SOUNDS FROM JAPAN

A growing collection of music from Japan, highlighting recent releases, experimental gems, and standout records.

Go Kurosawa’s debut album soft shakes is a groove-soaked record from start to finish. The multi-instrumentalist is better known as the drummer in the mind-melting Japanese psych-rock band Kikagaku Moyo—one of the best live experiences you will ever get the pleasure of witnessing. But on his debut, he settles into a softer pace of experimental folk that often cuts through with percussive jazz and electro-pop moments. It’s laidback, warming and really quite fun.

Label: Guruguru Brain (Tokyo).

Go Kurosawa - soft shakes (2025)

While POiSON GiRL FRiEND released her album das Gift close to eight years ago, we only just discovered this track via community radio in 2026. That’s the real beauty of music—and its never ending road of discovery. The track ‘Life Is But An Empty Dream’ really is a warm, downtempo hit of ambient electronica. Noriko’s voice perfectly tops off a dreamy five-minutes of near hypnotic beats. This is music that can suit multiple moods, as long as you’re willing to surrender to the sound.

Label: Nekon Records (Tokyo).

POiSON GiRL FRiEND - Life Is But An Empty Dream (2018)

Toronto-based Japanese multi-instrumentalist Masahiro Takahashi is a respected experimental artist. On his fifth LP Humid Sun, the very opening sequence immediately evokes a sense of curiosity, pulling you in. The beauty lies in the pacing—crawling ambient soundscapes that pop with playful instrumentation at exactly the right moments. The record sounds like that moment on holiday when you’re finally in relaxation mode, starting to take it all in; fully arrived and feeling grateful.

Label: Telephone Explosion Records (Toronto).

Masahiro Takahashi - Humid Sun (2023)

The captivating sounds of Ichiko Aoba are quietly powerful, and on her eight studio album, Luminescent Creatures we are treated to yet another dreamlike creation. Her angelic vocals drift softly and effortlessly above melodic piano and guitar—transcending any need to understand the language, the music connects beyond. It’s a truly intimate listening experience.

Label: hermine (Kyoto).

Ichiko Aoba - Luminescent Creatures (2025)