SOLEIL "SOLEIL is Alright"
SOLEIL, the band fronted by now 15-year-old singer Soleil, has a 2nd album being released very soon! Following the excellent "My Name is SOLEIL" released last March, the new full-length also consists of all original songs with the exception of...
Posted on September 16, 2018 at 23:03. | Released on September 19, 2018
Her Serves & Receive "Service Ace"
Her Serves & Receive (Japanese name "kanojo no Serves & Receive") is a girl vocal duo, and "future tennis icons", that has a gimmick of sporting tennis wear and a racket whenever performing live. Beyond the looks, their sounds have...
Posted on August 11, 2018 at 18:20. | Released on August 5, 2018
Perfume "Future Pop"
Perfume has a new 7th album coming this month! "Future Pop" is the follow-up to "Cosmic Explorer" (2016). As usual all songs are written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). Included are singles "Tokyo Girl", "If you wanna", "mugen mirai",...
Posted on August 7, 2018 at 22:55. | Released on August 15, 2018
Sato Chiaki "SickSickSickSick"
Satō Chiaki (singer of Kinoko Teikoku) has a first solo mini-album out now! The whole is co-produced by Sunahara Yoshinori. Check out the video for "Summer Gate" below. Satō Chiaki "SickSickSickSick" 佐藤千亜妃 「SickSickSickSick」 1. SickSickSickSick 2. Summer Gate 3. Signal...
Posted on July 26, 2018 at 21:59. | Released on July 25, 2018
BTB tokko "Sweet Machine"
Talkbox musician BTB (Pan Pacific Playa, ex-Luvraw & BTB) is back as "BTB tokkō" (tokkō = 特効 = special effects) with a new album titled "Sweet Machine". Expect mellow urban summer sounds! This follows recent single "I'll Be Around" (2018)...
Posted on July 10, 2018 at 21:30. | Released on July 11, 2018
Negicco "MY COLOR"
Negicco has a brand new 4th album about to be released! The album opens with singles "ai, kamashitai no" and "Calypso musume ni hanataba o", after which follow 11 new songs! Check out the sampler clip below. This album is...
Posted on July 5, 2018 at 00:09. | Released on July 10, 2018
Sweet Robots Against The Machine "3"
Towa Tei's side-project Sweet Robots Against The Machine is back with a 3rd album! Titled "3" (pronounced "san"), the unit now consists of three people: Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori and comedian Bakarhythm (Twitter). Also featured are actresses Kaho and Asō...
Posted on July 3, 2018 at 22:28. | Released on July 18, 2018
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "The Spooky Obakeyashiki ~Pumpkins Strike Back~" (Blu-ray/DVD)
With a Halloween concept and a haunted mansion ("obakeyashiki")-themed stage, this special Kyary Pamyu Pamyu show was held on October 28 and 29, 2017 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Don't miss this Blu-ray/DVD of the musical-like show. The first pressing...
Posted on June 26, 2018 at 21:57. | Released on June 27, 2018
Denki Groove "Tropical Love Tour 2017" (Blu-ray/DVD)
The final show from Denki Groove's latest tour, "Tropical Love Tour 2017", is being released on Blu-ray and DVD! The show was held on March 25, 2017 at Zepp Tokyo. The limited editions include two CDs of the entire show's...
Posted on June 11, 2018 at 22:25. | Released on June 20, 2018
lyrical school "World's End"
Idol rap group lyrical school has a brand new album being released this month! The song "toko Nuts Return" has music written & arranged by Shinco (Scha Dara Parr) and lyrics by Bose (Scha Dara Parr) and Kaseki Cider. There...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 21:27. | Released on June 19, 2018
Hello, Wendy! "No.9", "The First Encounter with Hello, Wendy!"
Hello, Wendy! (Facebook Page) is a unit of four synthesizer musicians led by Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter) and also featuring Maika Loubté, Azuma Hitomi and Niitsu Yui (previously known as Neat's), with no use of computer programming. Following the release...
Posted on May 31, 2018 at 21:55. | Released on May 30, 2018
Sawagi "Kabo Wabo"
Sawagi, a band that gives an energetic show of dance music played with live instruments, has a new album coming and it's co-produced by Chabe (Learners, cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza)! A remix by Chabe as cbsmgrfc is also included....
Posted on May 21, 2018 at 22:49. | Released on May 23, 2018
Non "Super Heroes", "Non, KAIWA Fest Vol.1 ~ongaku ga areba kaiwa ga dekiru!~" (DVD)
Actress-gone-rockstar Non (previously known as Nōnen Rena) has a first full-length album being released! This follows a few singles that were released since her debut as a singer last summer at the World Happiness festival. With five songs written by...
Posted on May 2, 2018 at 21:57. | Released on May 9, 2018
Hoshikuzu Scat "keshoushitsu"
Hoshikuzu Scat, the Shōwa-kayō drag queen trio formed of Mitz Mangrove, Gallantique Kazue and Meili Mu, has a first full-length album being released! Most songs were arranged—and many written—by Nakatsuka Takeshi. Most songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other...
Posted on April 22, 2018 at 22:46. | Released on April 25, 2018
Record Store Day 2018
Record Store Day 2018 is coming up this weekend! Like every year many Japanese artists, labels and shops get involved, and many exciting releases will appear on the shelves on Saturday morning. Here's a selection that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers...
Posted on April 16, 2018 at 23:40. | Released on April 21, 2018
Various Artists "Family Vol.2"
New from jazz label Playwright, which has now been around for 5 years, is this nice-priced 2-CD compilation that contains plenty of new recordings, previously unreleased tracks and rarities. Featured are Sunaga t experience, TRI4TH, fox capture plan, orange pekoe,...
Posted on April 12, 2018 at 22:35. | Released on April 11, 2018
Mondo Grosso "Attune / Detune"
Follow-up to last year's "Reborn Again and Always Starting New" (2017), Mondo Grosso (aka Ōsawa Shinichi) has a new album out now! This time the songs feature vocalists including Yakushimaru Etsuko, ACO, Aina The End (BiSH), Ōhashi Trio and more....
Posted on April 1, 2018 at 15:20. | Released on March 21, 2018
Clémentine "Café de POP from Tokyo Paris"
French singer Clémentine has just recently released a new album, a 4th of her "Café" series. Included are some new original songs, but also various covers of Shibuya-kei hit songs with lyrics translated to French (Pizzicato Five, Flipper's Guitar, Ozawa...
Posted on February 25, 2018 at 21:06. | Released on February 14, 2018
Ushio Kensuke "'Sunny/32' Original Soundtrack"
The soundtrack of movie "Sunny/32" was produced by Ushio Kensuke (aka agraph, of band LAMA and also live support member for Denki Groove). Theme song "pray" is sung by Tabuchi Hisako (LAMA). The movie, which features Pierre Taki (Denki Groove)...
Posted on February 11, 2018 at 23:29. | Released on February 14, 2018
Nakajima Megumi "Curiosity"
A 4th album by singer and voice actress Nakajima Megumi is about to be released. Included are songs written by Maedayama Kenichi (aka Hyadain), Avec Avec (Sugar's Campaign), CMJK (Cutemen) (with lyrics by Kai Minori and Twisty aka Takashi Tsugumi),...
Posted on February 11, 2018 at 22:13. | Released on February 14, 2018
Yasutaka Nakata "Digital Native"
Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE) is releasing a first solo album! Included are some brand new songs, including collaborations with banvox and MAMIKO (chelmico), along with some previously released tracks including "Crazy Crazy" (a collaboration with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Charli XCX)...
Posted on January 31, 2018 at 22:37. | Released on February 7, 2018
Negicco "Calypso musume ni hanataba o"
Here's a new single by Negicco! Both songs were written by Negicco's producer connie, although the title song was arranged and performed by Your Song Is Good. This is the first time Negicco collaborates with YSIG. The limited edition...
Posted on January 30, 2018 at 23:19. | Released on February 6, 2018
Ryuichi Sakamoto "async - Remodels"
This month Ryuichi Sakamoto suddenly released a remix album of songs from his latest album "async". Included are remixes by close collaborators Cornelius, Alva Noto and Fennesz, as well as ARCA (co-producer of Björk's "Vulnicura"), Oneohtrix Point Never (who is...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 13:50. | Released on December 13, 2017
Vanilla Beans "Vani Best II"
Vanilla Beans are celebrating their 10th anniversary! This is a greatest hits album that consists of all singles since their debut in 2007. Also included are one brand new song and also a new version of "Tokyo wa yoru no...
Posted on November 30, 2017 at 23:54. | Released on December 6, 2017
Perfume "Perfume Clips 2" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume have a 2nd collection of video clips being released on Blu-ray and DVD! This contains everything from "Spring of Life" (2012), when they moved to label Universal Music, up to the latest "If you wanna" (2017), pursuing from where...
Posted on November 27, 2017 at 23:43. | Released on November 29, 2017
Wakita Monari "Wingscape / LED" (CD+7")
Wakita Monari has a new single out this week! Her new funky jazz tune "Wingscape" was written and produced by COUNTJOKE (aka jōdan hakushaku, unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya) (Facebook page) and features Smooth Ace on chorus! The...
Posted on November 20, 2017 at 23:15. | Released on November 22, 2017
Gig report: "Shibuya no Radio no Shibuya-kei Festival"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday October 21, 2017 was held a very special music event for Shibuya-kei music fans. Shibuya ward organizes annually a music festival called "Shibuya ongakusai" (or "Shibu-on", official site) and for...
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 11:43.
Yashiro Aki "yoru no tsuzuki"
Enka singer Yashiro Aki has a 2nd jazz album being released, this time again produced by Konishi Yasuharu! It's been five years since the first, "Songs Around Midnight" (2012). The media is a high-fidelity SHM-CD which plays in regular CD...
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 22:29. | Released on October 11, 2017
Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Holiday Shibuya-kei o utau."
Nomiya Maki's new album is coming this month, and this time she sings Shibuya-kei standards that share a winter theme. Included are duets with Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Watanabe Marina, Takano Hiroshi and Suzuki Masayuki, with also chorus by...
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 21:11. | Released on October 18, 2017
"'Zen and Bones' Original Soundtrack"
"Zen and Bones" is a documentary film directed by Nakamura Takayuki ("Yokohama Mary") about Japanese-American Buddhist priest Henry Mittwer. This soundtrack features music by many artists including Nomiya Maki, Comoesta Yaegashi, Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Kishino You-ichi (La veuve...
Posted on September 17, 2017 at 23:51. | Released on September 20, 2017
Cutemen "Exhibition Of Love & Desire"
Cutemen, the techno unit of CMJK (early Denki Groove) and singer Picorin, has a new album being released! This is the follow-up to "Humanity" (2016) which marked their 25th anniversary. This new album's limited edition comes with a bonus disc...
Posted on September 3, 2017 at 20:08. | Released on September 6, 2017
Soleil "Pinky Fluffy" (7"+CD)
SOLEIL is a brand new band produced by Sally Kubota (Sally Soul Stew, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), and led by the 14-year-old singer of the same name: Soleil! Their first release comes as a single (7"+CD) of original song...
Posted on September 2, 2017 at 11:48. | Released on September 20, 2017
Crazy Ken Band "Crazy Ken Band All Time Best Album ai no sekai"
Crazy Ken Band has an all-time greatest hits album out now! The three CDs hold 60 of their best tracks covering their whole career so far, for a total of almost 4 hours! Plus, the limited edition gets you...
Posted on August 12, 2017 at 23:44. | Released on August 2, 2017
Kaseki Cider "Onigiri University"
Rapper Kaseki Cider has a brand new album out now! It had been almost 5 years since his previous original album "Mr. City Pop". Guests include Wakita Monari, Negicco, Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville), DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan, Satō Nanako, Matsuda...
Posted on August 2, 2017 at 22:00. | Released on August 2, 2017
Wednesday Campanella "Nippon Budokan kouen ~hakkaku uchuu~" (Blu-ray)
It's hard to believe that this is the first video release by Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyoubi no Campanella), known for their high-energy shows that have a good dose of surprise! This Blu-ray is of a live show held at famous...
Posted on July 31, 2017 at 23:16. | Released on July 26, 2017
Denki Groove "Tropical Love Lights", "Denki Groove Decade 2008~2017"
Denki Groove has two new releases out at once today! "Tropical Love Lights" is an alternate edition of latest album "Tropical Love" (2017), including mainly instrumentals and two new mixes. The other, "Denki Groove Decade 2008-2017", is a greatest hits...
Posted on July 26, 2017 at 23:11. | Released on July 26, 2017
Negicco "Negicco 2011~2017 -Best- 2"
Negicco has a new greatest hits album coming this month! Included are songs revolving around albums "Melody Palette" (2013), "Rice&Snow" (2015) and "Tea for Three" (2016), but also a single B-side ("sayonara Music"), previously unreleased show opening song "Make Up...
Posted on July 16, 2017 at 22:40. | Released on July 20, 2017
Cornelius "Mellow Waves"
A brand new album by Cornelius (international site) is coming at the end of June! Announced a few months ago and preceded by the release of two 7" singles, here comes "Mellow Waves", the long awaited follow-up to "Sensuous" (2006)!...
Posted on June 10, 2017 at 23:34. | Released on June 28, 2017
Mondo Grosso "Reborn Again and Always Starting New"
Mondo Grosso, the solo unit of Ōsawa Shinichi, has just released a brand new album! It had been some 14 years since his latest works under the Mondo Grosso name, and then suddenly came the "Labyrinth" single released on Record...
Posted on June 9, 2017 at 23:51. | Released on June 7, 2017
J.A.M "Silent Notes"
J.A.M, the instrumental jazz trio led by pianist Josei, with double-bassist Akita Goldman and drummer Midorin (all of Soil & "Pimp" Sessions), has a new album being released! The album features a song with Jin Oki, and one with L.D....
Posted on May 21, 2017 at 22:41. | Released on May 24, 2017
Shibata Satoko "Do You Need a Rest From Love?"
Singer-songwriter Shibata Satoko has a 4th album out today! This is the follow-up to her eponymous album released in 2015. Two songs were arranged by Kishida Shigeru (Quruli), and one by Yamamoto Seiichi (Boredoms). In June she will tour Japan,...
Posted on May 17, 2017 at 23:05. | Released on May 17, 2017
tofubeats "Fantasy Club"
tofubeats has a brand new album, his 3rd major album, coming this month! This is the follow-up to "Positive" (2015). There seems to be much more of tofubeats' own vocals than ever before, though the album also features guest vocalists...
Posted on May 6, 2017 at 11:51. | Released on May 24, 2017
"Game ongaku taizen Revolution" (Book)
This book about game music, with a title that translates to "Game music encyclopedia revolution", was supervised by YMCK and Famicomania. A follow-up to "Game ongaku taizen" (2016), it comes with a CD of 10 famous Konami game tracks,...
Posted on May 3, 2017 at 22:03. | Released on May 10, 2017
Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Vacances Shibuya-kei o utau. ~Wonderful Summer~"
Of her "Shibuya-kei standards" series, Nomiya Maki brings us a new album of summer & vacation-themed covers of Shibuya-kei songs, or ones that inspired the scene's artists. Included are songs originally by Watanabe Marina (written by Ozawa Kenji & Oyamada...
Posted on April 20, 2017 at 21:46. | Released on May 3, 2017
De De Mouse "dream you up"
Dé Dé Mouse (who now writes his name with accents aigus) has a new album coming soon! This is his 6th album, and the follow-up to "farewell holiday!" (2015). Included are 11 songs, one of which is a collaboration with...
Posted on April 9, 2017 at 21:39. | Released on April 12, 2017
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Easta", "KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in Nippon Budokan" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single coming in time for Easter, and it's called "Easta"! Both new songs were produced by Nakata Yasutaka, and are used respectively in commercials for Aeon's Easter campaign and Glico's "Ice no mi"....
Posted on April 2, 2017 at 19:19. | Released on April 5, 2017
Kinoco Hotel "jitsuroku - gebageba daikakumei" (DVD/Blu-ray)
Kinoco Hotel has a new live Blu-ray/DVD out now! This show was held on October 22, 2016 at Tokyo Kinema Club, part of the tour that followed released of latest album "Marianne no kakumei" (2016). Available on Blu-ray and DVD,...
Posted on March 7, 2017 at 22:31. | Released on March 1, 2017
Denki Groove "Tropical Love"
Denki Groove has just released a brand new album, 4 years after "Human Beings and Animals" (2013). Titled "Tropical Love", it contains a total of 10 new songs including an album version of latest single "Fallin' Down" (2015). The song...
Posted on March 5, 2017 at 01:04. | Released on March 1, 2017
Wakita Monari "Boy Friend"
Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) has a 2nd solo single being released on Vivid Sound! Both synth-pop style songs were produced by the two of Microstar: Satō Seiki and Iizumi Yūko. The single is available in 3 editions, a limited edition including...
Posted on February 7, 2017 at 21:15. | Released on February 15, 2017
Various Artists "Best of Pied Piper Days Vol.2"
Pied Piper House (official Twitter) was an influential record shop in Tokyo from 1975 to 1989. It has been revived for a limited time on the 5th floor of Tower Records Shibuya since last summer, first for an expected 6...
Posted on January 22, 2017 at 15:36. | Released on January 25, 2017
Toki Asako "Pink"
Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new album coming this week, the follow-up to "Bittersweet" (2015) (CDJapan, Amazon). This time the album is sound produced by Tomi Yo who had written a few songs on "Bittersweet" and previous album "Heartbreakin'" (2013)....
Posted on January 22, 2017 at 01:22. | Released on January 25, 2017
Perfume "Tokyo Girl"
Perfume has a new single coming in February! The title song is being used at the theme song of TV drama "Tokyo tarareba musume", while the B-side can be heard in a TV commercial for Ora2 toothpaste. Both songs are...
Posted on January 16, 2017 at 21:48. | Released on February 15, 2017
G.Rina "Live & Learn"
Singer-songwriter/trackmaker G.Rina has a new album out now! "Live & Learn" entirely consists of songs written and produced by herself, with guest vocals by Toki Asako, Chinza Dopeness, yoshiro (underslowjams), Dengaryu and Kick A Show. Samples of all songs can...
Posted on January 14, 2017 at 13:45. | Released on January 11, 2017
Charan-Po-Rantan "toritomenashi"
Accordion and vocals sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a new mini-album coming this month! Consisting of 8 new songs, including two theme songs for recent TV dramas, this follows cover album "karimono kyōsō" released last September. The song "otakebi" features Tokyo...
Posted on January 3, 2017 at 12:13. | Released on January 18, 2017
YMCK "Family Swing"
YMCK kicks off 2017 with a brand new album! "Family Swing" goes back to their jazzy roots which are blown full-size into a musical-like concept album. It's also the return of the "Swingers" characters who first appeared in album "Family...
Posted on January 2, 2017 at 19:40. | Released on January 18, 2017
Negicco "ai, kamashitai no"
Negicco has a brand new single out this month! The brand new song "ai, kamashitai no" was written by Dōjima Kōhei, it's a catchy and fun pop track with a Shibuya-kei vibe. Check out the fun video below! The B-side...
Posted on December 10, 2016 at 20:21. | Released on December 20, 2016
"lyrical school no michi to no sōgū" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Earlier this year rap idol group lyrical school made a sci-fi-themed movie that was shown in theaters in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, and has now just been released on Blu-ray and DVD. While working in a Tokyo record shop to...
Posted on December 10, 2016 at 13:05. | Released on December 7, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "suteki ni X'mas Night" (7"+CD)
Yes it's getting time for Christmas music! Hoshino Michiru has a new single out this week, including new song "suteki ni X'mas Night" which is arranged by Gary Ashiya (of La veuve moustachue)! The B-side, also Christmas-themed, is taken from...
Posted on November 29, 2016 at 21:54. | Released on November 30, 2016
lyrical school "guidebook"
Here comes idol rap unit lyrical school's 1st major album, following their move from to King Records. This is the follow-up to "SPOT" (2015), and includes singles "RUN and RUN", "Summer Foundation" and "Magic Hour". The song "koi wazuwazu" was...
Posted on November 16, 2016 at 00:06. | Released on November 16, 2016
Wakita Monari "In The City / anone,,," (CD+7")
Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) is back as a solo artist! She now shows up on the great Vivid Sound label with a first solo single. Both songs are originals, with the A-side "In The City" arranged by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke),...
Posted on November 14, 2016 at 23:56. | Released on November 16, 2016
Nakata Yasutaka "Nanimono EP / Nanimono (Original Soundtrack)"
Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE) collaborated with singer Yonezu Kenshi (aka Hachi) for the title song of movie "Nanimono". This soundtrack includes remixes as well as more music used in the film, all produced by Nakata. The movie will open in theaters...
Posted on October 2, 2016 at 22:13. | Released on October 5, 2016
lyrical school "Magic Hour / kakko warui furarekata -lyrisch no baai-"
lyrical school have a new single coming this week! "Magic Hour" is a brand new song, while "kakko warui furarekata" is a cover of Ōe Senri's hit song that was featured in the movie "Moteki" (2011) with added rap lyrics....
Posted on October 1, 2016 at 12:25. | Released on October 5, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "My Favorite Songs"
Hoshino Michiru has a cover album coming! Selected by herself and producer Hase Hajimu, this includes many new recordings and a few songs from recent singles, such as "koi suru Fortune Cookie feat. The Scooters" that is sold at live...
Posted on September 4, 2016 at 12:30. | Released on September 7, 2016
Nomiya Maki "otoko to onna 'Un Homme et Une Femme' ~ Nomiya Maki, French Shibuya-kei o utau."
Nomiya Maki has a brand new album just about to be released! This album has a theme of "French Shibuya-kei", highlighting bits of the French culture that influenced the Shibuya-kei scene. This is a 2-CD release of both a studio...
Posted on August 29, 2016 at 23:22. | Released on August 31, 2016
Metafive "Metalive" (Blu-ray+CD)
Metafive have released a first live Blu-ray, of a show held at EX Theater Roppongi on January 21, 2016. The full show plus 3 video clips are included, and the release comes with a CD of a selection of songs...
Posted on August 19, 2016 at 21:17. | Released on August 17, 2016
kataomoi "Quiero V.I.P"
Here's a 2nd album by kataomoi, follow-up to "kataomoin Da House" (2013). This was engineered by Illicit Tsuboi, and is being released on Kakubarhythm. Check out the release special page. A release party will be held at Kinema Club on...
Posted on August 14, 2016 at 17:54. | Released on August 3, 2016
Especia "Mirage"
Idol group Especia is now back as a trio with a brand new EP! There has been a serious image change following their dramatic move from Osaka to Tokyo earlier this year, with a cool sound that has evolved and...
Posted on August 11, 2016 at 22:45. | Released on August 10, 2016
Crazy Ken Band "Hong Kong Taxi"
Crazy Ken Band's new album "Hong Kong Taxi" consists mainly of self-covers of songs first written for other artists. Included are songs first sung by Nagisa Yōko, Wada Akiko, SMAP, and many others. Also included are a few rare songs...
Posted on August 3, 2016 at 00:01. | Released on August 3, 2016
Ishino Takkyu "Lunatique"
Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove)'s brand new solo album "Lunatique" is about to be released! This follows mini-album "Cruise" (2010). The album has artwork by Ukawa Naohiro (Dommune), taking source from a cover illustration of defunct magazine "Manga Erotopia". Hear samples...
Posted on August 2, 2016 at 23:06. | Released on August 3, 2016
Various Artists "Bossa Brasilia 2016"
This compilation of samba/bossa nova songs was selected by DJ Itō Yōichirō (aka Akakage), mainly from the vast repertory of UK label Far Out Recordings. Included is an original by Akakage taken from his "Fighissima" album (2006). Various Artists "Bossa...
Posted on July 18, 2016 at 01:08. | Released on July 20, 2016
Tweedees "The Second Time Around"
Tweedees, the unit of Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals) and Kiyoura Natsumi, has a 2nd album about to be released! This is the follow-up to last year's "The Sound Sounds.". The song "Phillip" features Indonesian band ikkubaru. The limited edition includes a...
Posted on July 16, 2016 at 19:58. | Released on July 20, 2016
Negicco "Live & Life II Negicco 2016 Winter-Spring" (Blu-ray)
Negicco has a new live Blu-ray disc out this week, of their recent tour titled "The Music Band of Negicco". Featured is the entire Tokyo one-man live held on April 27, 2016 at Nakano Sunplaza in Tokyo, which was backed...
Posted on July 10, 2016 at 23:47. | Released on July 12, 2016
Perfume "WE ARE Perfume -WORLD TOUR 3rd DOCUMENT" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume's first documentary movie is being released on Blu-ray and DVD! The movie follows them throughout their 3rd world tour (held in 2014) that led them to Taiwan, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S. Special features include audio commentary by...
Posted on July 1, 2016 at 00:52. | Released on July 6, 2016
Horie Mitsuko "New Moon ni koi shite" / Chibiusa (CV. Fukuen Misato) "otome no susume" (CD+DVD)
This single from latest Sailor Moon series "Sailor Moon Crystal 3rd Season" contains ending theme "otome no susume" that was written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One)! Also, the opening theme "New Moon ni koi shite" was produced by...
Posted on May 26, 2016 at 00:17. | Released on May 25, 2016
Cupitron "Galaxy Express 999"
Electro/techno-pop idol trio Cupitron's new single is a cover of the theme of "Galaxy Express 999" (in Japanese "ginga tetsudō 999", with "999" read "three nine"). The original was performed by band Godaigo and released in 1979. The new cover...
Posted on May 24, 2016 at 23:00. | Released on May 25, 2016
Harada Tomoyo "Love Song Covers 2 ~ wakaba no koro"
Follow-up to last year's "Love Song Covers", here's a 2nd cover album from Harada Tomoyo. Whlie the previous was of foreign songs, this time the focus is on Japanese love songs. This time again the whole is produced by Itō...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 12:25. | Released on May 11, 2016
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP Best"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a greatest hits album coming this month! The album consists of 2 CDs full of KPP's best songs so far. Also included are previously unreleased songs "5iVE YEARS MONSTER", "kanzen keitai" and "KPP ON STAGE". You...
Posted on May 2, 2016 at 00:31. | Released on May 25, 2016
YeYe "ate a lemon" (7"+CD)
Singer-songwriter YeYe has a brand new 7" single out now on Rallye! Follow-up to album "Hue Circle" (2013), this is a cut from an upcoming 3rd album to be released early summer. Check out the catchy song's fun and brilliant...
Posted on April 23, 2016 at 14:32. | Released on April 23, 2016
Denki Groove "Denki Groove The Movie?" (Blu-ray/DVD), "tofunsai" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Denki Groove has released two Blu-ray/DVDs just recently! The first is "Denki Groove The Movie", a documentary of the group's 25 years so far that was shown on big screens throughout Japan at the end of 2015. This features a...
Posted on April 13, 2016 at 00:27. | Released on March 30, 2016
Negicco "mujun, hajimemashita."
Negicco has a new single out now! The title song was written by singer-songwriter Sakai Yū, with lyrics by Toki Asako, and arranged by connie (Negicco's producer) and NEGiBAND. Check out the charming clip below that features many guests! The...
Posted on April 11, 2016 at 22:34. | Released on March 29, 2016
Perfume "Cosmic Explorer"
Perfume has a brand new 6th album out now! This is the follow-up to "LEVEL3" (2013) since which 2½ years have passed. Amidst brand new unheard songs, some of the previously released songs such as "Sweet Refrain", "Cling Cling" and...
Posted on April 7, 2016 at 22:24. | Released on April 6, 2016
unBORDE all stars "Feel + unBORDE Greatest Hits"
unBORDE, the Warner Music Japan sub-label that hosts Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, CAPSULE, tofubeats and lots more, is releasing a greatest hits nice-priced compilation that includes new song "Feel". The song is a collaboration featuring lots of the label's artists totaling...
Posted on March 6, 2016 at 14:33. | Released on March 9, 2016
Especia "Carta"
Osaka 80's style idol group Especia has a brand new album coming this month! Included are songs written by Fujii Naoyuki (ex-Checkers), Rillsoul, Schtein & Longer, PellyColo, with the rest mainly written by Hi-Fi City. The album is being released...
Posted on February 16, 2016 at 00:11. | Released on February 24, 2016
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans V"
Following 4th album "Vanilla Beans IV" (released in February 2015), and triple-A-side major single "onna wa sore o gaman shinai / Beanius / lonesome X", here's a brand new 5th album by idol group Vanilla Beans! It's full of songs,...
Posted on January 22, 2016 at 21:35. | Released on February 3, 2016
Charan-Po-Rantan "onna no 46pun"
Sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a brand new album coming this week! "Taylor ni narenai yo" is an homage song to Taylor Swift, and its video was shot in New York where they went for a show at Japan Society last...
Posted on January 2, 2016 at 12:42. | Released on January 6, 2016
Hamada Bamyu Bamyu "Nandeya Nen Nen"
Here's a funny one. Popular comedian Hamada Masatoshi (of comedy unit Downtown) parodies Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in this single released as Hamada Bamyu Bamyu. This gets interesting as the track is produced by none other than Nakata Yasutaka, and...
Posted on December 30, 2015 at 22:37. | Released on December 16, 2015
Halfby "Innn Hawaii"
Halfby aka Takahashi Takahiro has a brand new 5th album out now! This successes "Leaders Of The New School" (2014), and features VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, Alfred Beach Sandal, Hashimoto Tsubasa (cero) and Electric Sisters. Expect danceable exotic soundscapes of Halfby's trademark, with...
Posted on November 15, 2015 at 18:23. | Released on November 11, 2015
Nomiya Maki "What The World Needs Now Is Love"
Nomiya Maki has a new album coming! Following her live album from last year, "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards", this time she takes some of those standards (and then some) to the studio! Included are songs by Pizzicato Five,...
Posted on November 8, 2015 at 11:05. | Released on November 11, 2015
hitomitoi "The Memory Hotel"
hitomitoi has a brand new album out now! Producers and musicians include Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryusenkei), Dorian, Kashif (PPP, Jintana & Emeralds), LUVRAW (ImageCluv), Crystal ((((sssurrounddd))), Jintana & Emeralds) and mabanua. This is the follow-up to album "Snowbank Social Club" (2014)...
Posted on October 22, 2015 at 22:35. | Released on October 21, 2015
Nomoto Karia "Karia Nomoto F" (Book)
Nomoto Karia has created a self-produced photo book of herself as captured by five photographers: Leona Tamura, Ani Watanabe, Takanori Fujishiro, Shigeo Shidara and Rowland Kirishima. All photographers adopted distinctive themes and techniques giving the splendid full-color 80-page book a...
Posted on October 19, 2015 at 23:09. | Released on October 15, 2015
Shoko "A Love Letter to London"
Shoko, a multi-artist based in London and Tokyo, has a first full-length album out now! Kaji Hideki, her husband, wrote all songs except for a cover of Saint Etienne's "London Belongs to Me". The album was recorded in Tokyo, Malmö...
Posted on October 10, 2015 at 16:08. | Released on October 7, 2015
FPM "Moments"
FPM is celebrating the 20th anniversary since Fantastic Plastic Machine's debut, with this a trio of greatest hits albums that include tracks since the early days, including rare track "Mr. Salesman" (later to become "Dear Mr. Salesman" on the first...
Posted on September 29, 2015 at 23:04. | Released on September 30, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP MV01" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Here's Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's first collection of video clips! All of her videos since her debut in 2011 are included, plus 24 minutes of previously unreleased bonus footage. The limited edition comes in a special package with a deluxe booklet...
Posted on September 27, 2015 at 18:23. | Released on September 30, 2015
Bank "True Tempo"
Bank, a funky genreless band with multiple Shibuya-kei roots, has a brand new album out now! This band features members formerly of Arch (Nakamura Dai on guitar & vocals), Bridge (Ōhashi Nobuyuki aka Pate on guitar) and Love Tambourines (Hirami...
Posted on September 26, 2015 at 01:56. | Released on September 26, 2015
Yano Akiko "Welcome to Jupiter"
Yano Akiko has a brand new album out now! With a concept of "adult techno music", this time she has the support of young trackmakers such as tofubeats, Seiho (Sugar's Campaign), Azuma Hitomi, Tomita Keiichi (Tomita Lab), Fukasawa Hideyuki and...
Posted on September 17, 2015 at 23:55. | Released on September 16, 2015
Bajune Tobeta "Tokyo Galaxy"
Following EP "Teddy Bear and Password", here's a brand new full-length album by producer Bajune Tobeta! This features an impressive line-up of guests including Nomiya Maki, FPM, Sakamoto Miu, Shing02, Arto Lindsay and bo en among others. Bajune Tobeta "Tokyo...
Posted on September 13, 2015 at 23:44. | Released on September 16, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Crazy Party Night ~Pumpkin no gyakushū~"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single out today! "Crazy Party Night" is a Halloween-themed dance track. Included are also 3 more new songs of which bits have been heard in TV commercials recently. As always, all are written...
Posted on September 2, 2015 at 22:21. | Released on September 2, 2015
