Recorded at Tokyo Bunkamura Orchard Hall on December 22nd 2012, to commemorate Takahashi's 60th birthday. Guests include Steve Jansen, Haruomi Hosono, Cornelius. 33 tracks on CD, plus live DVD and promotional music videos.

First album for four years. Guests include James Iha (ex-Smashing Pumpkins, guitar), Gondo Tomohiko (ufornia), Kei Takakura (bass) and Hirohisa Horie (keyboard). 60s and 70s rock sound with new direction and vision.,

Best of from daughter of Ryuichi Sakamoto and Akiko Yano. Ryuichi lends a hand. Ethereal pop.

Pak Poe is a Korean/Japanese singer/songwriter who has been singing and writing songs for decades, mostly living in Japan. He was once a member of the brilliant and underated Tokyo Bibimbap Club. Combining guitar, powerful vocals and Korean traditional instruments, he's never been afraid to tackle controversial issues in a country thats' musicians usually steer way clear of. This new album is up to his usual high standard. Mix of acoustic studio recordings and live rock band style. Listen to sound samples. Guest musicians are Maiko Isobe (violin), Junji Hirose (sax), Haa Yong Su (chango, kengari, nanrari)

Toshi Tsuchitori is a veteran percussionist, well known in jazz and avant-garde circles and for releasing a series of extraordinary albums of ancient music played on replicas of ancient Japanese percussion instruments. His late wife Harue Momoyama (1939-2009) was a respected singer and shamisen player who studied many genres of almost forgotten Japanese traditional music. One of these was the early enka and popular songs from the Meiji and Taisho period written by Azenbo Soeda (1872-1944) and his son Chido Soeda (1902-1980). Azenbo was a political activist and one of Japan's first mainstream popular music stars. Harue studied under Chido for many years, detailing each song, probably the only surviving document of this influential and precious music. Toshi used this document to record this album, playing Harue's shamisen as well as Indian instruments esraj, bansuri and tabla, and Tibetan damaru. A wonderful, fascinating labour of love. Listen to sound samples.

Second volume of monumental recordings of Japanese jazz from Taisho period (1912-1926) Comes with extensive booklet (in Japanese). 102 tracks.

Military influenced jazz from the Tsuru - Asahi Record in Nagoya. Rare 'indie' recordings from an age when record companies such as Columbia, Victor, King, Teichiku dominated the scene. 24 tracks.

Jazz in Osaka in the early Showa period between 1924-1941. Features stars of the day such as Philipine Jazz Band, Kozo Maeno, Ryoichi Hattori, Kyosuke Kami playing foxtrot, charlston and blues, with singers such as Kikuko Inoue and Susumu Koroda. Many rare tracks from minor labels such as Kokka, Naigai, Taihei, Nitto and Shochiku.

Jazz collection recorded betweem 1934 and 1944 from Teichiku Records. 44 tracks with artists including Dick Mine & His Serenaders, Teichiku Jazz Orchestra, Keio B.R.B. Light Musicians.

Coincided to mark the 40th anniversay since the first solo album by Haruomi Hosono on 25th May 1973. New album featuring guests including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Salyu, Shigeru Kishida (Quruli), Minako Yoshida and band line up that features Miharu Koshi, Ren Takada and Daiichi Ito. Tracks include covers of Kraftwerk's Radioactivity, Bob Dylan's When I Paint My Masterpiece and tracks Hosono and band have performed live recently.

'Premium analogue LP' edition of Hosono's latest album.

Premium Analogue LP limited edition version of album that came out in 2007.

Premium Analogue limited edition LP. Original release April 2011. Original songs and covers. Other musicians include regular live support musicians such as Ren Takada, Miharu Koshi, Wataru Iga (Sakerock) Shigeri Kitsu, Tin Pan Alley members Shigeru Suzuki, Tateo Hayashi, Hiroshi Sato, plus pop singer Cocco, Yoko Ono and Van Dyke Parks.

Long time Haruomi Hosono collaborator and band member's first solo album for five years. 'Chansonesque' that resonates with the sounds of the 1920s and 30 featuring accordion and piano.

Reissue of Le Judas album released in 2008. Electronica with waltz, polka, swing and other nostalgic rhythms and melodies.

Keyboardist, composer, producer, DJ, Hirofumi Asamoto is one of those musicians who goes under the radar, but whose influence is over a lot of great records. He plays with, and has written songs for, the wonderful singer UA, has played with dub band Mute Beat, Ram Jam World and many others, as welll as making solo dub records from time to time. On this album he plays kind of soft, piano dub versions of his own compositions. Definitely one for dub lovers.

Brilliant album of Rolling Stones covers played on the ukulele and other instruments. Latest in the Rolling Coconuts albums of Ukulele albums. Artists include the wonderful Kuricorder Quartet. Listen to samples of all tracks.

First album for four years from the veteran Japanese ukulele player. Born in 1963, Iwao has played ukulele around the world, originally inspired by Herb Ohta.

Currently, making a big splash in the world of traditional music. First solo album by koto and shamisen player. Original material with a variety of influences and instruments. The title track is a collaboration with violinist Yuriko Mukoujima, Mimi Hamu Sakana is based on Javanese dance, while Kaze ga Omote de Yondeiru, was written by well known composer Yuji Takahashi. Etsuko Takezawa plays koto, shamisen and 17 stringed koto. Guest musicians are Akira Sakata (sax, vocal), Fumio Itabashi (piano), Yuriko Mukoujima (violin) and Natsumi Sagusa (kumana).

Tenth album from leading composer and player of Koto. Toshihiko Mizuno performs on the koto together with four other artists including Tomoko Nomura, Atsuko Kida (17 stringed koto), Ryozan Sakata and Shozan Tanabe (shakuhachi). Wonderful album.

Koto player and singer, Sumiko Goto is joined by internationally acclaimed cello player Mario Brunello, plus Keisuke Zenyoji (shakuhachi) and Misuko Takahata (koto)

CDR release by shakuhachi player Kohachiro Miyagi and koto / shamisen player Ikuyo Furukawa on which they play mainly vocal works by Michio Miyagi. Accompanying musicians are Junko Hayashida and Kiyomi Yarimizu (koto) and three singers, Tokiwa Doi, Keiko Katayama and Shizuka Yabuuchi.

Fifth album of Aun-J Classic Orchestra, eight top musicians playing Japanese traditional instruments. Each musician brings a composition to this album. Members are Ryohei Inoue (taiko), Kohei Inoue (taiko, shamisen, fue), Hide (narimono, taiko), Hideki Onoe (shamisen), Hideki Ishigaki (shakuhachi), Michiko Yamada (fue), Shin Ichikawa and Azumi Yamano (17 stirings koto).

Classic Japanese pop songs performed and arranged by shakuhachi player Yukihiko Mitsuka. Originally released about 20 years ago on cassette, this is a new version, newly recorded. Accompaniment by koto player Mihoko Ono. Mitsuka is a member of the group Tone, and has performed with a artists ranging from taiko drummer Eitetsu Hayashi and Nubian oud player Hamza El Din.

Koto duo of Ai Kajigano and Azumi Yamano who were both students of Tadao and Kazue Sawai. Five varied compositions by contemporaries and masters.

New album from koto and shamisen player who is based in Kyoto and performs regulary overseas.

Remastered SHM-CD originally released in 1987. In the early 1970s Taeko Onuki was a member of the legendary Sugar Babe. She went to make a number of solo albums, in her mellow, singer/songwriter style, often collaborating with Ryuichi Sakamoto, a partnership that continues today. Guest artists on this album include Yukihiro Takahashi, Kenji Omura, Rei Obara and Hiroshi Sato.

Originally released in 1985, one of Taeko Onuki's best known albums, with several hit songs.

This album from 1977 is considered to be a Sunset Gang masterpiece on which they are joined by a stellar cast of collaborators. These include Haruomi Hosono (vocals), Ronnie Barron, Amos Garett and Geof Muldaur. 9 tracks. 1. Hi no Ataru Tokotoe 2. Oh Susanna 3. Mata Hoehajimetayo 4. Lucky Old Sun 5. Funky Walking Boy 6. Paradise eno Michi 7. Smokey Joe no Cafe 9. Koi no Slow Boat 9. Maboroshi + Extra Track - Lucky Old Sun (Single Version)

Tribute album to Kiyoshi Imawano, of the group RC Succession, who died in 2009. New recordings, plus previous recording of Akiko Yano and Kiyoshi Imawano duet from 2006.

Originally released 1991. First album recorded by Yano after she moved to New York. Includes cover of the Boom's Tsuri ni Iko, and other tracks co-written with the band's Kazufumi Miyazawa. Jazz piano, great singing with Japanese elements. Musicians include Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Nana Vasconcelos,

Orginally released 1992. Solo piano and vocals. Composer credits include Tatsuro Yamashita, Kazufumi Miyazawa and Keiichi Suzuki.

Original release 1993. Recorded in New York with a stellar cast of east coast musicians.

Originally released in 1994. Includes cover of famous Okinawan traditional song, Chinsagu no Hana.

Originally released 1995. Second solo piano and vocal album. Features Pat Metheney as guest.

Originally released in 1997. 20th original studio album.

Originally released in 1999. Co-produced by Jeff Bova, includes theme song for Studio Ghibli film My Neighbours The Yamadas.

Originally released 2000. Akiko's third solo piano and vocal album recorded in her own studio in New York.

Original release 2002. Includes long time collaborator Anthony Jackson on bass.

Jinta-La-Mvta, (the smaller version of Cicala Mvta) perform Heiwa ni Ikiru Kenri - The Right to Live in Peace, wiritten by Victor Jara, with Japanese lyrics by Takashi Nakagawa of Soul Flower Union (who performed the song on their album Electro-Asyl Bop) together with Likkle Mai, ex-singer of dub band Dry & Heavy. Infectious.

74 year old guitarist Hatsuneya Ishiwaka is one of the eldest musicians in the current Kawachi Ondo scene. He's known for playing his guiitar like an old blues guitarist, with his own unique take on Kawachi ondo and Tawamure Uta. On this monumental album he is ably supported by singers and musicians from Hatsuneya Shachu, one of the oldest schools of Kawachi Ondo, chindon group, Chindon Tsushinsha, and self styled 'Off Note All Stars', the brilliant and innovative musicians who have played on host of the distinctive Off Note label releases. Quite simply, brilliant.

Teppo Hirosaburo is an 84 year old legendary ondo singer sometimes known as 'Ondo President' or 'Funk Teacher'. On this album he sings with guest shamisen player Teruo Akatsuki, supported by singers and musicians from Hatsuneya Shachu and the Off Note All Stars.

Soundtrack to cult TV drama called Kodoku no Gourmet (Solitary Gourmet), about a man called Goro Inogashira who as a travelling salesman, each day finds a hidden gem 'gourmet' restaurant. Music played by The Screentones comprising Masayuki Qusumi (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, programming, vocals), Satoshi Fukumura (soprano sax, tenor sax, flutes, programming), Shake (keyboards, synthesizers, pianica, programming), Ken Kuriki (drums, percussions, taisho-goto, samping, programming), Denmi (vocals and harmony arrangement on track 21). 43 tracks.

Latest in the long line of outstanding Japanese 'world music' bands. Live recording of Denki Gypsy Special, influenced by jazz, rock, klezmer, gypsy, Turkish, Arabic and Carribean music. Members are Nobuyuki Seto (clarinet), Kizo Nobori (tenor saxopone), Akiko Igaki (violin), Takashi Tajima (electric guitar), Kazunari Seto (electric bass), Watanbe (drums), Mitsuru Nagata (darbuka, davul). Belly dancer Minori performs on tracks 4 and 7.

2 CD compilation of the very wonderful, unclassifiable Lonesome Strings, playing various stringed instruments. Features Yoshiku Sakurai, Gen Tamura and Satoshi Hara on guitars, banjos, Hawaiian guitars and the late Takayoshi Matsunaga on bass.

Kenji Ikegami is a classical shakuhachi (bamboo flute) player and electronic musician and he combines these two divergent skills with great dexterity to produce music of a haunting quality.

Shakuhachi player Shozan Tanabe plays compositions by American composer Marty Regan. Regan (born 1972) has steadily made a name for himself as a composer of works for Japanese traditional music. Most of the tracks, except for the title track) were commissioned by Tanabe at the 2008 World Shakuhachi Festival in Sydney. Tanabe's shakuhachi is accompanied by an excellent ensemble featuring Miki Maruta (shamisen), Atsuko Kida (seventeen string koto), Gen Takeuchi, Etsuko Hirano (violin), Saeko Wakiya (viola) Masabumi Sekiguchi (violincello), Keizo Mizoiri (contrabass) Includes English liner notes.

Re-release of Shozan Tanabe's debut album originally released in 1998. Considered a bit of a classic, accompanying musicians include his elder brother Retsuzan Tanabe (shakuhachi), Hideaki Kuribayashi (seventeen string koto) and Ko Ishikawa (sho).

One of the best of the current Tsugaru shamisen players, blind musician Shotaro Yo (born in 1977) learned Tsugaru shamisen from the age of six and was a 'champion' at the Tsugaru Shamisen Championship of 2008 held in Aomori. On this new album he plays four Tsugaru minyo folk songs and three original tunes.

Released to coincide with the opening of the new Kabukiza in Tokyo on April 2nd, Recordings of Kabuki stars performing classic scenes.

1. Terakoya / Shoroku Onoe II, Hazaemon Ichikawa, Kikunosuke (Kikugoro) Onoe, Umeyuki Onoe 2. Kireare Yozo / Umeyuki Onoe XV (original 78 recording) 3. Sanin Yoshizo / Hazaemon Ichikawa XV 4. Toribeyama Shinju / Sadanji Ichikawa II (original 78 recording).

Old recordings from 78s released onto CD of classic kabuki scenes.

All originally 78 recordings, released onto CD.

Chinsetsu Yumiharizuki (Strange Tales of the Crescent Moon, 1807-1811) was written by the Edo period gesaku Kyokutei Bakin, and illustrated by Hokusai Katsushika. This was adapted for the Kabuki stage by the well known author, poet, playwright, Yukio Mishima in 1969, the year of this recording of this version. An historical document.

Live recording from 23rd November 2012 at Tokyo Opera City Hall of Tomita's latest orchestral work ( Ihatov is a fictional place created by poet/author Kenji Miyazawa derived from his native Iwate prefecture). Featuring about 300 musicians; The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, a chamber chorus, a junior high school choir, and lead 'vocaloid' by digital female star Hatsune Miku, a synthesizer application who appears as an animated projection. Behind this extraordinary spectacle was Isao Tomita, who composed the symphony and cleverly incorporated the vocaloid into an orchestral work for the first time. Now 80 years old, Orchestra Ihatov has been billed as Tomita's magnum opus, expressing the 'psychedelic' and colourful world of Miyazawa's literature, that Tomita has been a fan of since he was a child. The two worlds of Tomita, the orchestral and electronic combining with spectacular results.The production received much critical acclaim and is now released as an SACD Hybrid. 9 tracks.(4.0chSACD/2chSACD/2chCD) Naoto Otomo- Conductor, Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Hatsune Miku- Virtual Singer, performed by Motokazu Shinoda, Ikuo Kakehashi- percussion, Wagner Society Male Choir & OB Choir Keio University, University of the Sacred Heart Glee - conductor Kenta Shimogawara, Symphony Hills Boys & Girls Chorus.

Originally released in 1971, Tokyo Cuban Boys versions of Okinawan tunes. Sax and even some sanshin. Probably never been bettered when it comes to jazzy Okinawa.

Originally released in 1972. Cuban jazz versions of famous Japanese traditional tunes. Features Kohachiro Miyata on shakuhachi and Tadao Sawai on koto.

Originally released in 1967. Minoru Muraoka plays jazz and bossa nova on shakuhachi arranged by jazz musician / arranger Kiyoshi Yamaya.

Originally released in 1968. Shakuhachi player Minoru Muraoka plays jazz with Kiyoshi Yamaya and The All Stars. Shakuhachi, western flute, and jazz backing.

Shakuhachi, plus koto and even biwa accompanied by bass and jazzy drums on selection of jazz, rock and pop tunes.

Latest album from Tsugaru Shamisen player Hiromitsu Agatsuma. Various collaborations with top musicians from J-pop, tango, gagaku, flamenco, classical music worlds including Kazufumi Miyazawa (vocals), Ryota Komatsu (bandoneon), Hideki Tojo (hichiriki, sho), Jin Oki (guitar), Iwao Furusawa (violin).

New album of the unit by Tomoya Nakai (25 stringed koto) and Takuya Iwata (shakuhachi) playing their original and traditional lyrical tunes.

Companion album of koto and shakuachi unit Uranus playing their original and Japanese lyrical tunes.

Rei Jin comes from a family of shakuhachi players, his father and grandfather both being accomplished players. Aside to the family connections he learnt from the masters Reibo Aoki and Hozan Yamamoto.This is a fantastic CD of solo shakuhachi in the style of the Komuso monks, or zen shakuhachi, mostly honkyoku (original pieces) from the Dokkyoku repertroire. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Japanese lyrical songs with an autumn/winter connection played on Japanese traditional instruments. Listen to samples of the tracks.

Duo of percussion player Goshin Moro and Berlin based composer/pianist Hajime Fukuda. Moro plays an ancient Japanese percussion instrument from the Jomon period called Jomon Daiko, which he made by himself, wadaiko (taiko) drums and some African percussion. Fukuda plays piano, composed and arranged the tunes. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Second solo album from Takashi Nakagawa of Soul Flower Union. Nakagawa plays mostly acoustic guitar, plus Okinawan sanshin and bouzouki, with some help from long time collaborators such as Keisuke Ota (violin), Wataru Ohkuma (clarinet) and Shinya Okuno (accordion). New songs and some of his older songs too, plus covers and a traditional Japanese tune. Doesn't break any new ground, but carries on in similar vain to his solo album from 2011. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Trio of Ryuichi Sakamoto with Jacques Morelenbaum on cello and violinist Judy Kang. They played some concerts together in Europe in 2011, and recorded this album in Portugal just after the European tour. New and beautiful arrangements of Sakamoto's tunes. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Tribute to Ryuichi Sakmaoto by artists from the Japanese electronic scene to celebrate Sakamoto's 60th birthday. Produced by Tobeta Bajune, who has worked with Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Box set of Sakamoto's entire output for the Gut label between 1994-1997.

Trio of steel pan, guitar and percussion with covers of YMO tunes, in a tropical mood.

The brilliant Shibusashirazu with their first album of Japanese pop covers with various guest vocalists including Sandii, Kan Mikami, Michiro Endo, Miu Sakamoto, Kunihiro Izumi and Shinichi Watabe.

The fantastic minyo singer Takio Ito releases a new album in 2012. As leftfield as ever, essentially this is an album of duets, featuring Ito's voice with a selection of instruments played by some top musicians. These include sax and clarinet player Akira Sakata, taiko player Eitetsu Hayashi, drummer, Shuichi 'Ponta' Murakami, Sojiro on ocarina, pianist Masahiro Sayama, and guitarist Kazuki Tomokawa. Comes with English track notes. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Greatest hits from one of Japan's greatest minyo (folk) singers. Several grounbreaking tracks from the late 80s and 90s that mixed minyo with rock, jazz and other styles. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Superb album featuring two koto players, Soju Nosaka and Emiko Kikutomo, together with shakuhachi player Tadashi Tajima. Great blend of instruments in contemporary setting, beautifully recorded. Listen samples of all tracks.

Fantastic album of shamisen, taiko and fue (flute) performed by three relatively young, yet veterans of the Japanese traditional music world. Aun comprise of twin brothers Ryohei and Kohei Inoue, previously of the taiko group Onekoza. On this project they are joined by Hide, taiko drummer and percussionist with another taiko group, the world famous Kodo. Pulsating, exciting and good variety of music. Listen to samples of most tracks.

Lullabies for adults. Emme is a singer of nagauta, traditional music of the Edo period, which she brings up to date by combining this singing style with modern forms of music. This is her fourth album. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Latest in the series of recordings by koto player Masateru Ando of his teacher, the renowned Michiio Miyagi. This one featuring orchestral arrangements of a koto concerto. Listen to sound samples.

Volume 3 in the series of Miyagi Michio works by these two artists, Kohachiro Miyato on shakuhahci and Koto and Shamisen player, Ikuyo Furukawa.

Good quality, good value, album of Japanese Bon Odori, Japanese Bon Dance songs from all over Japan. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Album that combines famous Japanese animation and super hero characters with traditional festival songs. Plus versions of well known songs that might appeal to children. Good fun. Listen to all tracks.

Very interesting compilation of what is labelled as 'minyo new wave'. Mostly young musicians playing Japanese roots music with various influences from around the world, to often create something quite new. Good to see Japanese roots music is progressing in the hands of a new generation. Listen to some samples.

Duo featuring Koushi Tsukuda (shakuhachi, yokobue, vocals) and Tsutomu Tanaka (shamisen, taiko, bass, guitar, vocals, percussion) from the wonderful roots group Chanchiki. Modern Japanese roots music at its best, mostly instrumental, featuring the shamisen and shakuhachi, with some vocals. Lively, upbeat and fun. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Guitar duo album by two very different guitarists. Rhythm guitarist Ryuhei Koike has worked with many artists such as Port of Notes, Miyuki Hatakeyama and Ann Sally, while electric guitarist Hiroyuki Nagakubo has worked with Kenichi Sogabe and Caravan. Cuban, Spanish, Japanese tunes in 'exotica' style. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Latest in the Tipness fitness club series, includes the new song and title track 'E Pili Mau' written by Yuki Yamauchi. Sandii sings Hawaiian masterpieces and track 6, a Japanese song done Hawaiian style.

Japanese gypsy style jazz guitalist Daisuke Teshima and his trio collaborate with 'super' drummer Ryota Kodera. Five original songs written by Teshima plus Django Reinhardt tunes and Joseph Kosma's Autumn Leaves. Has received great reviews in Japan for the amazing musicianship.

Jazz trio formed out of Soil & 'Pimp' Sessions release new album. Modern and very cool jazz from the highly rated trio of Josei (piano), Akita Goldman (bass) and Midorin (drums). Listen to samples of all tracks.

Western pop tunes from the 1960s and 70s covered Japanese jazz style. Fantastic original recordings from the 60s and 70s.

Japanese jazz musicians from the 1960s and 70s cover various rock tunes, many released onto CD for the first time. Great musicianship and cool sounds.

Collection of ultra rare jazz tracks collection from the independent record label Tsuru-Asahi Record in Nagoya recorded between 1929 and 1938. Nagoya had its own quite distinct and flourishing jazz scene at the time, here released onto CD for the first time.

From 1972, includes Agata's big hit Sekishoku Elegy and other early 70s folk tunes. Sensitive vocals, minimalist sound, and rather beautiful.

First album (1972) from the musician and composer who was also a member of Happy End. Tuneful folk/rock with a haunting beauty, with excerpts of some old tunes from the 1940s and beforehand, adding a twist.

Haruomi Hosono's first solo album after leaving Happy End. Recorded at his home studio and originally released from the Belwood label in 1973. The 11 tracks have been digitally remastered by Hosono and YMO's engineer Mitsuo Koike. Considered, rightly so, as a masterpiece of Japanese rock history.

Third album from 1973, from the pioneering folk band featuring Haruomi Hosono, Takashi Matsumoto, Eiichi Ohtaki and Shigeru Suzuki.

From 1973, best album of the group's output from 1970-72.

Released 1973. Hachimitsu Pie are known as the precursors of Moonriders, yet their only album is considered a classic. They started life as the backing band for Morio Agata, metamorphising into Hachimitsu Pie before evolving into The Moonriders.

Recorded 1973, released 1974, after the band had disbanded.

Originally released in 1974, tracks from the group's three albums and solo material.

Originally released in 1971. First record from leading folk singer, with influences from Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, and humourous ironic style delivery, in the footsteps of Azenbo Soeda, a Showa era political singer. Happy End members (Haruomi Hosono, Eiichi Otaki, Shigeru Suzuki and Takashi Mastsumoto, appear on four tracks.

First album from musician and arranger of the band Rokumonsen.

Their major debut and only original album released in 1972. Regarded as a classic of 70s folk/ pop.

Double album including live tracks from their very final performance in July 1972 and studio recordings.

Originally released in 1972. Folk singer from Akita. When this record released it got a broadcasting ban, the title poking fun at the broadcasting policy of the time. Welcome re-release of rare album.

Second album of singer songwriter from 1973, who was also a popular radio DJ at the time. City pop/folk plus his own identity with two minyo folk songs from Akita where he comes from. Includes Yukihiro Takahashi among the extensive list of musicians.

Live album performed in Nagoya in 1973. New songs at the time and previous hits. Kyozo Nishioka joined as guest.

First album (1972) from the musician and composer who was also a member of Happy End. Tuneful folk/rock with a haunting beauty, with excerpts of some old tunes from the 1940s and before, adding a twist.

Includes singles and live recordings.

Third album from 1973, from the pioneering folk band featuring Haruomi Hosono, Takashi Matsumoto, Eiichi Ohtaki and Shigeru Suzuki.

From 1973, best of album of the group's output from 1970-72.

Recorded 1973, released 1974, after the band had disbanded.

Tribute to Yukihiro Takahashi of Yellow Magic Orchestra, who celebrated his 60th birthday in June. Artists who feature for this compilation only include O/S/T, (Keigo Oyamada(Cornelius), Yoshinori Sunahara and Tei Towa), MO (without the 'Y', Ryuichi Sakamoto and Haruomi Hosono) Wow Wow Hippies (Shinya Kogura, Kiyoshi Takakura, Kenichi Shirane and Leo Imai) and other long time friends, fans and collaborators including Keiichi Suzuki, Hiroshi Takano, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Pupa and even Todd Rundgren. Listen to samples of all tracks except the first.

Here's an intriguing one. Japanese trumpeter who plays with klezmer/Balkan band, Freylekh Jamboree among others, is also into techno pop, which combined with tango, rumba and other rhythms makes for an interesting concoction. Listen to samples of all tracks.

Kokohana are two female 25 stringed koto players, Nanae and Migiwa. The koto is traditionally a 13 stringed instrument, and Kokohana believe the 25 strings adds extra expression and potential to play a wide range of music. On this album they perform tunes from the famous Studiio Ghibli animated films, accompanied by piano, strings, bass and a rhythm section.

Double album (vocal and instrumental) by interesting female musician who sings, plays piano, melodion, recorder, kazoo and toys on this album. Bouncy, jazzy songs accompanied by a big band on bass, tuba (Takero Sekizima of Kuricorder Quartet), trombone, clarinet, accordion, guitar, percussion and others. Fourth album and first for seven years.

Highly rated instrumental group who have now been going for 17 years. 16 member group formed by Rocket Matsu playing an array of instruments including pianica, recorders, accordion, ukulele, banjo and playing everything from Henry Mancini to Brian Eno and of course, Japanese tunes as well. Have played at WOMAD UK, Australia and New Zealand and especially popular in France.This album was recorded between late 2010 and beginning of 2011. The final stages were postponed because of the Tohoku Earthquake in March 2011, but is now completed.

Second album from musette group comprised of three Japanese women who love classic French musette. On this album they play ten original tunes and one traditional, accompanied by horns, percussion, the French bagpipe, cabrette, and vocals. Members are Kumiko Nagamine (button accordion, cabrette), Naomi Mieno (piano etc) and Tomoko Kobayashi (banjo, guitar). Their first album was highly acclaimed in France and they performed live in Paris in 2010, in 2011 they performed with accordion player Daniel Colin in Sapporo.

Marewrew are four Ainu women, who sing 'upopo' the ancient rythmical songs that accompany festival dances. This is their first full album, following on from the mini-album, and is produced by Oki who also accompanies them on some songs on tonkoro and adds other instrumentation and a contemporary feel. Listen to some sound samples.