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.74) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on Fri. November 13, 2026 from 14:30 and 20:30 (EST = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: Sat. November 14, 2026 from 4:30 and 10:30

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. courtesea "Otome Tarumono Ikanarutokimo" (2026)
(Japanese title: courtesea 「乙女たるもの、如何なる時も」)

courtesea (Instagram, 𝕏) is an idol group from Niigata formed in 2022, following an audition held jointly by the two agencies behind Negicco and RYUTist. The song "Otome Tarumono Ikanarutokimo", which was written and produced by Yasuhiro Hase (Yume To Cosme), appeared on their recent 2nd album "Sea Of Light".

The album can be found on CD (Amazon, HMV, Tower Records) and digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

A live performance of "Otome Tarumono Ikanarutokimo" can be found in this recent show viewable in full on YouTube.

🎙️ Listen to Narration I
Presenting: courtesea, ayU tokiO

2. ayU tokiO "amber" (2026)

This is the latest digital release of singer-songwriter ayU tokiO, a song titled "amber", released digitally at the end of October (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

ayU tokiO runs the label COMPLEX which releases works of many great artists. This month, a 2nd event of the "SYNCASET" series was held. These events features several artists and at the same time releases a limited cassette tape of previously unreleased recordings by each of them. ayU tokiO also performed there and released the cassette tape "NEW DAYLIGHT 2".

3. Dai Nakamura "Blue" (2026)

Dai Nakamura (a.k.a. NUBACK, also of Blank Music, BANK and Vacation Three, ex-Arch) has released a new EP of his "Small Room" series: "Small Room 3" (Bandcamp). While the EP is also available digitally on other download/streaming platforms (Spotify, , YouTube Music), the song "Blue" is exclusive to the Bandcamp release.

Also check out previous releases from this year: "Nozomu Mono", "Small Room 2" and "Kon Ya".

4. Chie Horiguchi "Where Is The Hummingbird?" (2026)

Guitarist and singer-songwriter Chie Horiguchi (Instagram, 𝕏) (Learners) has released in October a brand new single, titled "Where Is The Hummingbird?". She is accompanied by her backband The Desperado Gentlemen: Kōsuke Miyashita on pedal steel guitar (of Phono Tones), Hiroyuki Kitajima on double bass, and Kosuke Wakiyama on drums.

The title song is available digitally on Bandcamp and other download/streaming platforms: Spotify, , YouTube Music.

The 7" is available at Bandcamp, HMV, Tower Records, Disk Union, etc.

🎙️ Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Dai Nakamura, Chie Horiguchi, Jenny Jenny

5. Jenny Jenny "I walked with a zombie" (2026)
(Japanese title: ジェニ・ジェニ 「I walked with a zombie」)

Girl beat band Jenny Jenny (Instagram, 𝕏) has released for Halloween a new track digitally, a cover of Roky Erickson's "I Walked With a Zombie" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). This is the first song that's sung by the band's bassist Yuzuha. This follows their latest 7" EP "Jenny Jenny" released in February also on Koga Records.

Jenny Jenny can often be seen performing live in Tokyo, such as for upcoming event "March of the Mods" to be held on Saturday, November 28 at Hatagaya Heavy Sick. Find details here.

6. Hideki Kaji "Our Love Remains The Same ~ Old Blue Suspenders" (2026)
(Japanese title: カジヒデキ 「Our Love Remains The Same ~ Old Blue Suspenders」)

Hideki Kaji, who this year celebrated the 30th anniversary of his solo debut, has released in October a new 3-song EP titled "Smashing Time", which includes the song "Our Love Remains The Same ~Old Blue Suspenders" played this time. The new songs take inspiration from the "neo-acoustic" genre (a.k.a. "neo-aco", Japanese name that was used to describe bands such as Aztec Camera, The Smiths, The Pastels, Prefab Sprout, etc.) and shoegaze, and are all sung in English.

Featured musicians are Hirohisa Horie (Neil and Iraiza, The Cornelius Group) on keyboards (who also co-produced the EP), Hideki "Gen" Hara on drums, and Matsue Jun on guitar.

The EP is available digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music), and also on CD from Hideki Kaji's online shop (shipping within Japan only). An article with photos and more information about the release (in Japanese) can be found here.

On December 13, Hideki Kaji and Mayumi Ikemizu (Three Berry Icecream) (who both were members of the band Bridge before Kaji's solo career) will perform together as "Futari Bridge" (which roughly translates to "two people Bridge"), along with back musicians. There will be two sets, from 12:30 and 18:00, which which tickets are sold separately (details). A 7" of Futari Bridge (of two Bridge self-covers) has also be released for Record Day on November 3.

🎙️ Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Hideki Kaji, Saigenji

7. Saigenji "Hakuchumu" (2026)
(Japanese title: Saigenji 「白昼夢」)

Last is a song from the recently released compilation "Circle Arts Compilation Vol.1", on the new label Circle Arts Records. This is the latest song by singer-songwriter and guitarist Saigenji, titled "Hakuchumu".

The compilation is available digitally (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music) and also on a specially packaged limited edition CD which can be ordered via Bandcamp, at Circle Arts Records' online shop powered by Base and online shop powered by Shopify (all three of these shipping internationally).

Saigenji's next show in Tokyo is planned for December 12 at Kichijoji Baobab (details). He will also do an unplugged show on November 21 at umi cafe in Kamakura (details). Find his full schedule here.

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.

Dai Nakamura (a.k.a. NUBACK, also of Blank Music, BANK and Vacation Three, ex-Arch) has released a new EP of his "Small Room" series, which features a blend of rhythm and acoustic performance. The 3-song EP "Small Room 3" is available in full exclusively on Bandcamp, while two of the songs (excluding "Blue") can also be heard on other download/streaming platforms: Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Check out Dai Nakamura's previous releases from this year: "Nozomu Mono", "Small Room 2" and "Kon Ya".

Dai Nakamura "Small Room 3" (Download)

1. Utakata
2. Blue
3. About Hunger (Small Room Version)

Too Young Records
Out now (10/4)
Stream/buy: Bandcamp

8-piece funk/soul band Q.A.S.B. (Instagram, 𝕏) has released a 7" of a first collaboration with Yasuharu Konishi (ex-Pizzicato Five). With him featured as a guest singer, together they cover Ohio Players' "Sweet Sticky Thing". The A-side is a duet of him and Q.A.S.B.'s lead singer a.yu.mi., while the B-side is a solo version sung by a.yu.mi. Konishi also did the art direction.

Q.A.S.B. had previously covered Pizzicato Five songs "Thank You" and "Week-End" (released as a 7", with "Thank You" also featured on album "Candy Dream"). Konishi had later had them be his back band in a wonderful show at Shibuya Club Quattro in 2023.

While the 7" has already sold out at most shops before release day (although it may be eventually restocked), it's still available at label Soul Garden Records' online shop and on its Bandcamp (at time of writing).

A short preview can be heard on Instagram (and also of the B-side here).

Q.A.S.B. "Sweet Sticky Thing feat. Konishi Yasuharu" (7")

A. Sweet Sticky Thing feat. konishi yasuharu
B. Sweet Sticky Thing

Soul Garden Records SG-087
Out 11/11, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, Juno (UK), Soul Garden Records
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Niigata-based 4-piece band morensoji (Instagram, 𝕏) has just released their first album, titled "high time". Released on their own label, which was founded with the help of Negicco's agency, the album was self-produced by the band members from recording down to the mastering and jacket design.

The album is available digitally on download/streaming platforms, and also on CD at the shops linked below and at morensoji's online shop.

The band's upcoming schedule includes a show on December 5, and also solo appearances of singer and guitarist Yui Hada on November 14 and 23, all of which are in Niigata. Find the latest information on their official site's schedule page.

morensoji "high time"

1. ephemeral
2. bye bye butterfly!
3. high time
4. driftin'
5. cyclamen
6. goodnight, dear light
7. lake side song
8. atacama

Labal Lab LBLB001
Out now (11/11), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip

Denki Groove has just released a sudden brand new song titled "Mosaic" without further explanation. It had been 2½ years since their previous release, "Denki Groove's 35th Anniversary Song".

They have recently announced last week an upcoming tour of Zepp venues to be held in November, with dates at Zepp Haneda in Tokyo on November 20 and 21 (with earlier dates in Nagoya and Osaka). Tickets can be found at L-Tike, Pia and e+.

Denki Groove "Mosaic" (Download)
電気グルーヴ 「モザイク」

macht
Out now (11/4)
Stream/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Vela is a new ambient duo that consists of piano and voices, performed by Miyako Kōda (dip in the pool) and pianist Ichiko Hashimoto. They have released a first EP titled "Portal". It's co-produced by Tatsuji Kimura (dip in the pool).

On November 8, 2026, a special show will be held for the release at Blue Note Place, with sets starting at 18:15 and 20:30. Find details here.

Vela "Portal"

1. Prologue
2. Miyako
3. Primavera
4. Portal
5. And Ever

Vela
Out now (10/28)
Stream/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube Music

Today is Record Day 2026, held coinciding with the public holiday Culture Day (November 3). Below are a few picks from the many releases for this day.

The full list has a lot more, including re-issues (some for the first time on vinyl) of m-flo and The Collectors (just to name a few). Beware that the official site's full list contains also releases for an upcoming second Record Day that will be held on December 5, 2026, which will include Frenesi's "Märchen".

Futari Bridge "Windy Afternoon / Soft Cream Whistle" (7")
ふたりブリッジ 「Windy Afternoon / Soft Cream Whistle」

This is a first release as "Futari Bridge" (which roughly translates to "two people Bridge"), which features Hideki Kaji and Mayumi Ikemizu (Three Berry Icecream) who both were members of the band Bridge before Kaji's solo career. 31 years after they disbanded (around the dawn of Hideki Kaji's solo career), they are back at performing their old songs. The recording members include Kensuke Okuda (Nona Reeves) and Keichi Kumagai on guitars (cambelle), Tomoko Kunimi on trumper (Wack Wack Rhythm Band) and Hideki "Gen" Hara on drums (Northern Bright).

On December 13, there will be a special show at Daikanyama Haretara sora ni mame maite, with two sets from 12:30 and 18:00 (details).

A. Windy Afternoon
B. Soft Cream Whistle

miobell records PCMR0045
Out 11/3, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

cambelle "Magic Moments" (12")

Vinyl edition of the 1st album of cambelle (a band of which members were previously active as Keichi & the Coconut Groove), which was first released on CD and digitally in November 25.

A1. Magic Moments
A2. Gloom
A3. A White Heron
A4. Giddy Parades
A5. Interlude
B1. Dream in Bossa
B2. Our Suburban Friends
B3. Christopher
B4. Sleep Warm
B5. Akegata

Old Joy Records OLDJ2
Out 11/3, ¥4500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

the myeahns "Howl & Poems" (12")

3rd and latest full length album of rock'n'roll band the myeahns, out physically on vinyl only. Also released at the same time digitally.

A1. tengoku yokochō hikō Rock
A2. Maybellene
A3. Ice Cream Man
A4. Hipster tachi
A5. Dig It
A6. Honky Tonk ni yoroshiku
B1. Homesick Chabo
B2. 21seiki Bōzu
B3. The Wild One (Stomp ver.)
B4. Lost Boys
B5. No People no Sea
B6. December's Children (and everybody's)

UK.PROJECT UKLP-1272
Out 11/3, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

SAKUra "What Shi Said / Stardust Night featuring Amaiwana" (7")
SAKUra 「What 師 Said / Stardust Night featuring Amaiwana」

3rd 7" single by 15-year-old city pop singer SAKUra. Includes an original, and also a cover of Yū Hayami's "Stardust Night" (1983) sung in duet with Amaiwana. Both songs can also be found digitally, individually.

A. What Shi Said
AA. Stardust Night featuring Amaiwana

Honeysuckle Records HSR-E-003
Out 11/3, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Nanaco Sato "Fashion Energy / Twilight Lovers" (7")
佐藤奈々子 「ファッション・エナジー／黄昏の恋人たち」
(Japanese title: Satō Nanako "Fashion energy / tasogare no koibitotachi")

Rare collaborations with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Motoharu Sano. Both songs had remained unreleased for 40 years.

(Title / Artist)
A. Fashion Energy / Ryuichi Sakamoto feat. Nanaco Sato
B. Twilight Lovers / Nanaco Sato

Nipponophone COKA-113
Out 11/3, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Satellite Lovers "Music" (12")

1994 album co-produced by Toru Hashimoto (Suburbia, Café Après-midi).

A1. Love The Feeling
A2. With You
A3. Deeper Love
A4. Day Dreamin'
B1. Crosstown Traffic
B2. Quiet Nights
B3. Secret Heaven
B4. Feelin' Free

Great Tracks MHJL-521
Out 11/3, ¥4200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Crazy Ken Band "Kasei" (2x12")
クレイジーケンバンド 「火星」

24th album "Kasei" (2024).

A1. Overture
A2. Kasei
A3. Hama no Beat - Hama Beat -
A4. Rainbow Drive
B1. Percolation
B2. Eye Catch * Late Summer Madness
B3. Atama ni Kichauze
B4. Oh! My Girl
C1. Tsujidou Kaigan
C2. Niji Nijuu Nifun
C3. Eye Catch * Arashi wo yobu Genta!
C4. Trans Solar System Express
D1. Tasogare Kyuukou - Twilight Express -
D2. Kiriko
D3. Eye Catch * Kiriko Part 2
D4. Sha Na Na Na Na

Universal Sigma UMJK-9166/7
Out now (11/3), ¥5909 (excl. tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), CDJapan, Jet Set

Crazy Ken Band "Karei" (2x12")
クレイジーケンバンド 「華麗」

25th album "Karei" (2025).

A1. HI
A2. LOVE
A3. Summertime*411
B1. First Class
B2. eye catch - Kareinaru Jyuichibyou -
B3. Club Kokusai
B4. Doudemo Iiyo
C1. Furyo Sensei
C2. Taiyou no Machi
C3. eye catch - Kareinaru Genta -
C4. Jisa
D1. Deep Blue Night
D2. Kurage
D3. eye catch - Kareinaru Nijyuichibyou -
D4. Tomaremiyo

Universal Sigma UMJK-9168/9
Out now (11/3), ¥5909 (excl. tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), CDJapan, Jet Set

Tokyo indie rock band OCHA∞ME (Instagram, 𝕏) has released a new EP on 7" only. Playing at 33⅓ RPM, it contains 4 songs, two of which are new originals (on the A-side), and two more which are covers (on the B-side) — of Bananarama's "Love In The First Degree" (sung in Japanese) and Sesame Street favorite "Somebody Come and Play". The band has 7 members, with guitars, bass, keyboards, trombone and drums.

The 7" is available at OCHA∞ME's online shop, and at some other shops such as the ones linked below.

This release follows last year's album "walk on the boat", since which they had released some digital singles such as this year's "I remember" (lyric video), and also a split cassette tape titled "four leaves" with band Hachinoji (which seems to still be available at online shop Punker than Me).

OCHA∞ME can be seen performing at an upcoming event on Friday, December 4 at Shimokitazawa Live Haus. Hosted by Franzi (of Pop Tarts), Chabe and DJ team POP Help the Grrrl, it will also feature Yukari & Yugo (Yukari a.k.a. Yukari Fresh), Chabe's recent band It's My Pleasure, and DJs Hideki Kaji, POP Help the Grrrl (which features Nutty Nuts of OCHA∞ME), and oshima ryoga. Find details here.

OCHA∞ME "ex.Terebikko EP" (7")
OCHA∞ME 「ex.てれびっコ EP」

A1. tanoshikunakutemo ikitete ii jyan
A2. Good Luck, Human Error
B1. koi no Guilty
B2. Somebody Come And Play

safer/sound SASO-003
Out now (10/28), ¥2182 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, OCHA∞ME online shop
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Girl beat band Jenny Jenny (Instagram, 𝕏) has just released for Halloween a new track digitally, a cover of Roky Erickson's "I Walked With a Zombie". This is the first song that's sung by the band's bassist Yuzuha. This follows latest 7" EP "Jenny Jenny" released in February also on Koga Records.

Jenny Jenny can next be seen live on Monday, November 9 at Shibuya Club Crawl, in an event that will also feature Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan, Bon Kuhara, AoAu and generalpause. Details and tickets can be found here.

Jenny Jenny "I Walked With A Zombie" (Download)
ジェニ・ジェニ 「I Walked With A Zombie」

Koga Records KODT-991
Out (10/31)
Stream/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

usabeni (Instagram, 𝕏, YouTube) (a.k.a. Beni Usakura) has released a new solo song titled "Please don't disturb". This one has music and lyrics written by Feww (Instagram), who had previously collaborated on album "Because my idol" ("trip", "atmosphere"), and it's co-arranged by Hyoe Yasuhara (𝕏). The jacket photo was taken in Thailand which she often visits.

A new EP titled "to be empty" has been announced to be coming on November 18, which will include "Please don't disturb", an extended version of latest song "Heart Lag", and two more new songs. A release party will be held on Wednesday, December 9 at Shimokitazawa Live Haus. The CD EP will be sold from this day. Find details here.

Meanwhile there are more upcoming shows in Tokyo on Saturday, November 7 at Agaline in Koenji (details), and a daytime event on Sunday, November 29 at Sasazuka Bowl (details). usabeni's full schedule can be found on her website.

Also, to those in Thailand, it was announced that usabeni and Feww will perform in Bangkok on Sunday, November 22 (early info), with further details to come soon.

usabeni "Please don't disturb" (Download)

NARUHESON;S
Out now (10/28)
Stream/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY