Tokyo's Coolest Sound

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

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.64) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on Sun. November 2, 2025 from 20:30 (EST = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: Mon. November 3, 2025 from 10:30

This episode is not archived as-is. Some replays are expected to be aired in the following weeks, including the times below:

EST (Montréal/New York) —

Thurs. November 20 at 6:30

Japan time —

Thurs. November 20 at 20:30

Listen to the Spotify playlist of some of the songs played (according to Spotify availability), or scroll down this page to find music videos and individual songs, and also listen to the narration.

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes, and narration parts you can listen to.

1. The Scooters "Listen" (2025)
(Japanese title: ザ・スクーターズ 「Listen」)

This is the latest new song by "Tokyo Motown Sound" band The Scooters (Instagram, 𝕏). The song "Listen" is an original written by the band's bassist Sally Kubota, though it had been conceived several years ago when leader Mitsuo Shindō was still alive. It's out now on 7" only (Vamp! Shop, Tower, Disk Union), with for B-side a new studio recording of the "Motown Medley" that the band has been performing live since the early 80s.

This band previously released a cover of Pizzicato Five's "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (2023), since which a boxed set was also released.

Having just played a show in Tokyo recently, The Scooters will next appear on stage in Toyama, on November 15 at Summer Knight (details). The new single isn't available digitally, but a live performance of "Listen" can be watched below.

🎙️ Listen to Narration I
Presenting: The Scooters, Hideki Kaji

2. Hideki Kaji "Friends Again" (2025)
(Japanese title: カジヒデキ 「仲なおり / Friends Again」 "nakanaori / Friends Again")

This one is from Hideki Kaji's latest EP, "Start A Summer EP" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), which features guest musicians Neil & Iraiza — Gakuji "Chabe" Matsuda and Hirohisa Horie — with guitarist Kenta Ushio (Otogivanashi). The song "Friends Again" also features Misato (Crispy Camera Club) singing backing vocals. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of his solo career.

A CD edition of the EP is also available, so far only at Hideki Kaji's shows and online shop (shipping within Japan only).

3. Moon In June "Paper Moon" (2025)
(Japanese title: Moon In June 「ペーパー・ムーン」)

Moon In June (Instagram, 𝕏, Bandcamp) is a Tokyo-based band dream pop/shoegazer band. This year they released a 2nd album titled "Colorless You" (Japanese title "shikisai o motanai de") (Spotify, , YouTube Music), and a 7" single of two songs from it is out now on San Francisco-based Tokyo Beatniks Record Label in a collaboration with Disk Union: "The Sky Crawlers / Paper Moon" (available at Tokyo Beatniks in the U.S.). Check out the music video of "Paper Moon" below.

On November 9, Tokyo Beatniks will host an event at Shimokitazawa Basement Bar featuring Moon In June, and also Split end, Pleco, and o_all. Find details here. Moon In June will have another 7" coming on Tokyo Beatniks Record Label for Record Day on December 6 (details).

4. Yuyakeshiwasu & Swlabrs "Shōnan Boogie" (2025)
(Japanese title: ゆうやけしはす＆すうらばあず 「湘南ブギ」)

Next is a song from Yuyakeshiwasu (Instagram, 𝕏) & Swlabrs' new album "Shonan Psyche". Yuyakeshiwasu, previously a band but now the solo unit of songwriter Yūsuke Hayashi, has been teaming up with the talentful trio Swlabrs for a while, and this is the first full-length album of the collaboration that takes inspiration from rocking 60s-70s sounds. It's already available digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music), and there's also a LP edition (HMV, Tower, Disk Union, Jet Set).

A 7" single of two exclusive non-album songs has also been released recently, including a cover of Sly & The Family Stone's "Runnin' Away" sung in Japanese, and for B-side an original song titled "You and Me and Rock'n'Roll" (Tower, HMV, Jet Set).

🎙️ Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Moon In June, Yuyakeshiwasu & Swlabrs, ayU tokiO

5. ayU tokiO "Star Call" (2025)
(Japanese title: ayU tokiO 「スターコール」)

Singer-songwriter and music producer ayU tokiO has released just recently this new single titled "Star Call" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Watch the music video below!

ayU tokiO's label COMPLEX will be releasing a cassette tape compilation titled "REV.02" entirely recorded with a cassette multi-tracker. It will include songs by ayU tokiO, Machiko Yanagisawa, nicely nice, Suna no Kabe, and several more. Stay tuned for details!

Upcoming shows include a day-time event on November 8 at Shimokitazawa Basement Bar, also featuring Suna no Kabe and sing on the pole. Details can be found here.

6. Blank Music "Zombie no uta" (2025)

Blank Music is the most recent project of singer-songwriter Dai Nakamura (also active as NUBACK, and also in bands BANK and Vacation Three), described as a minimal funk/rock band. "Zombie No Uta" is from the latest 2-song EP "Odoru / Zombie no uta", available digitally on Bandcamp, and also Spotify, , YouTube Music, etc.

Dai Nakamura will perform on November 21 at Shimokitazawa lete (details), and also on December 14 at a daytime event at Shimokitazawa mona records for The Caraway's release party (details).

7. Maika Loubté "House of Holy Banana" (2025)
(Japanese title: Maika Loubté 「聖なるバナナが住んでる家」 "seinaru Banana ga sunderu ie")

Maika Loubté is coming back soon with a brand new album, and has released in advance the album's title song "House of Holy Banana". Check out the music video below.

This new song follows cover EP "Dream, Neo, Atmo" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music) from earlier this year, before which a self-remix of "Ice Age" was also released digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

On Wednesday, December 10, at Shibuya WWW X, Maika will perform live all songs from the new album, which might not be revealed until that day. Find details here. Maika will also appear on November 9 at the exPoP!!!!! festival to be held simultaneously at various nearby venues in Shibuya.

🎙️ Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Blank Music, Maika Loubté, AOI12SAI

8. AOI12SAI "Weather" (2025)
(Japanese title: あおい12さい 「Weather」)

The latest song of singer-songwriter AOI12SAI (Instagram, 𝕏) (read "aoi jūni sai") is titled "Weather", available digitally: Spotify, , YouTube Music. This followed previous single "Megurimeguru" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Since this song, ARAKAWAYA — group formed of AOI12SAI, her four siblings and their father — has also released a new song titled "Connect". Watch its music video.

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

Find information about all previous episodes of this radio show right here.

It's official, Frenesi (Instagram, 𝕏) is back! On Halloween day, she has released a brand new ghost-themed song, "jorei si nai de". Listen below, or find it on your favorite download/streaming platform.

In related news, her first album of the series featuring her iconic character Nesiko, "Cupra" (2009), is being released on vinyl for the first time for Record Day on November 1st. Find order links below (still available at HMV, Jet Set and Disk Union at time of writing). Last year, a tanzaku CD (8cm/3") of three songs from album "Märchen" (2010) was also released (find details here).

Frenesi "jorei si nai de" (Download)
フレネシ 「除霊しないで」
(Japanese: Frenesi "jorei shinai de")

frenesi & otomesha OTMSHST001
Out now (10/31)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Frenesi "Cupra" (12")
フレネシ 「キュプラ」

A1. Acetate
A2. Nero
A3. Kaso Kako
A4. FukumenChousain
A5. Sky Bus Tokyo
A6. Sprawl
B1. LowitsArc
B2. Watashino Yes Man
B3. Suna to Garasu
B4. Marginal
B5. Savarin
B6. Cupra
B7. Chou Rinkairyutai

Otomesha OTMSH102
Out 11/1, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, Disk Union
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Seikatsu no Sekkei (Twitter, Instagram), a band now formed of brothers Shintarō Ōtsuka (guitar & vocals) and Kumpei Ōtsuka (drums & chorus), has released a 2nd album titled "For the Long Curve". Included is the song "Isakai nai Sekai" produced by Akito Katayose (Great3). Keyboardist Hirohisa Horie (Neil and Iraiza) is also featured, and Kenichi Shirane (drummer of Great3, Metafive) is credited as drum technician. The album is available digitally only.

A 7" of the songs "Tiny Shiny" and "Kimi ni Okorimasu Yōni" will be released for Record Day on December 6. It can be pre-ordered at HMV, Tower (Japan only).

Seikatsu no Sekkei can be seen part of event "We Are Friends!!" on November 11 starting at 18:00, held simultaneously at neighbor venues Basement Bar and Three in Shimokitazawa. Entrance is free with the purchase of two drink tickets. Find details here.

Seikatsu no Sekkei "For the Long Curve" (Download)
生活の設計 「長いカーブを曲がるために」
(Japanese title: "nagai Curve o magaru tame ni")

1. Machi to Dancer
2. Kidai no Holidaymaker
3. Ichō Namiki no Kareru Made
4. Isakai nai Sekai
5. Tiny Shiny
6. Kimi ni Okorimasu Yōni
7. Pomodoro
8. Little Tokyo

early Reflection PCSP.06872
Out now (10/15)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Here comes the 4th album by techno-pop unit Mukaju Dan, formed of arranger Shock Tarō and composer Ton-chan. This new album features singer Misaki who also sang on 1st and 2nd albums ("Madoromu" and "Uminekogazer"). Like the previous album, this new album was mastered by Seiki Satō (microstar, nicely nice).

Check out the music video for opening song "Atmosphere" below, directed by American filmmaker Dahrell Williams.

Mukaju Dan "Nasary"
無果汁団 「ナサリー」

1. Atmosphere
2. Tokio Monochrome
3. Maizuruhime
4. Stabilizer
5. Nasary
6. Zenjidou
7. Cosmic Cafe
8. Thermal Soaring Glider
9. Lemuria
10. Monologue

Mukaju Records MKJR-004
Out 10/24, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Atmosphere"

"Tokyo Motown Sound" band The Scooters (Instagram, 𝕏) has released a brand new song on 7". The song "Listen" is an original written by the band's bassist Sally Kubota, though it had been conceived several years ago when leader Mitsuo Shindō was still alive. The B-side is a new studio recording of the "Motown Medley" that the band has been performing live since the early 80s, now in its latest form, including songs of The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, etc (see the full list below). The jacket is a photo of tenor saxophonist Lucy, taken by Bruce Osborne in 1984.

This new song follows the Pizzicato Five cover "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (2023), since which a boxed set was also released.

Having just played a show in Tokyo last month, The Scooters will next appear on stage in Toyama, on November 15 at Summer Knight (details).

The Scooters "Listen" (7")
ザ・スクーターズ 「Listen」

A. Listen
B. Motown Medley (Reach Out I'll Be There / It's The Same Old Song / I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) / Stop! In the Name of Love / Come See About Me / Jimmy Mack / Stubborn Kind of Fellow / I Heard It Through the Grapevine / Money (That's What I Want) / Get Ready / Fingertips)

Vivid Sound/High Contrast HCR9727
Out 10/22, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, Vamp! Shop, Disk Union, Merurido, Vivid Sound
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

ayU tokiO has released this month a new single titled "Star Call". Watch the music video below! His previous original song was apparently "Family Contents" (2022).

ayU tokiO's label COMPLEX will be releasing a cassette tape compilation titled "REV.02" entirely recorded with a cassette multi-tracker. It will include songs by ayU tokiO, Machiko Yanagisawa, nicely nice, Suna no Kabe, and several more. Stay tuned for details!

Upcoming shows include a day-time event on November 8 at Shimokitazawa Basement Bar, also featuring Suna no Kabe and sing on the pole. Details can be found here.

ayU tokiO "Star Call" (Download)
ayU tokiO 「スターコール」

Complex AICP-045
Out now (10/7)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Solo idol usabeni (a.k.a. Beni Usakura) has just released her first full-length album, titled "Because my Idol".

Having been active solo since 2022 (after being in groups avandoned and Apokalippps), creating her musical world in lyrics, dance, design and video, the album includes a variety of her songs previously released as singles or EPs (music written/arranged by Hyoe Yasuhara, Emiri Kanou, Hana Tsuruuchi, Q-Rabbit, and Feww), as well as some brand new songs such as lead track "Not your Idol" (which has music written by Toru Tarui of Yoimachi and co-arranged by Hyoe Yasuhara) and "Fairy tale" (music by Hyoe Yasuhara), and a remix of "ambivalence, dance" by Q-Rabbit. Many of the lyrics were written by usabeni herself.

A release party will be held on Sunday, October 26 from 12:00 at Shimokitazawa Live Haus, also featuring guest MaNaMaNa (with who a collaboration cover of Maki Nomiya's debut song "onna tomodachi" was released earlier this year). Find the event details here.

Aside from being available digitally, the album can also be obtained on CD in a special package designed by usabeni containing a 28-page photo book, available via usabeni's shop NARUHESON;S (shipping directly only within Japan). A special ticket for the upcoming show can also be purchased there until October 20.

usabeni "Because my Idol"

1. Not your Idol
2. Bye Sweet
3. CITY GIRL VELOCITY
4. open mind
5. Cosmic Dress
6. interlude
7. atmosphere
8. passion
9. Fairy tale
10. trip
11. air
12. Patchwork
13. ambivalence, dance (Q-Rabbit Remix)

NARUHESON;S
Out now (10/17)
Order: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"Not your Idol"

"Bye Sweet"

"Cosmic Dress"

"open mind"

"CITY GIRL VELOCITY"

"atmosphere"

"passion"

"air"

"Patchwork"

Sampler clip

Maika Loubté is coming back soon with a brand new album! First, here comes a single of the album's title song, "House of Holy Banana". Check out the music video below.

This release follows cover EP "Dream, Neo, Atmo" (Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube Music) from earlier this year, before which a self-remix of "Ice Age" was also released digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

On Wednesday, December 10, at Shibuya WWW X, Maika will perform live the rest of the songs from the new album that might not be revealed until that day. Find details here. Maika will also appear on November 9 at the exPoP!!!!! festival to be held simultaneously at various nearby venues in Shibuya.

Maika Loubté "House of Holy Banana" (Download)
Maika Loubté 「聖なるバナナが住んでる家」
(Japanese title: "seinaru Banana ga sunderu ie")

Water Records
Out now (10/8)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

/* radiotcs202502_DJ-810_02_godzilla.png radiotcs202502_DJ-810_03_dj.png radiotcs202502_DJ-810_04_inde.png radiotcs202502_DJ-810_05_pagal.png */ ?>

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

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.63) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on Sun. October 12, 2025 from 20:30 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: Mon. October 13, 2025 from 9:30

This episode is not archived as-is. Some replays are expected to be aired in the following weeks, including the times below:

EDT (Montréal/New York) —

Thurs. October 16 at 6:30

Japan time —

Thurs. October 16 at 19:30

Listen to the Spotify playlist of some of the songs played (according to Spotify availability), or scroll down this page to find music videos and individual songs, and also listen to the narration.

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes, and narration parts you can listen to.

1. the Loupes "Dumb Dawn" (2025)
(Japanese title: the Loupes 「あきれた夜明け前」　"akireta yoake mae")

the Loupes is a band based in Hiroshima. They have recently released digitally the new song "Dumb Dawn" (in Japanese "akireta yoake mae") (Spotify, , YouTube Music). This song first appeared on their first album "Allons Donc!" (2013), but here it is re-recorded with the current line-up. The digital release includes a remastered version of the 2013 recording.

🎙️ Listen to Narration I
Presenting: the Loupes, Karolina Beimcik & sugar me

2. Karolina Beimcik & sugar me "Between The Songs" (2025)

A collaboration between Polish vocalist and violinist Karolina Beimcik and Japanese singer-songwriter and guitarist sugar me, "Between the Songs" was recently released on Bandcamp. It has lyrics written by the two, music written by Karolina, and guitar played by sugar me and violin by Karolina.

Karolina Beimcik recently came to Japan, where she and sugar me played shows together in Osaka and Tokyo.

3. Suna no Kabe "Bokura No Kuni" (2025)
(Japanese title: 砂の壁 「僕らの国」)

Suna no Kabe (Instagram, 𝕏) is a band of four based in Tokyo, with lead keyboards and guitar. This new song titled "Bokura No Kuni" was recently released digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music) on label COMPLEX (ran by ayU tokiO), The band will also participate in the cassette tape label compilation "REV.2", from COMPLEX, to be released on November 26.

Suna no Kabe has upcoming shows in Tokyo on October 30 at Shimokitazawa Three (details) and on November 11 at an event held simultaneously at neighbor venues Shimokitazawa Basement Bar & Three (details).

4. Mamiko Suzuki "chuva" (2025)
(Japanese title: 鈴木真海子 「雨と」 "ame to")

Mamiko Suzuki, member of duo chelmico, has recently released a new solo song titled "chuva" (or in Japanese "ame to") (Spotify, (Japan), (World), YouTube Music), which is being featured as the opening theme of TV anime series "With You and the Rain" ("ame to kimo to"). The song features guitar performed by Baku Furukawa of the band cero. Check out the music video below!

An alternate version titled "chuva (versão de bolso)" is also available digitally (Spotify, (Japan), (World), YouTube Music) and this one features flute performed by Takumi Matsumura. Both tracks are also available as a CD single (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower).

Mamiko's latest album is "mukuge" (2024) (Spotify, (Japan), (World), YouTube Music), which was later released on vinyl in January (HMV, Tower).

🎙️ Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Suna no Kabe, Mamiko Suzuki, moja

5. moja "Food" (2025)

moja (Instagram, 𝕏, Bandcamp) is a Tokyo-based duo formed of Masami on drums and Haru on bass and vocals. Formed in 2007, they have just released a new album titled "I'm hungry!" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music) which includes the song "Food". As soon as you hear it, you know it will be on your mind the next time you eat a hamburger! Aside from digitally, he album is also available on vinyl and CD (Bandcamp and elsewhere).

moja will be touring Europe, with 22 dates from October 22 to November 16 in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, France, and Switzerland. Find all dates on their official tour T-shirt.

6. AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN "Koyou" (2025)
(Japanese title: AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN 「雇用」)

This is the latest single by Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan (Instagram, 𝕏) a.k.a. Konneki, who is both as a comedian and musical artist. It was released digitally and is titled "Koyou" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Check out the lyric video (short version) below. The B-side is a cover of Björk's "Hyper Ballad".

On October 15, a remix EP of "Koyou" will also be released digitally, containing two remixes by producer CMJK (ex-Denki Groove).

Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan will perform on October 18 at Gyunō Fest Mini, in the evening part held at Ōtsuka Hearts Next. Find details here.

🎙️ Listen to Narration III
Presenting: AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN, Wink Music Service

7. Wink Music Service "Night In Soho" (2025)

Wink Music Service, the group formed of Keitarō Takanami (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) and Sally Kubota (The Scooters, She's a Rainbow, ex-The Phantom Gift/Les 5-4-3-2-1/SOLEIL), has recently released a new single: "Night In Soho / The Audrey Hepburn Complex" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The A-side "Night In Soho" is a new original song titled "Night In Soho", and the B-side is a self-cover of Pizzicato Five's "The Audrey Hepburn Complex". Both are sung by guest singer Meari of idol group Yurumerumo! (a.k.a. You'll Melt More!). The single was also released on 7" though it sold out from pre-orders.

A special show will be held on Friday, October 24 at Shimokitazawa Club Que featuring all four girl vocalists who have sung in the group so far, and also with a special guest appearance of She's a Rainbow, a recent gril group also produced by Sally Kubota (check out their first mini-album). Details can be found here.

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

Find information about all previous episodes of this radio show right here.

Reggae Disco Rockers' cover of Pizzicato Five's "such a beautiful girl like you" has been released on 7". This song had first appeared on the P5 tribute album "Music and Words of Pizzicato Five: A Tribute Album" released in 2002. The 7" comes from the same label, Readymade International.

The original song by Pizzicato Five was first released as an 8cm CD single in 1998, and then included on album "Playboy & Playgirl" shortly after.

In Japan, the single can also be bought directly from the label at Readymade Shopping.

Reggae Disco Rockers' discography can be found on their artist page at label Flower Records' site.

Reggae Disco Rockers "such a beautiful girl like you" (7")
Reggae Disco Rockers 「きみみたいにきれいな女の子」
(Japanese title: "kimi mitai ni kirei na onna no ko")

A. such a beautiful girl like you
B. such a beautiful girl like you (instrumental)

Readymade International/HMV record shop HR7S337
Out now (9/24), ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.