Tokyo's Coolest Sound

This is a new collaboration of nonayu (Instagram, 𝕏) and usabeni (a.k.a. Beni Usakura) (Instagram, 𝕏), the two of who have previously collaborated in idol groups Frun Frin Friends and Avandoned. Today a first song titled "Ice Bahn" was released, with music by teoremaa — a contributor of many songs to Frun Frin Friends and Avandoned. Check it out on your favorite download/streaming platform.

Another song will follow next week on July 3rd, titled "PEEK-A-BOO!". These two consecutive collaboration releases of usabeni and nonayu celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut, together as original members of Avandoned. Congratulations!

usabeni has a show in Tokyo on Friday July 5 for the release party of eik, at Shibuya Club Malcolm (details). Find her full schedule on her official site. nonayu has an upcoming show on Saturday July 6, part of event "Summer Situation vol.3" at Shin-Okubo bacon (details).

nonayu × usabeni "Ice Bahn" (Download)

usabeni & nonayu
Out now (6/26)
Sample/buy: Spotify, YouTube Music, , OTOTOY

moonriders' bassist Hirobumi Suzuki celebrated last month his 70th birthday (on May 19). This tribute album consisting of covers of his various works (solo and with moonriders) was planned by Narisu Records and ayU tokiO, and kept a complete secret from the artist until his birthday. Featured are artists who have ties with Hirobumi's independent label Metrotron Records, as well as young artists and idols who are fans of his. These include Morio Agata, Portable Rock (band of Maki Nomiya, Carnation, ayU tokiO, Skirt, Yūsūke Satō, Musement, 3776, XOXO Extreme, and many more. Check out the sampler clip below!

A digital edition is available, though tracks 10 and 13 are missing: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY.

Various Artists "16 Songs of Hirobumi Suzuki"

1. Ōsamumachi / Morio Agata with The Secret Meanies
2. kōjō to hohoemi / PORTABLE ROCK
3. MR.SUNSHINE / 3776
4. yumemiru Julia / MUSEMENT
5. Wolf wa Wolf / Carnation
6. eki wa ima, asa no naka / XOXO EXTREME
7. boku wa naku / Honjitsukyuen
8. Kucha-Kucha / GRANDFATHERS
9. Fence / Machiko Yanagisawa
10. Early Morning Dead / Yūsūke Satō
11. donzoko jinsei / ayU tokiO
12. Gondola / TakaakiAoki
13. ana / Skirt
14. kyō mo tsumetai ame ga / Chiaki Katō & Osamu Toba
15. boku wa shiawase datta / emma mizuno
16. kurenai futō / Bright Young & Old Wan-Gan Workers

Narisu Records/Complex NRSD-30130/AICP-040
Out now (6/25), ¥3000 (excl. tax)
Order: HMV, Tower, Amazon

Sampler clip

EFUEMU TOWNS (read "F.M. Towns") is the new unit of DÉ DÉ MOUSE and Sasuke Haraguchi (previously known as SASUKE), which creates music that may classify as post-future funk and post-vaporwave. This first single features 15-year old city pop singer Nene (YouTube, 𝕏), who sang in duet with Sasuke. The jacket is an illustration of the two main members, created by Natsumi Satō. The digital single contains two versions of the song. Check out the lyric video below!

DÉ DÉ MOUSE has been keeping very busy, also being active in units Fake Creators (with band LITE), Tiny Griffi (with Shin-Ski), and Henryne Girls (with Shimon Hoshino). This year he has also participated in collaborations with AZK, MANDARK, SKYTOPIA & Sincere, KOTONOHOUSE, Hylen & Crystal Tea, Pa's Lam System, Cherryboy Function, and he has sound produced a new song of Kaela Kimura. Find out about all of these in his official site's news pages.

EFUEMU TOWNS "Pastel☆Night" (Download)
エフエムTOWNS "パステル☆Night"

1. Pastel☆Night
2. ~Pastel Night~

not records
Out now (6/19)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"Pastel☆Night" lyric video

Halfby has released a new 7", of a cover of Yoshitaka Minami's "yakan hikō", featuring guest singer Keiichi Sokabe. The song was previously released as a music video part of the Newtro project. Watch it below!

For the 7", Halfby made a new edit which is featured on the B-side. This one is available on download/streaming platforms (, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY).

Halfby "Yakan Hiko feat. Keiichi Sokabe" (7")
HALFBY 「夜間飛行 feat. 曽我部恵一」

A. Yakan Hiko feat. Keiichi Sokabe
B. Yakan Hiko (HALFBY Night Breaks Re-Work)

Niw! Records NIW164
Out now (6/19), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Cornelius is releasing a new album this week, titled "Ethereal Essence". This is an ambient-themed album of tracks from the recent years that are made available on CD for the first time, at least some of which are reworked or remixed. This year is the 30th anniversary of the release of Cornelius' debut album ("The First Question Award" (1994)).

Cornelius is touring the world this year, for the latest original album "Dream In Dream". Having been to China in May, the tour will apparently resume in September when they will go to Europe (UK and Netherlands) and the U.S. West Coast. Check out all dates here.

In Tokyo, a special show for Cornelius' 30th anniversary will be held on July 7 at Tokyo Garden Theater (tickets).

Cornelius "Ethereal Essence"

1. Quantum Ghost
2. Sketch For Spring
3. Heaven Is Waiting
4. Too Much Love For Sauna (Falling Deep)
5. Xanadu
6. koko
7. Step In To Exovera
8. Forbidden Apple
9. Melting Moment
10. kokuhaku (Cornelius Ver.) / Asa-Chang & Junray
11. Mind Matrix
12. Windmills Of My Mind
13. Thatness And Thereness / Cornelius Remodel

Warner Music Japan WPCL-13566
Out 6/26, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Too Much Love For Sauna (Falling Deep)"

This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these pages. Tune in at the times below at https://lafaceb.live.

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.50) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on June 20 from 20:30 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: June 21, 2024 from 9:30 a.m.

This episode is not archived as-is. Some replays are expected to be aired in the following weeks.

Listen to the Spotify playlist of some of the songs played (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 which you can listen to.

1. The Pen Friend Club "Got To Get You Into My Life" (2024)

This is the opening song from The Pen Friend Club's new album "Back In The Pen Friend Club" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), the first featuring their new vocalist Niina (UK-born British-Japanese). The album is also available on CD (CDJapan, HMV).

The Pen Friend Club also recently released a split 7" with Goichiiiii for Record Store Day 2024.

A free show will be held at the New Ginger Museum on Saturday June 29 (details & seat reservations by email). Other upcoming shows in Tokyo include one with Goichiiiii on August 4 at Shimokitazawa Live Haus, and one with Machida Girls Choir on September 23 at Nishi-Eifuku Jam. Find all upcoming show details here.

Watch this live performance of "Got To Get You Into My Life" from a show at the New Ginger Museum in December 2023.

🎙️ Listen to Narration I
Presenting: The Pen Friend Club, perfect young lady

2. perfect young lady "EVENING" (2021, 2024)

Lo-fi synth-pop solo artist perfect young lady (SoundCloud, Bandcamp, 𝕏) released a first CD album titled "BEST 2020-2023" (Jet Set, Disk Union), consisting of 21 songs and totaling 72 minutes. As the title hints, many of the songs are ones previously heard on the albums she has been releasing digitally on Bandcamp, though she has re-recorded her singing for this release. The song "Evening" is a classic early one that first appeared around 2021 and has been performed in several versions.

Check out the album's sampler clip below, and also the music video of song "kanpeki na wakai josei.

3. OCHA∞ME "you'll never walk alone" (2024)

The band OCHA∞ME (Instagram, 𝕏) has released two new songs digitally so far this year, the first being "you'll never walk alone" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Check out its music video below!

That was followed by another song titled "Morning Routine" (music video).

On June 29, a show organized jointly by OCHA∞ME and Hazy Sour Cherry (two bands in which Tsuzumi is a common member) will be held at Shimokitazawa Live Haus. Details can be found here.

🎙️ Listen to Narration II
Presenting: OCHA∞ME, Owarikarahajimari

4. Owarikarahajimari "back to me" (2024)
(Japanese title: おわりからはじまり 「back to me」)

Owarikarahajimari is an electronic rock band, formed of Ayup1ko (vocals & keyboards) Naka Tomizawa (aka King of Opus) (guitar, bass, programming), ALi Sueoka (guitar), and Wada Masao (computer/sound effects). All members also sing backing vocals.

Following the release of first EP "last dance" (Bandcamp) last year, the unit released this year the new song "back to me" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). More should also follow!

A show will be held this Saturday, June 22 at Asagaya mogu mogu, starting at 18:30. Find details and reserve here.

5. usabeni "atmosphere" (2024)

Self-produced idol usabeni (a.k.a. Beni Usakura) has reeleased a new EP titled "AIR" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), which includes new song "atmosphere" that has music written by Hyoe Yasuhara and Feww.

usabeni has several shows planned in Tokyo this summer, starting with one on Friday July 5 for the release party of eik, at Shibuya Club Malcolm (details). There will also be a show of Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura on Friday July 19 at Ogikubo Top Beat Club (details). Find her full schedule here.

6. WAY WAVE "nagasarete ikō" (2024)
(Japanese title: WAY WAVE 「流されていこう」)

Funky soulful sisters unit Way Wave has released this monthh a brand new album titled "Journey" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), their first that is self-produced. The song "nagasarete ikō" was written by the two of Way Wave, and has sound produced by Hara Hiroaki of The Good Kids (band in which Way Wave also take part). Watch the music video below!

The CD edition of the album includes a 23-minute non-stop mix by DJ arinco (who most often backs the duo in their shows).

7. Tokyo Kakehiki Club "Chiba Peanuts Railway" (2023)
(Japanese title: Tokyoかけひき倶楽部 「バーチーGo!なら総武線」 "Bāchī Go! nara Sōbu-sen")

Tokyo Kakehiki Club (𝕏) is a duo that takes inspiration from the late 80's, featuring singers Saginomiya Shirō and Suichūka Ranko (aka Mayutan (Masakosan)). From their first album "Encore" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), this is the song "Chiba Peanuts Railway" in which they sing the stations of Sōbu line on the way to Chiba (the prefecture just East of Tokyo).

The album is available digitally, but also in a CD edition (Amazon) which contains bonus narrative skits between each song.

Tokyo Kakehiki Club have an upcoming show on Tuesday July 2 at Shindaita Fever, also featuring Dadadams, °C-want you!, and Nihao!!!! (details).

"Chiba Peanuts Railway" lyric video

🎙️ Listen to Narration III
Presenting: usabeni, WAY WAVE, Tokyo Kakehiki Club, YMCK

8. YMCK "Fourteen☆Revolution" (2024)
(Japanese title: YMCK 「フォーティーン☆レボリューション」)

YMCK has released this month a new digital single! "Shining Summer Dream / Fourteen☆Revolution" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) are two summer city pop tracks, and of course they are done in their signature 8-bit style!

YMCK will next perform at event "Techno Elegance II" on July 14 at Shimokitazawa Flowers Loft (details).

Thank you for tuning in! Information about replays can be found at the top of the page.

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

Niigata-based idol group RYUTist has released a new song titled "WOOT!". The song was written and produced by Satoko Shibata who previously also wrote the songs "Nice Pose" and "Aurora" for the group. Check out the music video below!

Earlier this year, RYUTist also released a song that was written and arranged by Keiichi Sokabe (Sunny Day Service), titled "ShunpuRekka" (music video).

On July 28, RYUTist's 13th anniversary show will be held at Niigata Lots. Details and tickets can be found here.

RYUTist "WOOT!" (Download)

Penguin Disc
Out now (6/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Owarikarahajimari is an electronic rock band, formed of Ayup1ko (lead vocals & keyboards), Naka Tomizawa (a.k.a. King of Opus) (guitar, bass, programming), ALi Sueoka (guitar), and Wada Masao (computer/sound effects). All members also sing backing vocals.

Following the release of first EP "last dance" (Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube Music) last year, the unit released this year the new song "back to me". They are apparently also working on more new music!

"back to me" will be played on Tokyo's Coolest Sound's upcoming radio show on June 20 at 20:30 EDT (Japan time: June 21 at 9:30 a.m.). Tune in at La Face B!

A show will be held this Saturday, June 22 at Asagaya mogu mogu, starting at 18:30. Find details and reserve here.

Owarikarahajimari "back to me" (Download)
おわりからはじまり 「back to me」

Romantic Technology Records
Out now (2/2)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Cocopuff Club (Bandcamp), the solo project of COCO (lead singer and guitarist of THE LET'S GO's), has just released a 3rd song on Bandcamp. Go check it out!

THE LET'S GO's will be touring France from June 28 to July 6: nine shows in nine days, à ne pas manquer (details)! After that, they can be seen in Tokyo on July 16 at Ogikubo Top Beat Club, part of the Deckrec Night 25th Anniversary shows (details). Then they'll go on a solo tour of Osaka (July 19), Nagoya (July 20) and Tokyo (July 23). Find all details on their website.

Cocopuff Club "Be Myself" (Download)

Out now (6/18)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp

Omodaka, the chiptune-meets-minyō solo project of Sōichi Terada, has released a new digital EP of two songs, titled "Hokkai Bon Uta". Check out the short version music video below (directed by Takuya Hosogane (mimoid)), and find the whole EP on your favorite download/streaming platform.

Upcoming shows of Omodaka include one organized by YMCK, titled "Shining Summer Dream Night" and to be held on Saturday June 15 at Shimokitazawa Era, also featuring Hondalady (event official page). The next week, on Saturday June 22, Omodaka will take part in event "Joy Ride vol.312" at Koenji Amp Cafe, with Elektel and more (details).

Omodaka "Hokkai Bon Uta" (Download)

1. Hokkai Bon Uta
2. Ina Bushi
3. Hokkai Bon Uta (Instrumental)

Far East Recording
Out now (6/7)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"Hokkai Bon Uta" (Short version)

Sunny Day Service has released a new live album, titled "Live!". Having been on a tour of 43 shows following the release of latest original album "Doki Doki" (2022), this new live album features 10 songs from a memorable show held at Yokohama Bay Hall on October 29, 2023. The album is available on CD, vinyl, and digitally.

Sunny Day Service can next be seen live on June 11 at Moonromantic in Aoyama (info & tickets), and also at Yatsui Festival 2024 on June 15 (official site). They will also have a show at Billboard Live Tokyo on July 7 (details). Sunny Day Service will also tour China (Shanghai, Beijing & Guangzhou) for the first time this July.

Sunny Day Service and Keiichi Sokabe's full schedule can be viewed here.

Sunny Day Service "Live! (Live at Yokohama Bay Hall 10/29/2023)"
サニーデイ・サービス 「Live! (LIVE AT YOKOHAMA BAY HALL 10/29/2023)」

1. Cider War
2. Goo
3. TOKYO SUNSET
4. Sakura Super Love
5. Convini No Coffee
6. Haru No Kaze
7. Kowaresō
8. Fūsen Sanka
9. Seishun Kyōsōkyoku
10. Setsuna

CD edition
Rose Records ROSE326
Out now (6/5), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

A1. Cider War
A2. Goo
A3. TOKYO SUNSET
A4. Sakura Super Love
A5. Convini No Coffee
A6. Haru No Kaze
B1. Kowaresō
B2. Fūsen Sanka
B3. Seishun Kyōsōkyoku
B4. Setsuna

LP edition
Rose Records ROSE326X
Out now (6/5), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

VIDEOTAPEMUSIC has just released a new 5th album, titled "Revisit". Having previously visited various towns in Japan to get inspiration for making his music — namely Tatebayashi (Gunma pref.), Nomozaki (Nagasaki), Susaki (Kōchi), Shiojiri (Nagano) and Ureshino (Saga) —, this time he went back to revisit these places, re-recorded and recrafted the songs which make for the most of this new album. In addition to these are two songs inspired by Tamakō, made for his show at Shibuya WWW in December 2023. Remixes by oono yuuki (from Kōchi) and Akito Tabira (from Nagasaki), respectively of "Susaki" and "Nomozaki", are also included.

The new album's physical release comes as a limited edition cassette tape, packaged with a 160-page book in a videotape-size box!

A special feature will be broadcasted live on Dommune this Thursday June 6 from 19:30 JST. It will feature live performances of VIDEOTAPEMUSIC and oono yuuki, DJing by Baba Masamichi, and also some talk. Details can be found here.

VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "Revisit" (Cassette/Download)

1. Tamako
2. Tatebayashi
3. Nomozaki
4. Susaki (Flotsam)
5. Shiojiri
6. Ureshino (Cha Cha Cha Dub)
7. Goujyo Jima
8. Nomozaki (Akito Tabira Remix)
9. Susaki (oono yuuki Refloat Mix)

Cassette tape edition
Kakubarhythm KAKU-204
Out now (6/5), ¥5000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

YMCK has just released a new digital single of two summer city pop tracks, of course done in their signature 8-bit style! Check them out on your favorite download/streaming platform.

A limited cassette tape edition including two extra tracks non-available digitally will be sold at an event titled "Shining Summer Dream Night" to be held on Saturday June 15 at Shimokitazawa Era. The event will also feature Omodaka and Hondalady. Find all details on the event's official page.

YMCK can also be seen at 8bitcafe's 18.5th anniversary party on June 8 (detaiils), and later on July 14 at event "Techno Elegance II" at Shimokitazawa Flowers Loft (details).

YMCK "Shining Summer Dream / Fourteen☆Revolution" (Download)
YMCK "Shining Summer Dream / フォーティーン☆レボリューション"

1. Shining Summer Dream
2. Fourteen⭐︎Revolution

not records NOT0066
Out now (6/5)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyōbi no Campanella) has just released a new EP of 8 songs. This is the 3rd EP since singer Utaha joined in 2021, and is the follow-up to "Rabbit Star ★". Check out the music videos below, and find the whole on your favorite download/streaming platform. A CD edition is also available.

This is the 3rd EP Since their release, "Neon" and "Rabbit Star ★" have been released on vinyl.

A tour will be held in July for the release, stopping by Zepp Haneda (Tokyo) on July 31. Tickets are on sale. Find details here.

Wednesday Campanella "Pop Delivery"
水曜日のカンパネラ 「POP DELIVERY」

1. Akaneko
2. Carolina
3. TAMAMO-NO-MAE
4. Prince Shoutoku
5. Archimedes
6. Mermaid
7. Ghost and Writer
8. The Big Four

Warner Music Japan WPCL-13558
Out 6/5, ¥2273 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"TAMAMO-NO-MAE"

"Prince Shoutoku"

"Mermaid"

"Ghost and Writer" lyric video

Funky soulful sisters unit Way Wave has released a brand new album, their first that is self-produced. Titled "Journey", it consists of all original songs which were written by the sisters (with the sole exception of collaboration single "Free My Soul" which was written by Zettai Wasureruna's Shiga Lummy). The arrangements were done by morota (who also participated in their previous albums) and also Hara Hiroaki of The Good Kids, band in which Way Wave has been singing back vocals.

The album is available digitally, though without the CD-only 23-minute non-stop medley mixed by DJ arinco (who most often backs the duo in their shows).

Release in-store events will be held on release day Wednesday June 5 at Ultra Shibuya from 19:00, and on Sunday June 9 at Disk Union Ochanomizu from 18:00. Both are free to attend! Also on Saturday June 15 at Shibuya La.mama, Way Wave will take part in an event with idol groups Violavie (produced by Emiri Kanou) and Isshunshikanai. The show starts at 11:30am. Find Way Wave's full schedule and details here.

WAY WAVE "JOURNEY"

1. FREE MY SOUL (album ver.)
2. gōkon zanmai Oh Yeah!
3. danshari FUNK
4. nagasarete ikō
5. tomodachi shūryō no oshirase
6. interlude ~ arinco mix
7. September Wind
8. kashikiri Jungle Gym
9. Happy Birthday
10. bokura no tabi
11. FREE MY SOUL feat. Zettai Wasureruna

CD-only bonus track
12. Non Stop Medley ~ arinco mix (Happy Birthday ~ kashikiri Jungle Gym ~ nagasarete ikō ~ September Wind ~ Doppelgänger ~ tomodachi shūryō no oshirase ~ danshari FUNK ~ 5ji o sugita Cinderella ~ gōkon zanmai Oh Yeah! ~ FREE MY SOUL ~ bokura no tabi)

Narisu Records NRSD-25129
Out now (6/5), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"nagasarete ikō"

Sampler clip

"FREE MY SOUL feat. Zettai Wasureruna"