Record Day 2020
Record Day 2020, ran by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, is just about to happen this November 3rd. Being on the same day as Japan's "Culture Day", it's a day off well spent doing record shopping. Record Day items are...
Posted on November 3, 2020 at 01:59. | Released on November 3, 2020
Interview: Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi
Original interview text by Takashi Ikegami Translated from Japanese by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi (below "Mimi") is an interesting artist from actually many perspectives. First, there is the one where she expresses original works as the...
Posted on November 2, 2020 at 00:25.
Naive Super "Memories Of Moonage Nightlife feat. Maki Nomiya" (7")
Naive Super, the solo unit of Yushi Ibuki (keyboardist of Pictured Resort), has just released a first 7" of two collaboration songs, featuring Maki Nomiya and sugar me! Both songs were released digitally earlier this year. The A-side features...
Posted on October 31, 2020 at 01:59. | Released on October 31, 2020
Posted on October 22, 2020 at 21:36. | Event held on Saturday October 31, 2020 at 18:00 (JST)
Ryusenkei / hitomitoi "kanashii kurai Diamond" (Download)
Ryusenkei (project of Cunimondo Takiguchi) and hitomitoi made the music for new NHK drama series "Talio" that just started last week. The plot is about a fired lawyer and a crook who join forces to help people take their...
Posted on October 14, 2020 at 23:25. | Released on October 14, 2020
Nao☆ (Negicco) "gift songs", "Nanohana + Best☆Friend" (12")
Negicco's leader Nao is releasing a brand new mini-album this week! Included are songs written by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Neil and Iraiza), Chocolat & Akito, the band apart, and Lee HwangDae, and also one with lyrics written by...
Posted on October 11, 2020 at 22:45. | Released on October 13, 2020
Bronze "Aquarium" (Download)
Korean city pop producer Bronze (브론즈) has just released a brand new album titled "Aquarium". Featuring a variety of vocalists, one of the songs is sung by hitomitoi! The whole album also seems to have a great vibe, so be...
Posted on October 9, 2020 at 23:59. | Released on October 9, 2020
sugar me "Wild Flowers"
Singer-songwriter sugar me is releasing a brand new album, her first original album since "Around the Corner" (2015) which had been followed by cover mini-album "6 femmes". Featured musicians include Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza) on keyboards, Kamiya Jumpei (Akai...
Posted on October 5, 2020 at 21:35. | Released on October 7, 2020
Philosophy no Dance "Don't Stop the Dance"
Funky idol group Philosophy No Dance has just done their major debut on Sony, with this new single titled "Don't Stop the Dance". The title song's lyrics were written by Hyadain. There are two limited editions, the "type A" which...
Posted on September 27, 2020 at 22:37. | Released on September 23, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.9
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...
Posted on September 24, 2020 at 00:19.
the oto factory "paraíso" (Download)
5-piece band the oto factory (Twitter, SoundCloud) has just released a brand new album! With a theme of "imaginary vacation", the album includes a song that features singer hitomitoi. The release follows album "date course" (2016, CDJapan), since which digital...
Posted on September 21, 2020 at 00:37. | Released on September 20, 2020
Tokyo Beethoven "Nippon kuishin Boy feat. Momo" (7")
Tokyo Beethoven, the project of Tanaka Tomoyuki (FPM) with art director Chihara Tetsuya (of design agency Lemonlife), is releasing a 2nd 7" single featuring Momo of Charan-Po-Rantan. Like the previous release from last March, "Colorful Tokyo / uchuu wa...
Posted on September 8, 2020 at 23:57. | Released on September 16, 2020
ikkubaru "Chords & Melodies"
Indonesian city pop band ikkubaru, also very active in the Japanese city pop scene, has just released a 2nd album of which the Japanese edition CD contains several bonus tracks! Included are three songs from a commemorative release of their...
Posted on September 6, 2020 at 00:14. | Released on September 2, 2020
Fujin Club "Taiwan Tour" (Download)
Fujin Club has just released a new single that recalls memories of a trip to Taiwan. It had been three years since their CD single "tabi to Ferry" (2017). New member "Fujin E" has joined this mysterious pop unit...
Posted on September 2, 2020 at 13:14. | Released on September 2, 2020
Perfume "Perfume 8th Tour 2020 'P Cubed' in Dome" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume are now celebrating their 20th anniversary, and the 15th since their major debut. This Blu-ray/DVD release is of the Tokyo Dome show of their latest tour, titled "Perfume 8th Tour 2020 'P Cubed' in Dome", which followed the release...
Posted on September 1, 2020 at 21:46. | Released on September 2, 2020
963 "tick tock"
Fukuoka-based idol group 963 (read "kurumi") has just released a 2nd album! Music contributors include Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), Kenichirō Nishihara (Unprivate), Shinjō Kenichi (Submarine, Pineapple Club), ikkubaru and more. 963 has two upcoming events that can be viewed online: "IDOL...
Posted on August 30, 2020 at 21:04. | Released on August 28, 2020
RSD Drops Day 1
This year Record Store Day has been hit hard by the pandemic, and after one postponement that didn't work out, it ended up finding shape as "RSD Drops Day". Three "RSD Drops" days will be held: on August 29, September...
Posted on August 29, 2020 at 17:18. | Released on August 29, 2020
Little Anthony & The Imperials / The Dells "a man and a woman / jeepers creepers" (7")
This is the twelfth and last of this year-long monthly series of 7", named "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") and consisting of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This time Konishi chose two covers of movie hit songs,...
Posted on August 26, 2020 at 23:55. | Released on August 29, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.8
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...
Posted on August 26, 2020 at 21:40.
The Pen Friend Club "In Concert"
The Pen Friend Club have a new album coming (their 7th!), and it's their first-ever live album! It's also the last release featuring their previous singer Fujimoto Yuka. The album contains songs from two recent shows: one held in December...
Posted on August 24, 2020 at 23:40. | Released on September 23, 2020
Posted on August 24, 2020 at 22:42. | Event held on Sunday October 11, 2020 at 18:00 (JST)
Ushio Kensuke "'Japan Sinks: 2020' Original Soundtrack" (2CD)
This is the soundtrack for Netflix anime series "Japan Sinks: 2020" (directed by Yuasa Asaaki), of which the music was produced by Ushio Kensuke (agraph). This soundtrack album includes 41 songs on two CDs, and the first pressing is said...
Posted on August 23, 2020 at 11:43. | Released on August 26, 2020
Posted on August 13, 2020 at 13:14. | Event held on Saturday September 12, 2020 at 11:00 (JST)
Natsu Summer "Hayama Nights"
Reggae-touch city pop singer Natsu Summer has a brand new album about to be released! Like her previous mini-album "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation", it is produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei). The album features collaborations with Kobayashi Izumi (Mimi of...
Posted on August 4, 2020 at 00:55. | Released on August 5, 2020
Gallantique Kazue "namida, ame, Adieu / kizashi no Season" (Download)
Singer Gallantique Kazue has just released a new single of two songs. "namida, ame, Adieu" is an original written by Mitz Mangrove (another member of Hoshikuzu Scat), while the B-side is a cover of Nakajima Miyuki's "kizashi no Season"....
Posted on July 29, 2020 at 23:24. | Released on July 29, 2020
The Kirby Stone Four / The Anita Kerr Singers "I could have danced all night / one note samba" (7")
At the end of every month comes another of the great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This is the eleventh installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first...
Posted on July 28, 2020 at 20:53. | Released on July 29, 2020
City Pop on Vinyl 2020
"City Pop on Vinyl" is a campaign organized by Japan's famous record press Toyo Kasei, and on August 8 will be a special day with many releases that file under the "city pop" category that we love! While only sold...
Posted on July 27, 2020 at 00:30. | Released on August 8, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.7
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...
Posted on July 22, 2020 at 23:35.
MANON "World's End feat. dodo" (Download)
Singer/model MANON (Instagram), who recently moved from Fukuoka to Tokyo for her studies, has just suddenly released a brand new song digitally. This one is a collaboration with rapper dodo (Instagram), and the track is produced by Yuppa (HNC)...
Posted on July 10, 2020 at 00:16. | Released on July 10, 2020
RYUTist "Falsetto"
Niigata-based idol group RYUTist has a 4th album finally being released, after having suffered some delays from the virus situation. Including some songs previously released as singles, and also a bunch of brand new ones. It had been 3 years...
Posted on July 8, 2020 at 23:22. | Released on July 14, 2020
Cherryboy Function "suggested function EP#5"
Trackmaker Cherryboy Function (Twitter) has just released a 5th EP of his "suggested function" series. Included are three new tracks, a new lounge-style mix of early track "Suburban Topless Beach", and a brand new remix by Pasocom Music Club of...
Posted on July 8, 2020 at 19:16. | Released on July 8, 2020
Mom "21st Century Cultboi Ride a Sk8board"
23-year-old singer-songwriter/trackmaker Mom has a brand new 3rd album being released this week! This is the follow-up to last year's "Detox". Included are a few songs that were available in advance digitally (of which the music videos you can watch...
Posted on July 6, 2020 at 21:04. | Released on July 8, 2020
Punpee "The Sofakingdom" (Download)
Rapper/trackmaker Punpee has just released a new EP of 5 songs. Included is a collaboration with his brother 5lack, and also another with rapper Kreva. The jacket artwork is by French bédé artist Stéphane Oiry. This release is the...
Posted on July 5, 2020 at 12:48. | Released on July 1, 2020
Nick Palmer / Frank Ifield "it's not unusual / I've got you under my skin" (7")
At the end of every month comes another of the great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This is the tenth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first...
Posted on June 30, 2020 at 20:00. | Released on June 29, 2020
tsukuyomi "At the Next Corner"
Instrumental jazz unit tsukuyomi, led by saxophonist yo_zo_, has just released a new 3rd album! The songs come in a great variety, some led by saxophone and others by violin or piano, all with a general calm and pleasant feel...
Posted on June 28, 2020 at 23:59. | Released on June 24, 2020
Crazy Ken Band "Ivory ep"
Crazy Ken Band has just released a new EP which consists mainly of brand new songs "Ivory" and "dakara itta desho"! Also included are the previously digitally released "Kadomatsu" (theme song of movie "uso 800 Kyōmachi Royale") and "yume no...
Posted on June 26, 2020 at 23:45. | Released on June 24, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.6
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...
Posted on June 25, 2020 at 01:32.
Peter & Gordon / Gerry & The Pacemakers "black brown and gold / stranger in the night" (7")
Another month, another edition of the great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This is the ninth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) This time Konishi...
Posted on May 29, 2020 at 23:59. | Released on May 29, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.5
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...
Posted on May 28, 2020 at 01:10.
Cutemen "2121" (Download)
Cutemen, the techno unit of CMJK (early Denki Groove) and singer Picorin, has released in May 2020 a new album titled "2121"! Including the songs "Fish" and "Time Rider" that were released in advance in 2019, this is the follow-up...
Posted on May 27, 2020 at 17:52. | Released on May 27, 2020
Various Artists "Playwright Library of Sounds -solo works at home- vol.1" & "vol.2" (Download)
Japanese jazz label Playwright has just released two compilations worth of demos and home recordings by related musicians. Label director Taniguchi Keisuke explained that feeling privileged to often be the first to hear artist demos (whether programmed, rehearsal recordings or...
Posted on May 9, 2020 at 14:30. | Released on May 9, 2020
Various Artists "Casiotunes!"
This is a fan-made indie compilation of new recordings that use Casiotone keyboards, a series that celebrates its 40th anniversary (the CT-201 was first sold in 1980). As the catch copy says it best: "Cute and Pop Music by Casiotone...
Posted on May 6, 2020 at 21:41. | Released on May 5, 2020
Luiz Carlos com conjunto CBS / Johnny (Guitar) Watson "samba na palma da Mao / I'll remember April" (7")
Here's another edition of this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. This is the eighth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) Two Brazilian tracks this...
Posted on April 29, 2020 at 11:16. | Released on April 29, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.4
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...
Posted on April 23, 2020 at 00:50.
Nao☆ (Negicco) "Best☆Friend"
Negicco's leader Nao has a new solo single being released in time for her upcoming birthday on April 10 (she will be turning 32!). Title song "Best☆Friend" is backed by band Scoobie Do, whose guitarist Matsuki Taijirō wrote the...
Posted on April 5, 2020 at 12:25. | Released on April 7, 2020
Dé Dé Mouse "Hello My Friend" (Download)
DÉ DÉ MOUSE has just released a brand new EP digitally! This EP was actually inspired by a friend of his from China who mentioned they wanted something to focus their feelings on. DÉ DÉ MOUSE got to work...
Posted on April 4, 2020 at 16:46. | Released on April 3, 2020
Yukihiro Fukutomi "It's About Time" (12")
Fukutomi Yukihiro has a new 12" out now. Included are "It's About Time", a track from the 1994 CD compilation "Remix Trax vol.6 - Japanese New Vibes", as well as two songs from his 2nd album "Post" (1993). This...
Posted on April 4, 2020 at 14:55. | Released on March 20, 2020
Byron Lee and the Dragonaires / The Foundations "fat back / call me" (7")
Here's another edition of this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. This is the 7th installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) The A side is...
Posted on March 28, 2020 at 20:56. | Released on March 29, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.3
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...
Posted on March 26, 2020 at 08:00.
Hosono Haruomi "No Smoking" (Download)
From Hosono Haruomi's documentary movie "No Smoking", which was shown in theaters last year, two songs that had been newly written for its soundtrack have just been released digitally. Hosono Haruomi "No Smoking" (Download) 細野晴臣 「No Smoking」 1. No...
Posted on March 21, 2020 at 19:58. | Released on March 18, 2020
Ohtaki Eiichi "Happy Ending"
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of his debut, this new release of Ohtaki Eiichi works collects mainly songs written for TV drama since the 90's, all of which are previously unreleased! The album is available in a limited edition which has...
Posted on March 21, 2020 at 15:19. | Released on March 21, 2020
Les Childish Tones avec Beni Usakura "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (7")
Childish Tones (Twitter), band that using only toy instruments, has a new single featuring singer Beni Usakura (Twitter, Instagram) about to be released! This time they cover Jane Birkin's "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (1978) and The Spiders' "Nati Bati...
Posted on March 16, 2020 at 00:52. | Released on March 25, 2020
RHYME SO "Fashion Blogger" (Download)
Shinichi Osawa (Mondo Grosso)'s latest project is RHYME SO (Twitter), featuring Australian singer RHYME (Bandcamp). They have just released brand new song out now titled "Fashion Blogger". Check out the cool video below, and also read more about the...
Posted on March 13, 2020 at 21:52. | Released on March 13, 2020
The Pen Friend Club "Along Comes Mary / Love Can Go The Distance"
The Pen Friend Club, a band of eight that takes inspiration from 60's west coast rock, has a brand new single to be released this week! This is actually their last release featuring Fujimoto Yuka who had been the...
Posted on March 8, 2020 at 12:14. | Released on March 11, 2020
Tokyo Beethoven "Colorful Tokyo feat. Momo / uchuu wa taihen da! feat. Momo" (7")
Tokyo Beethoven is the new project of Tanaka Tomoyuki (FPM) with art director Chihara Tetsuya (of design agency Lemonlife). Their first release is a 7" single of two songs which both feature singer Momo of Charan-Po-Rantan. Check out the...
Posted on March 2, 2020 at 22:36. | Released on March 4, 2020
The Ventures / The 4 Instants "what now my love / bogattini" (7")
We're already halfway through this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. Here comes the 6th installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) This time we get...
Posted on March 1, 2020 at 01:13. | Released on February 29, 2020
SOLEIL "Live at Veats" (DVD), "Lollipop Sixteen" (12")
SOLEIL, a great band that has put a stop to its activities at the end of 2019, has two releases coming this February 26, 2020! The first is a live DVD which consists mainly of the last show held on...
Posted on February 9, 2020 at 17:17. | Released on February 26, 2020
Keith / The Arbors "you'll come running back to me / so nice (summer samba)" (7")
This is the 5th of the series of twelve monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") 7"s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on January 28, 2020 at 22:19. | Released on January 29, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.2
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...
Posted on January 22, 2020 at 23:55.
George Cates "12th street rag / stardust / tea for two / frenesi" (7")
This is the 4th of the monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") series of twelve 7"'s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on December 31, 2019 at 00:12. | Released on December 29, 2019
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.1
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's first official episode of its own radio show (following a Christmas special)! The show is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some...
Posted on December 26, 2019 at 01:31.
SOLEIL "SOLEIL in STEREO"
SOLEIL's first two albums ("My Name is SOLEIL" and "SOLEIL is Alright") are being reissued as a two-in-one album, and that remixed in stereo for the first time! SOLEIL having always recorded and released in mono only, this time they...
Posted on December 15, 2019 at 12:06. | Released on December 18, 2019
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Noël Nippon"
Tokyo's Coolest Sound is starting its own radio show! Part of La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), the show will bring you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in...
Posted on December 14, 2019 at 01:04.
The Sunrays / The Turtles "have to be myself / too young to be the one" (7")
This is the 3rd of the monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") series of twelve 7"'s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on November 30, 2019 at 13:38. | Released on November 29, 2019
Emiri Kanou "GREENPOP"
Self-produced singer-songwriter and "neo electro-pop girl" Emiri Kanou has finally a full-length album being released! This follows the excellent singles "gomen ne" (7"), "Friday Night" and "1988", all released this year. The lead tracks from those singles are included, as...
Posted on November 14, 2019 at 22:10. | Released on November 20, 2019
Towa Tei "Arbeit" (2CD), "Future Listening!" (2x12")
Towa Tei is celebrating the 25th anniversary since his solo debut (album "Future Listening!" released in October 1994). Taking part in the celebrations are the releases of 2CD album "Arbeit", a collection of mainly production or remix works for other...
Posted on November 4, 2019 at 15:16. | Released on November 6, 2019
WHY@DOLL "＠LBUM ~Selection 2014-2019~"
Idol duo WHY@DOLL, who has announced in July that they will be ending their activities because of a member's health condition, is releasing a final album. Along with a selection of their best songs are some new mixes, a new...
Posted on November 3, 2019 at 23:41. | Released on November 5, 2019
Negicco "Negicco 2003~2012 Best" (2x12")
The final release of Negicco's vinyl re-issue project is their first full-length album, first released on CD in 2012 and bringing together 18 of their best songs since their 2003 debut. To fit everything, it needed to be made into...
Posted on November 3, 2019 at 22:54. | Released on November 5, 2019
Record Day 2019
Record Day 2019, an initiative of Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, is being held this Sunday November 3rd (the same day as Japan's "Culture Day" national holiday). Items are available in stores and online from that date. Below is a...
Posted on November 3, 2019 at 01:12. | Released on November 3, 2019
Billy Strange / Frank Chacksfield "adios / Route 66 (Readymade mirai no ongaku Series)" (7")
This is the 2nd of the monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") series of twelve 7"'s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on October 29, 2019 at 22:59. | Released on October 29, 2019
Hajime Tachibana & Low Powers "lowpowers with the friends" (Download)
Hajime Tachibana & Low Powers, initially formed in 1997, have been back on stage since about last year, and here comes a brand new album! The band's current line-up consists for former members Tachibana Hajime and eri, with Ohno Yumiko...
Posted on October 26, 2019 at 00:06. | Released on October 25, 2019
Hoshino Michiru "Moonlight Confessions (tsuki ga kirei desune)"
Hoshino Michiru, who this year started her own label and released 4-song EP "gyakkō", is now back with a new full-length album! It's also her first album in her singer-songwriter style, which puts the focus on gentle and beautiful melodies....
Posted on October 13, 2019 at 13:16. | Released on October 23, 2019
Final Spank Happy "mint exorcist" (Download)
Spank Happy's latest (or "final"!?) incarnation is Final Spank Happy! Credited members are Boss the NK (monicker of Kikuchi Naruyoshi) and OD (aka Oda Tomomi of CRCK/LCKS, DCPRG). After having performed shows for over a year, they finally put together...
Posted on October 1, 2019 at 22:36. | Released on December 1, 2019
Miho Keitaro & His Group "Sound Poesy 'Sachio'" (12")
This rare and unique album of pianist and composer Miho Keitarō is getting a first ever vinyl re-issue. "Sound Poesy 'Sachio'" is an album first released in 1969, taking inspiration from a close friend of Miho, Paris-born car racer Fujisawa...
Posted on September 13, 2019 at 23:40. | Released on September 11, 2019
Perfume "Perfume The Best 'P Cubed'"
Perfume, who did their major debut 14 years ago this month, has a new greatest hits album about to be released! Included are 52 songs on three CDs, included are two brand new songs, "nananananairo" and "Challenger". Nakata Yasutaka himself...
Posted on September 12, 2019 at 22:55. | Released on September 18, 2019
Tsujibayashi Miho "ombre"
Singer-songwriter Tsujibayashi Miho (Twitter) has a 2nd album just about to be released! "ombre" is the follow-up to "Clarté" (2016). Included is a re-arranged band version of "Écran Le Blanc", song that was featured in Nintendo Switch game "Taiko no...
Posted on September 12, 2019 at 00:16. | Released on September 16, 2019
hitomitoi "Ecstasy" (2x12")
hitomitoi's latest album "Ecstasy" (2017), which was entirely produced by Dorian, is being released as a double-LP! hitomitoi "Ecstasy" (2x12") 一十三十一 「Ecstasy」 A1. Ecstasy A2. Serpent Coaster A3. Flash of Light B1. Discotheque Sputnik B2. Let It Out C1. Moonlight...
Posted on September 6, 2019 at 22:48. | Released on September 11, 2019
lyrical school "Be Kind Rewind"
Hip-hop idol group lyrical school is back with a new album, this time on major label Victor! There are songs contributed by Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), PES (Rip Slyme), members of Ana, Odd Foot Works, etc. The artwork was done...
Posted on September 2, 2019 at 23:10. | Released on September 11, 2019
Negicco "koi no Express Train" (7")
Here's another 7" single release from Negicco, from the monthly series that started in June. This time is 2011 single "koi no Express Train", which was their 2nd release on label T-Palette. Both songs were written and produced by...
Posted on August 29, 2019 at 23:04. | Released on September 3, 2019
Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi compiled by Hoshino Gen"
This is a greatest hits album of Hosono Haruomi works, including his solo music and also Happy End and Yellow Magic Orchestra. This first release, which comes as a 2-CD or 3-LP set of 38 songs, was compiled by singer-songwriter...
Posted on August 29, 2019 at 22:01. | Released on August 28, 2019
Carole & Tuesday / Angela "Polly Jean / Not Afraid"
This is a new single coming from music-themed anime series "Carole & Tuesday". The song "Polly Jean", sung by the two main characters, has music written and arranged by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), with lyrics by Leo Imai (METAFIVE). A vinyl...
Posted on August 18, 2019 at 23:41. | Released on August 28, 2019
Nomoto Karia "Chocola ni muchū" (7")
Originally released on CD in 2005 on label Readymade International (CD release), this single sung by Nomoto Karia and produced by Konishi Yasuharu was the opening theme song for anime series "Sugar Sugar Rune" (based on the manga of...
Posted on August 10, 2019 at 13:21. | Released on September 4, 2019
Pizzicato Five "The Band of 20th Century: Nippon Columbia Years 1991-2001"
Pizzicatomania all over the world! Check this out! This is a compilation of the best from Pizzicato Five's Nippon Columbia years (Triad/Readymade), which featured vocalist Nomiya Maki. The whole was supervised and selected by Konishi Yasuharu himself, with art direction...
Posted on August 2, 2019 at 23:40. | Released on November 3, 2019
Wakita Monari "Right Here"
Wakita Monari has a 3rd album being released at the end of July! With Arai Toshiya (Count Joke) as the main producer and songwriter of several tracks, the album also includes latest single "Espadrille de tsukamaete" that has music written...
Posted on July 24, 2019 at 23:16. | Released on July 31, 2019
Nakano Aya to Central "Reverse"
Singer Nakano Aya teams up with 9-piece street style latin sound band Central for this collaboration album. Included is brand new original song "Tropical Dandy" written by Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), "rakuen no Moon Bar" written by Sugi Masamichi,...
Posted on July 8, 2019 at 23:21. | Released on July 3, 2019
DYGL "Songs of Innocence & Experience"
Rock band DYGL (read Day Glo) have a 2nd album that has just been released. This time with the help of producer Rory Attwell, they aimed for a sound that reminds of the late 60's to 70's. Three of the...
Posted on July 7, 2019 at 23:24. | Released on July 3, 2019
Wakita Monari "A la Espadrille (Espadrille de tsukamaete)" (7")
Singer Wakita Monari has a brand new album coming at the end of the month (stay tuned!), but first here's a 7" cut of two songs from it! Title track "A la Espadrille" (Japanese title "Espadrille de tsukamaete") is...
Posted on July 7, 2019 at 01:19. | Released on July 10, 2019
Enoshima Bakusou Gals "surume Boy" (7")
Self-produced new wave idol Kanou Emiri joins forces with soulful voiced sisters Way Wave in this new collaboration unit called Enoshima Bakusō Gals. Their first 7" single is titled "surume Boy" (surume = dried squid), a super catchy track...
Posted on June 23, 2019 at 12:21. | Released on June 26, 2019
Kaji Hideki "Goth Romance"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album being released! With the title "Goth Romance", he revisits his early music days and also invites a whole lot of friends to participate. The album is produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil and Iraiza),...
Posted on June 5, 2019 at 00:04. | Released on June 5, 2019
Hotei "GUITARHYTHM VI"
Guitarist Hotei (aka Hotei Tomoyasu, ex-BOØWY) has a new solo album being released, the 6th of his "GUITARHYTHM" series, and it features Cornelius on one song! "Clone (feat. Cornelius)" is available digitally in advance (, Spotify). The limited edition comes...
Posted on May 26, 2019 at 15:30. | Released on May 29, 2019
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
Sunaga t experience "Suomenlinna"
Sunaga t experience, the jazz project of DJ Sunaga Tatsuo, has a brand new 6th album being released! It's the follow-up to 2015 album "STE". Featured musicians include Jukka Eskola, Timo Lassy and Teppo Mäkynen (all three of Five Corners...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 22:17. | 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 "Sazanami Label 15th Anniversary Sampler Vol.1", "Vol.2"
Sazanami Label, an independant label known for introducing many bands of genres such as garage rock and neo-GS among lots more of variety. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, here are two new very nice priced compilations that cover respectively years...
Posted on April 13, 2019 at 01:05. | Released on April 24, 2019
Record Store Day 2019
Record Store Day 2019 is just around the corner! This year it's to be held on April 13, a week earlier than usual. This year again there are many great releases happening in Japan. Below are Tokyo's Coolest Sound's picks!...
Posted on April 11, 2019 at 22:33. | Released on April 13, 2019
HALLCA "Moisture Milk" (Download)
Today HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a new track out now digitally! This one was produced by PellyColo, and it concludes a series of three monthly releases (see also "Wanna Dance!" and "burning in blue"). HALLCA's next live...
Posted on April 1, 2019 at 22:22. | Released on April 1, 2019
Lullatone "Music for Museum Gift Shops"
Nagoya-based unit Lullatone has already been around for 20 years (when counting their early days)! It seems like it was the right time to revisit their vast repertory, as does this 52-song album of almost 2½ hours. All songs were...
Posted on March 30, 2019 at 13:32. | Released on March 22, 2019
