 2016 at 00:03. | Released on March 16, 2016
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Japanese Boy / Valentine Kiss" (7")
Nakatsuka Takeshi has a brand new 7" out now! "Japanese Boy" is a cut from upcoming album "EYE" (to be released on March 16), while the B-side is a non-album track, a cover of Kokusho Sayuri's "Valentine Kiss" (1986)....
Posted on February 11, 2016 at 19:06. | Released on February 10, 2016
P.O.P "okaasan ni kiite minai to wakaranai"
Rapper twins-fronted hip-hop band P.O.P (not to be confused with newcomer idol group POP...) has a 2nd album out now, follow-up to "tanoshii koto bakari arimasu yō ni." (2014)! The 15-song album features guests such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, BIKKE (Tokyo...
Posted on December 10, 2015 at 00:12. | Released on December 2, 2015
Hanazawa Kana "Blue Avenue"
Voice actress Hanazawa Kana's recent 3rd album "Blue Avenue" has an all-star lineup of songwriters and producers including Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), Nakatsuka Takeshi, Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron), Yano Hiroyasu (ex-Cymbals), mito (clammbon), Studio Apartment, Okuda Kensuke with Nishidera Gōta (Nona...
Posted on May 31, 2015 at 16:57. | Released on April 22, 2015
Various Artists "Piano Man Plays Disney" (2x12")
The latest Disney cover compilation is one full of pianists. Featured are artists such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, fox capture plan, Schroeder-Headz, →Pia-no-jaC← and more, playing various Disney hit tunes old and new. This was actually released on CD earlier this...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 23:49. | Released on March 27, 2015
P.O.P "fuyuzora to utagoe wa kirei na hou ga ii" (Download)
Spend groovy holidays with rappers P.O.P's new winter-themed EP. This contains brand new collaborations with Nakatsuka Takeshi and others. And leave it to YMCK to take a good rap tune into retro game world with their remix of hit song...
Posted on December 5, 2014 at 20:56. | Released on December 3, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Disney piano jazz 'Happiness' Deluxe Edition"
Nakatsuka Takeshi produces and performs Disney favorites on this piano-centered jazz album. Some tracks also feature a big band! This contains what's said to be the world's first jazz cover of "Let It Go" (Frozen). Hear samples in the clip...
Posted on November 11, 2014 at 22:11. | Released on November 12, 2014
Various Artists "Twilight Time"
This compilation from Grand Gallery consists of covers of Japanese city pop hit songs from the 70's and 80's. Featured are artists including Nakatsuka Takeshi, hitomitoi, Sokabe Keiichi, Kimyō Reitarō, Hicksville and more. Many of the songs are brand new...
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 22:44. | Released on October 29, 2014
P.O.P "tanoshii koto bakari arimasu yō ni."
P.O.P (previously known as P.O.P ORCHeSTRA) is a hip-hop band led by two identical twin rappers. They have long been active on stage, and have released several songs on iTunes before, but finally here comes their first album being released...
Posted on June 18, 2014 at 23:09. | Released on June 18, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi with Iga-Bang BB "Play That Funky Music / shiroi mori" (7")
This is the 4th and last of Nakatsuka Takeshi's 7" series from his big band-backed "Big Band Back Beat" album. This time you'll find a cover of Wild Cherry's "Play The Funky Music" (1976), and Brazil-inspired Japanese band NOVO's "shiroi...
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 19:31. | Released on April 30, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Swinger Song Writer"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone) has had an active solo career for some 10 years, and here comes a first greatest hits album that period. Alongside some all-time favorites, new song "Zero no mugen" (released digitally the week before) is included as...
Posted on April 20, 2014 at 15:58. | Released on April 23, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Zero no mugen" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone) has a new song now available on iTunes worldwide! The song is being used as the opening theme of NHK TV program "Science Zero", and will be included on greatest hits album "Swinger Song Writer" coming next...
Posted on April 16, 2014 at 22:00. | Released on April 16, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi "It's Your World / Be Nice To Me" (7")
Nakatsuka Takeshi has yet another 7" single out now, of two songs from latest album "Big Band Back Beat" feat. big band Iga-Bang BB. Included are covers of Gil Scott-Heron's "It's Your World" and Todd Rundgren's "Be Nice To Me"....
Posted on April 8, 2014 at 23:16. | Released on April 9, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi with Iga-Bang BB "Just A Pretty Song / Across The Universe" (7")
Here's one more 7" from Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone)'s cover album "Big Band Back Beat", featuring big band Iga-Bang BB. "Just A Pretty Song" was originally by The Peddlers, while "Across The Universe" is a cover of... The Beatles! Audio...
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 11:39. | Released on March 12, 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
Hanazawa Kana "25"
This 2nd album by voice actress Hanazawa Kana was released on her 25th birthday (February 26, 2014), and the 2-CD package contains 25 tracks, involving a bunch of Shibuya-kei related artists. The whole is produced by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table),...
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 22:13. | Released on February 26, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi with Iga-Bang BB "Skipped Beat / Carnaby Street" (7")
Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone) has a new 7" out now! These two songs are taken from cover album "Big Band Back Beat" which features big band Iga-Bang BB. "Skipped Beat" is a song by Kuwata Band (band of Southern All Stars'...
Posted on February 2, 2014 at 20:09. | Released on January 30, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi with Iga-Bang BB "Big Band Back Beat"
2013 celebrated a 10th anniversary year of the solo career of Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone), seeing the release of latest album "Lyrics". Then came this "Big Band Back Beat" album, entirely backed by a large brass band, and full of covers...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 19:50. | Released on January 8, 2014
hoshikuzu Scat "Cosmetic Siren"
Shōwa-kayō groovy drag queen trio hoshikuzu Scat have a new EP out now, and it's again produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone)! The two first songs are originals he wrote the music for, and "aoi sangoshō" is a cover of Matsuda...
Posted on June 18, 2013 at 20:54. | Released on May 22, 2013
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Young, Alive, in Love / Have you ever seen the rainbow?" (7")
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), whose latest album "Lyrics" was released last February, has a 7" cut of two songs being released. One of the chosen songs is a cover of Flipper's Guitar "Young, Alive, in Love"! This release comes from Groove...
Posted on May 5, 2013 at 00:32. | Released on May 8, 2013
Hanazawa Kana "claire"
This is the first album by anime voice actress Hanazawa Kana. This seems to have a good dose of Shibuya-kei, as the whole is sound produced by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), with some songs written by Kaji Hideki ("Library de...
Posted on February 20, 2013 at 23:25. | Released on February 20, 2013
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Lyrics"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), who this year celebrates 10 years of solo activity, has a new album coming. While several of the songs here have been previously released in demo form for free on the "Takeshi Lab" section of his web...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 21:45. | Released on February 6, 2013
Julia Oki "É da Julia"
This is the debut album of Julia Oki, her music described as Japanese Brazilian Crossover. The album is produced by jazz singer-songwriter akiko, and this also features artists such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, Shimizu Hirotaka (The Cornelius Group), Miura Makoto, and...
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on September 5, 2012
Hanazawa Kana "hatsukoi no oto"
Proficient voice actress Hanazawa Kana has a 2nd single coming, and all 3 songs are written and produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi! A limited edition contains a DVD of the title track's music video. Hanazawa Kana "hatsukoi no oto" 花澤香菜 「初恋ノオト」...
Posted on July 16, 2012 at 23:00. | Released on July 18, 2012
Various Artists "Tokyo Luxury Lounge 5"
This is the latest of label Grand Gallery's "Tokyo Luxury Lounge" series, featuring some of the best and latest of Japan's club artists. This time included are Nakatsuka Takeshi, Kinbara Chieko, Octet Sunaga t (Sunaga Tatsuo), Studio Apartment, Coldfeet, i-dep,...
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 22:16. | Released on July 11, 2012
hoshikuzu Scat "Magnet Joe ni ki o tsukero (Single Version)"
hoshikuzu Scat, the Shōwa-kayō drag queen trio featuring Gallantique Kazue, has a new groovy single out now. All 3 songs are produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi. Included are covers of Gal ("Magnet Joe ni ki o tsukero") and Messengers ("That's The...
Posted on July 2, 2012 at 23:42. | Released on June 27, 2012
Gig report: Beat Communist vol.10: Nakatsuka Takeshi, Kaji Hideki, akiko, P.O.P ORCHeSTRA
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday May 26 was the 10th edition of the "Beat Communist" event presented by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), which is regularly held every 3 months at jazz club JZ Brat....
Posted on May 30, 2012 at 23:20.
Gig report: Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. Photos by Kasuga Miwa. On Monday March 19, I went to Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert held at O-East, coincidentally (?) almost the same place where was held Pizzicato Five's last concert...
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 22:31.
Various Artists "The Chocolate Factory" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi, eli (ex-Love Tambourines), Small Circle of Friends and P.O.P Orchestra have all collaborated together to create this 5-song mini-album, out now on iTunes worldwide. A release party will be held at Daikanyama Loop on December 11. Details at...
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 23:49. | Released on December 7, 2011
Hirose Kohmi "Love X'mas"
Singer Hirose Kohmi has a Christmas album on which Nakatsuka Takeshi produced covers of "Last Christmas", "White Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride". Audio samples on the official site (click the links, not the headphones). Hirose Kohmi "Love X'mas" 広瀬香美 「Love X'mas」...
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 13:16. | Released on November 23, 2011
akiko "Across The Universe"
Jazz singer akiko has a new album out now, in which she covers The Beatles with a hint of jazz. The song "Lady Madonna" is produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi. A few tracks can be sampled at iTunes and akiko's official...
Posted on November 16, 2011 at 23:16. | Released on November 16, 2011
Nakatsuka Takeshi "barairo no seisen -The Future Is In Our Hands-" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi has produced the soundtrack for new TV series "barairo no seisen", about a 30-year-old mother who wants to become a model. Subtitled "The Future Is In Our Hands", the pop and jazzy soundtrack features jazz musicians such as...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 00:51. | Released on September 7, 2011
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Black Screen" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi has a brand new club track available on iTunes (Japan) only. The song was made especially for a TV commercial for DoCoMo's SH-12C phone, which can be viewed here. A music video is planned to be made available...
Posted on June 26, 2011 at 19:11. | Released on June 22, 2011
Gig report: "Swing in the JICOO" with Nakatsuka Takeshi
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday, May 7, was another swinging cruise hosted by Nakatsuka Takeshi aboard JICOO, the water bus-turned-floating bar designed by manga artist Matsumoto Leiji. The event was a sort of...
Posted on May 12, 2011 at 22:58.
Various Artists "Velvet Songs"
This cover compilation from Grand Gallery consists of new recordings of songs from the repertory of Alfa label. Featured artists include Nakatsuka Takeshi, Cubismo Grafico feat. Kushibiki Sayaka, Sokabe Keiichi, Nanao Tavito, Shimazaki Hitomi with Nanase feat. Kinbara Chieko, Chocolat...
Posted on April 14, 2011 at 21:36. | Released on April 20, 2011
Halcali "Tokyo Connection"
Here's a new mini-album from Halcali! Included are several new songs, a remix by 80KIDZ and a self-cover of early song "Strawberry Chips". Shibuya-kei fans will rejoice that new song "Girl!Girl!Girl!" is produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi with lyrics written by...
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 22:37. | Released on February 9, 2011
Various Artists "utau Piano danshi"
Here's a first compilation on Delicatessen Recordings, the label of Nakatsuka Takeshi. The title translates to "singing piano guys", and indeed features male singer-songwriters, a few of the songs mainly just piano and vocals while over half is more band-...
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 23:10. | Released on December 8, 2010
Nakatsuka Takeshi "hagane no onna - She's a steely woman"
Nakatsuka Takeshi has produced this jazzy soundtrack for TV series "hagane no onna", aired earlier this year on TV Asahi. This features members of quasimode and Tropical Jazz Big Band (aka nettai Jazz gakudan). This has been released earlier on...
Posted on November 10, 2010 at 22:29. | Released on November 17, 2010
Various Artists "Chieko Kinbara presents Classic"
Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a new album, actually a compilation of new recordings of classical music covers produced by many artists and featuring herself. Producers include Nakatsuka Takeshi, Q;indivi and more. Audio samples at official release page Various Artists...
Posted on October 9, 2010 at 10:07. | Released on October 6, 2010
Gig report: Nakatsuka Takeshi "53512010" Release Cruise
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last week, on Friday September 24, I had the chance to go to a live event in a very special place. Nakatsuka Takeshi threw a release party for his new...
Posted on October 2, 2010 at 20:33.
Various Artists "Love Songs from Marunouchi -The Lounge-"
This compilation is themed around "adult love songs to be played in a large city's lounge". Selected by Nakatsuka Takeshi, it contains mainly previously released tracks, mostly by Japanese jazz/lounge/club artists. A previously unreleased long version of Nakatsuka's cover of...
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 22:35. | Released on September 22, 2010
Nakatsuka Takeshi "53512010" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has a new download-only album out now on iTunes! This album is a collaboration with men's fashion brand 5351 POUR LES HOMMES by Abahouse. When buying the full album, a bonus 42-minute non-stop mix is included. A...
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 23:04. | Released on September 8, 2010
Gig report: Rocketman Summer Fes 2010 - thank you for the music!!
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday August 22, I went to Liquidroom in Ebisu for "Rocketman Summer Fes 2010", an event celebrating the 10 years since the debut of Rocketman, Fukawa Ryō's music unit....
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 22:47.
SAWA "ai ni iku yo"
Club-style female singer SAWA (MySpace) has a 5th mini-album coming soon. Included are tracks produced by Ram Rider and Jazzin' Park, and a remix by Nakatsuka Takeshi. A limited edition contains a bonus DVD. Audio samples at MySpace SAWA "ai...
Posted on March 21, 2010 at 18:29. | Released on April 7, 2010
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Rock'N'Roll Circus"
This new album from Nakatsuka Takeshi is a collaboration with fashion brand Abahouse's 5351 Pour Les Hommes line. The sound is being described as "dance rock", and unusually doesn't feature any guest singer. This comes a year and a half...
Posted on January 3, 2010 at 21:33. | Released on January 20, 2010
Various Artists "LOUD -15th Anniversary Compilation-"
Club music magazine LOUD brings us this compilation celebrating its 15th anniversary. Subtitled "Electro Express - Japanese Electro The Best", it does as promised and brings us some good recent electro tracks. Official release page Various Artists "LOUD -15th Anniversary...
Posted on September 3, 2009 at 22:50. | Released on August 26, 2009
marino "lollipop+"
Indies techno-pop singer marino's first mini-album "lollipop" (2006) is being re-issued because it sold out and has gone rare since. The new release includes all 5 original songs produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) and Hayashibe Tomonori (Plus-Tech Squeeze Box), plus...
Posted on February 26, 2009 at 21:48. | Released on April 22, 2009
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Kiss & Ride Extended" (12")
A 12" EP containing extended versions of 6 tracks from Nakatsuka Takeshi's latest album "Kiss & Ride" has been released. This of course includes the great "Beautiful" song featuring Nomiya Maki! Audio samples at Jet Set Nakatsuka Takeshi "Kiss &...
Posted on February 15, 2009 at 23:51. | Released on February 13, 2009
Nakatsuka Takeshi "yume o kanaeru zō Original Soundtrack"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has produced this groovy club-pop soundtrack for recent comedy TV drama series "yume o kanaeru zō" ("The elephant that makes dreams come true"). You can get a taste of the music in a trailer at the official...
Posted on December 14, 2008 at 14:20. | Released on December 17, 2008
Horie Yui "Vanilla Salt ~Toradora Ending Theme"
Anime voice actress Horie Yui's latest single will certainly appeal to Perfume and Aira Mitsuki fans, and it's arranged/produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone)! A limited edition contains a video clip of the title track, which can also be seen on...
Posted on November 30, 2008 at 21:22. | Released on October 22, 2008
Various Artists "Synchro / From Tokyo To New York"
Tanaka Tomoyuki aka Fantastic Plastic Machine is backing Uniqlo's U.S. invasion with a selection of recent tracks by Japanese club and like-minded artists. This will probably be released in the U.S. too, of course, but here's what we get at...
Posted on October 23, 2006 at 12:25. | Released on November 10, 2006
Various Artists "Groovy Sauce -Arrabbiata-"
I didn't know of this compilation until I saw it sold at Jet Set Leger. This is a selection of songs that have been previously released (or at least for the most part) on the popular "Groovy Sauce Collection" vinyl...
Posted on August 26, 2006 at 02:01. | Released on August 23, 2006
Dahlia "musics for my funeral"
Dahlia, now the solo unit of former member Kaori, has a new (mini-?)album coming out on Happiness Records. Producers are Kimura Madoka (Perfect Circle), Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) (for the song "maxima!" which previously appeared on the Contemode...
Posted on August 3, 2004 at 11:14. | Released on August 10, 2004
Full-text search results for NAKATSUKA Takeshi
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.
Hoshikuzu Scat "Bad Paradise"
Hoshikuzu Scat has just released digitally a new song title "Bad Paradise", which was written and produced by Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves). While the original version is already available digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY), a CD single will follow...
Posted on May 8, 2022 at 00:02. | Released on May 4, 2022
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.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.11
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 November 25, 2020 at 23:58.
Various Artists "Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Collaboration vol.3" (Download)
From an upcoming Pac-Man 40th anniversary compilation expected to be released this fall, here's a last bunch of digital pre-releases. This time we get new tracks by Buffalo Daughter and DiAN (unit of Seidenba Saku, A-bee and immi), one...
Posted on July 24, 2020 at 00:11. | Released on July 24, 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.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.
Various Artists "Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Collaboration vol.1" (Download)
Classic video game Pac-Man is celebrating this year its 40th anniversary! The game first appeared as an arcade game on May 22, 1980. A compilation album of original collaboration tracks is expected to be released this fall, featuring Ken...
Posted on May 24, 2020 at 15:09. | Released on May 22, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.3
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 26, 2020 at 08:00.
Saoriiiii "Tokyo Kunyan" (Download)
Saoriiiii has a new EP out now digitally! The new songs are produced by Seijaku In Tokyo. Check out the video below. A release party will be held on September 29 from 18:00 at Strobe Cafe in Harajuku, also featuring...
Posted on September 24, 2018 at 21:39. | Released on September 19, 2018
Record Day 2016
Record Day (not the same as "Record Store Day") has been set to coincide with Japan's "Culture Day" public holiday on November 3 since 1957. Since last year, Japan's only record press Tōyō Kasei takes the lead inviting Japanese artists...
Posted on November 6, 2016 at 23:02. | Released on November 3, 2016
Izumi Ookawara "Friendly Ghost" (Download)
Izumi Ookawara (Qypthone) has two new songs about to be released on iTunes! Both were written by herself, and co-arranged by guitarist Ishigaki Kentarō (Qypthone) and pianist Mami Oonishi. Both tracks also feature Suzuki Kaoru on drums among others....
Posted on September 27, 2016 at 23:00. | Released on September 28, 2016
Uno Digital "Weird Piece" (Download)
Uno Digital ("unō" means "right brain") is the new genre-free unit of drummer Suzuki Kaoru (lately seen performing with Nakatsuka Takeshi and De De Mouse) and composer Hayata Yoshihiro. Their first single is out today on iTunes and Apple...
Posted on July 27, 2016 at 23:09. | Released on July 27, 2016
Shunosuke Ishikawa "Can't wait for spring" (Download)
Saxophonist Shūnosuke Ishikawa has just released a new EP this week, on Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label Delicatessen Recordings. All three songs are new originals. Shūnosuke Ishikawa Big Bang will perform a show on May 2 at JZ Brat in...
Posted on April 30, 2016 at 20:58. | Released on April 27, 2016
Soviet Chance "Soviet Chance"
Soviet Chance is a funky party band led by saxophonist Shūnosuke Ishikawa first founded 20 years ago in his school days. The ten members (former members and then some) still play music together and finally recorded this first mini-album. Included...
Posted on January 28, 2016 at 22:19. | Released on January 27, 2016
Yapani! "Salvia feat. P.O.P"
Instrumental brass rock band Yapani! has a new digital single out now, featuring rapper twins P.O.P! This is available on iTunes worldwide. No live info for Yapani! at this time, but P.O.P have a one-man live featuring Nakatsuka Takeshi...
Posted on August 2, 2015 at 13:42. | Released on August 2, 2015
Ishikawa Shunosuke "Yuuchin" (Download)
Saxophonist Ishikawa Shunosuke has a new piece out now, written at the piano on a cold rainy day. Featured musicians are Takana Mitsuru on trumpet, Jacob Koller on piano, Pat Glynn on bass, Dennis Frehse on drums, and Shu on...
Posted on November 19, 2014 at 23:27. | Released on November 19, 2014
Shunosuke Ishikawa "Two Years Something" (Download)
Ishikawa Shūnosuke, long-time saxophonist for Nakatsuka Takeshi and who has a variety of his own projects, has a new single out now on iTunes worldwide! For those in Germany, "Shu" can be seen playing at jazz club Badenscher Hof in...
Posted on September 11, 2014 at 22:03. | Released on September 10, 2014
Izumi Ookawara "Polka dot on the paper" (Download)
Izumi Ookawara (Qypthone) has a debut song as a solo singer-songwriter out now on iTunes worldwide! Her band features guitarist Ishigaki Kentarō (also of Qypthone), saxophonist Ishikawa Shūnosuke, pianist Ōnishi Mami (Yapani!), drummer Suzuki Kaoru (RF), trumpeter Tanaka Mitsuru, percussionist...
Posted on July 2, 2014 at 22:23. | Released on July 2, 2014
Various Artists "Clo Clo Made In Japan 2013"
Here is a special reissue of the 2008 compilation "Clo Clo Made In Japan", tribute album to French singer Claude François. This new edition contains 4 new bonus recordings and the price is lower than the original, and was released...
Posted on July 27, 2013 at 18:16. | Released on July 17, 2013
Kayano Yoshiaki "This is the life" (Download)
Trumpeter Kayano Yoshiaki has a new 2-track single out now on Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label Delicatessen LAB. Both instrumentals have rhythm guitar that stands out. Kayano was a member of Nomiya Maki's band for her 30th anniversary show. Kayano Yoshiaki...
Posted on February 17, 2013 at 12:12. | Released on February 13, 2013
Hanazawa Kana "Silent Snow"
This is a 4th single by Hanazawa Kana, a voice actress who debuted as a singer last year. All songs are written by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), and the title song has strings arranged by Hase Yasuhiro (yume to...
Posted on January 15, 2013 at 22:20. | Released on January 16, 2013
P.O.P ORCHeSTRA "1.2.3.4" (Download)
Rap unit P.O.P ORCHeSTRA, characterized by its real band and real twin MCs (the Kamisuzuki brothers), has a new 2-track single out now on iTunes worldwide! Like the previous "P.O.P LAB", this comes from Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen LAB digital label....
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 21:18. | Released on January 9, 2013
Iga-Bang BB "Bang! Bang!" (Download)
Iga-Bang BB, a big band of 17 musicians led by trombonist Igarashi Makoto, has a 2nd EP available on iTunes worldwide through Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen Lab label. Breakbeats jazz track "Fractale" ranked #1 in iTunes Japan's jazz chart on release...
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 23:09. | Released on December 5, 2012
Shūnosuke Ishikawa "shumusic 002" (Download)
This month from Delicatessen LAB (Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label) is a new EP by saxophonist Ishikawa Shūnosuke. This is a follow-up to "shumusic" released in May. This 2 new EP of sax-led danceable funky instrumentals seems to be available on...
Posted on November 7, 2012 at 20:42. | Released on November 7, 2012
Yapani! "Yapani!Lab." (Download)
This month from Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label Delicatessen Lab are two original funky tunes by instrumental brass rock band Yapani!. This single has already made it to #1 on iTunes Japan's jazz chart! Yapani! can be caught live on October...
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 20:27. | Released on October 3, 2012
Keiko "Journey" (Download)
Keiko (pianist of Vanilla Mood) has a 2-song solo single out now on Delicatessen Lab, the digital label of Nakatsuka Takeshi. It's already climbing up iTunes Japan's jazz charts, and seems to be available worldwide. Keiko "Journey" 1. Journey 2....
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 20:26. | Released on September 5, 2012
Gig report: hitomitoi sings "City Dive"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last June singer hitomitoi's new album "City Dive" was released on Billboard Japan Records. The album was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi of city pops unit Ryūsenkei, with some tracks by Dorian and...
Posted on September 3, 2012 at 00:20.
COMA* "idea" (Download)
COMA*, described as a genre-less electro band with a danceable sound, is featured this month on Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen Lab digital label. Lead track "P.O.P" has already managed to get a #1 in iTunes Japan's jazz chart! COMA* can be...
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 23:34. | Released on August 1, 2012
Iga-Bang BB "Bang!" (Download)
This month from Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen Lab digital label is a release by Iga-Bang BB, a big band of 17 musicians led by trombonist Igarashi Makoto. This first release from the band contains 2 original songs. This is another instant...
Posted on July 4, 2012 at 23:21. | Released on July 4, 2012
P.O.P ORCHeSTRA "P.O.P LAB" (Download)
Identical twins rap unit P.O.P ORCHeSTRA have a new 2-song digital EP out now! This is the 2nd monthly release from Nakatsuka Takeshi's "Delicatessen LAB" digital label. Released just today, lead track "At, we now..." is already comfortably sitting at...
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 22:09. | Released on June 6, 2012
Kaji Hideki "Blue Heart"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album out this week! This is a first release on his own label Blue Boys Club, coming 1½ year after "Teens Film" (a collaboration album with Riddim Saunter), and 2½ years after latest solo...
Posted on May 14, 2012 at 22:24. | Released on May 16, 2012
Shūnosuke Ishikawa "shumusic EP" (Download)
Here's a new series of monthly digital releases under the name "Delicatessen LAB", brought by Nakatsuka Takeshi. The first is of Ishikawa Shūnosuke, a sax and flute player who is a regular member of Nakatsuka's live band and who also...
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 21:35. | Released on May 2, 2012
