Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Milk Talk (Instagram, 𝕏, Bandcamp) has recently released a brand new song titled "Milk and Honey". Check out the music video below!

Milk Talk also released earlier this year a song titled "Funkin Me Up", which is a remake of Minoru "Hoodoo" Fushimi's 80s track "In Praise Of Mitochondria". The two songs were released as a 7" and digitally, available on Bandcamp and on download/streaming platforms.

They also had a song titled "Enchanting Stranger" featured in the game "Forza Horizon 6", and included on its original soundtrack: , Spotify, YouTube Music.

Milk Talk "Milk and Honey" (Download)

Inaka Disco
Out now (8/5)
Stream/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

xiangyu (𝕏, Instagram) has released a new song, titled "PERORI!" and about eating yakiniku. The track is produced by Gimgigam (𝕏, Instagram). Find it on your favorite download/streaming platform.

A release party will be held on September 29 from 18:00 at Shimokitazawa Spread (details & tickets).

This is xiangyu's 2nd new song this year, following "kekkyoku shari" (music video).

xiangyu "PERORI!" (Download)

Kujaku Club TRHG-1374
Out now (8/28)
Stream/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Hokkaido singer-songwriter Shima Hitachi (Instagram, 𝕏) has just released this week a new EP titled "Mental Health - Taion", on the label COMPLEX (ran by ayU tokiO). Shima Hitachi sings and plays guitar and also several other instruments (drums, bass, keyboards and programming), while the recording also features friend musicians and live band members from Hokkaido and Tokyo. The whole was recorded, mixed, mastered, directed and produced by ayU tokiO.

The EP is available on CD and digitally. Tower Records is still giving away a CD-R of demo takes (at time of writing). Also, the CD is available in Japan directly from the label's online shop where it comes with a different CD-R of a cover of ayU tokiO's "Star Call". A third CD-R of live performances can be obtained by buying the CD at shows.

A release party will be held on Saturday, September 12 at Shimokitazawa Basement Bar, featuring a band set (details & tickets). Doors open at 12:00 and the show starts at 12:30. When the CD is purchased at this event, all three CD-Rs above will be given.

Shima Hitachi "Mental Health Taion"
志摩陽立 「メンタルヘルス・体温」

1. Mental Health - Taion
2. Meiryo kinmirai
3. Kasurikizu
4. Joule ~Kaiteki Na Seikatsu~
5. Under the Surface
6. Syumatsu Soukanzu

Complex AICP-055
Out now (8/26), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Joule ~Kaiteki Na Seikatsu~"

Maika Loubté (Instagram, 𝕏) has just released a new song titled "Hagane-No-Uma" (meaning "the horse of steel"). It's the theme song for the upcoming dystopian movie "honto ni atta hanashi (no hanashi)" that will open in theaters in Japan on October 2, for which Maika also made the soundtrack. The new song was written by Maika, and co-arranged with Sountrive. Check out the music video below, which was directed by Maika herself.

The jacket was designed by nyoro2s — who also designed the cover of Maika's latest album "House of Holy Banana" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) — and it's a photo of an actual horse toy and a clay doll of a girl (the latter is a creation by sleepycat.studio).

Recently Maika Loubté was also featured in the TV commercial for Brain Sleep Pillow, of which she also made the music. It can be watched on YouTube.

Maika Loubté "Hagane-No-Uma" (Download)
Maika Loubté 「鋼の馬」

Water Records
Out now (8/26)
Stream/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Veg (Bandcamp, Instagram, 𝕏), a 3-piece rock band formed in 2021 in Tokyo, has released a brand new EP last month. Included is the song "Here Again" of which there's a studio live session video that can be watched below. This release follows their first album "Adrift in Time" (2025).

The CD edition includes a bonus track of a live performance of "Here Again".

Veg has a solo show planned on September 6 at Shimokitazawa Three, titled "Estuary" (details). The CD EP will be sold at the show, and there's word of a special present for all attendees.

Veg "Circle 1"

1. Here Again
2. Superstar
3. Woven in Waves
4. Shine
5. Lune Orange
6. Here Again - Live (Bonus Track)

Veg VEG-003
Out now (7/8), ¥2091 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Here Again" studio live session

Tokyo Killer (Instagram, 𝕏), the instrumental rock band led by guitarist Keme (also of Piggy Banks), has recently released a brand new song digitally. Titled "Mount", it is available on download/streaming platforms. It had been almost 7 years since latest album "Boom Go!!" (2019).

A release in-store event will be held on Thursday, August 27 at Ultra Shibuya. To attend the event, one needs to buy a T-shirt or special ticket (the latter which comes with an exclusive CD-R, a set of 3 badges, a collaboration drink and print club stickers).

Tokyo Killer also has an upcoming show on Sunday, September 13 at Shibuya BYG, and will feature special guest guitarist Shigeo Naka (The Suft Coasters) (details).

Tokyo Killer "Mount" (Download)
トーキョーキラー 「マウント」

Tokyo Killer TKKL-DIGI-001
Out now (7/24)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Towa Tei has a brand new album, titled "ZAMBIENT", coming on vinyl this month! It's his 14th album, and the follow-up to "AH!!" (2025). Featured musicians include Bose (Scha Dara Parr), Yumiko Ohno (Buffalo Daughter), Hiroshi Takano, Yūta Hosono and Oto Fukuhara (both of Chappo), Kashif, Amaiwana, and more.

The song "Nothing Else 2" is a remake of "Nothing Else" which was released on 7" last year (Tower, , Spotify, YouTube Music), though the new version now features rap by Bose. Also included is recent single "The Source" (see its music video below) available on vinyl (find the release info below) and digitally. Both the album and single come on clear vinyl. Note that the full album will be released digitally later on September 25.

A new suprise "The Source (Mermaid Dub)" is also being released digitally today August 17: , Spotify, OTOTOY.

Towa Tei "ZAMBIENT" (12")

Z1. TOUCH
Z2. NOTHING ELSE 2
Z3. HEY!
Z4. THE SOURCE
Z5. ALA & MOANA
Z6. DAPPLED SUN
ZZ1. GANG AVOCADO TEAM
ZZ2. MOSAIC
ZZ3. PERSIMMON & KOMATSUNA KIMCHI
ZZ4. KATABUI
ZZ5. DEW MARIMBA TOUR
ZZ6. THE PEARL & OYSTER

Mach Beat MBLP-2601
Out 8/21, ¥5000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Towa Tei "THE SOURCE" (7")

A. THE SOURCE
B1. ONE SECOND COUNTS
B2. MISTAKES ARE MADE TO HAPPEN

Mach Beat MBEP-2601
Out now (7/1), ¥2100 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Nothing Else 2"

"The Source"

First released on CD last December, this tribute album to Haruomi Hosono supervised by Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five) is finally being released on vinyl.

Included are covers of Hosono's works, mainly performed in the spontaneous style of a musician playing an instrument and singing. There are also a few live performances, plus a previously unreleased demo take by Hosono. The album takes its name from the regular event "Coffee House mona records" held every two months at mona records in Shimokitazawa and organized by Konishi. In March 2025, Hosono had made a special appearance and performed with his guitar for the lucky crowd of the packed small venue.

Update (2026/8/22): From the release date of the vinyl edition, the album is also available digitally: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY.

Various Artists "Paraiso, no ongaku - Coffee House mona records no Hosono Haruomi-san Tribute Album" (12")
オムニバス 「はらいそ、の音楽 コーヒーハウス・モナレコーズの細野晴臣さんトリビュート・アルバム」

A1. Ballade of Aya / Ino hidefumi
A2. Shin Shin Shin / Kaneda Kouhei (The Love Ningen)
A3. Fūraibō / Konishi Yasuharu
A4. Tokyo Shyness Boy / Wataru Sawabe (Skirt)
A5. Hong Kong Blues (Live At Mona Records / 2025.03.28) / Haruomi Hosono
A6. Natsu Nandesu / Masahiro Naoe
A7. Fukuwauchi Oniwasoto / Tetsurō Yafune
B1. Owari no Kisetsu (Live At Mona Records / 2025.03.28) / Konishi Yasuharu
B2. Paraiso / John & Paul
B3. Shimendōka / Naoki Itō
B4. Koiwa Momoiro (Live At Mona Records / 2025.03.28) / Haruomi Hosono
B5. Koiwa Momoiro / YOSSY LITTLE NOISE WEAVER
B6. Liebesträume (Demo Version) / Haruomi Hosono

Ultra-Vybe VBCD-0127LP
Out 8/19, ¥4500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Playlist of sampler clips

This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these pages. Tune in at the times below at https://lafaceb.live.

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.71) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on Fri. August 7, 2026 from 14:30 and 20:30 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: Sat. August 8, 2026 from 3:30 and 9:30

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

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

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

1. Delivery Kamisama "The Reddening Miniature Garden" (2026)
(Japanese title: デリバリー神様 「赫らむ箱庭」 "akaramu hakoniwa")

Delivery Kamisama (Instagram, 𝕏, YouTube) is an alternative rock band that was formed in 2024 in Osaka, and currently features four members. "The Reddening Miniature Garden" (or in Japanese "akaramu hakoniwa") is their latest and 4th single released digitally in July (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Check out the music video below!

🎙️ Listen to Narration I
Presenting: Delivery Kamisama, usabeni & A-bug

2. usabeni & A-bug "Heart Lag" (2026)

"Heart Lag" is the latest song by usabeni (Instagram, 𝕏, YouTube) (a.k.a. Beni Usakura), made in collaboration with the Brazilian producer/trackmaker A-bug (Instagram, 𝕏). The music was co-written by the two, and the lyrics written by usabeni. It's available on download/streaming platforms: Spotify, , YouTube Music.

This release came shortly after "Not Your Idol (A-bug Remix)", a remix that A-bug made earlier this year of a song from usabeni's album "Because my Idol".

Upcoming usabeni shows include the event "With Your Love" on August 17 at Gakugei-daigaku Maple House (details). Find her complete schedule here.

3. Bakubaku Dokin "Soda no yume" (2010)
(Japanese title: バクバクドキン 「ソーダの夢」)

Wacky and mysterious unit Bakubaku Dokin (Instagram, 𝕏, YouTube) has recently been active updating their Instagram with music videos covering their whole career which started in 2010. The song "Soda no yume" is a flashback from their debut EP: Spotify, , YouTube Music.

This July they started a regular DJ event named "Hiru-Hachi - Double Sider", held in the afternoon of the 2nd Sunday of odd months, at Aoyama Hachi. Watch their Instagram and 𝕏 for details.

4. TAMAYURAM "Pink, Pink, Pink!" (2026)
(Japanese title: TAMAYURAM 「ぴんく、ピンク、Pink！」)

From the 3rd single of TAMAYURAM, the collaboration unit of Mayutan (Instagram, 𝕏) (Masakosan, Tokyo Kakehiki Club, etc.) and Rukatama (Instagram) produced by Takurō Gō (Detune.), this is the title song "Pink, Pink, Pink!". It's a cover of a song that was featured in the 80's children's TV show "dokincho! nemurin", and was originally sung by Satoko Yamano.

The single is available only on tanzaku CD (mini-sized 3"/8cm CD), and was released for Tanzaku CD Day 2026. It can be ordered from CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, etc. All three TAMAYURAM releases so far are tanzaku CDs.

🎙️ Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Bakubaku Dokin, TAMAYURAM, Reo Ohtori

5. Reo Ohtori "Ressha de Hoshi e" (2026)
(Japanese title: 鳳レオ 「列車で星へ」)

Reo Ohtori (Instagram) is a newcomer mysterious singer-songwriter based in Japan, who takes inspiration from the 80s and 90s.

His first single "Ressha de Hoshi e" (translates to "Train to the Stars") is described as "Blending nostalgic melodies with dreamy atmospheres, the song follows an imaginary journey through the night toward something distant, unknown, and hopeful. It is a song about escape, wonder, and finding beauty in places most people pass by without noticing." The song is available digitally: Spotify, , YouTube Music.

6. hitomitoi "Before You Go feat. Los Retros" (2025)
(Japanese title: 一十三十一 「Before You Go feat. Los Retros」)

Here is a collaboration of Hitomitoi with California-based arist Los Retros, from Hitomitoi's latest album "Telepa Telepa" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Los Retros was in Tokyo early July, for the first time in Japan, and performed a concert with Jintana & Emerlads, the "neo doo-wop" group Hitomitoi is part of.

Also check out Los Retros' album "Odisea" (Bandcamp) on which the song "hazeru mono" features Hitomitoi.

🎙️ Listen to Narration III
Presenting: hitomitoi, Bajune Tobeta

7. Bajune Tobeta "After the Silence (with Christian Fennesz)" (2026)

From the upcoming album of Tokyo-based composer, producer and acoustic researcher Bajune Tobeta (Bandcamp, Instagram), the song "After the Silence" was released in advance digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music). It's a collaboration with Austrian electronic artist Christian Fennesz. Both Fennesz and Tobeta have worked with Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Tobeta comments as follows about the track:

"Christian recorded two albums with Sakamoto (2007's Cendre and 2017's Flumina), and I came up through his Tokyo production house. We had never recorded together until this track. We worked between Tokyo and Vienna, sending sounds back and forth. The title points to what emerges in the space after silence, a question that has taken on new resonance since Sakamoto's passing."

Bajune Tobeta's new 5-song album "Anechoic" will be released digitally on August 14, and can be pre-ordered on Bandcamp. Check out the official release page to learn more.

Album trailer clip

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

Find information about all previous episodes of this radio show right here.

Cornelius' new album "Refractions" is coming this August. It contains a total of 10 songs including the three released digitally recently — "Twisting & Glistening", "Aeons (feat. Sean Ono Lennon)" and "Yumenemi" (a cover of Yōsui Inoue) —, as well as "Bad Advice" (feat. Arto Lindsay) (2024). In addition to guests Sean Ono Lennon, Arto Lindsay and Bid (The Monochrome Set), the song "Mazaranai" also has lyrics that were written by Shintarō Sakamoto. Check out the music videos below! It had already been three years since his previous album "Dream In Dream".

The Japanese CD edition is available at the shops linked below. HMV and Tower Records are still offering a free promo sticker at time of writing. Also, the international label Eat Your Own Ears has posted a store link for UK pre-orders of the CD & LP.

A tour of Japan for the new album will be held in September and October. Regular ticket sales start on August 8 at 10:00. Find details here. Meanwhile, a documentary of the tour for the previous album "Dream In Dream" has been published on YouTube in two parts: Part 1 & Part 2.

Cornelius "Refractions"

1. Refractions
2. Mazaranai
3. You Make me Cyborg / Cornelius · Bid
4. Aeons / Cornelius · Sean Ono Lennon
5. Mirrors
6. Bad Advice / Cornelius · Arto Lindsay
7. Yumenemi
8. Mind Train
9. Twisting & Glistening
10. Dissolving Line

Warner Music Japan WPCL-13774
Out 8/19, ¥3300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY, Disk Union
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Aeons feat. Sean Ono Lennon"

"Yumenemi"