Tokyo's Coolest Sound

POLYPLUS (Twitter, Instagram) is an all-star instrumental jazz band of four, formed of members from Calmera, fox capture plan, JABBERLOOP and Neighbors Complain. This new 2nd album titled "move" includes their first ever vocal collaboration, and that in the form of poetry reading performed by comedian Seyarogai ojisan.

Another collaboration is one with visual company yucca (not the band of the same name), which influenced the making of song "silhouette" by preparing keywords from which the band took inspiration to make the music. A member of yucca who plays guitar in instrumental band sow also played on this song.

This release follows first album "debut (live at tokyo)" (2018, , Spotify, OTOTOY) and EP "next" (2019, , Spotify, OTOTOY). The members of POLYPLUS are: Melten (from JABBERLOOP, fox capture plan) on keyboards, Yuki (from JABBERLOOP) on bass, Tsuuji (from Calmera) on saxophone, and Gotti (from Neighbors Complain) on guitar.

POLYPLUS played an online streamed show just recently (on August 25), and it's still available for viewing until September 1st (JST). You can get a viewing ticket for ¥2000 here.

POLYPLUS "move"

1. quarter
2. legal
3. pulp
4. update (feat. Seyarogai ojisan)
5. rain
6. home
7. starry
8. silhouette (feat. yucca)
9. update -instrumental-

DVD "POLYPLUS LIVE at Zepp Tokyo" (Limited edition only)
1. limiter (introduction)
2. quarter
3. rain
4. ppps ~ we gotta luv ~ tokyo class
5. sugar ~ home
6. legal
7. pulp
8. limiter
Bonus tracks:
limiter (Music video)
m'ndass (Music video)
legal (Music video)

Limited edition (CD+DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Playwright PWTV85
Out 9/1, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
Playwright PWT85
Out 9/1, ¥2545 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"silhouette (feat. yucca)"

"limiter" live performance at Zepp Tokyo
(The DVD might be edited differently)

CHAI has just released a new tune and its music video, a song called "miniskirt". This follows the release of album "Wink" in May.

CHAI played at Fuji Rock Festival '21 last week, and a playlist of their set list has been shared on Spotify.

CHAI "miniskirt" (Download)

Sub Pop / Jisedai Inc.
Out now (8/27)
Sample/buy: (World), (Japan), Spotify, YouTube Music

A new song by tofubeats has just been released! The music video for this one is by the same director as "RUN" (music video). Check it out below.

This song follows "SMILE" released in June.

Also check out the 7" of Rainych released this weekend for City Pop on Vinyl 2021, which contains the tofubeats remix of "Say So" (as heard here).

tofubeats "CITY2CITY" (Download)

Warner Music
Out now (8/27)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Shoko & The Akilla (Facebook page), a duo formed of singer Shoko and guitarist Akilla, have just released a cover of The Scooters' "kanashii uwasa"! This song was written for The Scooters by Konishi Yasuharu. Check out the cover on the digital platforms linked below. The original first appeared on The Scooters' album "Une Manche et La Belle" (2012) (music video of the original).

This follows the release of their first album last year, titled "Shoko & The Akilla" (, Spotify).

Shoko & The Akilla "kanashii uwasa" (Download)
Shoko & The Akilla 「かなしいうわさ」

Papillon / WDsounds
Out now (8/27)
Sample/buy: , YouTube Music, Spotify

"City Pop on Vinyl" is a campaign organized by Japan's famous record press Toyo Kasei, and this is the 2nd year it takes place (see City Pop on Vinyl 2020). Below is a selection of some titles not to be missed by readers of this site. You'll find some music videos at the bottom of the page.

There's more to find on the official site's full list (although it includes some older releases, so look at the release date above each). Most individual pages have titles and some descriptions in English.

Natsu Summer "Hello, future day" (12")
ナツ・サマー 「Hello, future day」

A1. Hello, future day
A2. koi no Timing
A3. TA・RI・NA・I
A4. Message
B1. machiakari
B2. sono manazashi Poker Face
B3. kaze no Riviera
B4. futari ga tonari ni iru koto

P-Vine PLP-7175
Out now (8/28), ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Yogee New Waves "BLUEHARLEM" (2LP)

3rd album's vinyl edition on color double-LP. Two music videos below!

A1. blueharlem
A2. Summer of Love
A3. CAN YOU FEEL IT
B1. Good Night Station
B2. Suichutoshi
B3. emerald
C1. Bring it Home
C2. Past song
D3. Bluemin' Days
D4. SUNKEN SHIPS

Colourful Records HRLP205/6
Out now (8/28), ¥4200 (excl. tax)
Order: HMV, Tower, Jet Set

ikkubaru "Summer Love Story / mujūryoku Fantasia" (7")
イックバル 「Summer Love Story c/w 無重力ファンタジア」

New song, plus a self-cover of "mujūryoku Fantasia" (song written for RYUTist).

A. Summer Love Story
B. mujūryoku Fantasia

Ca Va? Records / Hayabusa Landings HYCA-8023
Out now (8/28), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Chappie "suichū megane / tanabata no yoru, kimi ni aitai" (7")
Chappie 「水中メガネ／七夕の夜、君に逢いたい」

3rd single of Chappie first released on CD in 1999, of which both songs appeared on album "New Chappie". First time on 7"! The AA-side has music written by Haruomi Hosono and arranged by Tin Pan Alley.

A. suichū megane
AA. tanabata no yoru, kimi ni aitai

Great Tracks MHKL-47
Out now (8/28), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Amane Trill "Lady Pink Panther / Yuunagi Film" (7")
アマネトリル 「LADY PINK PANTHER / 夕凪フィルム」

Cover of Suzuki Shigeru's "Lady Pink Panther" featuring Kanno Michiko. The B-side is an original song. Music videos below!

A. LADY PINK PANTHER
B. Yuunagi Film

Azabudai Music Communications AMC-078
Out now (8/28), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Matsue Jun "Arrangement Hair Style / Kodoku No Wakusei ~ only lonely planet" (7")
松江潤 「アレンジメントヘアスタイル／孤独の惑星～only lonely planet」

7" release of a recent song. Music video below!

A. Arrangement Hair Style
B. Kodoku No Wakusei ~ only lonely planet

Situation.Tokyo / Natural Foundation Recordings HR7S220
Out now (8/28), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Chu~lala "Okinawa e ikō" (7")
ちゅらら 「沖縄へ行こう」

Song by minyō vocal group from Okinawa that was active around 2000. Tatsuo Sunaga heard it on the radio 8 years ago and has been playing it since, and finally he's releasing it on 7".

A. Okinawa e ikō EDIT (EDIT by Tatsuo Sunaga)
B. Okinawa e ikō Instrumental

Disc Minor DM-0022
Out now (8/28), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

DJ HASEBE "Sweet Love feat. Junko Ōhashi / maboroshi janai umibe feat. Mizuki Ōhira & KEISUKE SAITŌ"
DJ HASEBE 「Sweet Love feat. 大橋純子 / 幻じゃない海辺 feat. 大比良瑞希 & KEISUKE SAITO」

Self-cover of Junko Ōhashi's "Sweet Love", and a new song featuring singer-songwriter Mizuki Ōhira with rapper KEISUKE SAITŌ (MGF). Music videos below!

A. Sweet Love feat. Junko Ōhashi
AA. maboroshi janai umibe feat. Mizuki Ōhira & KEISUKE SAITŌ

Insense Music Works IMWVR-1002
Out now (8/28), ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

8utterfly "DOWNTOWN BOY / shiawase SUNSET" (7")
8utterfly 「DOWNTOWN BOY／幸せSUNSET」

R&B singer 8utterfly covers Yuming's "Downtown Boy". Also included is "Shiawase SUNSET" from her 2nd EP.

A. DOWNTOWN BOY
B. shiawase SUNSET

DOBEATU DBEP14
Out now (8/28), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

MARQUEE BEACH CLUB "follow / follow (Hitoshi Sakou Remix)" (7")

UK indie sound meets city pop. 7" edition of a single released digitally last year. Music video below!

A. follow
B. follow (Hitoshi Sakou Remix)

DOBEATU DBEP15
Out now (8/28), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Good Bye April "Sailor fuku to kikanjū / feel my hush" (7")
GOOD BYE APRIL 「セーラー服と機関銃／feel my hush」

Cover of Takao Kisugi's "Sailor fuku to kikanjū" (song known for its cover by Hiroko Yakushimaru), and soulful original song "feel my hush".

A. Sailor fuku to kikanjū
B. feel my hush

DOBEATU DBEP16
Out now (8/28), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Rainych "RIDE ON TIME / Say So - Japanese Version (tofubeats Remix)" (7")

Indonesia-based singer and YouTuber. Cover of Tatsuro Yamashita, and one of Doja Cat sung in Japanese and remixed by tofubeats. Music video below!

A. RIDE ON TIME
B. Say So - Japanese Version (tofubeats Remix)

Great Tracks MHKL-49
Out now (8/28), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

EPO "DOWN TOWN -Clear Green Vinyl-" (12")

Re-issue of 1980 album on clear green vinyl.

A1. DOWN TOWN
A2. yakusoku wa ame no naka
A3. Klaxon
A4. nichiyō wa Bell ga naru mae ni
A5. katarai
B1. Pop Music ～ DOWN TOWN
B2. Asphalt hitori......
B3. iiwake wa shinai kedo
B4. suiheisen oikakete
B5. Coffee Time

Great Tracks MHJL-186
Out now (8/28), ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Natsu Summer "koi no Timing"

Yogee New Waves "CAN YOU FEEL IT"

Yogee New Waves "Bluemin' Days"

Amane Trill "Lady Pink Panther"

Amane Trill "Yunagi Film"

Matsue Jun "Arrangement Hair Style"

DJ HASEBE "Sweet Love feat. Junko Ōhashi"

DJ HASEBE "maboroshi janai umibe feat. Mizuki Ōhira & KEISUKE SAITŌ"

MARQUEE BEACH CLUB "follow"

Rainych "RIDE ON TIME"

Rainych "Say So - Japanese Version (tofubeats Remix)"

Neo-doo-wop group Jintana & Emeralds just released a new single, their 3rd this year, paving the way for the release of new album "Emerald City Guide" to be released on September 15!

New song "Love Again" is a collaboration with Los Retros (Bandcamp), an artist from Oxnard, California. The music video that you can watch below was directed and filmed in Mexico.

Also check out the two previous singles, "Oh! Southern Wind" and "Drip Trip", and stay tuned for news of the album soon!

JINTANA & EMERALDS "Love Again feat. Los Retros" (Download)

Pan Pacific Playa / P-Vine
Out now (8/25)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

conte (previously known as Orangeade) is a pop band formed of three songwriters, Yō Kurosawa (yawk), Nozomu Satō (aka M. Lemon, of caméra-stylo, Fujin Club, Madame Croissant) and Shin Rizumu. Here comes their 2nd single released as conte. This one has music and lyrics written by Yō Kurosawa.

This follows "Kisetsu Wo Nerae" released last year (, Spotify, YouTube Music), song which was featured on Tokyo's Coolest Sound's radio show's vol.11 episode.

conte "Always Blue" (Download)

conte
Out now (8/25)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Singer of THE IMAGE, band which debuted this year releasing two mini-albums ("1" and "2"), Michihiro Nakamura is now starting to offer some self-produced solo works! This first one is a single in which he covers "Agua De Beber", the famous song of Antônio Carlos Jobim first released in 1963. The new arrangement mixes bossa and jazz-funk into a groovy and refreshing sound. Check out the music video below!

Stay tuned for more info about his solo album "Bossa Tokyo" to be released in October, before which another single will be released. THE IMAGE will also be releasing a new single in late November.

Michihiro Nakamura "Agua De Beber" (Download)
中村通宏 「Agua De Beber」

Mitch Records
Out now (8/25)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Maika Loubté has just released yet another new song from her forthcoming album "Lucid Dreaming"! She explains that "Flower In The Dark" is a song about sudden farewell, ghosts, and flowers. Watch the lyric video below directed by SAOU TV (aka Saou Tanaka) who had also made the one for "Spider Dancing". "Lucid Dreaming" is expected to be released on October 20. Stay tuned for details!

Maika has hinted that she will do an online show on September 4. Watch her Twitter or Facebook page not to miss the details.

Also, Maika will appear as a talk guest on DOMMUNE tomorrow August 27 from 19:00 (JST) on a program in promotion of French movie "Le choc du futur" which will start being screened in Japan on that day. A DJ set by MOODMAN playing only electronic music from 1977 to 1979 will follow the talk show.

Maika Loubté "Flower In The Dark" (Download)

Water Records
Out now (8/25)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Lyric video

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 http://lafaceb.live. Happy listening!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.19) was aired at http://lafaceb.live on August 25, 2021 from 22:00 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: August 26, 2021 from 11:00 a.m.

This episode was not archived as-is. Listen to the Spotify playlist of most of the songs, 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 that you can listen to.

1. Monari Wakita "Place" (2021)
(Japanese title: 脇田もなり 「Place」)

The opening track is the latest single by Wakita Monari. "Place" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) has music co-written by Toshiya Arai (COUNTJOKE) & Dorian (Twitter), with lyrics by YURINA da GOLD DIGGER (Magic, Drums & Love). Monari also took part in co-writing both the music and lyrics.

The song was also released on 7" for Record Store Day in June but seems to have sold out since.

🔈 Listen to Narration I
Presenting: Monari Wakita, Three Berry Icecream

2. Three Berry Icecream "That Summer We were Free" (2021)

Three Berry Icecream (Twitter) --the solo unit of Mayumi Ikemizu (an ex-member of Bridge)-- has just recently participated in a split-cassette on Indonesian label Shiny Happy Records, along with Indonesian band Funny Little Dream (SoundCloud). Although the cassette format seems to have sold out, the music is available digitally on Bandcamp.

Three Berry Icecream released vinyl LP "The Selection of Three Berry Icecream" at the end of last year. It is still available via label Disques Blue-Very's Bandcamp (also digitally), Jet Set and HMV.

An interview with Three Berry Icecream can be read at Cloudberry Records' blog. Also watch the remote session from earlier this year below (or on Facebook). According to her Twitter and Instagram, Three Berry Icecream has apparently been working on a new album lately!

3. Negicco "Sunshine Nihonkai" (2014)
(Japanese title: 「サンシャイン日本海」)

This song by idol group Negicco was written by Tajima Takao (Original Love). First released as a single in 2014, the next year it was also included on their album "Rice&Snow" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Negicco's latest new release is single "gozen 0ji no Sympathy" from last year. Last month they also released a new version of 2006 song "bokura wa tomodachi".

Also, an acoustic solo show by member Kaede, pre-recorded with no audience, will be streamed on September 3 (with archive viewable for a week). Find details here.

🔈 Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Negicco, Hideki Kaji

4. Hideki Kaji "Sunday Baby" (2019)
(Japanese title: カジヒデキ 「さんでーべいべー」)

This song by Hideki Kaji is from his latest album "Goth Romance" (Spotify, ). The song also features Maki Nomiya (ex-Pizzicato Five) on chorus.

In June, Hideki Kaji released a new song digitally titled "Dreams Never End", and another new song titled "Naked Coffee Affogato" will be released digitally on September 8!

5. Kanosare "STILL BE SHINE" (2020)
(Japanese title: カノサレ 「STILL BE SHINE」)

Kanosare is a girl vocal duo who were previously known as Her Serves & Receive (or in Japanese, kanojo no Serve & Receive). Following the release of their 2nd album, titled "Kanosare" (a shortened version of their longer name), they started using this name more officially.

This song is from that 2nd and latest album, "Kanosare" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), and it's actually a cover of Instant Cytron. The sound-producer of "Kanosare" is an ex-member of Instant Cytron, Matsuo Muneyoshi, and the album also featured member Nagase Gorō. Instant Cytron's singer Kataoka Tomoko sadly passed away less than two months before this release.

You can also find their 1st album "Service Ace" digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

6. P.O.P "Summer Pixel" (2021)
(Japanese title: P.O.P 「夏の解像度」)

P.O.P, the band fronted by twin rappers, released in June a 4th album titled "Band and Soul" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The title is a wordplay that sounds similar to Band ensō (band performance), putting the focus on the music being played by a full band.

This is a music video of the entire album! "Summer Pixel" starts at 7:42.

🔈 Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Kanosare, P.O.P, Kaseki Cider

7. Kaseki Cider "Tokonatsu Coconuts" (2017)
(Japanese title: かせきさいだぁ 「常夏ココナッツ」)

Kaseki Cider is a rapper always close to the Shibuya-kei scene, having been active since the mid-90's. "Tokonatsu Coconuts" is from his latest album "Onigiri University" (, Spotify). His music is backed by his official backband Hugtones.

Thank you for tuning in!

Find previous radio shows right here. You can also listen to some previous shows on Mixcloud.

Here are more music videos by the artists featured in this episode.

Monari Wakita "A la Espadrille"

Three Berry Icecream "Fine Day" live in Osaka in 2011

Negicco "gozen 0ji no Sympathy"

Hideki Kaji "Dreams Never End"

Kanosare (Her Serves & Receive) live performance from June 13, 2020

P.O.P "Summer Back Again" (360° VR video when viewed on YouTube site or app)

Kaseki Cider "Kung Fu Dance"

Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love is releasing a brand new 7" single of two songs! Like the other recent releases, it's produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (of Learners, Neil and Iraiza, Cubismo Grafico). The A-side is a 60s style girl pop song that highlights the singing of the now three girl members, while the B-side is a party tune sung by °C-want you! The 7" comes with a download code.

Magic, Drums & Love has gained two new members joined the band since their last release: keyboardist Machi Good Chance Summer and percussionist EL FALCO OB-LA-DA (aka Nakamura Hayato, the drummer of Kuchu Camera).

This release follows last year's "Amazon Night / Eyes, Hands, Height & Hair" 7" single, and album "Hurricane Upsetter" (2019), both also produced by Chabe.

Magic, Drums & Love "DANCEHALL! SUPREME! SHOOTING!" (7")

A. DANCEHALL! SUPREME! SHOOTING!
B. BUZZ BEE KO!

High Contrast/Vivid Sound HCR9707
Out 8/25, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

80KIDZ have released the third of their trilogy of "Angle" 7"s. This time it's the song "Your Closet" which featured YonYon, of which the original appeared on album "Angle", and for B-side a remix by yonkey as heard on "Angle Remixes".

The two previous singles were "Glasses feat. mabanua" (still available at Amazon and HMV at least) and "Magic feat. AAAMYYY" (which still can be found at Jet Set, Amazon and HMV).

80KIDZ "Your Closet feat. YonYon" (7")

A. Your Closet feat.YonYon
B. Your Closet feat.YonYon (yonkey Remix)

Kissing Fish Records KMKN85
Out now (8/18), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

This week came a massive drop of chelmico!

First is a solo album by member Suzuki Mamiko, her first full-length, titled "ms". The song "jam" features singer-songwriter iri. The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of a band-backed live performance of songs from previous mini-album "Deep Green" (2017) and a few from the new album too.

Also out at the same time are four(!) vinyl editions of chelmico releases: "POWER" (2018), "Fishing" (2019), "maze" (2020) and "COZY" (2021). Mini-album "COZY", which was released in April, had yet to be released physically. Scroll down for all details.

suzuki mamiko "ms"
鈴木真海子 「ms」

CD
1. Lazy river
2. judenchu
3. jam (feat. iri)
4. money
5. hear things
6. some Saturday
7. Paeonia japonica
8. R
9. untitled

DVD (Limited edition only)
1. Lazy river
2. kinmokusei
3. Blue
4. judenchu
5. untitled
6. Contact TOSHIKI HAYASHI(%C) remix
7. Paeonia japonica

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Warner Music WPZL-31888
Out 8/18, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV (10% off *), Tower Records ^†,
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
Warner Music WPCL-13302
Out 8/18, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

chelmico "POWER" (12")

A1. Power
A2. Player
A3. OK, Cheers!
A4. Get It
A5. BANANA
A6. Summer Time
A7. UFO
B1. E.P.S.
B2. Good Morning
B3. Date
B4. Highlight
B5. gogo
B6. Love Is Over (1UP Version)

Warner Music WPJL-10139
Out 8/18, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

chelmico "Fishing" (12")

A1. Exit
A2. Sōkenbicha no Rap
A3. himitsu
A4. Navy Love
A5. Balloon
A6. Fishing (Interlude)
B1. Beer Bear
B2. 12:37
B3. Summer Day
B4. nakanaori mura
B5. Switch
B6. Bye

Warner Music WPJL-10140
Out 8/18, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

chelmico "maze" (12")

A1. Easy Breezy
A2. Terminal chaku, soku Dance
A3. Jiki
A4. douyara, watashi wa
A5. Maze
A6. Limit
A7. iru yo
B1. gohan dayo
B2. Premium Natsu Mansion
B3. Disco (Bad Dance Doesn't Matter)
B4. Energy
B5. Milk
B6. Green

Warner Music WPJL-10141
Out 8/18, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

chelmico "COZY" (12")

A1. To Be Continued
A2. COZY
A3. mustard
B1. Bored
B2. N.E.S.
B3. cupcake ATM

Warner Music WPJL-10142
Out 8/18, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Lazy river"

"jam (feat. iri)"

Funky idol group Philosophy No Dance has released a new EP titled "Double Standard", including the recently digitally released song of the same name, plus two new songs and a remix by Night Tempo. "Double Standard" is the ending theme of anime "mahōka kōkō no yūtōsei" (aka "The Irregular at Magic High School").

In formats similar to the previous release, "Cup Ramen Program", there are two limited editions with each an extra Blu-ray disc, one of which contains a recent online show and the other containing the music video plus anime ending theme. The digital edition has instrumental versions of the 4 songs (, Spotify).

A free online event will be held on August 22 from 19:00 (JST), viewable on their YouTube channel. Find details here.

Philosophy no Dance "Double Standard"
フィロソフィーのダンス 「ダブル・スタンダード」

CD
1. Double Standard
2. Wake Up Dance
3. Summer Is Over
4. Telephonism (Night Tempo Melting Groove Mix)

Live Blu-ray (Limited edition type A only)
Online Live "Cup Ramen Night" 2021.05.01
1. Don't Stop The Dance
2. Idol Philosophy
3. kōkando agetai!
4. Vital Temptation
5. Telephonism
6. nande?
7. Cup Ramen Program
8. Focus
9. Optimistic Love
10. Dance Founder
11. "Telephonism" Online Live "Cup Ramen Night" oshi Camera ver.
12. "Double Standard" Music Video Making Movie

Music video Blu-ray (Limited edition type B only)
1. Double Standard (Music Video)
2. TV Anime "mahōka kōkō no yūtōsei" Non-credit Ending Movie

Regular edition (CD only)
Sony Music SRCL-11860
Out now (8/18), ¥1136 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Limited edition type A (CD + Blu-ray type A)
Sony Music SRCL-11858
Out now (8/18), ¥5909 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Limited edition type B (CD + Blu-ray type B)
Sony Music SRCL-11861
Out now (8/18), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Double Standard"

Nagie Lane is an a cappella group of six, which aims to make city pop and dance music with no instrument other than their voices! Their new digital single that has just been released is a cover of Pizzicato Five's "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (aka "the night is still young"). Check it out on your favorite digital platform, and also watch the live performance below posted on their YouTube channel this last weekend.

This version will be included on Nagie Lane's upcoming album "Interview" to be released on September 22 (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV). Nagie Lane was formed in 2018, and they had so far released mini-albums and singles.

Nagie Lane "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji (future a cappella ver.)" (Download)
Nagie Lane 「東京は夜の七時 (future a cappella ver.)」

For Life Music Entertainment
Out now (8/18)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Live performance

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu reached today her 10th anniversary since the release of "moshimoshi Harajuku" (2011)! She has come a long way! Congratulations!

Today she has released digitally a brand new song titled "Gentenkaihi", as always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). An instrumental version is also available. This song is the follow-up to "Gum Gum Girl" released on her birthday on January 29.

The music video can be watched on Kyary's official YouTube.

An extensive tour of Japan spanning from January to July 2022. Check out the 10th anniversary special site if you haven't yet.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Gentenkaihi" (Download)
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「原点回避」

1. Gentenkaihi
2. Gentenkaihi (Instrumental)

KRK LAB
Out now (8/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

"Gentenkaihi"

This is a 7" of two Wada Akiko covers, both of which were first released part of tribute album "ano kane o narasu no wa atashi ~ a everybody sing the soul music of Wada Akiko" (2003, OTOTOY, (Japan)).

Featured are hit songs "furui nikki" and "natsu no yoru no Samba", covered respectively by Nagisa Yōko (who passed away in 2018, R.I.P.) and Ōnishi Yukari & Shinsekai.

Nagisa Yōko / Ōnishi Yukari & Shinsekai "furui nikki / natsu no yoru no Samba" (7")
渚ようこ / 大西ユカリと新世界 「古い日記 / 夏の夜のサンバ」

A. Nagisa Yōko / furui nikki
B. Ōnishi Yukari & Shinsekai / natsu no yoru no Samba

P-Vine P745-29
Out 8/18, ¥1800 (excl. tax)
CDJapan, Tower (Japan only), HMV, Amazon, Jet Set

Two covers of Crazy Ken Band are being released on 7"! On the A-side is a cover of "GT - Gran Turismo -" by Shibata Satoko, and on the B-side one of "Japanese Night" performed by Jintana & Emeralds. Aside from the 7" format, both songs are also already available digitally (, Spotify).

Yokoyama Ken (aka Crazy Ken) is celebrating this year the 40th anniversary since his debut (in 1981 with band Cools RC). Crazy Ken Band will release a cover album titled "suki nandayo" on September 8. Also, Jintana & Emeralds have a brand new album coming on September 15, titled "Emerald City Guide"! Stay tuned for details!

Shibata Satoko / Jintana & Emeralds "GT / Japanese Night" (7")
柴田聡子 / JINTANA & EMERALDS 「GT / ジャパニーズ・ナイト」

A. Shibata Satoko / GT - Gran Turismo -
B. Jintana & Emeralds / Japanese Night

P-Vine P7-6281
Out 8/18, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Trailer clip

Tweedees, the unit of Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals) and singer Kiyoura Natsumi, has just released a new EP digitally of songs inspired by manga "kokkyō no Emilia" in which the duo was featured. Also included is a new version of "utsukushii uta wa itsumo kanashii", song which first appeared on 2018 album "Delicious" (, Spotify), as it was also quoted in the manga.

Check out the sampler clip below!

Tweedees "kyōkaisenjō ni fuku kaze e.p." (Download)
TWEEDEES 「境界線上に吹く風 e.p.」

1. kyōkaisenjō ni fuku kaze
2. Jūgatsu-kakumei eki no Theme
3. utsukushii uta wa itsumo kanashii (ver.2021)

KTP Inc.
Out now (8/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Sampler clip

HallKariMaako (Twitter), the recently formed unit of HALLCA (ex-Especia), Seira Kariya and AmamiyaMaako, has just released a new song today. This song's music and lyrics were written by member AmamiyaMaako.

"One day traveller" follows the release of EP "Terminal" out in March digitally and on CD (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV) and digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

A studio performance streamed on the day before the release can be viewed on Seira Kariya's IGTV (starting around 14:45).

HallKariMaako "One day traveller" (Download)
はるかりまあこ 「One day traveller」

HKM Project
Out now (8/11)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Halfby has just released a brand new song, which features Manila-based bedroom pop singer-songwriter Ruru (YouTube, Bandcamp, Spotify).

It has been almost 3 years since latest album "Last Aloha". This year Halfby is celebrating his 20th anniversary!

Halfby "Calm as Day feat. Ruru" (Download)

P-Vine DGP-991
Out now (8/11)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Singer-songwriter Momoko Motion, previously active with Re:Served and also an ex-member of Futon (Thailand), is back with a new project called Momoko Motion and Quilts, and she aims to release a full album titled "Lemon is gray" next year. Until then songs will be released one-by-one, and the first of those has just been released today!

"High" is a song originally by Futon, and which has been covered by Maki Nomiya (on album "Party People"). This time Momoko sings the song in its original English version. Check out the music video below!

More songs should be released every one or two months. Stay tuned with Momoko Motion's upcoming releases by following her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Momoko Motion and Quilts "High" (Download)

3rdeyedisc
Out now (8/11)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Rock'n'roll band The Neatbeats are releasing their latest single "WAH! GYU! DE! TWIST!" on 7" and CD! The title song was written for comedy duo Wagyu, after that the duo had been using their song "Hamburg Twist" in their sketches. A newly recorded version of that song is included for B-side.

The two songs are also available digitally (, Spotify). This followed another single released last year titled "Sneakey Baby" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

The Neatbeats "WAH! GYU! DE! TWIST!"

A. WAH! GYU! DE! TWIST!
B. HAMBURG TWIST 2021

7" edition
Majestic Sound MS45-076
Out 8/11, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

CD edition
Majestic Sound MSSCD-099
Out 8/11, ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Niigata-based idol group RYUTist has just released a brand new song digitally! "Party o tsuzukeyō!" (translates to "Let's continue the party!") was written by connie (main producer of Negicco) and arranged by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table).

This follows the single "Mizugarasu" released digitally in May, which was followed by a vinyl release.

RYUTist "Party o tsuzukeyou!" (Download)
RYUTist 「パーティーを続けよう！」

Penguin Disc
Out now (8/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

lyrical school have released a new digital EP, titled "Playback Summer ver.1.2". A collection of all of lyrical school's best summer tracks, this upgraded version adds a new summer track to the series that started last year. The brand new song "Pakara!" has lyrics written by valknee, and has music written & produced by BAILEFUNK KAKEKO (aka DJ nonono).

lyrical school's previous released is brand new album "Wonderland", also out on vinyl for Record Store Day in July (Jet Set, HMV).

lyrical school "PLAYBACK SUMMER ver.1.2" (Download)

1. Pakara!
2. YABAINATSU (taken from the album "Wonderland")
3. One Second Summer (taken from the album "BE KIND REWIND")　
4. Baby In Summer Vacation (taken from the album "WORLD'S END")
5. Return Of The Eternal Summer (taken from the album "WORLD'S END")
6. Last Summer (taken from the EP "OK!")
7. YOUNG LOVE (taken from the album "BE KIND REWIND")

Victor Entertainment/Connectone
Out now (8/4)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

"Pakara!" teaser clip

Rapper valknee has just released a new track digitally, titled "Lip Lacquer"! The track was made by hirihiri, and takes inspiration from the Brazilian dance music genre "baile funk".

This song follows the release of "Sweetie 30" in March (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

valknee "Lip Lacquer (feat. hirihiri)" (Download)

valknee
Out now (8/4)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo) has just released a new solo song digitally. In terms of solo works, this follows EP "Kilaak" released in 2019 (, Spotify, YouTube Music). Check out the music video below.

Guitars were performed by Sawabe Wataru (Skirt) and Mori Tatsuya, and the mastering done by Illicit Tsuboi.

Satō Yūsuke often contributes songs or arrangements to other artists, and he most recently produced Kaede (Negicco)'s concept album "Youth - Original Soundtrack". He has also been seen regularly playing piano on her acoustic live streamings.

Satō Yūsuke "Utopia" (Download)

Fall Wait Records
Out now (8/4)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

(((sssurrounddd))) is back with a new EP out today! Titled "Soap Opera", it comes as a set of three songs available exclusively on Bandcamp. The title song only is also available on other streaming/download platforms (, Spotify). The music video below was directed and animated by singer Jun Kamoda.

(((sssurrounddd))) is now formed of two members, Jun Kamoda (Facebook) (aka Illreme) and XTAL.

Exclusive T-shirts for the release are also sold via Bandcamp (edition of 10, with only 4 remaining at time of writing).

(((sssurrounddd))) "Soap Opera" (Download)
(((さらうんど))) 「Soap Opera」

1. Soap Opera
2. Avenger
3. Desert Storm

Jun Records JUN015
Out now (8/6)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp

"Soap Opera"

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 the two.

Both songs can be sampled at Jet Set.

Robochu & VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "Science Fiction" (7")
ロボ宙 & VIDEOTAPEMUSIC 「サイエンス・フィクション」

A. Science Fiction
B. Amazing World

Omiyage OMIYAGE004
Out now (8/4), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Science Fiction"

"Amazing World"

Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde released today a new album titled "TOKYOPOP2" which consists of remixes plus some new songs! Remixers include Pasocom Music Club, YUC'e, Android52 (Germany), Yeule (UK) and KOTONOHOUSE.

HMV gives away a promo plastic folder (while supplies last).

An album titled "TOKYOPOP" had been released on January 1, 2020, which was followed by another original album titled "Avantdemic" in November.

Urbangarde's recent show part of the "Live Avantdemic Tour" is still viewable archived until August 6 (JST). Find details here.

Urbangarde "TOKYOPOP2"

1. Tokyo Explosion, Afterwards of Afterwards (Tokyo bakuhatsu, sonogo no sonogo)
2. Androgynos
3. Bloody Maria (kizudarake no Maria) (Pasocom Music Club REMIX)
4. The Mirror Seller (Kagamiya-san) (YUC'e REMIX)
5. Be Your Angel (tenshi ni shiyagare) (Android52 REMIX)
6. Akuma des Akuma (Yeule REMIX)
7. Heisei Death Game (Heisei shibō Yuugi) (KOTONOHOUSE REMIX)
8. Alice in the Cities (tokai no Alice) (YOYOGI YOBIKOU ver-β)
9. Tokyo REMIX

FABTONE FBAC-150
Out 8/4, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Androgynos"

Instrumental band LITE and DÉ DÉ MOUSE have just released a new instrumental track titled "Minatsuki Sunset". Hear it in full in the official audio clip below, or via your favorite streaming/download platform.

This is their 2nd collaboration, following the song "Samidare" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) released in May.

A show of LITE will be held on October 16 at Shibuya Tsutaya O-East, and will feature guests DÉ DÉ MOUSE and avengers in sci-fi. It can be viewed online via Zaiko. Find details here

LITE x DÉ DÉ MOUSE "Minatsuki Sunset" (Download)

I want the moon/not records
Out now (7/30)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Official audio

Girl chorus group Machida Girls' Choir has just released a brand new song digitally, titled "Planetarium no aru machi de" (roughly translates to "In a town where there's a planetarium"). The song's music and lyrics were written by Tetsurō Yafune, who also did the arrangement.

The group reached last month the 6th anniversary of its first stage performance.

Machida Girls' Choir "Planetarium no aru machi de" (Download)
まちだガールズ・クワイア 「プラネタリウムのある町で」

SAT Records/Machida Sonic LLC.
Out now (8/1)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Chie Horiguchi, best known as the lead guitarist of Learners, is about to release a first solo album in September titled "Outsider"! But first here comes a 7" single of the song "Watch Your Back", with for exclusive B-side a cover of Neil Young's "Pocahontas". Only the A-side is available digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music). Check out the teaser clip below.

The featured musicians are Miyashita Kosuke (Phono Tones) on pedal steel guitar, Nakamura "Mr. Mondo" Takumi (The Neatbeats) on drums, and Kitajima Hiroyuki (The Rodeos).

Stay tuned for details on the album, of which CD and vinyl editions are already pre-orderable. Chie previously also released an album with her band Chie & The Wolf Baits in 2017 (, Spotify).

Chie Horiguchi "Watch Your Back" (7")
堀口知江 「WATCH YOUR BACK」

A. Watch Your Back
B. Pocahontas

KiliKiliVilla KKV-111VL
Out now (7/30), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Watch Your Back" teaser

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 at Shibuya La.mama. It can be viewed online via Twitcasting, with the archive viewable until October 4. Find details here.

Kohinata Yui "Sekai ga Naiteru"
小日向由衣 「世界が泣いてる」

1. sekai ga naiteru
2. mudazukai
3. korogaru
4. watashi wa kamisama
5. Monochrome
6. sefure
7. yumemiru hitsujichan
8. SOS
9. sakura hirahira koigokoro
10. te to te
11. anata to Misaki Donuts
12. soredemo sekai wa utsukushii

Narisu Records NRSD-25100
Out 7/27, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler clip