Tokyo's Coolest Sound

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.69) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on Fri. July 3, 2026 from 14:30 and 20:30 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: Sat. July 4, 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. Kumisolo "Triste Tropical" (2025)

First is a song by Kumisolo (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, SoundCloud), a Japanese singer-songwriter based in Paris who sings in French, English and Japanese. "Triste Tropical" is from her recent third album "My Heart Is Doki Doki Forever" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). A new music video of this song, shot in Tokyo and directed by Haruko Okano, was recently published on her YouTube channel. "Triste Tropical" has music written by French musician Leo Blomov, and lyrics by Kumisolo.

🎙️ Listen to Narration I
Presenting: Kumisolo, Three Dilly Tuffys

2. Three Dilly Tuffys "Heart" (2026)

Next is a very recent girl group from Japan, named Three Dilly Tuffys (Facebook). The trio is inspired by garage rock'n'roll and British rock of the '60s, and features Midori (also of Falling Sugar), Carole Ai❣️ (also of Jenny Jenny and Childish Tones), and Nakkie (also of The Fuzziyama Surfers). In May, they did a tour of Belgium and the Netherlands.

From their first EP, here is the song "Heart", a cover of Rockpile/Nick Lowe. The EP is only available on CD.

3. OCHA∞ME "I Remember" (2026)
(Japanese title: OCHA∞ME 「アイリメ - I Remember -」 "airime - I Remember -")

The band OCHA∞ME (Instagram, 𝕏) recently released a new song titled "I Remember" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), which states that previous wars from the world's history should not be forgotten.

A recent split cassette tape with the Fukuoka folk band Hachinoji, titled "four leaves", is available at OCHA∞ME's online shop. The tape contains "I Remember". International shipping is available.

Also check out OCHA∞ME's first full-length album "walk on the boat" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). It's still also available on vinyl at HMV.

🎙️ Listen to Narration II
Presenting: OCHA∞ME, Dai Nakamura

4. Dai Nakamura "Nozomu Mono" (2026)

Dai Nakamura (a.k.a. NUBACK, also of Blank Music, BANK and Vacation Three, ex-Arch) has released a new single which is a newly recorded version of the song "Nozomu Mono" that was previously released under his monicker NUBACK two years ago (see NUBACK's "Nozomu Mono"). This time it's a collaboration with Miles Copeland, producer of London-based label wonderfulsound (and former member of The Superimposers) who plays the Omnichord.

The song is available on Bandcamp, and also on other download/streaming platforms (Spotify, , YouTube).

This follows the release of EPs "Small Room 2" (Bandcamp) and "Kon Ya" (Bandcamp) earlier this year.

Dai Nakamura will perform a live set at free event "Record Culture Club" on July 5 at disques blue-very in Kamakura (details).

5. Machiko Yanagisawa "sore ni ki ga tsuita" (2025)
(Japanese title: やなぎさわまちこ 「それに気がついた」)

Next are two consecutive songs from the cassette tape compilation "REV.02", from the COMPLEX label (𝕏).

First is a song by singer-songwriter Machiko Yanagisawa, also a 3D CG artist who creates a lot of the label's artwork, including its unique website. The new song "sore ni ki ga tsuita" has music written by herself, while the lyrics were written by label owner ayU tokiO — the two often play instruments in each other's recordings and live shows. Pursueing the compilation's "cassette" concept, the song was recorded on an 8-track tape recorder. Machiko played drums (for the first time), as well as synthesizers, bass and samplers. "Making of" footage of the recording can be seen on YouTube.

The compilation "REV.02" is available on cassette tape from the label's online shop (shipping only within Japan), and also digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

6. Hitachi Shima "PLAY CUPID !? - REV.02 version" (2025)
(Japanese title: 志摩陽立 「PLAY CUPID !? - REV.02 version」)

Also from the cassette tape compilation "REV.02", this is the next consecutive song "PLAY CUPID !? - REV.02 version" by Hitachi Shima, a singer-songwriter originally from Hokkaido who normally performs as a band, with influences of jazz, soul and AOR. Until now his recordings were mostly recorded at home, but for this compilation he recorded for the first time with his band members. A "making of" clip of the recording session, entirely done using an 8-track tape recorded, can be viewed on YouTube.

The compilation "REV.02" is available on cassette tape from the label's online shop (shipping only within Japan), and also digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

🎙️ Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Machiko Yanagisawa, Hitachi Shima, Mukaju Dan

7. Mukaju Dan "Tokio Monochrome" (2025)
(Japanese title: 無果汁団 「TOKIO モノクローム」)

From the 4th album of techno-pop unit Mukaju Dan, formed of arranger Shock Tarō and composer Ton-chan, this is the song "Tokio Monochrome" of which a new music video was published at the end of last year. Taken from the album "Nasary" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), it is sung by Misaki who also sang on 1st and 2nd albums ("Madoromu" and "Uminekogazer").

The album is also available on CD (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower).

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.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has released a brand new song titled "Focus Focus", along with a music video. As usual, the music is written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). Check out the music video below, and find the song on your favorite download/streaming platform.

This new song marks the 15th anniversary of Kyary's debut — with the "Pon Pon Pon" music video in July 2011. Last month, she also made an appearance on The First Take, where she sang "Kimi Ni 100 Percent", a song that served as the opening theme for the anime "Crayon Shin-chan" in 2013. This new version was also released digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY). At the end of last year, she had also released digitally the new song "Genjitsu-Touhi" (, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY) as well as a cover of CAPSULE's "dreamin dreamin" (, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY).

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will perform at Japan Expo Paris 2026 on July 12. In Japan, she will also appear at various festivals throughout the summer and also host her own "Pamyu Fes" on August 22 for her 15th anniversary (details). Find her full schedule here.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Focus Focus" (Download)

Asobimusic
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Dai Nakamura (a.k.a. NUBACK, also of Blank Music, BANK and Vacation Three, ex-Arch) has released a new single which is a newly recorded version of the song "Nozomu Mono" that was previously released under his monicker NUBACK two years ago (see NUBACK's "Nozomu Mono"). More than that, this time it is a collaboration with Miles Copeland, producer of London-based label wonderfulsound (and former member of The Superimposers) who plays the Omnichord. The song is available on Bandcamp, and from July 2 also on download/streaming platforms.

This follows the release of EPs "Small Room 2" (Bandcamp) and "Kon Ya" (Bandcamp) early this year.

Dai Nakamura will perform a live set at free event "Record Culture Club" on July 5 at disques blue-very in Kamakura (details).

Dai Nakamura "Nozomu Mono" (Download)

Too Young Records TYGD031
Out now (6/7)
Order: Bandcamp, , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube

MANON (Instagram, 𝕏, YouTube) has released a brand new song digitally, titled "BUBBLEBEAM", her second in collaboration with six impala (SoundCloud). Find it on your favorite download/streaming platform.

MANON has previously collaborated with six impala four years ago for the song "Troll Me". This release follows the EP "Pink Noise" out in March.

MANON will appear in all night event "tsuchifumazu 'Party' 2026" on June 27, to be held at Midnight East (Spotify O-East & Azumaya). Find details here.

MANON "BUBBLEBEAM" (Download)

Caticorn Records
Out now (6/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

This is a compilation of covers of songs that appeared in Ghibli movies. Selected and supervised by Toru Hashimoto (𝕏) (Café Après-midi, Suburbia), it features all new recordings by many Shibuya-kei related artists and more: Konishi Yasuharu, Keiichi Sokabe, Tetsurō Yafune, Miyuki Hatakeyama, bird, YAKENOHARA feat. Clémentine, cubismo grafico feat. Kaori Takeda, Wack Wack Rhythm Band feat. Michiru Hoshino, etc.

In addition to the CD album, all 12 songs are expected to be released in 7" format over the following month, starting with Konishi Yasuharu / Keiichi Sokabe "hikōkigumo / yasashisa ni tsumerareta nara" (HMV, Tower) and Wack Wack Rhythm Band feat. Michiru Hoshino / YAKENOHARA feat. Clémentine "Rouge no dengon / nagisa no tani no Nausicaä" (HMV, Tower), both to be released on June 17. The jacket artwork of all of these was done by a landscape painter and an animator who have worked for Studio Ghibli.

The album is also available digitally. Also watch the official audio videos below (published on the label's YouTube channel), which show the artwork painting in the works.

On Friday, June 12, an in-store event will be held at Tower Records Shibuya (6F) from 19:00, featuring Konishi Yasuharu and Toru Hashimoto. It is expected that the upcoming 7" release of "hikōkigumo / yasashisa ni tsumerareta nara" will also be sold in advance.

Various Artists "Café Après-midi meets Studio Ghibli"
オムニバス 「カフェ・アプレミディ・ミーツ・スタジオジブリ」

(Artist / Title)
1. Konishi Yasuharu / hikōkigumo
2. Keiichi Sokabe / yasashisa ni tsumerareta nara
3. Tetsurō Yafune / asagohan no uta
4. Miyuki Hatakeyama with Ryūhei Koike / Fine On The Outside
5. bird (Produced by Keiichi Tomita (Tomita Lab)) / hitoribocchi wa yameta
6. YAKENOHARA feat. Clémentine / nagisa no tani no Nausicaä
7. cubismo grafico feat. Kaori Takeda / The Neglected Garden
8. Wack Wack Rhythm Band feat. Michiru Hoshino / Rouge no dengon
9. TAMTAM / No Woman, No Cry
10. Nobuyuki Nakajima / sayonara no natsu
11. Yūga with Takurō Okada / Therru no uta
12. Yoshiharu Takeda feat. Ann Sally / inochi no kioku

Insense Music Works IMWCD-1832
Out 6/3, ¥2700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Konishi Yasuharu "hikōkigumo"

Keiichi Sokabe "yasashisa ni tsumerareta nara"

3. Tetsurō Yafune "asagohan no uta"

4. Miyuki Hatakeyama with Ryūhei Koike "Fine On The Outside"

5. bird (Produced by Keiichi Tomita (Tomita Lab)) "hitoribocchi wa yameta"

6. YAKENOHARA feat. Clémentine "nagisa no tani no Nausicaä"

7. cubismo grafico feat. Kaori Takeda "The Neglected Garden"

8. Wack Wack Rhythm Band feat. Michiru Hoshino "Rouge no dengon"

9. TAMTAM "No Woman, No Cry"

10. Nobuyuki Nakajima "sayonara no natsu"

11. Yūga with Takurō Okada "Therru no uta"

12. Yoshiharu Takeda feat. Ann Sally "inochi no kioku"

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.69) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on Fri. June 5, 2026 from 14:30 and 20:30 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: Sat. June 6, 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. the Loupes "Plaza" (2025)
(Japanese title: the Loupes 「ぷらざ」)

the Loupes (Instagram, 𝕏), a band based in Hiroshima, has recently released a brand new album titled "Subcity" at the end of last year.

The new album is so far only available on CD at their shows and online shop (shipping within Japan). A few single tracks from the album were released in advance digitally ("Congratulations, Baby", "Story Writers", "ANA" and "Dumb Dawn"). The song "Plaza" is one of the new songs that first appeared on this album.

Album "Subcity" sampler clip

🎙️ Listen to Narration I
Presenting: the Loupes, Natsumi Shimazaki (Chiroline) with CTO LAB.

2. Natsumi Shimazaki (Chiroline) with CTO LAB. "itsu no hi ka Happy End" (2026)
(Japanese title: 島崎夏美(チロリン) with CTO LAB. 「いつの日かHappy End」)

From the recent tribute album to Tohru Okada, a member of Moonriders and CTO LAB. who passed away in 2023, "Adventures in Modern Recording by TOHRU OKADA", this is a cover of "itsu no hi ka Happy End", a song that he wrote and was originally sung by Anri. Here it is performed by his band CTO LAB., also formed of polymoog (Elektel) and Kentaro Imai (Aprils), and sung by former Chiroline main member Natsumi Shimazaki.

Chiroline is a girl group that Tohru Okada produced from 1986 to 1989. In 2012 the project was restarted as Chiroline ver.2 and backed by CTO LAB. The tribute album also contains some covers of Chiroline's songs, sung by other vocalists. It's available only on CD (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only)).

Album "Adventures in Modern Recording by TOHRU OKADA" sampler clip

3. Den Baron "Swedish Pop feat. Hideki Kaji" (2026)

Den Baron (Den Baron), the solo project of Germany-based artist Zwen Keller (of band Brideshead), has released a new album titled "Friends" this year for Record Store Day 2026. Released on blue-very label in Japan, it consists of collaborations with many artists including many from Japan. "Swedish Pop" featuring Hideki Kaji is one of these. Other featured artists from Japan are Mayumi Ikemizu (Three Berry Icecream), Megumi Mashiro (Hicksville, Modern Choki Chokies, etc.), Osamu Shimada (The Caraway), and Gōta Nishidera (Nona Reeves).

The album is only available on vinyl (coming with a download code) (disques blue-very, Tower (Japan only)), though it can be sampled on the label's Bandcamp.

Album sampler clip

4. AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN "Ai No Senshi Shi Lapuri" (2026)
(Japanese title: AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN 「愛の戦士 シ・ラプリ」)

Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan (𝕏, Instagram, YouTube), a.k.a. Konneki, has just released a 2nd album digitally, titled "Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan Universe" (Spotify, , YouTube Music)! Like her previous, the whole was produced by CMJK (Cutemen, ex-Denki Groove). All of the lyrics were written by Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan herself. Find the album on download/streaming platforms, and also check out the megamix below on YouTube, which features all of the album's songs in order.

Album sampler clip

🎙️ Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Den Baron, AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN, Owarikarahajimari

5. Owarikarahajimari "Kyowamada" (2026)
(Japanese title: おわりからはじまり 「今日はまだ」)

This is the latest song of electronic rock band Owarikarahajimari (𝕏), titled "Kyowamada". It's available digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music). This song is the first written by guitarist ALi Sueoka. Check out the short version music video below.

This follows the release of "OWHJ Remixes Vol.1" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) last year.

Owarikarahajimari have a show planned in Tokyo on Saturday July 11 at Asagaya mogumogu, to be held in the afternoon from 14:00 to 17:00. Find details here.

Music video (short version)

6. Wink Music Service "Tout Va Bien feat. Saki Ohga" (2026)
(Japanese title: Wink Music Service 「Tout Va Bien〜万事快調 feat. 大賀咲希」)

Wink Music Service, the group formed of Keitarō Takanami (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) and Sally Kubota (The Scooters, She's a Rainbow, ex-The Phantom Gift/Les 5-4-3-2-1/SOLEIL), has just released a brand new single that is sung in duet by Keitarō and first-time participant Saki Ohga (𝕏) (previously a member of idol group Sakura Gakuin). The title song "Tout Va Bien" is a new original with music written by Sally Kubota.

The single's B-side is a cover of Marina Watanabe's "daisuki na Shirt ~ 1990 ryokō sakusen", a song written by Flipper's Guitar.

The single was also released on 7", though it apparently sold out within days of being first announced, the songs are also available on download/streaming platforms (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

🎙️ Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Wink Music Service, Milk Talk

7. Milk Talk "The Bay (Edit)" (2026)

And to end this time's selection is the latest original track from Milk Talk (Instagram, 𝕏, Bandcamp), the duo formed of The Hair Kid, a U.S.-born musician who lives in Himeji (Hyōgō pref.), and Tokyo-based vocalist Q.i. This song is available on Bandcamp, and on download/streaming platforms (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

In yet more recent news, Milk Talk have teamed up with XL Middleton for a song titled "Funkin' Me Up", a remake of Minoru "Hoodoo" Fushimi's "In Praise Of Mitochondria" (from 1985). This is being released on 7" on U.S. label MoFunk, and is also available on Bandcamp. Milk Talk's track can also be found on other download/streaming platforms: Spotify, , YouTube Music.

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.

Wink Music Service, the group formed of Keitarō Takanami (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) and Sally Kubota (The Scooters, She's a Rainbow, ex-The Phantom Gift/Les 5-4-3-2-1/SOLEIL), has released a new single, this one sung in duet by Keitarō and first-time participant Saki Ohga (𝕏) (previously a member of idol group Sakura Gakuin). The title song is a new original with music written by Sally Kubota, and the B-side is a cover of Marina Watanabe's "daisuki na Shirt ~ 1990 ryokō sakusen" (a song written by Flipper's Guitar).

While the 7" apparently sold out within days of being first announced, the songs are also available on download/streaming platforms.

This single follows "Little China Girl / Katakoto No Koi" (feat. Kokoa) out last December.

An in-store event for the new release will be held on Saturday May 30 at Tower Records Shibuya (6F) from 14:00 (details). Then on Thursday June 4, a special show will be held at Shindaita Fever with all featured singers and backed by a full band (details).

Wink Music Service "Tout Va Bien" (Download/7")
Wink Music Service 「Tout Va Bien〜万事快調」
(Japanese title: "Tout Va Bien ~ banji kaichō")

A. Tout Va Bien
B. daisuki na Shirt ~ 1990 ryokō sakusen

Vivid Sound VSEP867
Out 5/27, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Singer-songwriter Machi Akari (Instagram, 𝕏) has released a rocking new EP, and it's produced and also designed by Sally Kubota (Wink Music Service, She's a Rainbow, The Scooters). The release is a collaboration with "Iwashita New Ginger" (in Japanese Iwashita no Shinshōga), a popular brand of ginger and various products. The company has an official museum (almost like a theme park) in Tochigi where official mascot character Iwashika-chan (a pink deer with ginger horns) makes regular appearances. The new songs take inspiration from the unique character. Check out the music videos below!

The full EP is available on CD, which includes exclusive instrumental versions. The four main tracks are also available digitally: (Japan), Spotify, YouTube Music.

This release follows digital single "Tokyo Rhapsody" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), prior to which was released the single "Yokohama Dilemma / boku no umare wa Koriyama" on CD & digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

A special release event will be held on May 23 at the New Ginger Museum in Tochigi prefecture. It's free for anyone to attend, though it's recommended to email to reserve a place. Find details here. Also, on June 6, Machi Akari will also hold a free event where she teaches to dance Bon-odori along to her songs and Bon-odori classics. It will be the third edition of the "Let's Bon Odori in Kamata" series (details).

Machi Akari "iu koto kikan! Iwashika-chan"
町あかり 「言うこと聞かん！イワシカちゃん」

1. iu koto kikan! Iwashika-chan
2. Pink no tsuno de sekai o tsutsuke!
3. Iwashita no Shinshōga -Disco New Ginger- (Endless Version)
4. Iwashita no Shinshōga -Disco New Ginger- (Short Version)
5. iu koto kikan! Iwashika-chan (Karaoke)
6. Pink no tsuno de sekai o tsutsuke! (Karaoke)
7. Iwashita no Shinshōga -Disco New Ginger- (Endless Version) (Karaoke)
8. Iwashita no Shinshōga -Disco New Ginger- (Short Version) (Karaoke)

Vivid Sound VSCD9751
Out now (5/13), ¥1636 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"iu koto kikan! Iwashika-chan"

"Pink no tsuno de sekai o tsutsuke!"

"Iwashita no shinshōga -Disco New Ginger-"

Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan (𝕏, Instagram, YouTube), a.k.a. Konneki, has a brand new 2nd album out now digitally, titled "Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan Universe"! Like her previous, the whole was produced by CMJK (Cutemen, ex-Denki Groove).

All of the music was written and arranged by him, with the exception of "Judo" written/arranged by George (MOP of HEAD) and "Sanagi" by Shintarō Yamaguchi (aka ShinYMG) (𝕏). All of the lyrics were written by Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan herself. Find the album on download/streaming platforms, and also check out the megamix below on YouTube, which features all of the album's songs in order.

Since her first album "Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan Republic" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), she had released singles "Koyou" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) and "Inumatian c/w The Walk" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), both of which contained exclusive covers, and also remix EP "Koyou (Remixies)" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN "AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN UNIVERSE" (Download)

1. AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN UNIVERSE
2. INUMATIAN
3. Koala San
4. MOBILE BATTERY
5. KOYOU
6. TOSYOKAN
7. Tenshi Ni Nacchau
8. JUDO
9. Ai No Senshi Si Rapli
10. NIJIMASU
11. SANAGI
12. Choose Your Luck
13. Minna Kitene

SSST
Out now (5/13)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Theremin player Machiko Machikado (Instagram) — of unit MACHIKADO (Instagram), a spin-off unit of The Puh (previously known as the putins) — has released a cover of Yellow Magic Orchestra's "Simoon", backed by the band Kuchu Camera (Instagram). Check out the music video below!

A solo show of Machikado will be held on May 9 at Kichijōji Silver Elephant (details).

Machiko Machikado "Simoon on the Theremin (feat. Kuchu Camera)" (Download)
街角マチコ 「SIMOON on the Theremin (feat. 空中カメラ)」

Theremin Daigaku
Out now (4/23)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY