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: Sync Of Summer (Japan Version) Yamashita Tatsuro

Summer city pop
July 31, 2023 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Yamashita Tatsuro's Sync of Summer isn't the type of summer jam that you blast out loud or dance along to. Rather, it's the summer song that you listen to while staring peacefully at the sea and thinking of summers past. With just a few lines over a mellow city pop melody, Yamashita Tatsuro's evocative lyrics conjure the sensory imagery of summer that endures in our minds – drops of sweat, the color of iced tea, the chill of ice cubes, the smell of sand. The underlying rhythm of the song begins to beat harder, faster and louder before breaking out into a joyous yet wistful chorus for that "forever summertime." Reveling in the pure feeling of summer, Sync of Summer is an ode to the fleeting... [read more]

: Start over! [Type A] (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (Japan Version) Sakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 at their best
June 30, 2023 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
From the start, Sakurazaka46 has always been the anomaly of the 48/46 Group. Turning perky bubblegum idol pop on its head, the Japanese girl group's songs unleashed teen angst, frustration and rebellion while wallowing in dark tones and quirky aesthetics. Since rebranding, Sakurazaka46 has softened some of those rough and eccentric edges as the group grows and evolves. Sakurazaka46's latest single Start over! is both a return to their angst-laden start and a representation of their growing maturity. After all, it's not just teens who feel lost, listless and powerless in society – so do adults. Start over! grabs you right away with an epic intro intertwining a striking bassline and steady... [read more]

: Haru no Oto (Normal Edition) (Japan Version) miwa

Sounds of youth, notes of spring
May 31, 2023 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
I've always felt that miwa's voice and music style embodies spring: bright, pure and warm with a tinge of melancholy. Her latest single Haru no Oto totally exemplifies this. Written and composed by miwa, Haru no Oto can be heard as the ending theme for the second season of the high school baseball anime Mix: Meisei Story based on Adachi Mitsuru's manga. True to the anime's coming-of-age themes, the song evokes the sound and scenes of youth in its gentle yet vibrant blend of guitar and piano. Looking back while wondering about the future, the lyrics recall the sweet and bittersweet emotions of ambiguous young love that stays in your memories. The new B-side song Misoushin continues the story... [read more]

: ARASHI Anniversary Tour 5×20 FILM "Record of Memories" [4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray] (Japan Version) Arashi

Record of Arashi
October 31, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Arashi's Record of Memories is the first and only concert film that the Johnny's group has ever put out, and it's on a whole other level in terms of pure technical production values. Arashi's massive 20th anniversary tour spanned over 50 performances and mobilized over two million attendees, making it the largest tour in Japanese history. This feature film presentation of the Arashi Anniversary Tour 5×20 records their live at Tokyo Dome on December 23, 2019. As a celebration and culmination of Arashi's 20-year journey, the concert is a joy for fans, with a setlist full of uptempo numbers, hit songs, dance medleys and energetic performances accompanied by impressive stage design and... [read more]

: Suki to Iu no wa Rock Daze! [Type A] (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (Japan Version) Nogizaka46

The power of love
August 31, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
The endearingly upbeat tune of Nogizaka46's 30th single Suki to Iu no wa Rock Daze! begins with a decidely downbeat line: "The person I hate the most in the world is me." Self-loathing thoughts of stagnancy and having no ambitions or expectations for the future pour out unassumingly against a mellow melody laced with energetic pop rock beats. These negative emotions are flipped by the discovery of a love that makes one sparkle. While the power of love may seem like a typically cheesy topic for a pop song, Suki to Iu no wa Rock Daze! throbs with a heartfelt touch of sensitivity as it reflects on the trials of growing up and a love that encourages self-love. The song's sentiments are... [read more]

: MIXED NUTS EP (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (Japan Version) Official HIGE DANdism

Life is like a bag of mixed nuts
June 30, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Official HIGE DANdism's song Mixed Nuts should sound familiar to anyone who's been watching Spy x Family, but you don't have to know the anime to enjoy this flavorful EP. Opening with a reverbing explosion of notes, Mixed Nuts (Track 1) highlights the funky, jazzy side of HIGEDAN's signature piano rock sound. The energetic pop melody is underlined by an awesome bassline that pulsates with life and a joyous swirl of brass and percussion. Mixed Nuts has wittily philosophical lyrics about living "in this world like nuts packed in a bag." Like a bag of mixed nuts, this EP has more texture and variety to offer in its side tracks. Anarchy (Track 2) is a wonderful surprise, expanding the band's... [read more]

: LOST IN TOKYO (ALBUM+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS

Tokyo state of mind
June 28, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
You can always count on Soil & "Pimp" Sessions for classy and funky jazz that brims with exuberant energy. Their latest album Lost in Tokyo also brims with city vibes. Themed around Tokyo, the album explores and evokes the city through 12 tracks that include two songs featuring guest vocalists. Lost in Tokyo opens with an atmospheric intro track blending the sounds of water, chirping birds, the muffled clamor of a subway and crisp footsteps. It leads into Meiji-Jingumae 'Harajuku' (Track 2), whose title referring to a metro station interchange already gets you in a Tokyo state of mind. The playful skitter of piano keys against laid-back beats, smooth brass notes and an unrushed melody feels... [read more]

: M87 (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) Yonezu Kenshi

Yonezu Kenshi, the storyteller
May 31, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Yonezu Kenshi delivers another certified jam with his latest single M87, the theme song of the new Shin Ultraman movie. The singer-songwriter wastes no time getting started, opening straight away with stirring vocals and emotive imagery: "Because I saw the stars shining in the distant sky / I trembled as I chased the light." Hooking listeners from the first line, M87 reminds of Lemon in the best possible way with its clean and catchy alternative melody, rousing feelings and immediate earworm impact. At the same time, the song has an exciting storytelling quality in its free-flowing rhythm and use of different types of instrumental transitions. M87 technically follows a conventional... [read more]

: Brother Beat [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Edition) (Japan Version) Snow Man

Fun, funny and funky
March 31, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Last year was a standout year for Snow Man. Snow Mania S1 was the second highest-selling album of 2021 on Oricon's year-end chart, and all three of their singles ranked in the year-end top five, with million-seller Grandeur coming in first. The three singles, ranging from powerful (Grandeur) to refreshing (Hello Hello) to emotional (Secret Touch), also showed the Johnny's group's ability to comfortably take on different styles. Snow Man continues strong this year with Brother Beat, which is delightfully different than their previous singles. Snow Man's sixth single Brother Beat is a bright, mischievous and upbeat jam that looks and sounds more like something out of the Johnny's WEST canon.... [read more]

: Flow [Type A] (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) Perfume

Dream with the Flow
March 15, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
In the past few years, Perfume has only put out one new music release per year, usually in the second half of the year. This year, the trio is back bright and early in March with the dreamy synthpop sounds of the new single Flow. Produced as always by Nakata Yasutaka, Flow begins immediately, almost abruptly, with sweet vocals over a light melody. The sweet, gentle sound sets a dreamy mood as the beats build up to a bubbly chorus. A low and steady reverberation effect underlies the transition following the first chorus, adding unexpected texture to the song. Nakata continues to variegate the song progression by curling different beats, effects and echoes into the chorus sections and bridge,... [read more]

: Magic Touch / Beating Hearts [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) King & Prince

The two sides of King & Prince
May 31, 2021 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Since their debut in 2018, King & Prince has personified the characteristic Johnny's look and sound for a newer generation. Their image is youthful, fresh-faced and princely, and their singles are mostly very bright and very pop in that warm, familiar and dated Johnny's way. Last year's Mazy Night, however, showed that King & Prince would very much suit an edgier look and more updated sound. And that edgier look and sound comes this year in the single Magic Touch. Magic Touch is co-composed by Adrian McKinnon, who is known for his work on SM artist songs like EXO's Obsession and NCT 127's Superhuman. This song is a total bop from the moment its beats slide in, and Hirano Sho sets the tone... [read more]

: DOWN TOWN / Ganbarenaiyo [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) Juice=Juice

Fun update of a city pop classic
April 29, 2021 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Juice=Juice has often sounded like a girl group from a different era, because their music digs very squarely into the standard idol J-pop sound, even in comparison to other Hello! Project groups. Last year, they went deliberately old school with the single Pop Music, which playfully referenced kayo pop music of yesteryear. Now they bring a cover of Sugar Babe's 1975 city pop classic DOWN TOWN for their first single of the year. City pop has seen a revival of late. Whether it's old songs going viral or younger artists reinterpreting the genre, the nostalgic sound has found a new audience, and not just in Japan. As the OG of all city pop, Sugar Babe's DOWN TOWN has been covered many times... [read more]

: Dramatic ni Kanpai (Normal Edition) (Japan Version) Yamamoto Sayaka

From Idol to Singer-Songwriter
February 27, 2021 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
I had high hopes for Yamamoto Sayaka when she started her post-NMB career, because she's been one of the few 48 graduates to have both the established popularity and the legitimate musical and vocal talents to make it as a solo artist. She hasn't disappointed. In the past two years, Sayaka has built a credible and consistent body of work that solidifies her transition from idol to singer-songwriter. Like with her past singles, all three tracks on her latest Dramatic ni Kanpai single are self-written and self-composed. While characteristic of Sayaka's style of medium-tempo ballads and rock, Dramatic ni Kanpai ("Dramatically Toast") also stands out from her past singles with its carefree vibe... [read more]

: BETTER [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) Twice (Korea)

Twice makes it Better
November 30, 2020 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Twice has been on fire with their two recent comebacks. I adore the throwback bop I Can't Stop Me from their recent Korean album Eyes Wide Open, but I might like their new Japanese single Better even more. Like I Can't Stop Me, Better has an old-school disco vibe, but this goes in a sultrier direction with pulsing club beats, silky melody and lyrics expressing longing and desire. As catchy and upbeat as Twice's usual hits but also more mature, the song is co-written and co-composed by Lauren Kaori, who has worked on the group's Polish, Pink Lemonade and Stay By My Side, not to mention many E-girls songs. Better's moody verses and impactful yet melodic chorus showcase one of Twice's best... [read more]

: It's my life/ PINEAPPLE [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) V6

V6's 25th anniversary single
September 24, 2020 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
This year is V6's 25th anniversary, and as their latest single proves, they've still got it. For better or worse, the Johnny's world has evolved a lot in the past few years, but V6 seems to be the quiet constant as they keep on doing their own thing. The group's 25th anniversary double A-side single brings two very different new songs that I love equally. It's my life is just what I need to hear on a Friday. The upbeat, uptempo song has a bright, easy-going vibe with its pop-rockish melody and life-affirming lyrics. Written by Miyata "Lefty" Ryo, the song's down-to-earth and reassuring words for the everyday workaholic deserve special mention. For all those stressed-out souls working late... [read more]

: Tousaku (Normal Edition) (Japan Version) Yorushika

The Man Who Steals Music
July 31, 2020 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Awarded Best New Artist at the 34th Gold Disc Awards, Yorushika was one of last year's greatest music discoveries. The duo formed by producer n-buna and vocalist suis released two excellent albums in 2019, That's Why I Gave Up on Music and Elma, that told an interconnected story. This year, they're back with a new musical story in Tousaku. Most musicians would probably stay far away from the word Plagiarism, but Yorushika made it the title and theme of their third full album. Plagiarism's main character is a "man who steals music." Using music to tell a story of the emotional tempest and destructive impulses of its main character, the album also explores and challenges what creating and... [read more]

: Hadaka no Kokoro (Japan Version) Aimyon

Aimyon's heart-baring ballad
June 29, 2020 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Aimyon got her break in 2018 with the singles Marigold and Konya Kono Mama, which both went platinum digitally. Her singles after that, like Haru no Hi and Her Blue Sky, mainly followed a similar style of catchy and refreshing guitar-driven pop rock. The singer-songwriter's latest Hadaka no Kokoro ("Naked Heart"), however, is a bit different as it's her first ballad single. Aimyon actually wrote "Naked Heart" back in 2017, and she especially chose this older work to be her tenth single and her theme song for the TV drama My Housekeeper, Mr. Nagisa. The song's clean and soothing melody is introduced with simple piano chords, and then enriched with a gentle blend of string, percussion and... [read more]

: Aozora (Japan Version) aiko

Bright yet blue
February 28, 2020 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Just based on the title and visuals of aiko's single Aozora, one would probably expect it to be a bright and sunny song fitting of its lovely "Blue Sky." The song's melody, as well, is light in rhythm and tone with a soothingly refreshing arrangement that creates a chipper feeling. However, the singer-songwriter's lyrics tell a different story about looking back with mixed feelings on a love that has ended – that blue sky is distorted and invisible before teary, unfocused eyes. Rather than being bright and blue, Aozora is bright yet blue. The single's new B-side, Koibito Doshi ni (Track 3), is also a light-sounding confection of love and worries, but it reaches a more rose-tinted... [read more]

: Kanashiki Pro Bowler (Normal Edition) (Japan Version) Kuwata Keisuke & The Pin Boys | Kuwata Keisuke

Take me out to the bowling alley
February 13, 2020 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
In 2019, Kuwata Keisuke took his love for bowling to a new level by putting his name and face on a national bowling tournament, the Kuwata Cup. Bowling aside, the legendary artist also formed the special new unit Kuwata Keisuke & The Pin Boys to release Kuwata Cup 2019's official song Let's Go Bowling, which is basically an entire song dedicated to the virtues of bowling. A year later, the Kuwata Cup is back, and so are Kuwata Keisuke & The Pin Boys! While Let's Go Bowling is a fun jingle, it's impossible to take a song too seriously when it opens with the lines "I like bowling, I like bowling." Kuwata Keisuke & The Pin Boys' wonderful second single, however, is far more than a novelty... [read more]

: Bessekai (SINGLE+DVD) (Japan Version) E-girls

E-girls' first single of their final year
January 31, 2020 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
E-girls broke fan hearts last December with the announcement that the group would be disbanding in 2020 (why, LDH, why?). As if to drive in just what J-pop will be missing out on, E-girls' first single of their final year is a total jam. Bessekai ("Another World") embodies the sound that E-girls does best: edgy, contemporary yet fun electro dance numbers with a finger on the urban pulse. The song's intricate and invigorating electronic beats stand out energetically, and there is an understated fierceness to its buildup and catchy chorus that really rouses the spirits of the listener. Bessekai is composed by Henrik Nordenback, Christian Fast and Ellen Berg, the same team behind 2017's Love... [read more]

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