Tokyo's Coolest Sound

The last release of 2021 is an album by Morio Agata Ruby, the new unit of singer Morio Agata. Having started a new style of live events last year, by inviting fans to gather at the Asukayama Park with their guitar case (not for playing guitar but rather as a form of visual participation), this new album partly consist of sounds recorded at those gatherings. The album also has more recordings featuring other musicians, recorded in Otaru, Asukayama, Kawaguchi, Yamagata and Okinawa among other places. It's also described as the imaginary soundtrack of a documentary movie also titled "Wonder Ruby 2021" said to have been shot this year.

This release shortly follows a 2-CD collection of songs from the last 10 years, titled "Urashima Nisenjuu Nendai Senshuu". 2022 will be the 50th anniversary of Morio Agata's debut.

Morio Agata Ruby "Wonder Ruby 2021"
あがた森魚るびぃ 「わんだぁるびぃ 2021」

1. fushigi na norimono da ne futari de notteiru
2. meron meron
3. kagebōshi darake nan da yo
4. yoake no sononochi
5. tasogareru umi no shiro ~ Otaru no Rubyy
6. medama ga kururi to
7. Ruby ni furarete taiyōkei
8. chiisa na kissaten Parade
9. fushigi na norimono da ne (attoiu ma datta ne)
10. oyasumi
11. Ruby na Megalis
12. hikōki DADA2021

Qpora Purple Hz QPHZ023
Out now (12/29), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Singer Morio Agata has released a 2-CD compilation of some of the best songs from his last 10 years (2011-2020) during which he released a total of 14 albums at the pace of at least one every year. This album is the best way to catch up with the period that followed the 2011 disaster, which had prompted him to start releasing an album every year for 10 years.

Having at one point recently said that he might stop his activity as "Morio Agata", this greatest hits album is actually being followed shortly by another new album as new unit "Morio Agata Ruby". Watch for the details coming next in these pages! 2022 will be the 50th anniversary of Morio Agata's debut.

Morio Agata "Urashima Nisenjū Nendai Senshū" (2CD)
あがた森魚 「浦島二千十年代選集」

Disc 1
1. hikōki DADA2021
2. ore no shiranai Uchida Yūya wa ore no shitteru uchū no yūyake
3. Rurumoppe Bay Blue
4. Sawajiri Erika Blue.
5. machikado La Yumba
6. kodomo Album
7. nowaaru warutsu
8. onna to otoko no iru hodo (2021 version)
9. kaittei nimanri Parade (2021 version)
10. Gusuperi yōnenki
11. tsunnometterunda
12. meriken dangan tokkyū
13. Shōwa minatomachi 3 banchi
14. taiyō no Coney Island
15. Urashima 64
16. jūjiro jūbyō minatomachi

Disc 2
1. Urashima Fishing (Single Version)
2. yume ga kanaerareru machi de wa
3. Dylan65
4. gekko o-tobai
5. taiyō ga kureta umi no hibi
6. ushirosugata no tonakai rashiki
7. Party wa, mō oshimai
8. yoake no Radio
9. Babyland Babylon
10. haruichiban ni ikanakucha
11. nigerunda Yūrakuchō
12. sora o omou hi no koto
13. taiyokei to iu furusato (I Wonder Your Wonder)
14. chūgaeri shite kōtei de
15. Rock'n'Road o iku yo
16. shima Girl hoshi Girl
17. Boxing Day

Qpora Purple Hz QPHZ021
Out now (12/22), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Trailer clip

Tweedees, the unit of Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals) and singer Kiyoura Natsumi, has released this month a new digital mini-album titled "kokkyō no Emilia" inspired by the manga of the same name. This follows the Augustt release of "kyōkaisenjō ni fuku kaze e.p." which already contained three of the songs. The mini-album contains more of imaginary soundtrack pieces for the manga series.

Tweedees made an appearance in the manga's 25th chapter, which appeared in the 5th volume published also on December 10 (Amazon, HMV, CDJapan).

Tweedees "kokkyō no Emilia" (Download)
TWEEDEES 「国境のエミーリャ」

1. ai no Theme ~ Higashi Tokyo no Theme
2. no aibō
3. Jūgatsu-kakumei eki no Theme
4. Vrazof keibu no Theme
5. utsukushii uta wa itsumo kanashii (ver.2021)
6. kyōkaisenjō ni fuku kaze
7. itoshii hito wa itsumo tōi

KTP Inc.
Out now (12/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

"kyōkaisenjō ni fuku kaze e.p." sampler clip

Following her rebooted self-cover of "Lum no Love Song" last month, the song's composer Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi now brings a digital EP of its remixes by other artists. The "Mimix EP.1" features Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella, xiangyu), 3ASiC (a trackmaker from China), and Osaka producer Limited Toss.

The next EP of remixes will be released on January 12, with remixes by tofubeats, Korean producer T.WON, and SKYTOPIA. There's also been word that Kero Kero Bonito will be doing a remix too.　Stay tuned!

Six albums of Mimi's were re-issued on CD recently: "Orange Sky - Endless Summer" (1978), "Sea Flight" (1978), "Coconuts High" (1981), "Nuts, Nuts, Nuts" (1982), "Tropicana" (1983) and "iK.i" (1989). These were also made available on download/streaming platforms for the first time. 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) Mimix EP.1" (Download)
小林泉美 「ラムのラブソング (Reboot) Mimix EP.1」

1. Lum no Love Song (Reboot) [Kenmochi Hidefumi Remix]
2. Lum no Love Song (Reboot) [3asic Remix]
3. Lum no Love Song (Reboot) [Limited Toss Remix]

Fujipacific Music Publishing / Universal Music Publishing
Out now (12/8)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Kyoto rock'n'roller Ban Hiroshi (of Bambino) has released a 2nd compilation of Japanese rocking kayō songs, again selected from Columbia's vast catalog. The album consists of songs from the mid-50s to the early-80s, traversing almost chronogically periods of different influences and genres, with also a few tracks from this millennium including Hiroshi & Eve's "Tin Tin".

Also check out the previous compilation, "Ban Hiroshi presents Columbia Rockin' Kayo Collection" (2019).

This year, Ban Hiroshi released his greatest hits album "Music Is My Life" and also its vinyl edition for Record Day 2021.

Various Artists "Ban Hiroshi presents Columbia Rockin' Kayō Collection Vol.2"
オムニバス 「バンヒロシ PRESENTS コロムビア・ロッキン歌謡大全 Vol.2」
(Japanese title: "Ban Hiroshi presents Columbia Rockin' kayō taizen")

1. Rock Around The Clock / Dark Ducks (1955)
2. ore wa High-Teen / Kanbe Ichirō (1958)
3. borofune Rock / Ono Tōru (1959)
4. aisazu ni irarenai (I Can't Stop Lovin' You) / Tomi Fujiyama (1963)
5. gendaikko / Suzuki Yasushi (1963)
6. Ching Ching denwa (Ching Ching & A Ding Ding Ding) / Gotō Kumiko (1963)
7. namida no Clown (Everybody Loves A Clown) / Cool Cats (1966)
8. namida no Go Go / Emy Jackson (1966)
9. BLUE EYES (aoi hitomi) / Jackey Yoshikawa & His Blue Comets (1966)
10. yajiuma ga iku / Matsukata Hiroki (1967)
11. Friend Tokyo / Miyako Harumi (1968)
12. koi no Tulip / Minato Takaya & Passion Group (1967)
13. osake / George Yamashita & Dry Bones (1966)
14. kaerimichi wa tōkatta / The Genova (1968)
15. kanashimi no kage ni (Find Somebody) / Skeletons (1968)
16. boku no koibito / Funaki Kazuo (1969)
17. Seki-yan to Yosahoi-bushi / Seki Keiroku (1970)
18. jinjiroge / Moriyama Kayoko (1970)
19. itsuka dokokade / Hirayama Miki (1972)
20. High Society / Chikada Haruo & Vibra-Tones (1981)
21. Angelina / Kazama Morio (1984)
22. Yokohama Honky Tonk Blues / Shimizu Setsuko (2016)
23. Moonlight, Starlight / Ōmura Namihiko (1980) (First time on CD)
24. Riverside Hotel / Atsumi Jirō (2016)
25. TIN TIN / Hiroshi & EVE (2008)

Nippon Columbia COCP-41658
Out now (12/22), ¥2818 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) released this month a brand new song titled "LIFE!". It's the theme song of the movie "hotobori Meltsounds" which features xiangyu and Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders). The song was produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella).

The movie "hotobori Meltsounds" was made with the use of crowdfunding. A screening will happen today December 23 from 18:00 at Uplink in Kichijoji. xiangyu will appear as a talk guest along with other Details and tickets here.

This year xiangyu also released the songs "Milano Sandwich A" (still played regularly at Doutor cafés!) and "Manhole".

A special event for the release of "LIFE!" will be held on January 9 from 18:00 at Ebisu Batica. Guest gimgigam (who produced xiangyu's previous song "Manhole") will also be part of the event. Details & reservations here.

xiangyu "LIFE!" (Download)

Kujaku Club
Out now (12/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Movie "hotobori Meltsounds" trailer

Funky soulful sisters Way Wave has released today their 3rd album, titled "Venus Step". Included are "Wavy Girl" and "Dance Party" (both songs from their new 7" single), a cover of "kakkoii Boogaloo" (originally by Crazy Ken band & Nagisa Yōko (R.I.P.)), as well as a bunch of brand new songs. Soul & funk band EMILAND arranged four songs (the forementioned three plus "Whiskey Coke"), while the song "Summer Breeze" was written by Yoshida Tetsuto (Twitter) and co-arranged by Hase Yasuhiro (Yume To Cosme).

"kakkoii Boogaloo" is planned to also be released on 7" on February 16, 2022.

In-store live events will be held on December 23 from 19:00 at Tower Records Kawasaki (free to watch), and on January 7, 2022 from 19:00 at Tower Records Ikebukuro (only for those who bought the album or 7" single only).

WAY WAVE "VENUS STEP"

1. WAVY GIRL
2. SUMMER BREEZE
3. Retro na Step no Venus
4. kakkoii Boogaloo
5. 2banme no onna
6. Whiskey Coke
7. HEY
8. Magical renai taishitsu
9. DANCE PARTY
10. chippoke na boku no dekkai Love Song

P-Vine Records PCD-25336
Out 12/22, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Retro na Step no Venus"

"DANCE PARTY"

"SUMMER BREEZE"

"WAVY GIRL"

Two songs from the new album of Francis (aka Makoto Ori), "Bolero" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), are being released on 7". This comes from Groove Unchant's label Unchantable Records. Like the album, the jacket was designed by Hitoshi Odajima.

"Repulsion" features a guitar solo by Jun Matsue, while "Coquette Marionnette" has drums played by Shirane Kenichi (GREAT3).

Francis "Repulsion / Coquette Marionnette" (7")
Francis 「反撥 / 可愛い玩具」
(Japanese title: "hanpatsu / kawaii omocha")

A. Repulsion
B. Coquette Marionnette

Unchantable Records UCT-042
Out 12/22, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Repulsion"

Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One) made the original soundtrack for the NTV drama series "nigatsu no shōsha -zettai gōkaku no kyōshitsu-", an adaptation of the manga series by Takase Shiho.

Other recent Konishi Yasuharu news include the production of jazz pianist/singer-songwriter Tetsuro Yafune's new album "Song, Piano, Bass, Drums.". He also appeared in the related concert, singing songs as Pizzicato One (and more!), which also featured Maki Nomiya. The show can be watched onilne from anywhere until December 25 (JST) (details).

Konishi Yasuharu "Drama 'nigatsu no shōsha -zettai gōkaku no kyōshitsu-' Original Soundtrack"
小西康陽 「ドラマ『二月の勝者 -絶対合格の教室-』オリジナル・サウンドトラック」

1. Bugle Boys
2. ima wa kōkai shiteiru
3. ima wa hansei shiteiru
4. ima wa kaishin shiteiru
5. kaibutsu no zenbō
6. kaibutsu no sobyō
7. kaibutsu no hanshin
8. atama no taisō
9. Peter Piper
10. Full Size no kanashimi
11. kanashimi no Cello
12. ai to kanashimi no kobeya
13. kanashimi no Quartet
14. Rainbow Chase
15. Paper Chase
16. yubi no jare
17. saizensen monogatari
18. ojiken
19. ganbare ganbare jukensei

Vap VPCD-86388
Out 12/15, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡), Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

CAPSULE has released a brand new song titled "Virtual Freedom"! Check out the impressive 3DCG music video below!

This follows the songs "Hikari no disco" and "Future Wave" released in June and September respectively. Another short instrumental titled "Utsusemi" was also released in June.

Also check out the new Kyary Pamyu Pamyu album "Candy Racer", produced by Nakata Yasutaka, which was released in October.

CAPSULE "Virtual Freedom" (Download)
CAPSULE 「バーチャル・フリーダム」

Warner Music Japan
Out now (12/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Maki Nomiya suddenly released a new version of "The night is still young", Pizzicato Five's most famous song, reconstructed by South Korean producer Night Tempo. This is part of a "World Tour Mix" project for the 40th anniversary of Maki's debut. Check out the music video below, and find it on your favorite download/streaming platform.

Maki was also featured on a song of Night Tempo's new album "Ladies In The City" released earlier this month.

A concert of Maki Nomiya with jazz pianist and singer-songwriter Tetsurō Yafune was held on December 18, and it can be viewed online from anywhere until December 25 (JST). Find details here. Don't miss it! Maki also appeared on Tetsurō Yafune's brand new album "Song, Piano, Bass, Drums.", singing in duet on Pizzicato Five covers. The album is produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One).

Maki Nomiya "The night is still young (feat. Night Tempo)" (Download)
野宮真貴 「東京は夜の七時 (feat. Night Tempo)」

Victor Entertainment
Out now (12/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

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.

This time is a special Christmas episode! Tune in at the times below at https://lafaceb.live. Happy listening, and Happy Holidays!

"Noël Nippon" édition 2021 was aired at https://lafaceb.live on December 18, 2021 from 13:00 (EST = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: December 19, 2021 from 3:00 a.m.

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

EST (Montréal/New York) —

Thurs. Dec. 23 at 20h, Fri. Dec. 24 at 16h

Japan time —

Fri. Dec. 24 at 10h, Sat. Dec. 25 at 6h

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. The Caraway "Another Christmas Will Come Around This Year" (2021)

The Caraway, the solo unit of Osamu Shimada (Twitter) who is also the guitarist of Swinging Popsicle, has released last month a Christmas EP in the form of a 4-song 7". "Another Christmas Will Come Around This Year" is the title track. There's a sampler clip on YouTube, also at the bottom of this page.

The EP is available in digital form at Bandcamp, or the 7" can be ordered directly at the label's shop disques blue-very or Bandcamp which should get you a promo postcard (while supplies last).

The Caraway, which was formed in 2003, recently released a vinyl LP titled "the select of the Caraway" which includes songs from their first album and other releases.

The radio show's Spotify playlist contains a Christmas song by Swinging Popsicle.

🎙 Listen to Narration I
Presenting: The Caraway, Mukaju Dan

2. Mukaju Dan "Denwa de Christmas" (2021)
(Japanese title: 無果汁団 「電話でクリスマス」)

Techno-pop unit Mukaju Dan has just released a 2nd album titled "Uminekogazer" (Spotify, , YouTube Music)! The album contains this Christmas song, "Denwa de Christmas" (translates to "Christmas on the phone").

Mukaju Dan is a songwriting/production duo formed of Shock Tarō and Ton-chan (both previously of blue marble), and this new album features singer Misaki like on the previous, "Madoromu" (2020). Check out the music video. There's one more from the same album at the bottom of the page.

3. Michiru Hoshino "hoshi ni, Merry Christmas" (2014)
(Japanese title: 星野みちる 「星に、メリークリスマス」)

This Christmas song of singer-songwriter Michiru Hoshino was first released on mini-album "A/W Collection ~anata to watashi no Collection~" (2014, Spotify, , YouTube Music). The song is also available as the B-side of 7" single "suteki ni X'mas Night" (still available at Jet Set).

Michiru's latest album is "Moonlight Confessions" (Japanese title: "tsuki ga kirei desune") (2019, Spotify, , YouTube Music). She has been on hiatus at this time since November 2020. Here's hoping that she's doing fine!

4. Twisty featuring Shione & Yuko "Winter Scene" (2015)

Twisty, aka Twisty Bonbon, is the Brooklyn-based solo project of Tsugumi Takashi (musician active as a bassist in bands COUPY, Kissed By An Animal and EYE RÖLLER, among other projects). This song from 2015 produced by Twisty has vocals by Shione Yukawa and Yuko Kawasaki, with drums played by Avery Brooks (whose solo project is Lost Children, while being a member of COUPY, Data Security, and a live member of Ice Choir).

"Winter Scene" can be heard on YouTube, in the music video below, and also downloaded for free on Bandcamp. Check out a music video of COUPY further down the page.

The radio show's Spotify playlist alternately features a Christmas song by Shione Yukawa.

5. Hazy Sour Cherry "Bell of the beginning" (2021)

Hazy Sour Cherry (Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp) was formed in 2018, featuring singer Tsuzumi (also of OCHA∞ME), guitarist Jun (also of HATEMAN), drummer Karin, and just recently they were officially joined by bassist Chiba (who was until then their support bassist for a while)

"Bell of the beginning" is Hazy Sour Cherry's first Christmas song, just released earlier this month. The EP of the same name can be found on Bandcamp, and on various streaming platforms (Spotify, , YouTube Music). It also includes a cover of The Pixies Three's "Cold, cold winter".

Also check out Hazy Sour Cherry's 1st album "Tour De Tokyo" (2019, Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music). The album can be found on colored LP via Bandcamp (from Damnably (UK)). There's word that a 2nd album will be coming in 2022 also on the Damnably label (UK).

🎙 Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Michiru Hoshino, Twisty featuring Shione & Yuko, Hazy Sour Cherry, The Pen Friend Club

6. The Pen Friend Club "Christmas Delights - Remastered 2021" (2018, 2021)

The Pen Friend Club, an 8-piece band that was formed around 2012, specializes in West Coast rock sound of the '60s that gives homage to the likes of The Beach Boys and Phil Spector. In 2018 they released Christmas album "Merry Christmas from The Pen Friend Club" which contained the original song "Christmas Delights". This year, the album was remastered and released digitally on various streaming platforms (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

There was a vinyl edition of the album released in 2019, and one copy seems available at Amazon at the time of writing.

Last year, The Pen Friend Club was joined by new vocalist Megumi, and have since released two 7" singles: "ippon no ongaku" (released for City Pop on Vinyl 2020) and "Chinese Soup" (released for RSD Drops 2021). You can watch the music video of "Chinese Soup" further down this page.

7. Learners "Hot Club Of Christ" (2016)

Learners is the rockabilly-style band led by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (also of Neil & Iraiza, aka Cubismo Grafico), featuring on vocals Sara Mary, and on guitar Chie Horiguchi (heard earlier in this episode), on bass Masamitsu Hamada, and on drums Taichi Furukawa (Konkos). The song "Hot Club Of Christ" is a cover of Aztec Camera, and it was released part on the 7" "Christmas EP" in 2016, which was just re-issued last month (the re-issued 7" single is still available at HMV at the time of writing). The EP can also be found digitally on Bandcamp and streaming platforms (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Watch the awesome live performance below!

Learners' latest album is "Hello Stranger", released in 2020 (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

8. Hideki Kaji "The Winter Fields" (2021)
(Japanese title: カジヒデキ Kaji Hideki 「冬の野原を疾走する子供たち」 "fuyu no nohara o shissō suru kodomotachi"")

Hideki Kaji released this month a 3-song Christmas CD EP titled "(I Wish It Could Be) Christmas Everyday", which contains the instrumental "The Winter Fields" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Another song from the EP can be found on digital platforms, titled "Claire's Knees and Christmas" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Hideki Kaji's first album "Mini Skirt" from 1997 was just re-issued on double-LP last month for Record Day 2021, and it's still available at Jet Set and HMV.

🎙 Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Learners, Hideki Kaji, MANON

9. MANON "Winter Lil Life feat. Sleet Mage"

French-Japanese singer/model Manon (Instagram) is part of the Asobisystem agency, and since her first album "Teenage Diary" (2018) she has kept steadily releasing new songs and collaborations with other artists.

The song "WINTER LIL LIFE" was released in early 2019, it was her first original song following the album, a collaboration with mysterious rapper Sleet Mage. Check out the fun music video below.

Manon's latest release is brand new song "Girlfriend" out just this week digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Thank you for tuning in! There are also a few replays listed at the top of the page. Happy Holidays!

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.

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

Mukaju Dan "Maboroshi Time Machine"

Michiru Hoshino "Umbrella Waltz"

COUPY "Laugh Riot"
(A recent project featuring Tsugumi Takashi (Twisty) along with Avery Brooks (Lost Children, Data Security) and Ken Minami)

Hazy Sour Cherry "Tour De Tokyo"

The Pen Friend Club "Chinese Soup" (cover of Yumi Arai (Yuming))

Learners "Always On My Mind"

Hideki Kaji "Claire's Knees and Christmas"

MANON "Girlfriend"

Ahead of the 7" single, three versions of Childish Tones' new song "Girls Wanna See No Cry" have been released digitally! Along with the original featuring Beni Usakura (Twitter, Instagram) also comes a re-edit by Blue Boys Club (the DJ unit of Hideki Kaji and designer Hitoshi "KINK" Suzuki), and an alternate version featuring BLUEVALLEY) (singer Kikumi Minatani wrote the song's lyrics)! Watch the original's music video for the title song below!

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 song also features toy piano & toy organ played by Honma Domino of The Bohemians.

CHILDISH TONES feat. Beni Usakura "GIRLS WANNA SEE NO CRY"
CHILDISH TONES feat. 宇佐蔵べに "GIRLS WANNA SEE NO CRY"

Bootrec / KiliKiliVilla
Out now (12/17)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube, OTOTOY

CHILDISH TONES feat. Beni Usakura "GIRLS WANNA SEE NO CRY (BLUE BOYS CLUB Re-Edit)"
CHILDISH TONES feat. 宇佐蔵べに "GIRLS WANNA SEE NO CRY (BLUE BOYS CLUB Re-Edit)"

Bootrec / KiliKiliVilla
Out now (12/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube, OTOTOY

CHILDISH TONES feat. BLUEVALLEY "GIRLS WANNA SEE NO CRY"

Bootrec / KiliKiliVilla
Out now (12/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube, OTOTOY

CHILDISH TONES feat. Beni Usakura "GIRLS WANNA SEE NO CRY"

Pianist and singer-songwriter Tetsurō Yafune has released a new full-length album, which is entirely produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five)! Titled "Song, Piano, Bass, Drums." (or in Japanese "uta, Piano, Bass, Drums"), the album contains a variety of original songs, some covers — of Haruomi Hosono's "Rock-A-By My Baby", Tatsurō Yamashita's "A Sweet & Dangerous Scent" ("amaku kiken na kaori") and Kiyoshi Hasegawa's "A Transparent Moment" ("tōmei na hitotoki o"), as well as two tracks of Pizzicato Five covers featuring guest Maki Nomiya! The music is performed by Tetsuro's trio, with Katsuto Suzuki on bass and Ryūsuke Kakizawa on drums.

The album is available on CD and digitally. Also, a 7" single of "A Sweet & Dangerous Scent" and "A Transparent Moment" was released last month (still available at least at Amazon and HMV).

A special show will be held on Saturday December 18 at Billboard Live Yokohama, also featuring Maki Nomiya and DJ Konishi Yasuharu (the two of Pizzicato Five!). The show will be streamed live online, accessible from anywhere in the world, and viewable archived until December 25 (JST). Find details here. Don't miss it!

Tetsuro Yafune "Song, Piano, Bass, Drums."
矢舟テツロー 「うた、ピアノ、ベース、ドラムス。」
(Japanese title: "uta, Piano, Bass, Drums.")

1. Rock-A-By My Baby
2. Do Re Mi
3. tameiki tsuku no wa anata no sei
4. aenai toki wa itsudatte
5. amaku kiken na kaori (A Sweet & Dangerous Scent)
6. mijikakute nagai uta
7. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) feat. Maki Nomiya
8. On the Sunny Side of the Street ~ Hippie Day feat. Maki Nomiya
9. aitakunattara
10. kimi ni wa utaitai koto nante nai noni
11. tōmei na hitotoki o (A Transparent Moment)

Urban Discos URDC36
Out 12/15, ¥2727 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Trailer clip

MANON (Instagram, Twitter) has just released a brand new song titled "Girlfriend", which is produced by DJ Chari (Twitter, Instagram), with music written by ZOT on the WAVE and dubby bunny.

Check out the music video, by the same team as the one for "GALCHAN MODE".

MANON appeared this year in a song on KM's album "Everything Inside" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), and in another on album "Hello New World" by BUGS, TSUBAME (, Spotify, YouTube Music), the latter of which was released on vinyl for the 2nd RSD Drops.

MANON "Girlfriend" (Download)

Asobimusic
Out now (12/8)
Sample/buy: , YouTube Music, Spotify

Blue Peppers, the city pop duo formed of Fukuda Naoki and Inoue Kaoru, has just released a 2nd album titled "Symphony"! The featured guest vocalists are Natsumi Kiyoura (Tweedees) and Sasaki Shiori. This album is the follow-up to "Retroactive" (2017).

The songs "Believe in Love" and "Marine Snow no toshi" were released on 7" in 2019.

An in-store event with mini-live, talk and autograph session will be held at Tower Records Shibuya 6F on December 26 at 16:00 (audience is asked to gather from 15:45). Details can be found here.

Blue Peppers "Symphony"
ブルー・ペパーズ 「SYMPHONY」

1. I'll Be There
2. Symphony
3. Marine Snow no toshi (feat. Shiori Sasaki)
4. Owl's Manner
5. Believe in Love
6. Glass no hibi (feat. Natsumi Kiyoura)
7. Acacia
8. Michi

Vivid Sound VSCD-3226
Out now (12/8), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Acacia"

Sampler clip

Emiri Kanou has just released a brand new single which is produced by Indonesian city pop band ikkubaru! Included is a brand new song titled "steppin'", plus Emiri's version of ikkubaru's "City Hunter" which she had remixed on their latest album "Amusement Park", this time sung in Japanese. The jacket was illustrated by manga artist Ryōichirō Kezuka.

The single is available on 7" and also digitally.

Emiri Kanou "steppin' / City Hunter Emiri ver."
加納エミリ 「steppin' / City Hunter Emiri ver.」

A. steppin'
B. City Hunter Emiri ver.

Narisu Records NRSP-7101
Out now (12/8), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"steppin'"

Hideki Kaji has just released a winter-inspired instrumental song digitally, following the recent release of "Claire's Knees and Christmas"! The new song is co-produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza) who also played keyboards, and the track was made and mixed by Arai Toshiya (COUNTJOKE).

A double-LP vinyl edition of Hideki Kaji's debut album "Mini Skirt" (1997) was released for Record Day on November 27. It can already be pre-ordered at disques blue-very, Jet Set, HMV, etc. An in-store event with mini-live and autograph session will be held on December 12 at Tower Records Shibuya 6F from 15:00 (audience should gather from 14:45).

Hideki Kaji "The Winter Fields" (Download)
カジヒデキ 「冬の野原を疾走する子供たち」
(Japanese title: "fuyu no nohara o shissō suru kodomotachi")

Blue Boys Club / AWDR/LR2
Out now (12/8)
Sample/buy: Spotify, , YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Hazy Sour Cherry has just released a Christmas EP on Bandcamp! "Bell of the beginning" is a new original song, and the B-side is a cover of The Pixies Three's "Cold, cold winter" (a song from 1963). Read-up more on the release at Bandcamp.

In other news, the band has just been joined by a fourth member, bassist Chiba, who had been their support bassist for some time!

There's news that Hazy Sour Cherry's 2nd album will be coming in 2022! Stay tuned! That will be the follow-up to the excellent first album "Tour De Tokyo" (2019), available on Bandcamp digitally and on colored vinyl. There's also more recent singles and EPs to be found there.

Hazy Sour Cherry "Bell of the beginning" (Download)

1. Bell of the beginning
2. Cold, cold winter

Damnably
Out now (12/8)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp

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. Happy listening!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.22) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on December 9, 2021 from 20:00 (EST = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: December 10, 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. Dec. 10 at 16h30, Mon. 13 at noon, Tue. 14 at 8h, Wed. 15 at 4h, Thurs. 16 at 0h

Japan time —

Sat. Dec. 11 at 6h30, Tue. 14 at 2h, Tue. 14 at 22h, Wed. 15 at 18h, Thurs. 16 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. CHILDISH TONES feat. Beni Usakura "GIRLS WANNA SEE NO CRY" (2021)

Childish Tones (Twitter) feat. Beni Usakura (Twitter, Instagram) is releasing a new 7" single this month, an original song titled "Girls Wanna See No Cry" (Bandcamp, Spotify,, YouTube). Childish Tones (Instagram, Twitter) is a unique band that uses only toy musical instruments to play rock'n'roll, and I play a mini drum set in it! Like the previous album "God Bless the Girls" it features Beni Usakura who is also active as an idol (as a member of Apokalippps, and previously in Frun Frin Friends and Avandoned) and runs her own fashion brand Naruheson;s.

The new single will be released on vinyl on December 24, and the title song plus bonus tracks will be released digitally a week early on December 17. Meanwhile, enjoy the music video below.

Along with this new original song, this episode will introduce artists and bands that are close to Childish Tones. Enjoy!

🎙 Listen to Narration I
Presenting: CHILDISH TONES feat. Beni Usakura, BLUEVALLEY

2. BLUEVALLEY "Society" (2021)

BLUEVALLEY is the Nagoya-based lo-fi project of Kikumi Minatani who wrote the lyrics of Childish Tones' "Girls Wanna See No Cry". BLUEVALLEY's latest single "Society / Good bye" is available digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music) and also on 7" via their online shop.

An alternate version of "Girls Wanna See No Cry" featuring BLUEVALLEY, and sung by Kikumi Minatani, will be released digitally on December 17.

3. Chie Horiguchi "Watch Your Back" (2021)

Chie Horiguchi is known as the guitarist of band Learners. This year she has released her first solo album titled "Outsider" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Chie did the styling for the music video and jacket of Childish Tones' new single.

The album "Outsider" is available on CD and LP, and there's also a 7" single of the song "Watch Your Back" (with a non-album track for B-side).

🎙 Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Chie Horiguchi, The Bohemians

4. The Bohemians "the ultra golden brave busters" (2021)

The Bohemians is a rock band formed of five guys. They have just released this year their 10th album, titled "essential fanfare" (Spotify, (Japan)), from which the song "the ultra golden brave busters" is taken.

Many of Childish Tones' recordings feature The Bohemians' pianist Honma Domino (on toy piano and organ, of course), and he's been also accompanying the band along with their guitarist Beat Ryo in recent shows.

5. Magic, Drums & Love "DANCEHALL! SUPREME! SHOOTING!" (2021)

Magic, Drums & Love is a rock'n'roll band in Tokyo, and this is their latest single "Dancehall! Supreme! Shooting!" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). This and other recent releases were produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (of Learners, Neil and Iraiza, Cubismo Grafico). Magic, Drums & Love's Yurina Da Gold Digger, who plays drums and sings, has contributed several lyrics to Childish Tones (including those of a new unreleased song played in recent shows!). Magic, Drums & Love have also been seen a few times on the same bill as Childish Tones at a few shows this year.

Don't miss checking out their latest album "Hurricane Upsetter" (2019) (Spotify, , YouTube Music) and also previous single "Amazon Night / Eyes, Hands, Height & Hair" (2020) (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

🎙 Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Magic, Drums & Love, Hideki Kaji

6. Hideki Kaji "Claire's Knees and Christmas" (2021)
(Japanese title: カジヒデキ 「クレールの膝」)

This new song by Hideki Kaji was just released at the end of November digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music)! This song was co-produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza) and features Konkos as the back-band. Check out the music video! Another new song was just released this week digitally, titled "The Winter Fields" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Hideki Kaji's DJ unit Blue Boys Club, together with designer Hitoshi "KINK" Suzuki, did a re-edit of "Girls Wanna See No Cry". Provided part of a download code that comes with the 7" single, it will also be released digitally on December 17.

7. Hazy Sour Cherry "Midnight Mittomonaito!" (2019)
(Japanese title: 「みっどないと みっともないと！」)

Hazy Sour Cherry (Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp) is a band that was formed in 2018, and features singer Tsuzumi (also of OCHA∞ME), guitarist Jun (also of HATEMAN), drummer Karin, and they were just recently joined by bassist Chiba after having been their support bassist for some time. Singer Tsuzumi used to play drums (and also sing) in Childish Tones, so she's my senpai! I love her singing!

This song, "Midnight Mittomonaito!" is from their 1st album "Tour De Tokyo" (2019) (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music). The album can be found on colored LP via Bandcamp.

Hazy Sour Cherry has just released a new Christmas EP digitally on Bandcamp, including new original "Bell of the beginning" and a cover of The Pixies Three's "Cold, cold winter". There will be a Christmas-themed Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on December 18 (from noon in Montreal/New York, or for those in Japan at night from 26:00), and Hazy Sour Cherry's "Bell of the beginning" will be played! Be sure to tune in too!

🎙 Listen to Narration IV
Presenting: Hazy Sour Cherry, LEARNERS

8. LEARNERS "Chambre Love" (2020)
(Japanese title: 「シャンブルの恋」 "Chambre no koi")

Learners is the rockabilly-style band led by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (also of Neil & Iraiza, aka Cubismo Grafico), featuring on vocals Sara Mary, and on guitar Chie Horiguchi (heard earlier in this episode), on bass Masamitsu Hamada, and on drums Taichi Furukawa (Konkos). Learners are label-mates on KiliKiliVilla. Also it's been a great pleasure to have Chabe DJing a few of our shows this year! Chabe also appeared in an early music video of Childish Tones.

The song "Chambre Love" is from Learners' latest album "Hello Stranger" (2020) (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

I hope this episode helped you locate Childish Tones and these friendly neighborhood artists on Japan's indie rock map!

Thank you for tuning in! There are also replays within one week listed at the top of the page.

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.

Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura "God Bless the Girls"

BLUEVALLEY "Seaside Story"

Chie Horiguchi with Kōsuke Miyashita (Phono Tones) "akuma no shiwaza" live performance

The Bohemians "the legacy"

Magic, Drums & Love "MOMONA"

Hideki Kaji "Dreams Never End"

Hazy Sour Cherry "Tour De Tokyo"

LEARNERS "Strong Enough"

South Korean producer and DJ Night Tempo, who has gained a lot of attention with his "Showa Groove" series of re-edits (see "Night Tempo presents The Showa Idol Groove"), is now back with a brand new original album! "Ladies In The City" features various female singers who he chose because he loves their voices, including Maki Nomiya, Bonnie Pink, and many more!

The CD is available in two editions, with the limited edition coming in a special 10"-sized sleeve. It's also available digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Night Tempo "Ladies In The City"

1. Intro
2. Wonderland feat. Bonnie Pink
3. One Way My Love feat. Sumire Uesaka
4. Endless Mirage feat. Mariko Tone
5. I Don't Wanna feat. Sayaka Yamamoto
6. Tokyo Rouge feat. Maki Nomiya
7. Night Light feat. Sayumi Michishige
8. Love Actually (Re-Edit) feat. Crystal Tea
9. Sentimental feat. Miyu Takeuchi
10. House Music feat. Otoha Totsuka (Philosophy no Dance)
11. Sweet Combination feat. Yurie Kokubu
12. Outro

Limited edition
Universal Music UICE-9096
Out now (12/1), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition
Universal Music UICE-1211
Out now (12/1), ¥2700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Tokyo Rouge feat. Maki Nomiya"

"Sentimental (Neon Mix) feat. Miyu Takeuchi"

"Wonderland feat. Bonnie Pink"

"Night Light feat. Sayumi Michishige"

Techno-pop unit Mukaju Dan has just released a 2nd album! Mukaju Dan is a songwriting/production duo formed of Shock Tarō and Ton-chan (both previously of blue marble), and this new album features singer Misaki like on the previous, "Madoromu" (2020). The mix was done by Mori Tatsuhiko, and the mastering by Seiki Satō (microstar, nicely nice).

Check out the two music videos below!

Mukaju Dan "Uminekogazer"
無果汁団 「うみねこゲイザー」

1. Maboroshi Time Machine
2. jōnetsu jigoku
3. Miracle Polish
4. re ra Musica
5. horoniga Coffee
6. Denwa de Christmas
7. dare mo seija ni narenai
8. Kanjōsen kara
9. kodoku ga moeteru
10. Jeanne Hébuterne
11. gareki no Sanctuary

Mukaju Records MKJR-002
Out now (11/24), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Maboroshi Time Machine"

"Denwa de Christmas"

Record Day, previously happening only on November 3 for "Culture Day" (a public holiday), has being held once more this November, on Saturday November 27. Also check out the post about day 1! Items can be ordered online.

Below is a list of records that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers should not want to miss, but there's are also various re-issues and more to be found in the full list.

Three Berry Icecream "Three Berry Icecream" (12")

This is the first full-length album of Three Berry Icecream, the solo unit of Mayumi Ikemizu (of Bridge). Although she has released several EPs/mini-albums, and compilation albums of those songs, "Three Berry Icecream" is the first to be recorded as an album with a full band over a short span of time. A download code is included. Check out the release official page.

A1. Rainbow mountain road
A2. That summer we were free
A3. Gentle sunset
A4. Fear of flying
A5. Milky pop. song
B1. Another world
B2. Yell song
B3. One spring day
B4. Jour bleu pâle

miobell records PCMR0019
Out now (11/27), ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, disques blue-very

nicely nice "The adventures of nicely nice" (12")

The 1st full-length album of nicely nice, solo unit of Seiki Satō (microstar). A download code is included. The jacket was illustrated by Hisashi Eguchi.

A1. The Adventures of nicely nice (Opening Theme)
A2. Time of the Departure
A3. Take Me to the Moon
A4. Crecsent Moon
A5. V.C.F. (Space Dub)
B1. Fine View (Future Wonderland Version)
B2. Magic Star
B3. gūzen no ongaku
B4. Way Home
B5. The Adventures of nicely nice (Ending Theme)

Vivid Sound/High Contrast HCR9711
Out now (11/27), ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV

Pizzicato Five "À Tokyo / Playboy Playgirl" (7")
ピチカート・ファイヴ 「東京の合唱／プレイボーイ・プレイガール」

7" of two songs selected from the "Pizzicato Five On Demand" digital series. Also included on the "pizzicato five in hi-fi" CD album.

A. À Tokyo
B. Playboy Playgirl

Nippon Columbia COKA-90
Out now (11/27), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Original Love "Sunny Side of Original Love" (2LP)
オリジナル・ラブ 「SUNNY SIDE OF ORIGINAL LOVE」

Greatest hits album of Toshiba EMI years, first time on vinyl.

A1. Scandal (1993 New Recording)
A2. seppun (Kiss) (Album Version)
A3. hohoemi ni tsuite (look at me, look at you)
B1. Let's Go!
B2. Deeper (1993 New Version)
B3. Deep French Kiss (1993 New Recording)
C1. Wall Flower
C2. Million Secrets Of Jazz (1993 New Recording)
C3. The Venus (1993 New Recording)
D1. Sunshine Romance (1993 New Version)
D2. Let's Go! (Cosmo-Phase Mix)
D3. tsuki no ura de aimasho (Let's go to the darkside of the moon) (1993 New Recording)

Universal Music UPJY-9193/4
Out now (11/27), ¥4000 (excl. tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only)

Towa Tei "EP" (12")
テイ・トウワ 「EP」

"EP" to close the year 2021, follow-up of album "LP". Mastered by Yoshinori Sunahara, artwork by Tomoo Gokita. Clear purple vinyl.

Side A (= Side2)
A1. BIRTHDAY LONG
A2. BOING

Side B (= Side1)
B1. MACHINE MOTHER
B2. STUPID QUESTION
B3. RISK SOME SOUL 2021

Voltage Unlimited Inc. MBEP-2101
Out now (11/27), ¥2480 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV

Towa Tei "SUPER CROOKS (SOUNDTRACK FROM THE NETFLIX SERIES)" (12")

Soundtrack of the anime series, of which all the music is by Towa Tei. Also available on CD (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records).

A1. ALPHA
A2. JOHNNY
A3. SEXY KASEY
A4. SUPER CROOKS
A5. SENSE OF CRISIS
B1. SUGAR
B2. MOSS COVERED ROOTS
B3. KASEY
B4. INTRIGUE
B5. BASTARD
B6. AWAKENING

Nippon Columbia / Better Days COJA-9443
Out now (11/27), ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

COUNTJOKE "Love Step" (7")
冗談伯爵 「愛の特区」
(Japanese title "ai no tokku")

Brand new song! The B-side is the album version of "Pink Shadow" (Bread & Butter cover). A download code is included. The new song can also be found digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

A. Love Step
B. Pink Shadow (Album version)

Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCR9712
Out now (11/27), ¥1650 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV

Takako Ohta "Delicate ni suki shite / mahō β" (7")
太田貴子 「デリケートに好きして / 魔法 β」

Two songs from the new album "Voice of Angel" sound-produced by ayU tokiO.

A. Delicate ni suki shite
B. Magic β

Solid Records SOLID-49
Out now (11/27), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Hideki Kaji "Mini Skirt" (2LP)
カジヒデキ 「MINI SKIRT」

First vinyl release of Hideki Kaji's first album, with one side of added bonus tracks!

A1. LA BOUM ~ MY BOOM IS ME ~
A2. MUSCAT
A3. BABY BABY, ME ME ME
A4. FOREVER YOUNG
A5. TOKYO TO LONDON
B1. LIPSTEREO
B2. WEEKENDERS
B3. HEART
B4. POP! CUTE! SWEET!
B5. YOU AND ME SONG (FOR KINKS)
C1. EGGSTONE
C2. SIESTA
C3. GREEN RAMBLER
C4. HERE IS OUR STREET!!
D1. WATER (Bonus track)
D2. Theme from First Question Award ~ High School toko hen ~ (Bonus track)
D3. 77ninbun no Coffee dai (Bonus track)
D4. HEY HEY BABY POP (Bonus track)
D5. sasayaka dakeredo, yaku ni tatsu koto ~ Acoustic Version (Bonus track)

Blue Boys Club / AWDR/LR2
Out now (11/27), ¥5000 (excl. tax)
Order: disques blue-very, Jet Set, HMV

Kaede "Cycles" (7")
Kaede 「サイクルズ」

Latest single "Cycles" on 7".

A. Cycles
B. ((( escape )))

T-Palette Records TPRV-0058
Out now (11/27), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

RYUTist "Falsetto" (2LP)
RYUTist 「ファルセット」

2LP edition of latest album "Falsetto".

A1. GIRLS
A2. ALIVE
A3. kitto, hajimari no kisetsu
B1. Nice Pose
B2. suki dayo...
B3. Sensitive Sign
C1. zettai ni zettai ni zettai ni GO!
C2. aozora Signal
C3. jikan dayo
D1. mujūryoku Fantasia
D2. haru ni yubikiri
D3. tasogare no Diary

Penguin Disc PGDV-0003
Out now (11/27), ¥5000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV

Nagisa Yoko "Yoko Elegance" (12")
渚ようこ 「YOKO ELEGANCE」

Vinyl edition of the 2002 album produced by Yokoyama Ken, of which the music was performed by Crazy Ken Band. For bonus track, a duet of Nagisa Yoko and Yokoyama Ken from a show at Shinjuku Liquid Room in 2002 is included in 45RPM.

A1． New Tokyo
A2． Sham-neko o daite
A3． Beautiful Yokohama
A4． Eye Catch １
B1． kono mune no tokimeki o
B2. dai 3 Keihin
B3. Eye Catch ２
B4. kakkoii Boogaloo ~ Shinjuku sodachi (Bonus track)

Japan Record PLP-7757
Out now (11/27), ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV

Natsu Summer "shiosai Sunset" (7")
ナツ・サマー 「潮騒サンセット」

A song from the recent compilation "HONEY meets ISLAND CAFE: Sea of Love 6", produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryusenkei).

A. shiosai Sunset
B. shiosai Sunset (Instrumental)

Incense Music Works IMWVR1006
Out now (11/27), ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Ban Hiroshi "Music is My Life" (12")
バンヒロシ 「Music is My Life」

LP edition of a selection from the recent 2CD album.

A1. Smash tengoku
A2. tokimeki Hillbilly Train
A3. dengeki Psychic daisakusen
A4. suttobi Hiroshi Gojūsantsugi
A5. Capuccino Baby
A6. asayake ni hikaru Rock☆Star
B1. atasha Rock 'n'!
B2. 50 Blues (Sayoko-daisy MIX)
B3. Louie Louie kibun de
B4. konya wa Rock With You
B5. suttobi Hiroshi Gojūsantsugi (Groove Unchant MIX)

Bambiphone Records / Tuff Vinyl TBV-0020
Out now (11/27), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV

The Neatbeats / Flower Companyz "Rock Town Baby / That's All Right" (7"/CD)
THE NEATBEATS / フラワーカンパニーズ 「ROCK TOWN BABY / ザッツオーライ」

Split single of The Neatbeats and Flower Companyz. Also released on CD at the same time (Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only)).

A. ROCK TOWN BABY / THE NEATBEATS
AA. That's All Right / Flower Companyz

Majestic Sound Records / Chicken Skin Records CSMS-1
Out now (11/27), ¥1636 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

eill "Plastic Love" (7")
eill 「プラスティック・ラブ」

Covers of Mariya Takeuchi.

A. PLASTIC LOVE
B. yume no tsuzuki

Smile Company SCR-001
Out now (11/27), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Harry Hosono & The World Shyness "Flying Saucer 1947" (12")

Vinyl re-issue of the album first released on CD in 2007, and once released on vinyl in 2013.

A1. PISTOL PACKIN' MAMA
A2. THE WAYWARD WIND
A3. BODY SNATCHERS
A4. FLYING SAUCER BREAKDOWN
A5. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
A6. MIRACLE LIGHT
B1. MORGAN BOOGIE
B2. POM POM JOKI
B3. SPORTS MEN
B4. SHIAWASE HAPPY
B5. YUME-MIRU YAKU-SOKU
B6. FOCAL MIND

Speedstar Records VIJL-60255
Out now (11/27), ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

You & Explosion Band "Lupin III: The First 'LUPIN THE THIRD ~THE FIRST~' ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK" (12")
You & Explosion Band 「映画 『ルパン三世 THE FIRST』 オリジナル・サウンドトラック 『LUPIN THE THIRD ～THE FIRST～』」

Soundtrack of the latest "Lupin the 3rd" movie.

A1. ESCAPE IN JET BLACK
A2. THEME FROM LUPIN III 2019
A3. BUONO!! BUONO!! 2019
A4. THEME FROM LUPIN III 2019 ~ Playback '80
A5. DANGEROUS TEMPTATION 2019
A6. YOUNG PASSION OF LAETITIA
A7. DANTAI SAMANO OTSUKIDAAAAA 2019 Part II
A8. LOVE SQUALL 2019 ~ Sweet Invitation
A9. CHASING IN THE DARK 2019
A10. SAMBA TEMPERADO 2019
A11. ZENIGATA MARCH 2019
A12. GIFT ~ Scene In The Sunset
A13. ZERO GRAVITY
A14. THEME FROM LUPIN III 2019 ~ Gotcha!
B1. THE NAME IS ECLIPSE
B2. FLIGHT TO EVILNESS
B3. ZANTETSUKEN 2019
B4. WICKED EVOLUTION
B5. FAITHFUL SERVANT
B6. THE EMPIRE FOR ADOLF
B7. THEME FROM LUPIN III 2019 ~ All For One
B8. LAST COUNTERATTACK
B9. SUPER HERO 2019
B10. GIFT　feat. Lyn Inaizumi

Lupintic Label / Vap VPJG-31016
Out now (11/27), ¥4500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Three Berry Icecream "Rainbow mountain road"

nicely nice "The Adventues of Nicely Nice" sampler clip

Pizzicato Five "Playboy Playgirl"

Towa Tei "ALPHA" (from "SUPER CROOKS (SOUNDTRACK FROM THE NETFLIX SERIES)")

Towa Tei "SUGAR" (from "SUPER CROOKS (SOUNDTRACK FROM THE NETFLIX SERIES)")

COUNTJOKE "Love Step" teaser clip

Takako Ohta "Voice of Angel" album sampler
("Delicate ni suki shite" and "mahō β" are the first and last songs)

Kaede "Cycles"

RYUTist "ALIVE"

Ban Hiroshi "Music is My Life" CD album sampler

eill "Plastic Love"