World Order "Find The Light / Permanent Revolution" (CD+DVD)
World Order, the robot dance salarymen unit led by Sudo Genki, has a first single out now. This follows album "2012" released earlier this year. This single includes by default a DVD of the video clip for "Permanent Revolution" filmed...
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 21:13. | Released on November 28, 2012
World Order "2012" (Blu-ray/DVD+CD)
World Order, the Genki Sudō-led salaryman robot dance unit that got the world's attention with their impressive videos on YouTube, such as one of a performance held at a Microsoft event, has a 2nd album out now! This comes as...
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 21:18. | Released on June 20, 2012
Full-text search results for World Order
Mukaju Dan "Hinafu Tone"
Techno-pop unit Mukaju Dan has just released a brand new 3rd album, titled "Hinafu Tone". The production unit, of which the main members are arranger Shock Tarō and composer Ton-chan, this time recruited singer Hinafu (from whom the album takes...
Posted on November 26, 2023 at 12:10. | Released on November 24, 2023
Tetsuto Yoshida "The Summing Up", "The World Won't Listen" (2CD)
Singer-songwriter Tetsuto Yoshida (Twitter) is releasing a first solo album titled "The Summing Up", which follows the release of 7" singles "hitomeguri" and "Light of Planet" in the recent years as well as 8cm CD "Moonlight - Tokyo". The album...
Posted on November 22, 2023 at 22:43. | Released on November 22, 2023
Hazy Sour Cherry "It's Only The End Of The World" (7")
Hazy Sour Cherry (Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp) is releasing a brand new 7" single of two new songs. This is their first release with the band's latest line-up, with new drummer Super Nagai. The title song has been released in...
Posted on November 9, 2023 at 23:02. | Released on November 10, 2023
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
Three Berry Icecream "Three Berry Icecream" (CD)
Three Berry Icecream's first full-length album was released at the end of 2021 on vinyl (for Record Day 2021), and now here it comes as a CD edition. In addition to the album's nine songs are included a version of...
Posted on September 23, 2023 at 00:31. | Released on September 21, 2023
Crazy Ken Band "Sekai"
Crazy Ken Band has just released this month a 23rd album, titled "Sekai" (which means "world"). This is the follow-up to "Jyuei" (2022). "Sekai" is the first album featuring the band's new funky drummer Shirakawa Genta, who had been appearing...
Posted on September 21, 2023 at 23:08. | Released on September 6, 2023
The Highmarts "World Tour: Greatest Hits + Dodgy Demos" (12")
The Highmarts (Facebook, Twitter) are releasing their first vinyl LP! The "Greatest Hits" A-side includes single "I Want You Bad", live versions of "Hey Boy" and "Flamin' Sunset", and Japan garage rock classics "I Am Just A Mops" and "C.C....
Posted on August 7, 2023 at 21:41. | Released on August 9, 2023
lyrical school "New World e.p."
lyrical school released this month a brand new EP, their first as the latest line-up of 8 members of 5 girls and 3 boys. Of the current line-up, the only previous member remaining is minan (who had joined the group...
Posted on July 25, 2023 at 22:19. | Released on July 19, 2023
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
CAPSULE "Metro Pulse" (12")
CAPSULE's latest album "Metro Pulse", released on CD and digitally last December, is now being released on vinyl! This might be the first time a full-length CAPSULE album is released on LP?! The group, now active for over 25 years,...
Posted on May 23, 2023 at 00:13. | Released on May 24, 2023
Madoka Ogino "La japonaise"
This is the 1st mini-album of Kyoto-born Madoka Ogino (Facebook page). Her latest song "Asagiribashi" ("Asagiri Bridge"), of which the video can be watched below, was written by Shigeo Naka (The Surf Coasters) and performed by Frankie and the Pool...
Posted on March 2, 2023 at 23:05. | Released on February 22, 2023
Record Day 2022 Day 2
It's still time to check out Record Day held a month ago on December 3, which had many great releases and therefore took me some time to write it up. It was the 2nd of two days, following November 3....
Posted on January 3, 2023 at 20:16. | Released on December 3, 2022
Perfume "Perfume Live 2021 [polygon wave]" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume has released a new live Blu-ray/DVD of a show held in August 2021 at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama under the title "polygon wave". Watch the special teaser clip below. There's a limited edition, also available in Blu-ray or...
Posted on January 2, 2023 at 00:29. | Released on December 24, 2022
Natsu Summer & Ryusenkei "Sun Kissed Lady" (Cassette)
Natsu Summer & Ryusenkei's album "Sun Kissed Lady" released on CD and digitally last July (, Spotify, YouTube Music), has just also been released in a cassette tape edition. An exclusive bonus track is included: "Twiliight Shadow ~1st Take Love...
Posted on December 30, 2022 at 22:56. | Released on December 21, 2022
CAPSULE "Metro Pulse"
CAPSULE has released a brand new album this month, said to be their 16th! Titled "Metro Pulse", it contains many new songs along with album mixes of ones that had been released digitally last year ("Hikari no disco", "Future Wave"...
Posted on December 25, 2022 at 18:25. | Released on December 14, 2022
Tweedees "World Record"
Tweedees, the unit of Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals) and singer Kiyoura Natsumi, has just released a brand new 4th album! Along with many brand new songs, included is a rocking self-cover of "Le Coeur Qui Fuzz", a song that the two...
Posted on December 11, 2022 at 01:01. | Released on December 3, 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
YMCK "Family Innovation"
YMCK is back with a brand new 9th album, titled "Family Innovation"! Taking for theme technology of the recent years and apparently posing as an imaginary company, they reflect on "innovation" and how it affects our lives and the music...
Posted on September 30, 2022 at 12:11. | Released on September 30, 2022
plantar "Forest, Sea, Harmony"
plantar is the solo project of Nozomu Satō (aka M. Lemon, of caméra-stylo, Fujin Club, conte (previously Orangeade), Madame Croissant). This is plantar's first album release, which features alto saxophone, bass clarinet and piano. The album is best described...
Posted on September 25, 2022 at 22:51. | Released on September 23, 2022
METAFIVE "METAATEM"
After a long wait, here comes METAFIVE's new album "METAATEM"! Included are the previously digitally released "Environmental" and "The Paramedics", as well as many brand new songs! Unfortunately, it has also been announced that it's their last album. The "Deluxe...
Posted on September 13, 2022 at 00:04. | Released on September 14, 2022
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.30
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 12, 2022 at 09:00.
Gecko "Hydro"
Gecko is the electro solo project of Wataru Satō (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), also known as the pianist-composer of jazz band Gecko & Tokage Parade. Following the release of digital single "Fluid Tripper" in June (which was featured on Tokyo's Coolest...
Posted on August 7, 2022 at 00:27. | Released on July 27, 2022
Perfume "Plasma"
Perfume has recently released a brand new album titled "Plasma", the follow-up to "Future Pop" (2018). The album contains 3 songs from the "Polygon Wave EP" released last year, two songs from the "Time Warp" single ("Time Warp" apparently in...
Posted on July 27, 2022 at 22:20. | Released on July 27, 2022
Natsu Summer & Ryusenkei "Sun Kissed Lady"
Reggae-touch city pop singer Natsu Summer released a brand new album titled "Sun Kissed Lady", this time fully backed by band Ryusenkei which is led by Cunimondo Takiguchi. A cover of "nagisa no Unlucky Boys" is included, a song originally...
Posted on July 16, 2022 at 22:38. | Released on July 6, 2022
Shintaro Sakamoto "Like A Fable"
Shintarō Sakamoto (ex-Yura Yura Teikoku) has just released a brand new album, his 4th, titled "Like A Fable". It had been 6 years since his previous, "Love If Possible". The new album was recorded with a band featuring Yūta Suganuma...
Posted on June 5, 2022 at 00:13. | Released on June 3, 2022
Jintana & Emeralds "Emerald City Guide" (12"), "Destiny" (12")
Neo doo-wop group Jintana & Emeralds's first two albums, "Destiny" (2014, , Spotify) and "Emerald City Guide" (2021, , Spotify), have just been released on vinyl! "Destiny" had been pressed on vinyl once in 2014 but quickly sold out, this...
Posted on June 2, 2022 at 22:43. | Released on June 2, 2022
World Standard "World Standard for Quiet Corner - Diamond Days"
This is a compilation of the "Quiet Corner" label and series, of songs by World Standard selected by Yūki Yamamoto (Quiet Corner). Not a collection of greatest hits, this selection consists of quiet and relaxing songs from the vast discography...
Posted on March 30, 2022 at 00:49. | Released on March 26, 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
Perfume "Flow"
Perfume has just released a new single titled "Flow". The title song is the theme of TV drama series "Fight Song". Check out the music video below! Also included is a live performance of another new song, titled "mawaru...
Posted on March 11, 2022 at 22:53. | Released on March 9, 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
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.
Mondo Grosso "Big World"
Mondo Grosso, the solo project of Shinichi Ōsawa (lately also active with RHYME SO), is back with a brand new album! Each song is a collaboration with different singers, Takao Tajima (Original Love), Yoshie Nakano (Ego-Wrappin')), CHAI, RHYME, DONGURIZU, and...
Posted on February 9, 2022 at 23:26. | Released on February 9, 2022
World Standard "Eden"
World Standard, the solo unit of Sōichirō Suzuki, has released recently a 13th original full-length album titled "Eden". While previous album "Shikisai Ongaku" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) was a vocal album sung by Suzuki himself, this new album also features...
Posted on January 3, 2022 at 11:08. | Released on November 27, 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
Record Day 2021 Day 2
Record Day, previously happening only on November 3 for "Culture Day" (a public holiday), has being held once more this November, on Saturday November 27. Also check out the post about day 1! Items can be ordered online. Below is...
Posted on December 4, 2021 at 00:54. | Released on November 27, 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
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Candy Racer"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who is celebrating this year the 10th anniversary of her debut, has a brand new album being released this week! It comes from her own label KRK LAB. Included are previously released singles "Kimiga Iine Kuretara", "Kamaitachi",...
Posted on October 27, 2021 at 00:05. | Released on October 27, 2021
Interview: The Courettes × Seiki Sato
Interview & translation by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) Rock band The Courettes is releasing its 3rd album "Back in Mono" on October 15th, 2021 from Damaged Goods Records (UK), and the album has the particularity of having been mixed...
Posted on October 14, 2021 at 20:00.
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
Francis "Bolero"
Francis is the solo project of bassist and singer-songwriter Makoto Ori (who previously played in bands Picky Picnic, Original Love and The Collectors), and after a long wait here comes finally a brand new album titled "Bolero"! Included are several...
Posted on September 27, 2021 at 00:48. | Released on September 27, 2021
Sketch Show "'audio sponge' 'tronika' 'LOOPHOLE'" (3CDs+DVD)
The three albums of Sketch Show (Haruomi Hosono & Yukihiro Takahashi), which were re-issued on vinyl in July, have just been released as one boxed set of three CDs. It's been 20 years since the release of 3rd and latest...
Posted on September 23, 2021 at 10:19. | Released on September 22, 2021
Buffalo Daughter "We Are The Times"
Buffalo Daughter (Facebook) is releasing a brand new album! It has been 7 years since "Kon-jaction" (2014). There are two music videos that you can watch below. The animated video for "Global Warming Kills Us All" has characters designed by...
Posted on September 16, 2021 at 00:59. | Released on September 17, 2021
Crazy Ken / Nomura Sachiyo "Kuroneko no Funk / Such A Beautiful Lady" (7")
Two songs from the P-Vine 2010 compilation "Rap kayō" (Amazon, HMV) are being released on 7". The A-side is one by Crazy Ken aka Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), a song which first appeared on his 1995 solo album...
Posted on September 3, 2021 at 00:21. | Released on September 2, 2021
Robochu & VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "Science Fiction" (7")
A collaboration 7" of rapper Robochū (Twitter) and VIDEOTAPEMUSIC has just been released! Exotic sci-fi hip-hop! Music videos of both songs had surfaced on YouTube in June 2020 and February 2021 respectively, made of footage shot at home by...
Posted on August 6, 2021 at 09:02. | Released on August 4, 2021
Kohinata Yui "sekai ga naiteru"
Singer-songwriter idol Kohinata Yui has just released a brand new album titled "sekai ga naiteru" (translates to "The world is crying"). This is out now on Narisu Records. On September 20, a special show for the release will be held...
Posted on August 2, 2021 at 21:35. | Released on July 27, 2021
Mom "Owari No Caricature"
Singer-songwriter/trackmaker Mom has just released this week a new album titled "Owari No Caricature" (translates to "Caricature of the end")! It's available both on CD and digitally on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Check out the several music videos below, which had...
Posted on July 30, 2021 at 23:37. | Released on July 28, 2021
RSD Drops 2021 Day 2
Here comes the 2nd of Record Store Day's "RSD Drops" for 2021, following the first held on June 12. Online sales will start at 13:00 (JST) on release day. Below are some picks for July 17, followed by some related...
Posted on July 17, 2021 at 02:04. | Released on July 17, 2021
DYGL "A Daze In A Haze"
Rock band DYGL (read Day Glo) is releasing a brand new 3rd album titled "A Daze In A Haze"! Check out the music video for "Half of Me" below. This follows "Songs of Innocence & Experience" (2019). The album will...
Posted on July 5, 2021 at 23:41. | Released on July 7, 2021
RSD Drops 2021 Day 1
Record Store Day is happening this year, as two "RSD Drops" on June 12 and July 17! It seems in good shape looking at the impressive list of releases, with many good ones. Online sales will start at 13:00 (JST)...
Posted on June 10, 2021 at 00:16. | Released on June 12, 2021
CHAI "Wink"
CHAI has just released today a 3rd album! "WINK" follows "PUNK" (2019) and "PINK" (2017). It includes previously released songs such as "Donuts Mind If I Do", "ACTION" and "PING! PONG feat. YMCK", along with plenty of brand new ones....
Posted on May 21, 2021 at 18:46. | Released on May 21, 2021
Philosophy no Dance "Cup Ramen Program"
Funky idol group Philosophy No Dance have just released a new EP! You can watch the music video for title song "Cup Ramen Program" below. The album comes in three editions. Limited edition A includes a Blu-ray disc of live...
Posted on April 29, 2021 at 11:50. | Released on April 28, 2021
Wataru Sato "After World"
Minimal post-classical pianist Wataru Satō (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), aka Gecko of instrumental band Gecko & Tokage Parade, has just released a new solo album. It's his first which also features strings. This is the follow-up to last year's "Feel Like...
Posted on April 15, 2021 at 21:18. | Released on April 14, 2021
Dorian "Everlasting LOVE / Sweet Ending" (7")
Dorian (Twitter), whose latest album is "midori" ( (World), (Japan), Spotify), is back with a brand new 7" single on his own label Fruits King! Both songs can be sampled at Jet Set. A playlist of many of Dorian's...
Posted on April 5, 2021 at 22:27. | Released on April 7, 2021
World Standard "World Standard" (12")
World Standard's first original album, first released in 1985 on Haruomi Hosono's Non-Standard label, is being re-issued on vinyl remastered under the supervision of Suzuki Sōichiro (World Standard). Included are newly written liner notes by himself, in Japanese and English....
Posted on March 20, 2021 at 13:48. | Released on March 24, 2021
Wataru Sato "Remembrance" (Download)
Minimal post-classical pianist Wataru Satō (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), also the leader of instrumental band Gecko & Tokage Parade, has a new solo album about to be released on April 14. In its anticipation, the song "Remembrance" has been released...
Posted on March 17, 2021 at 13:37. | Released on March 17, 2021
Seiko Ito is the poet "ITP 1" (12")
Seikō Itō's dub poetry unit, Seiko Ito is the poet (aka ITP) (Twitter), has just released a first album! Included are songs "iuai" and "naoshite tsugi ni watasu", which had been released on 7" in 2019. Also, last year's single...
Posted on March 4, 2021 at 00:23. | Released on March 3, 2021
Interview: BJ Rubin
Interview of BJ Rubin by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) BJ Rubin is the New Yorker who is behind the eclectic TV show titled "The BJ Rubin Show" that's currently being aired on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN). The show...
Posted on February 27, 2021 at 22:00.
Keiichi Suzuki "Mother Music Revisited"
Keiichi Suzuki (Moonriders, No Lie-Sense, Controversial Spark), who was recently celebrating the 50th anniversary of his musical career, has just released an album that revisits songs from the soundtrack of Famicom game "MOTHER" (aka "EarthBound Beginnings") that he composed. All...
Posted on January 31, 2021 at 18:19. | Released on January 27, 2021
Nakagawa Toshio "Mystery Woman (Speed Mix) / Shinjuku Gigolo (Continental Mix)" (7")
Two commercial songs by composer Nakagawa Toshio circa 1990 are being released on 7" for the first time, both of which were remixed by Chikada Haruo and to which Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove) participated to the recording. A-side "Mystery...
Posted on January 7, 2021 at 13:30. | Released on January 20, 2021
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
fox capture plan "Discovery"
Piano-led jazz-rock instrumental trio fox capture plan has just released a brand new album! This is their 8th album, the follow-up to "Capturism" (2018). Included are the songs "yakan kōro" and "New Era", both first released digitally last year, as...
Posted on November 4, 2020 at 21:14. | Released on November 4, 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
Record Day 2020
Record Day 2020, ran by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, is just about to happen this November 3rd. Being on the same day as Japan's "Culture Day", it's a day off well spent doing record shopping. Record Day items are...
Posted on November 3, 2020 at 01:59. | Released on November 3, 2020
World Standard "Shikisai Ongaku"
World Standard, the solo unit of Suzuki Sōichirō that debuted 35 years ago on Hosono Haruomi's label Non-Standard, is releasing a brand new 12th album! Not only had it been 10 years since his previous full-length — "Silencio" (2010, Amazon,...
Posted on October 26, 2020 at 21:40. | Released on November 28, 2020
Crazy Ken Band "Now"
Crazy Ken Band has just released a brand new album titled "NOW"! I believe it's their 20th album! Included are a great bunch of brand new songs, as well as renewed versions of songs from the recent "Ivory ep". CDJapan...
Posted on October 21, 2020 at 00:19. | Released on October 21, 2020
Hiroshi Fujiwara "slumbers 2"
Hiroshi Fujiwara (Instagram) is releasing a brand new album titled "slumbers 2", the follow-up to "slumbers" (2017) (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The new album, which is described as alternative city-pop, vaporwave and neo-soul, is sound produced by Watanabe Shunsuke (Schroeder-Headz)...
Posted on October 5, 2020 at 21:13. | Released on October 7, 2020
MANON "World's End feat. dodo (LUV STEP REMIX) - Remix by Hiroshi Fujiwara" (7")
MANON (Instagram)'s latest single "World's End feat. dodo" is being released on vinyl! Here the A-side is the remix by Hiroshi Fujiwara (who is about to release a new solo album of his own on October 7), while the B-side...
Posted on September 19, 2020 at 21:33. | Released on October 28, 2020
RSD Drops Day 1
This year Record Store Day has been hit hard by the pandemic, and after one postponement that didn't work out, it ended up finding shape as "RSD Drops Day". Three "RSD Drops" days will be held: on August 29, September...
Posted on August 29, 2020 at 17:18. | Released on August 29, 2020
The High "Affair"
The High is a '60s-influenced rock band, and they're now releasing a 3rd album which follows album "Welcome To The Next World" (2017). Guest musicians are Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville) on chorus and Ookubo Kei (Urbangarde) on keyboards. Sally Kubota directed...
Posted on August 23, 2020 at 20:14. | Released on August 26, 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
City Pop on Vinyl 2020
"City Pop on Vinyl" is a campaign organized by Japan's famous record press Toyo Kasei, and on August 8 will be a special day with many releases that file under the "city pop" category that we love! While only sold...
Posted on July 27, 2020 at 00:30. | Released on August 8, 2020
Nakano Aya "10th Anniversary Black Box" (5x7")
Singer Nakano Aya has a boxed set of five 7"'s being released on June 10, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of her career! Four of the discs were selected different DJs and one by herself. Those selectors are Sunaga...
Posted on May 31, 2020 at 22:33. | Released on June 10, 2020
Various Artists "Casiotunes!"
This is a fan-made indie compilation of new recordings that use Casiotone keyboards, a series that celebrates its 40th anniversary (the CT-201 was first sold in 1980). As the catch copy says it best: "Cute and Pop Music by Casiotone...
Posted on May 6, 2020 at 21:41. | Released on May 5, 2020
Philosophy no Dance "Sapiosexual"
Funky idol group Philosophy no Dance (aka Dance for Philosophy) has a new remix album about to be released! Included are remixes by FPM, Hyadain, Pasocom Music Club, ikkubaru (Indonesia), Night Tempo (South Korea), among many others. The album comes...
Posted on March 5, 2020 at 22:15. | Released on March 6, 2020
Kimura Takuya "Go with the Flow"
Kimura Takuya (ex-SMAP), aka Kimutaku, is back solo with an album that's full of collaborations with various artists. Most worth of mention is that the opening track "Flow" was written and arranged by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius). There's also a...
Posted on January 7, 2020 at 21:37. | Released on January 8, 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
Perfume "Perfume The Best 'P Cubed'"
Perfume, who did their major debut 14 years ago this month, has a new greatest hits album about to be released! Included are 52 songs on three CDs, included are two brand new songs, "nananananairo" and "Challenger". Nakata Yasutaka himself...
Posted on September 12, 2019 at 22:55. | Released on September 18, 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
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
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
xiangyu "The First ○○ Picture Book"
xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) is a newcomer solo female artist who debuted last year. Her music is produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella). Following a few digital releases since October 2018, here comes her first physical mini-album! You can also enjoy...
Posted on May 24, 2019 at 22:27. | Released on May 22, 2019
Various Artists "Sazanami Label 15th Anniversary Sampler Vol.1", "Vol.2"
Sazanami Label, an independant label known for introducing many bands of genres such as garage rock and neo-GS among lots more of variety. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, here are two new very nice priced compilations that cover respectively years...
Posted on April 13, 2019 at 01:05. | Released on April 24, 2019
Lullatone "Music for Museum Gift Shops"
Nagoya-based unit Lullatone has already been around for 20 years (when counting their early days)! It seems like it was the right time to revisit their vast repertory, as does this 52-song album of almost 2½ hours. All songs were...
Posted on March 30, 2019 at 13:32. | Released on March 22, 2019
Gallantique Kazue "Original Collection", "Cover Collection"
Singer Gallantique Kazue has two new albums being released at the same time! One is an album of her original songs, while the other is a collection of covers. "Original Collection" is actually her 2nd original album, the previous dating...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 20:58. | Released on March 27, 2019
Various Artists "Non-Standard collection - Non-Standard no hibiki -" (4CD)
Here comes a massive compilation of the Non-Standard label, which was produced by Hosono Haruomi (YMO) during the 80's. With genres covering techno-pop, ambient and improvised music, the label featured artists such as World Standard, Koshi Miharu, Mikado, Urban Dance,...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 12:47. | Released on March 27, 2019
Nomiya Maki "miss maki nomiya sings (Re-issue)"
Nomiya Maki's solo album "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings" was released in July 2000 (back when Pizzicato Five was still active) and it is finally being re-issued! The album had a theme of Maki being a jetsetter and travelling across the...
Posted on February 21, 2019 at 22:13. | Released on March 20, 2019
Chikada Haruo "Chikada Haruo Best ~ The Baddest Guy In The World"
Chikada Haruo, an artist active musically since 1970, released last November vocal album "chō jōdan dakara" which was his first original album under his name in 38 years. Just two months later he also released an instrumental album as unit...
Posted on February 12, 2019 at 22:24. | Released on February 27, 2019
Philosophy no Dance "Love Variation with Scoobie Do / Heuristic City"
Philosophy no Dance (aka Dance for Philosophy) has a new single out now! "Love Variation" is a new collaboration with band Scoobie Do, with who they shared the stage of Tokyo Kinema Club last October. The double-A-sider single also contains...
Posted on January 8, 2019 at 22:55. | Released on December 14, 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
Halfby "Last Aloha"
Halfby is releasing a brand new album, 3 years after the excellent "Innn Hawaii" (2015). This 6th album features collaborations with Oh shu, Takai Kōki (Ahh! Folly Jet), Morino Yoshitaka (Handsomeboy Technique), Homecomings and Kikuchi Hitoshi (ex-Hotel Mexico). This is...
Posted on August 19, 2018 at 16:05. | Released on September 5, 2018
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "The Spooky Obakeyashiki ~Pumpkins Strike Back~" (Blu-ray/DVD)
With a Halloween concept and a haunted mansion ("obakeyashiki")-themed stage, this special Kyary Pamyu Pamyu show was held on October 28 and 29, 2017 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Don't miss this Blu-ray/DVD of the musical-like show. The first pressing...
Posted on June 26, 2018 at 21:57. | Released on June 27, 2018
Manon "Teenage Diary"
Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) finally has a full-length album coming! Just over a year since debut single "xxFANCYPOOLxx" (available on pink vinyl 7"), "Teenage Diary" contains all of her great singles so far plus a bunch of...
Posted on June 22, 2018 at 23:03. | Released on July 7, 2018
lyrical school "World's End"
Idol rap group lyrical school has a brand new album being released this month! The song "toko Nuts Return" has music written & arranged by Shinco (Scha Dara Parr) and lyrics by Bose (Scha Dara Parr) and Kaseki Cider. There...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 21:27. | Released on June 19, 2018
Non "Super Heroes", "Non, KAIWA Fest Vol.1 ~ongaku ga areba kaiwa ga dekiru!~" (DVD)
Actress-gone-rockstar Non (previously known as Nōnen Rena) has a first full-length album being released! This follows a few singles that were released since her debut as a singer last summer at the World Happiness festival. With five songs written by...
Posted on May 2, 2018 at 21:57. | Released on May 9, 2018
Record Store Day 2018
Record Store Day 2018 is coming up this weekend! Like every year many Japanese artists, labels and shops get involved, and many exciting releases will appear on the shelves on Saturday morning. Here's a selection that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers...
Posted on April 16, 2018 at 23:40. | Released on April 21, 2018
Urbangarde "Shoujo Fiction"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde has a brand new album being released this week, underlining their 10th anniversary since album "shōjo wa nido shinu" (2008)! The deluxe edition comes with a 24-page booklet and DVD of 4 music videos. HMV gives...
Posted on April 2, 2018 at 23:24. | Released on April 4, 2018
