Himeno Tama "Panorama kaidou masshigura"
Multi-talent singer/artist, also freelance idol and model, and known as the singer of band Je et Georges, Himeno Tama is back with a major debut album! Featured musicians include Hasegawa Hakushi, Naoe Masahiro (Carnation), Torii Masamichi (Triple Fire), Kawabe Moro...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 23:14. | Released on April 24, 2019
Wakita Monari "I am ONLY" (12")
Wakita Monari's excellent 1st album "I am ONLY" (2017) is finally being released on vinyl! Included are songs written by Hase Hajimu, Microstar, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Yafune Tetsurō, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Count Joke, Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme), ikkubaru (from...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 21:28. | Released on April 24, 2019
Various Artists "Non-Standard collection - Non-Standard no hibiki -" (4CD)
Here comes a massive compilation of the Non-Standard label, which was produced by Hosono Haruomi (YMO) during the 80's. With genres covering techno-pop, ambient and improvised music, the label featured artists such as World Standard, Koshi Miharu, Mikado, Urban Dance,...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 12:47. | Released on March 27, 2019
MANON "Winter Lil Life feat. Sleet Mage" (Download)
Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) who just turned 17 recently has a brand new song out today digitally! "Winter Lil Life" is as usual produced by Yuppa (HNC), and it features young Hokkaido rapper Sleet Mage (YouTube...
Posted on February 22, 2019 at 20:53. | Released on February 22, 2019
Nomiya Maki "miss maki nomiya sings (Re-issue)"
Nomiya Maki's solo album "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings" was released in July 2000 (back when Pizzicato Five was still active) and it is finally being re-issued! The album had a theme of Maki being a jetsetter and travelling across the...
Posted on February 21, 2019 at 22:13. | Released on March 20, 2019
Her Serves & Receive "Service Ace -kaitei ban-"
Future tennis icon unit Her Serves & Receive's excellent first album "Service Ace" is being re-released as a "revised" edition. Included is the entire original album plus new track "One" that was contributed by Kobe pop group Sappy. The jacket...
Posted on February 14, 2019 at 23:08. | Released on February 23, 2019
Chikada Haruo "Chikada Haruo Best ~ The Baddest Guy In The World"
Chikada Haruo, an artist active musically since 1970, released last November vocal album "chō jōdan dakara" which was his first original album under his name in 38 years. Just two months later he also released an instrumental album as unit...
Posted on February 12, 2019 at 22:24. | Released on February 27, 2019
WHY@DOLL "Hey!"
WHY@DOLL is an idol duo from Sapporo (Hokkaido) that combines great songs (and singing) with elegant and charming dances. Their new ep "Hey!" brings four new songs, two of which are written by Yoshida Tetsuto (and co-arranged by Hase Yasuhiro...
Posted on February 4, 2019 at 23:36. | Released on February 12, 2019
moonriders "moonriders Final Banquet 2016 ~ saigo no kyōen ~" (2CD)
Despite that they were in hiatus, in 2016 Moonriders did a "hiatus hiatus" to thank their fans, and performed several times at festivals and also did a tour which ended on December 15, 2016 at Nakano Sunplaza (Tokyo). This 2-CD...
Posted on January 22, 2019 at 21:36. | Released on January 23, 2019
Gig report: Adieu, Vanilla Beans!: Retrospective & last gig reports
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound They came carried by winds from Northern Europe, where they returned to last October 7 (2018). So goes the setting of Vanilla Beans, a unique idol group that had debuted...
Posted on December 31, 2018 at 22:03.
Hime to Mahou "Princess & Magic"
Hime to Mahou is the unit of singer/idol Himeno Tama and DJ Mahoutsukai (aka manga artist Nishijima Daisuke), who are disbanding with the release of this first fill-length album. Most tracks were previously released as CD-R's sold exclusively from 2016...
Posted on December 4, 2018 at 23:34. | Released on December 5, 2018
Urbangarde "Urbangarde of Love and Fantasy"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde, which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has just released a new special album! Closely following the release of "shojo Fiction" (April 2018), this new album collects rarities and tracks not available on any of their...
Posted on November 23, 2018 at 21:23. | Released on November 21, 2018
Negicco "love my 15 years" (Blu-ray)
Negicco's 15th anniversary live show, held at Toki Messe Niigata Convention Center on July 21, 2018, has just been released on Blu-ray. Negicco have an upcoming show titled "relive MY COLOR" to be held on Saturday November 24 at Nakano...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 22:57. | Released on November 6, 2018
The Collectors "Young Man Rock"
The Collectors have a new 23rd album out now, titled "Young Man Rock"! Takanami Keitarō (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) has co-arranged the two last songs, according to credits on Tower Records' page. All songs can be sampled on this official...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 22:16. | Released on November 4, 2018
Record Day 2018
Record Day is this Saturday November 3, always held on the same day as national holiday "Culture Day". Led by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, many labels and artists coordinate their releases in the favorite physical format of many to...
Posted on November 2, 2018 at 23:22. | Released on November 3, 2018
CTO LAB. "Beyond The Box"
CTO LAB., gadget techno-pop unit and supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), has a brand new album coming in November! It will be their 2nd full-length album, following their 1st "Okie Dokie" (2010) and...
Posted on September 29, 2018 at 23:53. | Released on November 14, 2018
Cornelius "Ripple Waves"
Cornelius has a new album being released this week! This is actually an album that revolves around the latest, "Mellow Waves". Included are some remixes (two of which were previously released part of the Sound & Recording magazine), some tracks...
Posted on September 17, 2018 at 22:10. | Released on September 19, 2018
Halfby "Last Aloha"
Halfby is releasing a brand new album, 3 years after the excellent "Innn Hawaii" (2015). This 6th album features collaborations with Oh shu, Takai Kōki (Ahh! Folly Jet), Morino Yoshitaka (Handsomeboy Technique), Homecomings and Kikuchi Hitoshi (ex-Hotel Mexico). This is...
Posted on August 19, 2018 at 16:05. | Released on September 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
Crazy Ken Band "Going To A Go-Go"
Crazy Ken Band, which has been celebrating its 20th anniversary, has a brand new album out now! In terms of original albums, this is the follow-up to "mō sukkari are nandayone" (2015). Included are four recent tie-up songs: "Soul Train"...
Posted on August 6, 2018 at 23:28. | Released on August 1, 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
WHY@DOLL "Sweet Vinegar"
Idol duo WHY@DOLL from Sapporo (Hokkaido) has a new single out now! A-side "Sweet Vinegar" was written and arranged by Awesome City Club, while B-side "Don't Ask Me Why" has music written by Yoshida Tetsuto and co-arranged with Hase Yasuhiro...
Posted on June 27, 2018 at 22:46. | Released on June 26, 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
Various Artists "Brilliant Ideas Works Of Yasuharu Konishi 1986-2018" (5CD)
Here comes a massive boxed set compilation of works by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five) spanning his whole career from 1986 to now! Included are many of the hits and wonderful songs he wrote music or lyrics for, produced,...
Posted on June 3, 2018 at 23:09. | Released on June 6, 2018
Various Artists "NHK 'Shaki-n! Music ~kokoro ne~'" (CD+DVD)
This is the soundtrack of popular NHK E-Tele (NHK Educational TV/ETV) show "Shaki-n!", with songs composed by or featuring Kaji Hideki, Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō/iLL, of LAMA, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (LAMA, ex-Supercar), The Natsuyasumi Band, Yashiro Aki, etc. The album...
Posted on May 29, 2018 at 23:26. | Released on May 23, 2018
Isao Tomita "Missing Link of Tomita ~Tomita Isao Nippon Columbia shoki sakuhinshuu 1953-1974~"
This album is a collection of 21 early rare pieces by composer and synthesizer pioneer Isao Tomita (1932-2016) taken from Columbia's archives. The artwork was done by Ukawa Naohiro (Dommune). Isao Tomita "Missing Link Of Tomita ~Tomita Isao Nippon Columbia...
Posted on May 29, 2018 at 22:54. | Released on May 23, 2018
Ellie "Stay Gold"
Ellie (ex-Love Tambourines) has a new mini-album being released! It had been 11 years since her previous "rita" (as "eli") (2007). This time it seems that she somewhat goes back to her roots with some musicians she feels most comfortable...
Posted on May 22, 2018 at 22:18. | 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
Pearl Brothers "uma no you ni"
Pearl Brothers (Japanese name "Pearl kyōdai"), a famous rock/new wave band formed in the early 80's, has recently been active with five of its original members, and now here comes a new mini-album! In addition to two new songs and...
Posted on April 22, 2018 at 21:23. | Released on April 25, 2018
Nosa Reina "Endless Party ~Cover Album~"
Nosa Reina is releasing a first cover album this month, of various charming Japanese songs from her memories arranged with a new wave touch. Featured are songs originally by EPO, Sakakibara Ikue (Techno-kayō classic "Robot"!), Sawada Kenji, Ōtaki Eiichi, Suzuki...
Posted on April 14, 2018 at 00:15. | Released on April 18, 2018
Yoichiro Ito "makimodoshitai hodo no shiawase / ao no sekai feat. Crazy Ken" (7")
Itō Yōichirō (aka Akakage) has a new 7" single being released! Both songs feature singer Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), with the horn section from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra on the A-side and a swinging jazz band on the B-side....
Posted on April 7, 2018 at 00:05. | Released on April 11, 2018
Urbangarde "Shoujo Fiction"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde has a brand new album being released this week, underlining their 10th anniversary since album "shōjo wa nido shinu" (2008)! The deluxe edition comes with a 24-page booklet and DVD of 4 music videos. HMV gives...
Posted on April 2, 2018 at 23:24. | Released on April 4, 2018
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah' 2", "Design Ah" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Out now is a 2nd soundtrack album for NHK's popular educational TV program "Design Ah" (「デザインあ」) for which all the music is by Cornelius! Featured are vocals by Chocolat, Aoba Ichiko, Harada Ikuko (clammbon), Hanaregumi, KAKATO (Tamaki ROY x Chinza...
Posted on March 27, 2018 at 22:42. | Released on March 21, 2018
Ozawa Kenji "Arpeggio (kitto mahou no Tunnel no saki)"
Ozawa Kenji has a new single being released on Valentine's Day. The title song is the theme of movie "River's Edge", and also features the voices of lead actress Nikaidō Fumi and actor Yoshizawa Ryō. The B-side is a live...
Posted on February 12, 2018 at 21:54. | 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
Kinoco Hotel "kainarasarenai onnatachi ~ jikkyou rokuonban" (2CD+DVD)
Kinoco Hotel has released a new live album of their 10th anniversary show that was held on June 24, 2017 at Akasaka Blitz in Tokyo. The packages includes 2 CDs (totaling 96 min.) and a DVD (of about 78 min.)....
Posted on January 27, 2018 at 18:55. | Released on January 17, 2018
WHY@DOLL "Show Me Your Smile"
Idol duo WHY@DOLL from Sapporo (Hokkaido) has a new single coming, the follow-up to their self-titled album released last August. The title track was written and produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi, while B-side "Promises, Promises" has music written by Yoshida Tetsuto...
Posted on January 2, 2018 at 23:05. | Released on January 23, 2018
Nosa Reina "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" (Download)
Nosa Reina has a new Christmas song available on iTunes Japan (and OTOTOY, Spotify, etc.)! "I WIsh It Could Be Christmas Everyday" is a cover of Suzuki Saeko, from the 1983 album of the same name. This is an...
Posted on December 12, 2017 at 22:42. | Released on December 6, 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
marino "watashi wa kouchayasan"
marino has a new 3rd album coming this month! This follows "Bathtub de chōshoku o" released in 2012. Recorded with a real band, the musical-like new album takes its theme from her own tea store which she has been running...
Posted on October 1, 2017 at 11:37. | Released on September 29, 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
The Lady Spade "Dial 'S' for The Lady Spade!"
The Lady Spade's first album, "Dial 'S' for The Lady Spade!", was released in 2009 and featured former vocalist Ruby aka Nosa Reina. It is now being released again in a remastered edition! The Lady Spade fans and also anyone...
Posted on September 17, 2017 at 17:13. | Released on September 20, 2017
Ozawa Kenji to Sekai No Owari "I Hear an Owl"
Ozawa Kenji (ex-Flipper's Guitar) has a new single out now, his 2nd this year (following "ryūdōtai ni tsuite" released suddenly in February). The title song is a collaboration with band Sekai No Owari, while the B-side is a solo song...
Posted on September 8, 2017 at 00:02. | Released on September 6, 2017
Various Artists "Throw Away Your CDs Go Out To A Show"
Call And Response Records has a new compilation out now! Curated by Ian Martin, author of the book "Quit Your Band! Musical Notes from the Japanese Underground", this album features 17 bands from various areas of Japan, revolving around genres...
Posted on August 20, 2017 at 00:37. | Released on August 16, 2017
PARKGOLF "Reo"
Parkgolf (Twitter), a beatmaker/producer based in Hokkaidō whose debut album was released on Seiho's Day Tripper Records, has a 2nd album out now! "hyakunen" (feat. hitomitoi) and "Dance no aizu" (feat. Okamoto Emi) were also released on 7", find details...
Posted on August 14, 2017 at 23:03. | Released on August 9, 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
Emerson Kitamura "Madokara / Ame No Saka No Ashimoto" (Download)
Keyboardist Emerson Kitamura has released two new songs digitally! Check them out on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Also don't miss his delightful latest mini-album "Rock'n Roll No Hajimari Ha". Emerson Kitamura will play at Rising Sun Festival 2017 in Hokkaido...
Posted on August 10, 2017 at 23:54. | 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
Wakita Monari "I am ONLY"
After three great singles, here comes Wakita Monari (ex-Especia)'s 1st solo album! All songs are said to be worth single cuts. Included are songs written by Hase Hajimu, Microstar, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Yafune Tetsurō, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Count Joke, Hase...
Posted on July 22, 2017 at 23:38. | 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
Charan-Po-Rantan "toritomenai ongakukai" (Blu-ray/DVD)
This is a live DVD (and Blu-ray) of the last show of Charan-Po-Rantan's latest tour, titled "Charan-Po-Rantan to yukai na Cancan Balcan Tour 2016-17 'taishū ongaku no tebiki'", which closely followed the release of album "toritomenashi". This show was held...
Posted on July 9, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on July 12, 2017
Tamaki Roy "nagi"
Rapper Tamaki ROY has new album out now! This is the follow-up to "Lucky" (2013). Most songs are collaborations with various producers, including Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), Hasunuma Shūta, Ametsub, and many more. Check out the two clips below! A 7"...
Posted on June 25, 2017 at 13:22. | Released on June 21, 2017
Hoshino Michiru "12 signs of the zodiac"
Hoshino Michiru has a new album out now! "12 signs of the zodiac" contains three new songs from singles "kagami no naka no watashi" and "nagareboshi Rendez-vous" (with also B-side "kyōkaisenjō no futari") released just last month, plus 9 brand...
Posted on June 20, 2017 at 22:46. | Released on June 21, 2017
Hoshino Michiru "kagami no naka no watashi" (CD+7"), "nagareboshi Rendez-vous" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has not one but two new singles out this week! The first, "kagami no naka no watashi" is a new song written by Okii Reiji (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals), with lyrics by Kiyoura Natsumi (Tweedees). Its B-side is "kare no...
Posted on May 30, 2017 at 21:45. | Released on May 31, 2017
Kinoco Hotel "Playgirl dai makyou"
Kinoco Hotel's new release is a 10th anniversary album, containing 10 songs from previously released album although they have all been re-arranged and re-recorded, mainly ones that had been released before current bassist Giulietta Kirishima joined the group. Also included...
Posted on May 28, 2017 at 14:52. | Released on June 7, 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
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
Record Store Day 2017
Record Store Day 2017 will be taking place this weekend, on Saturday April 22! As usual, many limited releases will be available at record shops only from that date. Below is a selection of some of the best stuff that...
Posted on April 18, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on April 22, 2017
Urbangarde "Urbangarde 2016 Xmas Special Hall Live Tenshi des Akuma"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde is releasing a new live album of a show held at the Shibuya Cultural Center on December 17, 2016. The show was divided in "devil" and "angel" segments, and the audience had to vote for the...
Posted on April 11, 2017 at 22:57. | Released on April 12, 2017
Various Artists "Toy Chara Pop Collection Vol.1~3 Selected by DJ Fukutake"
DJ Fukutake, who selected the great "Yava-kayō" mix CD series, is back with this trio of compilations under a "Toy Character Pop" theme! Respectively subtitled "Hero & Hit", "Fancy & Kawaii" and "Video Game", each compilation is filled with Shōwa-era...
Posted on April 1, 2017 at 22:26. | Released on March 22, 2017
Various Artists "Kayama Yuzo no shin sekai"
Kayama Yūzō is a singer-songwriter who will soon be celebrating his 80th birthday. This is a remix album of some of his songs, featuring artists such as Scha Dara Parr, Wednesday Campanella, Rhymester, Momoiro Clover Z with Cypress Ueno &...
Posted on March 29, 2017 at 22:55. | Released on March 8, 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
Various Artists "manatsu no Innocence ~ Urino Masao Works Covers"
This is a cover album of songs by lyricist Urino Masao whose career amounts to 35 years. These are all new arrangements of some of his most known works, here sung by many vocalists such as hitomitoi, Mizuno Mari (paris...
Posted on February 24, 2017 at 00:04. | Released on February 22, 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
The Scooters "Kaiso-Rasputin" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single coming this month! The title track is a cover of German disco band Boney-M's "Rasputin" (Japanese title "kaisō Rasputin") completely rearranged into a "strange polka rock" in The Scooters' manner. B-side "Hang On...
Posted on January 24, 2017 at 23:27. | Released on January 25, 2017
Various Artists "ExT Best File"
ExT Recordings, the underground electro label of Nagata Kazunao (Organization), is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! This compilation contains a previously unreleased track by De De Mouse, a new mix from Cherryboy Function, as well more brand new recordings...
Posted on January 14, 2017 at 13:17. | Released on January 11, 2017
Inoue Honoka "First Flight"
Voice actress Inoue Honoka has a debut album that was released just recently. This was entirely written and produced by Mukaju Dan, a production unit formed of Shock Tarou and Ton-chan, both songwriting members of blue marble (unit that ended...
Posted on January 12, 2017 at 22:58. | Released on December 28, 2016
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
Urbangarde "Akuma des Akuma"
The first release of 2017 is a brand new single by trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde! Check out the video below, and this official comment by band leader Matsunaga Temma. "This is URBANGARDE. We're releasing a single after 4 and half...
Posted on December 28, 2016 at 00:41. | Released on January 4, 2017
Budo Grape "oyatsu no kakushibasho"
Nagoya-based new wave band Budo÷Grape has a brand new album out now! Included are 10 songs that have been pre-released digitally over the last few years, but also two new songs one of which features vocals by latest member, keyboardist...
Posted on December 22, 2016 at 22:05. | Released on December 21, 2016
Ishino Takkyu "EUQITANUL"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove) has a new remix album out this week! All tracks from latest album "LUNATIQUE" were remixed by many of his close DJ friends, including Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, agraph, Hiroshi Watanabe (Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, InK),...
Posted on December 20, 2016 at 00:40. | Released on December 21, 2016
Uchoten "Kafka's Rock/Nietzsche's Pop"
Uchoten, band formed in 1982 and led by Kera (Kera & The Synthesizers, No Lie-Sense), is back with a first full-length album in 26 years — their previous was "dekkachi" released in 1990 (though mini-album "lost and found" was released...
Posted on December 19, 2016 at 21:55. | Released on December 14, 2016
Emerson Kitamura "Rock'n Roll No Hajimari Ha"
Synth and keyboard lovers should find it hard to resist to Emerson Kitamura! This new album of 6 songs is the follow up to "Ochi Kochi Ni (in perspective)" (2014), and consists of more delectable instrumental pieces, mostly originals but...
Posted on December 16, 2016 at 00:36. | Released on December 14, 2016
Especia "Danger"
Especia has a brand new single out now! Both songs were written and produced by Kai Takahashi of Lucky Tapes. A live show titled "Danger" featuring both Especia and Lucky Tapes will be held on January 9 at Shibuya...
Posted on December 10, 2016 at 13:21. | Released on December 7, 2016
Negicco "Negicco at NHK Hall ~ TADAIMA ~ 2016 Summer" (Blu-ray)
Negicco is releasing a Blu-ray disc of their latest big show, held at NHK Hall in Tokyo on July 30, 2016. All songs from latest album "Tea for Three" were performed live, as well as many other favorites. The entire...
Posted on November 26, 2016 at 00:23. | Released on November 29, 2016
Agata Morio "kindai Rock"
Singer-songwriter Agata Morio has a brand new album out today! The album was sound-produced by Suzuki Sōichirō (World Standard). Check out the sampler clip below. A special show will be held on November 28 at Shibuya WWW, following shows in...
Posted on November 18, 2016 at 00:12. | Released on November 18, 2016
Record Day 2016
Record Day (not the same as "Record Store Day") has been set to coincide with Japan's "Culture Day" public holiday on November 3 since 1957. Since last year, Japan's only record press Tōyō Kasei takes the lead inviting Japanese artists...
Posted on November 6, 2016 at 23:02. | Released on November 3, 2016
Halmens X "35 seiki"
Halmens X is a limited time project led by two original members of new wave band Halmens (formed in 1979), Saeki Kenzo and Sensui Toshiro. 2016 marks the 35th anniversary of the release of album "Halmens no 20 seiki" (1981),...
Posted on October 10, 2016 at 11:49. | Released on September 21, 2016
ShinoVani (Shinohara Tomoe + Vanilla Beans) "onna no ko ☆ otoko no ko / kokoro no usagi"
ShinoVani is the new unit of Shinohara Tomoe & Vanilla Beans! They have actually been doing a weekly net TV program together under the same name since April 2015, but now here comes a music debut single! The new song...
Posted on September 16, 2016 at 22:49. | Released on September 28, 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
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
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no kakumei"
Group sounds girl band Kinoco Hotel have a brand new album coming this week! This follows a move to King Records, and it's their 5th original album since going major. The limited edition comes with a DVD of a music...
Posted on July 24, 2016 at 22:06. | Released on July 27, 2016
Various Artists "Aloha Exotica"
Yasuda Toshiyuki, Jazztronik and Tamura Genichi (Kirinji, Little Tempo) cover famous Hawaiian and exotica songs in this new compilation that includes collaborations with Sandii, Lica, Takeda Kaori, cellist Mizoguchi Hajime, and Hawaiian singer Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole. Perfect for summer! Hear samples...
Posted on July 20, 2016 at 22:27. | Released on July 20, 2016
Learners "Absolute Learners" (Photo book+Download code)
Learners is the rockabilly band led by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji, and featuring singer Sara Mary, guitarist Chie, with bassist Masamichi Hamada (Quattro) and drummer TA-1 (Koncos). Here comes a 116-page photo book that covers their first year since their first...
Posted on June 12, 2016 at 23:55. | Released on June 15, 2016
No Lie-Sense "Japan's Period"
No Lie-Sense (official Facebook page), the unit of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders) and Kera, has released a 2nd album. Opening with a cover of the theme song from movie "kimi mo shusse ga dekiru", the album is filled with originals taking...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 23:25. | Released on April 20, 2016
Negicco "Tea for Three"
Negicco have a 3rd original album coming soon! "Tea for Three" is the follow-up to "Rice & Snow" (2014). The album includes single tracks "mujun, hajimemashita.", "nee, Vardia", "Canal no madobe" and "oyasumi" (this one in a new album version),...
Posted on May 3, 2016 at 23:30. | Released on May 24, 2016
Record Store Day 2016
This year again Record Store Day is being held in Japan, this time on Saturday April 16! A lot of special and limited vinyl editions are being released on that very day, and at first only available in physical shops....
Posted on April 14, 2016 at 23:15. | Released on April 16, 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
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
P.O.P "okaasan ni kiite minai to wakaranai"
Rapper twins-fronted hip-hop band P.O.P (not to be confused with newcomer idol group POP...) has a 2nd album out now, follow-up to "tanoshii koto bakari arimasu yō ni." (2014)! The 15-song album features guests such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, BIKKE (Tokyo...
Posted on December 10, 2015 at 00:12. | Released on December 2, 2015
suiyoubi no Campanella "Jipangu"
Eccentric female rap electro-pop unit suiyōbi no Campanella has a new album out now! Several videos have been unveiled to promote the release. Check them out below! suiyōbi no Campanella "Zipangu" 水曜日のカンパネラ 「ジパング」 1. Shakushain 2. Cho Hakkai 3. Medusa...
Posted on November 16, 2015 at 23:48. | 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
Negicco "Hibiya Yagai Dai Ongakudo Road of Negiiiiiii ~Negicco One Man Show~ 2015 Summer"
Negicco has a brand new live DVD out now! This is of a band-backed show held at outdoor venue Hibiya Yaon held last August 16. The show included 22 songs, with special guest Tajima Takao joining for "Sunshine Nihonkai" sung...
Posted on October 28, 2015 at 23:02. | Released on October 20, 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
Various Artists "G.I.R.L.S RAP"
As the title says, this is a compilation that will let you catch a glimpse of some of the best acts in Japan's constantly growing girl rap scene. Featured are Tokyo's Coolest Sound favorites such as Bakubaku Dokin, Noppal, idol...
Posted on September 20, 2015 at 15:53. | 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
