Review by jasonycb

DAGURI by Kosuke Mine is the kind of record that pulls you in quietly, then refuses to let go. It’s lean and focused—more about tension, space, and forward motion than flashy solos—so every phrase and rhythmic shift feels intentional. On vinyl, the atmosphere really lands: the low end is tight, the mids feel present and textured, and the overall mix has a raw, intimate edge that suits the music’s stripped-down intensity. It’s an excellent late-night listen—moody, cerebral, and surprisingly addictive the more time you give it.

LOVE TRIP by Takako Mamiya is one of those rare city-pop records that feels instantly timeless—soft-focus, romantic, and incredibly well-crafted. The grooves are smooth but never sleepy: crisp drums, warm basslines, and shimmering keys that make the whole album feel like a midnight drive with neon reflections on the windshield. What I love most is the balance: it’s polished and elegant, yet full of emotion. Every track flows naturally, and the melodies stick in your head in the best way. On vinyl, the sound has a rich, silky presence that really suits the album’s atmosphere—clean highs, satisfying low end, and plenty of space for the arrangements to breathe.

This limited “100% Pure LP” edition of MAGICAL Ohashi Junko no Sekai 3 by Junko Ohashi is exactly what the name promises—bright, elegant city-pop grooves with that glossy, late-night sparkle. The arrangements feel spacious and luxurious, with punchy rhythm sections, silky keys, and vocals that are both powerful and effortless. On vinyl, the whole album breathes: the basslines sit warm and deep, the percussion snaps cleanly, and the choruses open up in a way that makes you want to replay sides immediately. It’s the kind of record that works as focused listening and as perfect background for an evening at home.

This limited LP of Paper Drivers Music [Limited Release] is a total joy if you like warm, detail-rich Japanese pop with that “city glow” polish. The music feels effortless—tight grooves, clever chord changes, and melodies that stick without trying too hard. It has that Kirinji magic where everything sounds smooth on the surface, but there’s a lot happening underneath (little rhythmic twists, playful arrangements, and vocals that sit perfectly in the pocket). As a record, it’s also just nice to live with: the presentation feels like a collector’s piece, and the album’s bright, summery energy makes it easy to throw on and let it run. If your shelf already has Shibuya-kei/city-pop adjacent favorites, this one fits right in—but it’s also approachable enough for a first-time Kirinji listen.

47' 45" [Limited Release] from Kirinji is a perfect little slice of their charm—compact, polished, and ridiculously replayable. The songwriting is tight and melodic, with that signature Kirinji blend of smooth groove, clever harmonic turns, and an effortless “cool” that never feels forced. Because it’s a shorter release, it hits fast: no filler, just standout moments that make you want to flip the record and run it back. On vinyl, the mix feels warm and lively, with the rhythm section snapping nicely and the vocals sitting right up front.

Electrum by Akira Ishikawa & His Count Buffalos is an electrifying album that blends funk, jazz, and traditional Japanese influences in a way that is both innovative and soulful. The clear orange vinyl adds a nice touch to the experience, making it not just an auditory pleasure but a visual one as well. The energy from start to finish is infectious, with the rhythms being infectious and the musicianship truly top-notch. The bass lines groove, the horns soar, and the percussion provides a relentless drive that keeps you hooked. The interaction between the instruments is just phenomenal. It’s a great blend of genres, with a perfect amount of complexity and accessibility for both casual listeners and jazz aficionados alike. The vinyl pressing is of excellent quality, with crisp highs, solid lows, and a clear, warm sound that makes it ideal for a full experience of this album. Highly recommend this for collectors and fans of unique, genre-blending jazz!

Misty - Live At Jazz is is a breathtaking live performance that captures the essence of Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio’s brilliance. From the first note, you’re enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere where every note feels alive, resonating with passion and expertise. The trio’s chemistry is undeniable, and their ability to improvise while maintaining such intricate harmony is awe-inspiring. The live recording adds an exciting dimension, making it feel as though you are right there in the audience, experiencing the performance firsthand. Yamamoto’s piano shines with such sensitivity and intensity, complemented perfectly by the bass and drums. The dynamics are spot on, and the energy of the live setting really elevates the listening experience. The vinyl pressing is excellent, providing rich, warm sound that makes the music come alive. Highly recommended for any jazz lover or collector!

As a long-time jazz enthusiast, I was excited to listen to Kono Subarashiki Sekai, and it did not disappoint. Tsuyoshi Yamamoto’s trio delivers an exceptional mix of intricate melodies, smooth improvisation, and deep emotion throughout the album. The balance between rhythm and harmony is masterfully executed, creating a beautiful musical landscape. The standout tracks showcase their unique chemistry and ability to tell a story without words. The piano work by Yamamoto is delicate yet powerful, and the accompanying bass and drums provide a solid foundation that allows the melodies to truly shine. The vinyl pressing itself is superb, with rich, warm tones that truly capture the essence of jazz. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz fan or a newcomer, this album is an absolute must-have for your collection. Highly recommended!

This reissue of “Mari Nakamoto III” is an excellent presentation of one of the finest vocal jazz recordings from Japan. Mari Nakamoto’s voice is warm, expressive, and perfectly balanced with the trio behind her. Her phrasing feels natural and intimate, making familiar standards sound fresh and emotionally honest. The pressing quality is very good—quiet vinyl, smooth vocal presence, and a clean overall sound that preserves the charm of the original Three Blind Mice production. The jacket reproduction is also nicely done. For fans of vocal jazz or Japanese jazz, this album is essential, and it’s wonderful to have it available again in a limited edition. Highly recommended.

This limited reissue of the 1963 “Ginparis Session” is a wonderful preservation of an important moment in early Japanese jazz history. The performance captures the raw, intimate atmosphere of the Ginparis club, with lively interaction between the musicians and a beautiful sense of spontaneity. The sound quality is surprisingly clear for a recording from this era, and this pressing plays quietly with good dynamics. The jacket reproduction is nicely done and maintains the vintage charm of the original release. It is great to finally have this rare session available again for collectors and jazz fans. A valuable reissue for anyone interested in the roots of Japanese modern jazz. Highly recommended.

This reissue of “Now!!” by the Masaru Imada Quartet is simply outstanding. It is one of the most iconic Japanese jazz albums of the 70s, and this pressing captures the energy, drive, and sophistication of the original recording beautifully. The sound quality is excellent—clear piano, tight bass, and crisp cymbals with very low surface noise. The dynamics feel lively and natural, making this a highly enjoyable listen from beginning to end. It’s wonderful to finally have an affordable, high-quality version of this rare classic available again. A must-have for any fan of Japanese jazz. Highly recommended.

This reissue of “Ako’s Dream” is a wonderful opportunity to revisit one of Isao Suzuki’s most soulful and vibrant sessions. The playing is energetic yet beautifully controlled, with Suzuki’s bass and cello work bringing a deep warmth to the ensemble sound. The Sextet’s interaction feels lively and full of personality, making this album consistently enjoyable from start to finish. The pressing quality is excellent—quiet surface, good clarity, and a well-balanced mix that highlights both the rhythm section and the horns. The jacket reproduction is clean and faithful, maintaining the charm of the original release. For fans of Japanese jazz, this is an essential title, and I’m very glad to see it available again in this limited edition. Highly recommended.

I am very happy with this limited reissue of “Unicorn.” Teruo Nakamura’s work has always stood out in the Japanese jazz-fusion scene, but this album in particular has a unique balance of groove, melody, and spiritual atmosphere. The recording quality of this reissue is excellent—clear, warm, and detailed, especially in the bass and percussion. The pressing is quiet with no surface noise on my copy. The artwork reproduction is beautiful, and having this classic available again at an affordable price is something collectors like me truly appreciate. For anyone who enjoys 70s jazz-fusion, Japanese jazz, or spiritual groove, this record is absolutely worth adding to your collection. Highly recommended.

This limited reissue of “Love For Sale” is an absolute pleasure for anyone who appreciates Japanese jazz from the 70s. The Toshiyuki Sekine Trio delivers a warm, elegant, and highly enjoyable performance, with a perfect balance of swing and soulful expression. The pressing quality of this release is excellent—quiet surface, good dynamics, and a very natural piano tone. The jacket reproduction is clean and faithful to the original, and it’s great to finally have this rare title available again at a reasonable price. For collectors of Japanese jazz, this is a must-have release. Highly recommended.

In The Groove is another excellent release from Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media, delivering the tight grooves and rich jazz-funk sound the group is known for. The arrangements are rhythmic, soulful, and full of energy, making this album a very enjoyable spin from start to finish. This clear yellow vinyl edition looks great and plays even better. The pressing is clean with low noise, solid dynamics, and a warm, well-balanced tone that highlights both the horns and the rhythm section beautifully. A strong reissue for fans of Japanese jazz-funk and anyone building a collection of classic Soul Media records. Highly recommended.

This is a beautiful reissue of a timeless jazz-funk classic from Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media. The clear sky blue vinyl looks stunning in person and matches the warm, atmospheric vibe of the music perfectly. The sound quality is excellent — clean, full, and well-balanced with great presence on the horns and rhythm section. The album blends soulful grooves, mellow jazz lines, and a nostalgic mood that makes it easy to keep flipping back to Side A. Even if you’re not deeply into jazz-funk, this pressing is smooth, accessible, and very enjoyable from start to finish. A great addition to any vinyl collection.

This limited reissue of Toki by the Hidefumi Toki Quartet is a wonderful addition for anyone who enjoys smooth, expressive Japanese jazz. The recording has a warm, intimate feel, and Toki’s saxophone tone is especially beautiful — rich, airy, and full of emotion. The pressing quality is impressive: low surface noise, clean dynamics, and a nice balance between the rhythm section and the lead lines. It’s the kind of record that feels great both for focused listening and for relaxing late-night spins. A timeless session that absolutely deserves to be back in print. Highly recommended if you’re exploring 70s–80s Japanese jazz or simply want a refined, soulful record in your collection.

Still Life Donuts is a beautifully crafted piano jazz album from Ken Muramatsu, and this limited vinyl release presents it with impressive clarity. The recording has a warm, intimate feel — gentle melodies, soft textures, and a cozy atmosphere that makes it perfect for late-night or weekend listening. The pressing is clean and quiet with good dynamics, allowing the nuance of Muramatsu’s playing to really come through. The piano tone is especially pleasing: smooth, balanced, and full of character. If you enjoy mellow, melodic Japanese jazz or want a relaxing record to unwind with, this release is an excellent addition to your collection. A subtle but very charming album.

Kenji Shock is a powerful and energetic album that showcases Kenji Omura’s unique approach to guitar-driven fusion. The music is bright, rhythmic, and full of creative ideas, blending rock, jazz, and electronic touches in a way that feels both bold and fun to listen to. This reissue sounds great — clean pressing, strong clarity on the guitars, and solid low-end presence without overwhelming the mix. The production really lets the details of Omura’s playing shine through. A standout release for fans of Japanese fusion and anyone looking for something colorful and dynamic in their vinyl collection. Very glad this limited edition was brought back.

Zigazo is a fantastic reissue from Isao Suzuki, showcasing his unique approach to tone, groove, and improvisation. The album blends deep, earthy bass lines with vibrant jazz fusion colors, creating a sound that is both experimental and very listenable. The pressing quality is excellent — clean playback, solid dynamics, and a warm, detailed low end that really highlights Suzuki’s musicianship. The vinyl feels well-produced and quiet, making the overall experience very enjoyable. Whether you’re a long-time collector of Japanese jazz or just discovering Suzuki’s work, this edition is a strong pick. A distinctive and rewarding record that’s easy to recommend.