Tokyo Beatniks Record Label

Tokyo Beatniks Record Label connects Japanese bands to new listeners abroad by releasing vinyl records and cassette tape compilations.

Artists

Moon In June
The Sky Crawlers / ペーパー・ムーン 7 inch
TBDW1

Sept. 24, 2025
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「Summer Pop'97」/「Robert」
TBDW2

Dec. 06, 2025
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Hailing from Tokyo’s thriving indie underground, Moon In June perfects shoegaze, dream pop, and Japanese guitar pop. Since forming in 2018, the five-piece band has built a reputation for marrying nostalgic textures with youthful energy—drawing comparisons to Slowdive, Galileo Galilei, and Supercar, while forging a sound uniquely their own.

After two acclaimed EPs (Uminari, evergreen) and a stunning debut album (ロマンと水色の街), Moon In June now has their first-ever vinyl release: the 7 inch single The Sky Crawlers / ペーパー・ムーン, a co-release between Tokyo Beatniks Record Label and Disk Union (DIW). This limited-edition record captures the band at a creative peak—pairing danceable Madchester-inspired rhythms with lush, reverb-soaked melodies and emotionally resonant vocals.

“The Sky Crawlers” surges with urgency and shimmer, while “Paper Moon” drifts with bittersweet warmth—together forming a perfect entry point for new listeners and a collectible milestone for longtime fans.

"Summer Pop'97" is a bright, nostalgic pop track with shimmering guitars and uplifting rhythms, while "Robert" is a deeply emotional piece that builds from gentle arpeggios into a rich, layered soundscape.

For fans of dreamy soundscapes, melodic storytelling, and the timeless haze of shoegaze, Moon In June is a rising force in Japan’s indie scene—delivering music that is as heartfelt as it is hypnotic.

Miho – vocals & guitar
Su – guitar & synthesizer
Gouko – guitar
Kyai – bass & backing vocals
Hiroya – drums

“A treasure trove of beloved textures — from ‘80s indie and ‘90s shoegaze to modern dream-pop. They’re destined to lead Japan’s next-gen dream-pop scene.”
HOLIDAY! RECORDS (note.com)

“Angel-voice vocalist miho weaves pop melodies over guitar sounds steeped in shoegaze and neo-acid. A dreamy, romantic world you’ll want to get lost in.”
Mikiki / Tower Records Japan (mikiki.tokyo.jp)

“Moon In June truly finds their own sound here… a strong and diverse EP absolutely worth the attention of any shoegaze or dream-pop fan.”
Japan Vibe (on evergreen) (japanvibe.net)

“Not just shoegaze or dream-pop — their melodies resonate with the charm of guitar-pop acts like Spitz and Homecomings.”
to’morrow music (note.com)

“An entrancing atmosphere… dreamy tension builds into a highly satisfying climax. A resounding success.”
Sputnikmusic (on ロマンと水色の街) (sputnikmusic.com)

ごいちー (goichiiiii)
『新しいメロディ』Atarashii Melody
7 inch Side A
SZDW1113 / TBRL-1003

Record Store Day Japan, April 20, 2024
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image source/credit: x.com/goichiiiii

Atarashii Melody” – A Special Collaboration with The Pen Friend Club

In April 2022, Goichiiiii teamed up with Tokyo's retro pop powerhouse The Pen Friend Club for a unique and heartfelt collaboration and the song was spotlighted as a key track on her 2022 solo mini-album 『聴かせてよ、ミスター』. In 2024, a 7-inch vinyl single featuring two versions of the same song, released in celebration of Record Store Day Japan.

On Side A, Goichiiiii delivers a dreamy, Japanese-language rendition of 「新しいメロディ」 (Atarashii Melody). Her smooth vocals and nostalgic pop sensibility breathe new life into the track, blending city pop influences with her signature flair.

This release not only highlights Goichiiiii’s unique voice and versatility but also her continued dedication to pushing boundaries in the Japanese indie scene — blending nostalgia, collaboration, and innovation.

Goichiiiii not only sings, but has cultivated a parallel career as DJごいちー, regularly appearing at music venues and events across Japan. Her DJ sets are known for blending nostalgic J‑Pop, city pop, and modern indie.

Starting with idol group cana÷biss in 2017, Goichiiiii built her stage presence through live shows and group releases. Even while active in the idol scene, she maintained a solo creative trajectory—releasing singles like “週末メリーゴーランド” in 2021. In 2023, she reflected on the emotional crossroads during her first solo one-man show. She ultimately chose to continue solo, buoyed by fan and peer support.

This special project was made possible through a cross-cultural partnership between Tokyo Beatniks Record Label (San Francisco) and Sazanami Label (Tokyo), aiming to celebrate and share Japanese indie pop with a global audience. The two versions were celebrated together in vinyl form—recorded earlier, but released as a special pairing for fans and collectors.

The Pen Friend Club
”My New Melodies” 7 inch Side B
SZDW1113 / TBRL-1003

Record Store Day Japan, April 20, 2024
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Formed in 2012 in Tokyo, The Pen Friend Club is a beloved indie band known for their lush, retro-inspired sound that channels 1960s West Coast rock, sunshine pop, and classic Japanese city pop. Their breezy melodies, jangly guitars, and smooth harmonies evoke nostalgic yet timeless vibes that have earned them a dedicated cult following both in Japan and overseas.

On Side B, The Pen Friend Club reimagine the song as “My New Melodies”, an English-language version remixed specially for this release by the band’s leader, Yuichi Hirakawa. The original version first appeared on their 10th anniversary album, and this vinyl rework reflects the band’s classic 60s-inspired pop style.

Yuichi Hirakawa – Guitar, Vocals
Megumi – Vocals
Rie Nishioka – Bass, Vocals
Rika – Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Takayuki Sakumo – Drums, Percussion
Yumi Nakagawa – Glockenspiel, Perc.
Asako Otani – Saxophone, Percussion

“The Pen Friend Clubのバンド結成10周年を記念するリリースとして、2022年12月にごいちーのミニアルバムに収録された2曲が、サンフランシスコの音楽レーベル『Tokyo Beatniks Record Label』の発案と、サザナミレーベルとのタッグにより、7インチアナログレコードとして発売されることが決定した。”


“To commemorate The Pen Friend Club’s 10th anniversary as a band, two songs included on Goichiiiii’s December 2022 mini-album were selected for release as a 7-inch analog record — a project initiated by the San Francisco-based Tokyo Beatniks Record Label in collaboration with Sazanami Label.”
Source: oto-tsu.jp

The Romans
”好きになっちゃった” 7 inch Side A
TBRL-1001

Debut Tokyo Beatniks Record Label Release 2023
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The Romans, currently known as The Second Waltz, is a indie pop and soft rock band based in Tokyo, Japan. Known for their delicate songwriting and lo-fi charm, the group emerged with a series of intimate cassette and vinyl releases that blended nostalgic melodies with a warm, analog aesthetic. During their early years, they released the fan-favorite single “Telepath Girl” and a string of demos—including ethereal 眠り姫・いつでもここにいる. Their handcrafted, self-released works helped them build a quiet but loyal following within Japan’s indie underground.

One of their most notable projects came in the form of a collaborative 7-inch split with fellow indie artist Kiss the Gambler, titled “君と二人の秘密の場所 / コロネ気流”. Released through Jet Set Japan, the record paired both acts' dreamy songwriting styles and became a sought-after collector’s item. In addition, The Romans teamed up with Tokyo Beatniks Record Label, an indie imprint bridging Japanese and West Coast DIY scenes, for another limited-run split 7″ vinyl. These releases captured the band’s gentle yet emotionally resonant sound and showcased their collaborative spirit.

Side A, “好きになっちゃった” is a lush, semi‑shoegaze indie‑pop confession—sweeping synths, warm piano, and mellow guitars frame a haunting admission of love for a departing brother. The song delicately balances nostalgia, forbidden desire, and emotional clarity, offering a bittersweet snapshot of attachment just before farewell.

Rebranding as The Second Waltz marked a new creative chapter, one that retained their signature wistful tone while expanding into fuller instrumentation and conceptual depth. Their work continues to center around memory, longing, and quiet emotional clarity—often accompanied by handmade zines, stickers, and cassette pressings sold through Bandcamp and select indie shops. As The Second Waltz, the group continues to charm listeners with their dreamy, understated presence in Japan’s vibrant independent music scene.

Riona Inoue – Vocals
Yunosuke Kawamura - Music, Lyrics, Keyboards
Takujuro Iwade – Bass, Guitar, Keyboards
Sango Tsubaki – Drums
Suguya Sekiguchi - Keyboards

Ichiban
”Colours” 7 inch Side B
TBRL-1001

Debut Tokyo Beatniks Record Label Release 2023
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Ichiban is a California‑based indie rock quartet notable for performing Japanese‑language vocals and blending Western indie rock with Japanese pop sensibilities. Originating in Anaheim, the band came together when Japanese vocalist Yoko—who had traveled to California to pursue her studies—connected with local musicians Marty, Jared, and Allen through shared admiration for acts like Puffy AmiYumi, the Blue Hearts, and Shiina Ringo. Embracing a cross‑cultural musical approach, they delivered bright, melodic tracks—like “Colours,” featured on the Tokyo Beatniks Record Label’s inaugural split 7″ alongside Tokyo’s The Romans—characterized by their emotional warmth and seasonal nuance. Released in October 2023, the vinyl highlighted Ichiban’s light, indie aesthetic, designed to resonate both in the U.S. and Japan.

The band’s formation is rooted in a shared passion for Japanese music culture. That enthusiasm led to a serendipitous meeting in Anaheim and the subsequent formation of Ichiban which brought Japanese vocals to the California indie scene—an uncommon blend for their region. Since Yoko’s eventual return to Japan, the remaining members in California have maintained the band's momentum, balancing day‑to‑day responsibilities with their ambition to introduce Ichiban’s unique sound to global audiences.

Anchored by Tokyo Beatniks—Ichiban benefits from a supportive platform aimed at bridging Japanese and American listeners. With releases like the “Colours” single and the Super Drive EP, Ichiban continues to offer light, evocative Japanese indie rock, embodying a nuanced blend of cultural exchange, nostalgia, and youthful creativity.

Yoko Sawada – Vocals, Lyrics
Jared Parsons - Guitar
Allen VanOrman – Bass
Marty Garrett – Drums
Jeff Hashfield - Guest Keyboards