The Unlikely Release Of My First Vinyl

Jan 15

When I first discovered Yoichi Takizawa’s Beyond the Leonids, it felt like finding a lost treasure. His music captured everything I love about City Pop; dreamy melodies, rich arrangements, and that unmistakable sense of nostalgia unique to Japan’s golden era. But for someone like me, an outsider in the Japanese music world, trying to honor his legacy felt like an impossible dream. The industry is protective of its history, and breaking through as a foreigner seemed almost out of reach.

The idea to remix "Endless Summer" started as a long shot by a long-time supporter of mine. I’d been talking with Ryusei Miyakodori, a music writer who shared my passion for bringing City Pop to new audiences. The process took over two years of persistence, with countless hurdles along the way. Between the language barriers and the cultural intricacies of dealing with Japanese labels, there were moments I felt completely shut out. But then Hiroaki Tabata, editor-in-chief at MAG2 News, entered the picture. A fan of my work, Hiroaki believed in the vision for this project and used his connections to get us in touch with the Takizawa estate. With their blessing, everything finally started to fall into place.

When we finally got the green light, it felt surreal. I’ll never forget the moment it all came together, like a spark of magic. Remixing "Endless Summer" was an honor I didn’t take lightly. I wanted to keep the heart of Takizawa’s music intact while giving it a fresh energy for today’s listeners. Every beat and melody was crafted with care, with the hope of connecting his artistry to a whole new audience.

The moment Sony Music decided to include the remix as a bonus track on Takizawa’s phantom second album BOY, it felt like a breakthrough. When Warner Music announced the vinyl release, it was almost too good to be true. For someone like me, who grew up loving City Pop from a world away, it was proof that passion and persistence can overcome even the biggest challenges. Hiroaki’s support and connections were critical to making it all happen, and I’ll forever be grateful for his belief in this project. Cover art by the legendary Eizin Suzuki, nonetheless.

Seeing Takizawa’s music resonate with a new generation, both in Japan and around the world, is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This project wasn’t just a remix. It was a labor of love, a bridge between cultures, and a testament to the power of music to bring people together. If I’ve learned anything from this journey, it’s that even the most unlikely dreams are worth chasing. Sometimes, with the right people on your side, those dreams can turn into something truly extraordinary.

To commemorate the accomplishment, I’m autographing 25 numbered copies and giving away a tee with each purchase. You can purchase this on bandcamp here: Limited Edition Autographed Vinyl + Tee

Buy It Here