Tokyo's Coolest Sound

HALLCA has just released a 2nd original album, titled "Paradise Gate", the follow-up to "Villa" (2019)! Included are a bunch of new songs, plus last year's "Twisted Rainbow" and "Pink Medicine", and also the two songs released digitally earlier this month, "Precious Flight" and "Labyrinth", as well as a new PellyColo-arranged version of her collaboration song with kiarayui, "Strawberry Moon". Watch the new music video for "Labyrinth" below!

The CD comes in a 7"-sized sleeve.

A few days before the release, HALLCA performed all of the album's songs from her home studio on her YouTube weekly program. Tune in every Sunday from 21:00 (JST) to hear a few songs and also chat.

HALLCA "Paradise Gate"

1. Precious Flight
2. Paradise Gate
3. Pink Medicine
4. Sweet Pain
5. Labyrinth
6. Spiral
7. Strawberry Moon (feat. kiarayui)
8. Fall Back asleep
9. Twisted Rainbow

Magellan-Blue MGLB-0004
Out 11/24, ¥2727 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Paradise Gate"

"Labyrinth"

"Twisted Rainbow"

"Pink Medicine"

"Strawberry Moon" teaser clip

Hideki Kaji has just released a new single, titled "Claire's Knees and Christmas". This song was co-produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza) and is performed together with Koncos as the back-band. Check out the music video below!

This follows two more digital singles released earlier this year: "Naked Coffee Affogato" and "Dreams Never End".

A double-LP vinyl edition of Hideki Kaji's debut album "Mini Skirt" (1997) will be released for Record Day on November 27! It can already be pre-ordered at disques blue-very, Jet Set, HMV, etc.

Hideki Kaji participated in a show last weekend together with Three Berry Icecream (releasing a new album on Record Day) and Grenfelle. It can be watched via streaming until November 30 via Twitcasting. Tickets are ¥2500 (+ service fee ¥100). Don't miss it!

Hideki Kaji "Claire's Knees and Christmas" (Download)
カジヒデキ 「クレールの膝」
(Japanese title: "Claire no hiza")

1. Claire's Knees and Christmas
2. Claire's Knees and Christmas (Instrumental)

Blue Boys Club / AWDR/LR2 / SSNW
Out now (11/24)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Pianist and singer-songwriter Tetsurō Yafune is about to release a new full-length album on December 15, which is entirely produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One)! With the title "uta, Piano, Bass, Drums." (uta means song/singing), the album will feature original songs and covers including even two duets with Maki Nomiya (Pizzicato Five covers!).

In advance of that album, here first comes a 7" cut of two of the more dancefloor-friendly songs, which are covers of Tatsurō Yamashita's "A Sweet & Dangerous Scent" ("amaku kiken na kaori") and Kiyoshi Hasegawa's "A Transparent Moment" ("tōmei na hitotoki o"). The music is performed by Tetsuro's trio, with Katsuto Suzuki on bass and Ryūsuke Kakizawa on drums. The single is also available digitally.

Tetsuro Yafune has played piano in the live band of Pizzicato One, which can be heard on live album "The Night Before: Pizzicato One In Person". Earlier this year he also produced the album of Yuri Kirihara, "Sophisticated Baby", of which the music is performed by his same trio as on this new single and album. Stay tuned for details of the album!

Tetsuro Yafune "A Sweet & Dangerous Scent / A Transparent Moment" (7")
矢舟テツロー 「あまく危険な香り / 透明なひとときを」
(Japanese title: "amaku kiken na kaori / tōmei na hitotoki o")

A. A Sweet & Dangerous Scent
B. A Transparent Moment

Urban Discos URDC34
Out now (11/24), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY, Juno (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler clip

After the three "Pizzicato Five On Demand" digital releases over the last three months (see the Takanami keitaro, Konishi yasuharu and Nomiya maki editions), here comes a Pizzicato Five 2-CD compilation made of songs from those that were made available digitally. Among many favorites, several vinyl-only and non-album tracks are included, and also the previously unreleased cover of Kraftwerk's "Tachenrechner" (aka "Dentaku"). Konishi Yasuharu supervised new edits and mixes of the songs, and also did the art direction.

Also don't miss the 7" of "À Tokyo" and "Playboy Playgirl", to be released on November 27 for Record Day 27. Pre-orders can still be placed at Amazon at least.

Maki Nomiya will perform at Billboard Live Yokohama on December 18, in an event for the release of pianist/singer-songwriter Tetsurō Yafune's new album "uta, Piano, Bass, Drums." which is produced by Konishi Yasuharu (stay tuned for details on this site soon!). Several Pizzicato Five songs will be performed live. Konishi Yasuharu will also be there to DJ.

Pizzicato Five "pizzicato five in hi-fi" (2CD)
ピチカート・ファイヴ 「高音質のピチカート・ファイヴ」
(Japanese title: "kōonshitsu no Pizzicato Five")

Disc 1
1. London-Paris
2. Vacance
3. Ohayo
4. Thank You
5. Telepathy
6. Funky Lovechild
7. Tout Va Bien (Pizzicatomania Meets Rudie)
8. Groovy Is My Name
9. Strawberry Sleighride
10. Go Go Dancer
11. Superstar
12. Shopping Bag
13. Hippie Day
14. Happy Sad (TYO Version)
15. The Secret Garden
16. Catwalk

Disc 2
1. Domino
2. Passing By (Friendly Friends)
3. The Awakening (Demo Version)
4. Gin-chan no Love Letter
5. Arigato We Love You
6. A New Song (Single Version)
7. Magic Twin Candle Tale
8. Playboy Playgirl
9. The Great Invitations
10.Tout, tout pour ma cherie
11. La guerre est finie (Single Version)
12. A Room with a View
13. A World Without You
14. À Tokyo
15. Kimono
16. Tachenrechner (Dentaku) (Previously unreleased Kraftwerk cover)
17. The Night Is Still Young (The Last Episode)

********* records / Nippon Columbia COCP-41652
Out 11/24, ¥3200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Habana-based group Kono y Los Chicos de Cuba, led by Japanese percussionist Haruhiko Kōno, is releasing a Cuban salsa cover of Pizzicato Five's "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (aka "The night is still young")! Konishi Yasuharu praised the cover saying that it's the song he now wants most on 7".

It's so far on this CD only, containing Spanish and Japanese versions. Watch the music video below.

Kono y Los Chicos de Cuba "Tokio a las 7 de la Noche"
Kono y Los Chicos de Cuba 「東京は夜の七時」
(Japanese title: "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji")

1. Tokio a las 7 de la Noche
2. Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji

‎AIYOU Records AIYOU-0002
Out now (11/21), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Tokio a las 7 de la Noche"

Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi (Instagram), who composed "Lum no Love Song" (the popular theme song of "Urusei Yatsura"), is back with a brand new "rebooted" version of it with a jungle beat. The B-side is also a self-cover of an anime theme song, "Bambutsuruten" from "Tokyo Gambo" (music video of the original version).

Remixes of "Lum no Love Song" by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella, xiangyu), Gus Bonito (of Kero Kero Bonito) and Limited Toss are also being prepared!

Re-issues of six albums of Mimi's will be released on CD on November 24: "Orange Sky - Endless Summer" (1978), "Sea Flight" (1978), "Coconuts High" (1981), "Nuts, Nuts, Nuts" (1982), "Tropicana" (1983) and "iK.i" (1989). To learn more about Mimi and her career, check out this interview of last year translated from Japanese by Tokyo's Coolest Sound.

Izumi Kobayashi "Lum no Love Song (Reboot) / Bambutsuruten" (Download)
小林泉美 「ラムのラブソング (Reboot) / 万物流転」

1. Lum no Love Song (Reboot)
2. Bambutsuruten

FMP, UMP
Out now (11/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"Bambutsuruten" Short movie Ver.1

"Bambutsuruten" Short movie Ver.2

Here comes the third of the "Pizzicato Five On Demand" trilogy! The "Takanami keitaro edition" and "Konishi yasuharu edition" are of course followed by the "Nomiya maki edition", with this time 38 tracks! Some vinyl-only and non-album tracks are included, as well as a previously unreleased cover of Kraftwerk's "Tachenrechner" (aka "Dentaku").

A 2-CD compilation based on these digital releases will be released on November 24, with some new edits & new mixes by Konishi Yasuharu, the whole all newly remastered this year.

A 7" will be released for the upcoming Record Day 2021 on November 27, containing the songs "À Tokyo" and "Playboy Playgirl". Pre-orders can be placed at Amazon, HMV, etc.

Pizzicato Five "Pizzicato Five On Demand (Nomiya maki edition)" (Download)
ピチカート・ファイヴ 「配信向けのピチカート・ファイヴ その3 野宮の巻」
(Japanese title: "haishin muke no Pizzicato Five sono 3 Nomiya no maki)

1. Silent Night (A Cappella)
2. Silent Night (One Hundred Voices)
3. Thank You
4. Flower Drum Song
5. Telepathy
6. Silent Night (From the Album "Instant Replay")
7. Groovy Is My Name
8. Go Go Dancer
9. Love Love Show
10. Hippie Day
11. The Secret Garden
12. Catwalk
13. The World's Spinning at 45 r.p.m.
14. We'll Turn The World (The Earth Goes Around)
15. Collision and Improvisation
16. Arigato We Love You
17. A New Song (Single Version)
18. Rolls Royce
19. Magic Twin Candle Tale
20. Concerto
21. Playboy Playgirl
22. The Great Invitations
23. Stars
24. Week-end (Piano Mix)
25. Drinking Wine (Alternate Cut)
26. Tout, tout pour ma cherie
27. Room Service
28. A Perfect World
29. La guerre est finie (Single Version)
30. La guerre est finie
31. A Room with a View
32. A World Without You
33. À Tokyo (feat. Shigeru Matsuzaki & YOU THE ROCK★)
34. Sakura Sakura
35. Kimono
36. Ça et là
37. Tachenrechner (Dentaku) (Previously unreleased Kraftwerk cover)
38. The Night Is Still Young (The Last Episode)

********** records / Nippon Columbia COKM-43499
Out now (11/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

If you're looking for MIDORINOMARU's 6th album "Mellow", find it here!

Instrumental piano & drums duo MIDORINOMARU, formed of pianist NiKA and drummer Akihiro Mitsuboshi (both also members of The ZOOT16), just recently released a new album titled "Mellow" which is available so far only on CD via their official online shop (shipping within Japan). This is the first digital release of a song from the album, its opening track titled also "Mellow". It seems that more digital singles will follow in the next two months.

Check out the teaser clip below, and go listen on your favorite platform. While there, also listen to their previous album "New Day" (2020, , Spotify, YouTube Music).

MIDORINOMARU will hold their 10th-anniversary show on November 27 from 19:30 at Sangenjaya a-bridge, and the show will be streamed live on their official YouTube channel (countdown clock). Find all details of their upcoming shows in their website's live schedule.

MIDORINOMARU "Mellow" (Download)
MIDORINOMARU 「メロウ」

Permanent Record
Out now (11/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Teaser clip

【3ヶ月連続リリース】
先日発売したNew album『MELLOW』より今月から3ヶ月連続で一曲ずつ配信決定。
第一弾は明日11月17日「メロウ」が配信スタート。
新しいMIDORIワールドを楽しんで下さい(^^)#前日告知 #メロウ #MELLOW #Spotify #AppleMusic #playlist #変化を楽しもう #midorinomaru pic.twitter.com/xOIljL3Wk6

— MIDORINOMARU official (@midorinika0504) November 16, 2021

Experimental rock band Boris (Facebook page) has just released a new single. The songs use a new fuzz effector called Hizumitas made by Japanese company Wata. Only the title track "Reincarnation Rose" was released digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music), while B-side "You Will Know" is a 20-minute ambient track that's only available on this CD. Featured musicians are suGar Yoshinaga (Buffalo Daughter) and bassist Tokie. Check out the music video below directed by Yutaro.

Boris' latest album is "NO" (2020) and it was just recently made available digitally (, YouTube Music). Also drop by Boris' Bandcamp where some more recent releases can be found.

boris "Reincarnation Rose"

1. Reincarnation Rose
2. You Will Know

KiliKiliVilla KKV-126
Out now (11/17), ¥1637 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Way Wave's latest two songs, "Wavy Girl" and "Dance Party" released digitally earlier this year, are now being released on 7"! Both of the songs were produced by soul & funk band EMILAND. "Wavy Girl" was written by EMILAND's front member and guitarist Ultra Emi, while "Dance Party" was written by Way Wave's Yuna. Check out the music video & trailer clip below.

In-store events will be held at Tower Records Shibuya on November 17 from 19:00 (with a mini live show), and at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta on November 21 from 15:00 (with a talk event). Way Wave's next show is on November 23 morning at Shibuya La.mama, and will feature also Yoshida Tetsuto. See Way Wave's full schedule for all details.

Also, it has just been announced that Way Wave will release a 3rd album titled "Venus Step" on December 22! Included will be these two songs and many new ones (one written by Yoshida Tetsuto), plus a cover of Crazy Ken Band's "kakkoii Boogaloo". Stay tuned for details!

WAY WAVE "WAVY GIRL" (7")

A. WAVY GIRL
B. DANCE PARTY

P-Vine Records P7-6287
Out 11/17, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"WAVY GIRL"

"DANCE PARTY"

"DANCE PARTY" trailer clip

Childish Tones (Twitter) feat. Beni Usakura (Twitter, Instagram) is releasing a brand new 7" single! The A-side is a brand new original song titled "Girls Wanna See No Cry", of which the lyrics were written by Minatani Kikumi (of Nagoya-based lo-fi guitar pop band BLUEVALLEY). And on the flipside is a cover of The Choir's "It's Cold Outside" in a Japanese version and rearranged with a touch of Lovin' Spoonful's "Do You Believe In Magic". Watch the music video for the title song below! The music video, filmed by Atsuko Fujita using a toy camera, features a surprise appearance of Chie Horiguchi (Learners) who did the styling.

The 7" comes with a download code, which includes for bonus track a re-edit by Blue Boys Club, the DJ unit of Hideki Kaji and Hitoshi "KINK" Suzuki (designer of this 7"). The re-edit was mixed by Yasufumi Ueda (of Harvard). Those in Japan can also order directly from label KiliKiliVilla.

The title song, the Blue Boys Club Re-Edit, and also an alternate version of the title song as Childish Tones feat. BLUEVALLEY, sung by singer Minatani Kikumi who wrote the lyrics, will be released digitally a week in advance on December 17.

Childish Tones is a band led by Nemoto De Chôbeaullet that plays rock'n'roll using toy instruments. Also featuring guitarist Nishioka Diddley (who recently released solo album "Bedroom to Outer Space"), this is the first release with the band's current line-up, with Lollipop Ann-Chang on chorus and recorder (among other instruments), Carole Ai❣️ (of The Tomatoes) on percussions, and Pat The Benny (that's me!) on toy drums. This single also features toy piano & toy organ played by Honma Domino of The Bohemians.

This release is the follow-up to Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura's full-length album "God Bless the Girls" (2020). Meanwhile a 7" single by Childish Tones titled "Country Girl" was also released.

Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura "Girls Wanna See No Cry / tsumetai hatsukoi (It's Cold Outside)" (7"+Download code)
CHILDISH TONES feat.宇佐蔵べに 「GIRLS WANNA SEE NO CRY / 冷たい初恋 (IT'S COLD OUTSIDE)」

7"
A. GIRLS WANNA SEE NO CRY
B. tsumetai hastukoi (IT'S COLD OUTSIDE)

+ Download code
Incl. bonus track: GIRLS WANNA SEE NO CRY - BLUE BOYS CLUB Re-Edit

Bootrec / KiliKiliVilla KKV-122VL
Out 12/10 12/24 2022/1/12, ¥1500 (excl. tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower (Japan only), Disk Shop Misery, Time Bomb Records, Vamp! Shop, Bandcamp

"Girls Wanna See No Cry"

This is the first album of Risa Cooper, the solo project of drummer Risa Okada (previously a member of band D.W. Nicols). Featured musicians include Sekitori Hana, Nakazawa Hiroki (Going Under Ground), Maeda Kyōsuke (androp), Fan Fan (ex-Quruli), Suzuki Kenta (D.W. Nicols), Yoshida Ken and bjons.

The songs "Magic Hour Comes" and "habata Kiss" were released on 7" for Record Day 2020

Risa Cooper "Risa Land"

1. BE ALRIGHT
2. Magic Hour Comes
3. yugure shōnen
4. Bookmark Serenade
5. daiji na jikan
6. Full Moon Soup
7. Heart ni Kiss de furesasete
8. hachikiresō
9. habata Kiss
10. fuyu o tomete

Narisu Records HYCA-8027
Out now (11/10), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"daiji na jikan"

"Magic Hour Comes"

Sampler clip

Negicco's Megu (Twitter, Instagram) has a new single out now! "So good" is her first rap song! It was produced by Kim Yasuhiro (producer of lyrical school), and has music written and arranged by Ueda Shūhei and lyrics by Okubo Junya (Ana, OLD Jr.) (both of who also contributed to songs of lyrical school).

The single is available as a 36-page photo book with CD, and also digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY).

Megu (Negicco) "So good" (CD+Book)

1. So good
2. So good (inst)

T-Palette Records TPRC0284
Out now (11/9), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

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://airtime.lafaceb.live:8000/lafaceb.mp3. Happy listening!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.21) was aired at http://lafaceb.live on November 11, 2021 from 20:00 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: November 12, 2021 from 10:00 a.m.

This episode was not archived as-is, but it was replayed at the times below:

EST (Montréal/New York) —

Fri. Nov. 12 at 16h, Mon. 15 at noon, Tue. 16 at 8h, Wed. 17 at 4h, Thurs. 18 at 0h

Japan time —

Sat. Nov. 13 at 6h, Tue. 16 at 2h, Tue. 16 at 22h, Wed. 17 at 18h, Thurs. 18 at 14h

Listen to the Spotify playlist of most of the songs (some replaced 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 that you can listen to.

1. kimriri "crush on you" (2020)

kimriri (Instagram) is a high school student in Tokyo, who began making songs and posted her first on SoundCloud in May 2020. She then did her first release as a cassette tape single in November 2020. That single with the song "crush on you" is available digitally on Bandcamp.

Also check out kimriri's Instagram and Twitter to stay tuned of her activities.

Update (2022/2/23): "crush on you" has been released officially on digital platforms! Find it on , Spotify, OTOTOY, etc.

2. h-shallows + kazuhiro nishiwaki "Thinline" (2021)

This is a collaboration unit of h-shallows (aka Miki Hirose (Twitter)) and kazuhiro nishiwaki, who released a cassette tape album titled "we never sing the same song" earlier this year. The song "Thinline" appears on that album. It's available on cassette and digitally via Bandcamp.

While also playing in a number of different bands, such as one called The Moment of Nightfall which also recently released a cassette EP, guitarist Miki Hirose also plays in the recording band of Three Berry Icecream's new album from which a song is heard later on the show. Since h-shallows + kazuhiro nishiwaki's songs aren't on Spotify, on the radio show's Spotify playlist you'll find a song by one of Miki's previous bands named Smokebees. The song "Playpark" featured Mayumi Ikemizu (Three Berry Icecream).

Miki's upcoming live appearances include playing support guitar in two shows both on November 20. The first is with Three Berry Icecream at Shibuya Loft Heaven early afternoon (already sold out), and another one with band CAUCUS at Shinjuku Nine Spices from 6pm (details).

🎙 Listen to Narration I
Presenting: kimriri, h-shallows + kazuhiro nishiwaki, Francis

3. Francis "Sessomatto" (2021)

After four years of work, Francis (the solo project of Makoto Ori) has completed and released his brand new album "Bolero" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music)! This song features scat by Tomoko Kunimi (of nimit & co., Wack Wack Rhythm Band, Sloppy Joe), and a keyboard solo by Hirohisa Horie (Neil & Iraiza). Watch the music video below.

It had been 27 years since Francis' previous solo album "bUrNing BEar!" (Bandcamp, Spotify, (World), (Japan), YouTube Music). In the recent years he had also released two mini-albums in collaboration with Haruko Tajima: "Jamón, jamón" and "Zero Gravity Love".

A 7" of two songs from the album, "Repulsion" and "Coquette Marionnette", will be released on December 22. There's also a music video for "Repulsion" which be watched further down this page.

4. nicely nice "Time Of The Departure" (2021)

nicely nice is the solo project of Seiki Satō, the composing member of microstar. Sung by himself, this brand new 7" single "Time Of The Departure" is a catchy and spacey pop song. With for B-side a cover of Testpattern's "Beach Girl", the single was released this month for Record Day and is so far only available on vinyl.

A full-length album by nicely nice, titled "The Adventures of Nicely Nice" will be released on vinyl on November 27. Don't miss it if you're in for a dreamy synth-pop journey! Both the single and LP come with a download code.

Tokyo's Coolest Sound just recently did an interview with Seiki Satō and band The Courettes whose latest album he did the mixing, in a Wall of Sound style.

5. NUBACK "Down The Line" (2021)

NUBACK, the solo project of Dai Nakamura (BANK, Vacation Three, ex-Arch), just released a new EP titled "Sorekara" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music). Along with the title track which is sung are included three instrumentals, the last of which is "Down The Line".

NUBACK's 7" "When The Party Is Over", released on German label Growing Bin Records earlier this year, can be found at Jet Set, Juno (UK) and Growing Bin (Germany), etc. Other recent releases are EP "Still Life" (Bandcamp, Spotify, ), and one under the name Blank Music titled "My Name is Blank" (Bandcamp, Spotify, ).

🎙 Listen to Narration II
Presenting: nicely nice, NUBACK, Three Berry Icecream

6. Three Berry Icecream "Another World" (2021)

Three Berry Icecream, the solo unit of Mayumi Ikemizu (a former member of band Bridge), will be releasing a brand new album on November 27, titled "Three Berry Icecream". It's actually the first full-length album by Three Berry Icecream that was recorded over a short span with support musicians as a band, namely Osamu Shimada (The Caraway, Swinging Popsicle), Kiyotaka Sugimoto (orangenoise shortcut), Yasushi Sakurai (Corniche Camomile), Hisashi Iwabuchi (Sloppy Joe), Miki Hirose (h-shallows), as well as more guest musicians. The album was mastered by Seiki Satō (nicely nice, microstar).

"Another World" is the first song from the album to be available in advance digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music, all platforms).

Meanwhile, for more of Three Berry Icecream's music, check out the recent split-cassette with Funny Little Dream (Indonesia), and also the vinyl LP "The Selection of Three Berry Icecream" (2020).

7. Miho Tsujibayashi "Letter" (2019)
(Japanese title: 辻林美穂 「手紙」 "tegami")

This song is by singer-songwriter Miho Tsujibayashi (Twitter), from her 2nd album titled "Ombre" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Since that album, Miho also released in 2020 a series of 9 songs in collaboration with illustrator Natsumi Teraoka, which when put together they depict a story of one day. These can be enjoyed on YouTube, or found on iTunes, Spotify and OTOTOY.

Also, this year she took part singing on an EP by Koh-Gaku, titled "Opto 2: Tsujibayashi Miho" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music).

🎙 Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Miho Tsujibayashi, POLY

8. POLY "PRIDED" (2021)

POLY is the solo project of Chihiro Yasuda (a member of band Klang Ruler), a multi-artist who creates music and fashion. The song "PRIDED" is her latest solo track, released earlier this year digitally (Spotify, ) and then also on 7" on Typ!cal Records last month. It was arranged by Chocoholic. POLY wrote the music and lyrics and also did the jacket artwork.

Follow POLY's Instagram where she often shares covers and latest info. The band Klang Ruler she's part of also just released a new song on November 10, titled "Bibbidi-Bobbibi (feat. Rinne)" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Typ!cal Records keeps coming up with excellent releases of worldwide artists. Check out the label's website and Typ!cal Records' Bandcamp.

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.

kimriri "so mean"

h-shallows "illuminant" (Smokebees)

Francis "Repulsion"

nicely nice "The Adventures of Nicely Nice" album sampler clip

Dai Nakamura (NUBACK) "Another World" acoustic performance

Three Berry Icecream "Rainbow Mountain Road (Short ver.)"

Miho Tsujibayashi "Ombre" album sampler clip

POLY "Midnight Bedroom"

Mondo Grosso, the solo unit of Shinichi Ōsawa (lately also active with RHYME SO), has just released a greatest hits album that's filled with tracks taken from the project's 30 years of history. Some new remixes, new mixes and re-edits are included, and the whole was remastered by Shinichi Osawa himself. A new Japanese version of "Everything Needs Love" is included, with vocals newly recorded. Check out the music video below!

The album's limited edition comes with a Blu-ray disc of music videos. The CDs content is also available digitally, divided into three albums, one from each label.

Mondo Grosso "MONDO GROSSO OFFICIAL BEST" (2CD)

Disc 1
1. ANGER (Rhymin' for original) (MGOB RMSTRD)
2. VIBE-P-M (MASTERS AT WORK REMIX) (MGOB EDIT & RMSTRD)
3. SOUFFLES H (Live Version) (MGOB EDIT & RMSTRD)
4. TREE, AIR, AND RAIN ON THE EARTH (NIGHT FIRE CARNIVAL) (MGOB EDIT & RMSTRD)
5. INVISIBLE MAN (ORIGINAL BROWN) (MGOB EDIT & RMSTRD)
6. FAMILY (Hiroshi Fujiwara Remix) (MGOB EDIT & RMSTRD)
7. Give me a reason (MGOB EDIT & RMSTRD)
8. Closer (MGOB RMSTRD)
9. LIFE feat. bird (MGOB EDIT & RMSTRD)
10. BUTTERFLY (MGOB EDIT & RMSTRD)
11. NOW YOU KNOW BETTER (MGOB RMSTRD)

Disc 2
1. BLZ (MGOB EDIT & RMSTRD)
2. Everything Needs Love feat. BoA (RE-NEW)
3. SHININ' feat. Kj (MG + THE FLYING BED REMIX)
4. hikari feat. UA (MGOB NEW MIX)
5. Labyrinth [Vocal: Mitsushima Hikari] (MGOB NEW MIX)
6. TIME [Vocal: bird] (MGOB RMSTRD)
7. wakusei Tantra [Vocal: Saitō Asuka (Nogizaka 46)] (MGOB NEW MIX)
8. haru wa towa ni mezameru (Ver.1) [Vocal:UA] (MGOB RMSTRD)
9. itsuwari no Sympathy [Vocal: Aina The End (BiSH)] (MGOB RMSTRD)
10. One Temperature [Vocal: Big-O] (Big-O Extra Rises)
11. KEMURI [Vocal: RHYME] (CHILLIN' DUB)
12. Everything Needs Love feat. BoA (RE-NEW JP)

Blu-ray (Limited edition only)
1. ANGER (Rhymin' for original)
2. SOUFFLES H
3. Laughter in the rain
4. LIFE feat. bird
5. BUTTERFLY
6. NOW YOU KNOW BETTER
7. BLZ
8. Everything Needs Love feat. BoA
9. SHININ' feat. Kj
10. hikari feat. UA
11. Labyrinth [Vocal: Mitsushima Hikari]
12. TIME [Vocal: bird]
13. wakusei Tantra [Vocal: Saitō Asuka (Nogizaka 46)]
14. haru wa towa ni mezameru (Ver.1) [Vocal: UA]
15. itsuwari no Sympathy [Vocal: Aina The End (BiSH)]
16. One Temperature [Vocal: Big-O]
17. Everything Needs Love feat. BoA (RE-NEW JP)

Limited edition (2 CDs + Blu-ray)
A.S.A.B RZCB-87056
Out now (11/3), ¥4700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (2 CDs only)
A.S.A.B RZCB-87058
Out now (11/3), ¥3200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Everything Needs Love feat. BoA"

Sampler clip

DISCOMPO, the latest project of Dr.Usui (ex-Motocompo, (M)otocompo), has just released a new song titled "Merry go ahead". Like the previous ones, it features singer Izumi Mari.

This follows single "Shadow Venus" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), and "Rinkaku" (Music video), both of which were released in April.

DISCOMPO with Izumi Mari is formed of composer Dr.Usui, guitarist (etc.) Junya Junya, VJ Nakama Hirohisa (also member of The Aprils) and singer Izumi Mari. The members have been holding a public meeting via Zoom every week, streamed live on Poplot's YouTube channel.

DISCOMPO with Izumi Mari "Merry go ahead" (Download)
DISCOMPO with 泉茉里 「Merry go ahead」

POPLOT
Out now (10/30)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

HALLCA has just released two new songs digitally, both of which will appear on new album "Paradise Gate" to be released on November 24!

The song "Precious Flight" was composed by HALLCA and arranged by PellyColo, while "Labyrinth" was composed and arranged by Rillsoul, with lyrics by HALLCA, and the latter was recorded with drums, bass, trumpet and guitar.

This advance release of the two songs happens on HALLCA's birthday, November 2. Happy birthday! She did a live streaming on this day, performing for the first time another new song titled "Spiral".

HALLCA "Precious Flight / Labyrinth" (Download)

Magellan-Blue Records
Out now (11/2)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"Labyrinth"

Record Day, previously happening only on November 3 for "Culture Day" (a public holiday), is being held on two separate days in 2021: November 3 and 27. Items can be ordered online without any delay.

Below is a list of records that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers should not want to miss, but there's are also many re-issues (city pop and more) that can be found in the full list. Be sure to check the release date of each item. November 27 will also have a lot of releases not to be missed, including a Pizzicato Five 7" ("À Tokyo / Playboy, Playgirl") and brand new albums by Three Berry Icecream and nicely nice, an EP and soundtrack by Towa Tei, a new single of COUNTJOKE and lots more.

Original Love "Free Soul Original Love 90s ~ Special 7inch Box" (7"x8)
オリジナル・ラブ 「Free Soul Original Love 90s ～ Special 7inch Box」

First released in 2016, this is a re-issue of a boxed set of eight 7"s of Original Love favorites. This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of Original Love.

1-A. The Rover
1-AA. seppun (Kiss) (Album Version)
2-A. Let's Go to the Dark Side of the Moon (Album Version)
2-AA. Sunshine Romance (Album Version)
3-A. Let's spend the night together
3-AA. Fiesta
4-A. As Time Goes By (Album Mix)
4-AA. DEEP FRENCH KISS
5-A. Venus
5-AA. GIANT LOVE
6-A. LET'S GO!
6-AA. Scandal
7-A. Friends
7-AA. Look At Me, Look At You
8-A. futatsu no te no yō ni
8-AA. itsuka miageta sora ni

Universal Music UPKY-9054/61
Out 11/3, ¥7400 (excl. tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), CDJapan

microstar "Swing In The Life" (7")
マイクロスター 「日常のSwing」
(Japanese title: "nichijō no Swing")

7" release for the 25th anniversary of microstar! The A-side is a new acoustic swinging song, and the B-side is a self-cover of a song they wrote for Wakita Monari. A download code is included.

(Japanese titles in parentheses)
A. Swing In The Life (nichijō no Swing)
B. If I fall in love with you (koi o suru nara)

Vivid Sound/High Contrast HCR-9709
Out 11/3, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, disques blue-very
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

nicely nice "Time Of The Departure" (7")

nicely nice is the solo project of microstar composer Satō Seiki. The A-side is an original, and the B-side is a cover of Testpattern. The jacket was illustrated by Eguchi Hisashi. A download code is included.

Check out this recent exclusive interview of The Courettes and Seiki Satō.

A. Time Of The Departure
B. Beach Girl

Vivid Sound/High Contrast HCR-9708
Out 11/3, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, disques blue-very
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Mayo Shōno "otona no onna ni naru hōhō" (7")
庄野真代 「大人の女になる方法」
(Japanese title: "otona no onna ni naru hōhō")

7" cut of the opening track from city pop legend Mayo Shōno's 14th album "66" released earlier this year. The song was written by the two of microstar. The B-side is a ballad of which the music was written by Suzuki Yūdai.

(Japanese titles in parentheses)
A. Être une femme (microstar mix) (otona no onna ni naru hōhō)
B. Kleine Nächte Liebeslied (ai no uta)

Vivid Sound/High Contrast HCR-9710
Out 11/3, ¥1700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

The Caraway "Another Christmas Will Come Around This Year" (7")

The Caraway, solo unit of Shimada Osamu (of Swinging Popsicle), releases a 4-song Christmas EP on 7". A cover of Johnny Dee's "Goodbye Flip-Flap Guitar" is included.

Ordering directly at the label's shop disques blue-very or Bandcamp will get you a promo postcard (while supplies last). The EP is available in digital form at Bandcamp too.

A1. Another Christmas Will Come Around This Year
A2. Silent Night (Snow Flake Ver.)
B1. Electric Girl (Funk-a-Latina Ver.)
B2. Goodbye Flip-Flap Guitar

blue-very label blvd-026
Out 11/3, ¥1600 (excl. tax)
Order: Bandcamp, disques blue-very, HMV, Tower (Japan only), Jet Set

Pencils "4gatsu no yuki feat. Shiho (Sucrette) / The Lodgers feat. Misato (Crispy Camera Club" (7")
ペンシルズ 「四月の雪 feat.Shiho (Sucrette) /　The Lodgers feat.ミサト (Crispy Camera Club）

A new 7" of the duo Pencils, with an original song featuring Shiho (of Sucrette) and a cover of Style Council featuring Misato (of Crispy Camera Club). The jacket artwork is by Itō Yōichirō (Akakage). A download code is included.

A. 4gatsu no yuki feat. Shiho (Sucrette)
B. The Lodgers feat. Misato (Crispy Camera Club)

Unchantable Records UCT-039
Out 11/3, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

hitomitoi / Mizuno Mari "ai wa kokoro no shigoto desu / Aquamarine no mama de ite" (7")
一十三十一／ミズノマリ 「愛は心の仕事です／アクアマリンのままでいて」

Two dancefloor-friendly songs from the 2017 cover album "manatsu no Innocence sakushika Urino Masao Hits Covers". The A-side is a cover of Ra Mu's "ai wa kokoro no shigoto desu" sung by hitomitoi, and the B-side is a cover of Carlos Toshiki & Omega Tribe's "Aquamarine no mama de ite" sung by Mizuno Mari (paris match). The jacket photo is from 1989, of actress Asano Atsuko who starred in a TV drama series of which the theme song was this B-side.

A. ai wa kokoro no shigoto desu / hitomitoi
B. Aquamarine no mama de ite / Mizuno Mari (paris match)

Tokuma Japan / HMV record shop TJKA-10029
Out 11/3, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Kaede "Youth - Original Soundtrack" (12")

Vinyl edition of Kaede's recent album "Youth - Original Soundtrack", a concept album of an imaginary movie's soundtrack.

(Japanese titles in parentheses)
A1. Lumiere
A2. Chapter of Summer (natsu no jūjiro)
A3. Weather Report
A4. Malizia
A5. Eyes of the Spider (kaseki saishū)
B1. Fragments
B2. Olmo
B3. A Quiet Day in the Living Bombshell (ikiru bakudan)
B4. Room Number
B5. Youth

T-Palette Records TPRV-0057
Out 11/3, ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Slowly "Let The Music Take Your Mind" (2LP)

A 2-LP vinyl edition of the recent 2nd album of Slowly, "Let The Music Take Your Mind". An exclusive remix is included.

A1. Lost Weekend Dub (Introduction)
A2. The Right Way feat. Courtney John
A3. I Like It feat. Jasmine Kara
A4. Ain't Gonna Run No More feat. SA Martinez
B1. Not Over You feat. LUVRAW
B2. Tripping Out feat. Courtney John
B3. Willow Man feat. SA Martinez
B4. Let Some Love In feat. Jonny B. Lorenzo & Sareena Nicole
C2. Until The Break of Dawn
C1. My Everything feat. Courtney John
C3. Forever feat. LUVRAW
C4. Lost Weekend Dub
D1. Tripping Out feat. Courtney John (Soul Mix Long Version) (Previously Unreleased)
D2. I Like It feat. Jasmine Kara (Dub Version) (Bonus track)
D3. The Right Way feat. Courtney John (Al Breadwiner Dub Mix) (Bonus track)

Flower Records FLRL-014/5
Out 11/3, ¥4000 (excl. tax)
Order: HMV, Tower (Japan only), Jet Set

Yuta Bandoh "Towako's Diary - from 'Omame Towako to 3nin no moto otto" (12")
坂東祐大 「Towako's Diary - from "大豆田とわ子と三人の元夫"」

Selection of songs from the soundtrack of popular the TV drama series. Maika Loubté sang one of the theme songs. Three previously unreleased songs are included.

A1. ♭Tuning Up
A2. #mameo jokyoku ~ "Omame Towako to 3nin no moto otto"
A3. Katarō no Waltz - Office hen
A4. Kagome no okiniiri
A5. suki na hito no hanashi
A6. Finale
B1. Ils parlent de moi - Promenade hen feat. Maika Loubté
B2. Morning (Variation Theme) feat. Gretchen Parlato
B3. Attachments feat. LEO Imai
B4. Ils parlent de moi - horoyoi hen feat. Maika Loubté
B5. Crescent Morning feat. Cwondo
B6. All The Same feat. Gretchen Parlato

Nippon Columbia COJO-9432
Out 11/3, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Hatakeyama Miyuki "Diving into your mind" (7")
畠山美由紀 「Diving into your mind」

Vinyl edition of the first solo album by Hatakeyama Miyuki (Port of Notes, Double Faces), first released in 2002. The music was made in collaboration with Suzuki Masato (Little Creatures). More albums by Little Creatures are also being released on November 3.

A1. Diving into your mind
A2. tōi hi, tōi basho
A3. Here
A4. kagayaku tsuki ga terasu yoru
A5. ame wa oboeteiru deshō
B1. Into the whisper
B2. aoi yūnagi
B3. nanimo mayowazu ni
B4. watashi o yonda koe
B5. Dream a little dream of me

Universal Music / HMV record shop PROT-7147
Out 11/3, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Mariya Takeuchi "Plastic Love" (12")
竹内まりや 「Plastic Love」

"Plastic Love" 12" single with new artwork. Two albums are also being re-issued.

A. PLASTIC LOVE (Extended Club Mix)
B. PLASTIC LOVE (Original Version)

Warner Music WPJL-10152
Out 11/3, ¥2100 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

nicely nice "Time Of The Departure" teaser clip

Mayo Shōno "otona no onna ni naru hōhō" (from last year's release)

The Caraway "Another Christmas Will Come Around This Year" sampler clip

Kaede "Youth"

Slowly "Not Over You feat. LUVRAW"

Yuta Bandoh "Towako's Diary - from 'Omame Towako to 3nin no moto otto" CD edition sampler clip

Hatakeyama Miyuki "Diving into your mind"

Girl chorus group Machida Girls' Choir has released yet another new single digitally, this time a song written by Ishida Shōkichi.

This follows three more of the spacey series: "Planetarium no aru machi de" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), "Seven Stars" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) and "Voice In Space" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Machida Girls' Choir "hoshizora no Synthesizer" (Download)
まちだガールズ・クワイア 「星空のシンセサイザー」

SAT Records/Machida Sonic LLC.
Out now (11/1)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music