Casiopea - Platinum *Pre-Order

Expected Release Date 26th June 2026
All pre-orders will be dispatched/made ready for collection once stock is in hand however delays are possible.

Please note this is the Japanese release date and will likely be shipped to us around this time so a delay of 1-2.5 weeks is likely when shipping.

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https://mailchi.mp/cf9ea92722c9/japanese-import-updates

Masayoshi Takanaka, Jun Fukamachi, and CASIOPEA, along with artists once appreciated mainly by connoisseurs such as The Players, Himiko Kikuchi, and NORIKI, as well as acts regarded as avant-garde like Mariah and Ryo Kawasaki, have all become uniformly popular. It should still be fresh in memory that the compilation "CROSSOVER CITY," a joint project by five major labels, was released and drew major attention. A particularly notable recent trend is the strong interest in ambient- and techno-oriented works, as well as works listened to like background music, such as soundtracks. As the listener base has expanded significantly to younger generations, preconceived notions about crossover/fusion have collapsed, and the music is now listened to more freely with new sensibilities. In light of this situation, the lineup this time is selected from Universal Music's extensive catalog. Naturally, the focus is on titles that have not previously been released on analog or are rare items, and only works that seem likely to see strong vinyl demand, including inbound demand, have been carefully chosen. This is a limited first-press release. Each title will be released on colored vinyl that expands the image of the jacket artwork. [Album Description] "Once again, Japanese crossover/fusion is hot right now!" As a development of, or spin-off phenomenon from, the global boom in the reappraisal of city pop, Japanese fusion has rapidly risen since around last year. As CASIOPEA reached its 10th anniversary, the band became independent from Alfa Records, where they had long been at home. They launched their own label "Aura" under Polydor (now Universal Music) and released this as the first title after their move. Recording took place in New York, and the album incorporates the sharp dance beats that were in vogue at the time. With a fresh start, it is an album characterized by lively, buoyant grooves. Participants include the popular Brazilian singer-songwriter Djavan, whom they met on a South America tour the previous year; percussionist Steve Thornton, who has performed with Miles Davis and Sadao Watanabe; and distinctive saxophonist Lenny Pickett, who was also a member of Tower of Power. (Original release: 1987.) Remastering and cutting: Katsutoshi Kitamura (Mixer's Labo). Clear lime-yellow vinyl.

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Thank you for looking at our listing, below are a few points to consider before making a purchase:

- All records we sell are Brand New - pre-orders will normally come sealed but if you are purchasing in stock items, please note the copy may have been unsealed for display in the shop. Please email straight after purchase to enquire if this is of importance to you.

- Orders won't ship until all items are released, so keep this in mind when purchasing multiple pre-orders or a mix of in stock and pre-order items.

- The 'Product' page will show the most up to date info we have with regards to the item and its release date, but this information is subject to change so check in with us if you have any questions.

- We unfortunately don't offer tax/vat outside of the UK via the website so please keep in mind that when the items arrives in your country you may be liable to pay a further charge before delivery. (all UK orders the price you see is the price you will pay). Please also note that we are unable to adjust the declared value on items sold internationally.