Mioko Yamaguchi - LOVE & SALT (2025) Hi-Res

Singer-songwriter Mioko Yamaguchi debuted in 1980, and her third album, "Tsukihime," released in 1983, has been re-evaluated both in Japan and abroad in recent years as a masterpiece of Japanese synth pop. Since the late 2010s, she has been reinvigorating her artistic activities, and has now completed her first new album in three years, "LOVE & SALT." This marks her first new release from Sony Music.

The album was produced and mixed by Hideki Matsutake, a synthesizer programmer who contributed to the early YMO and a collaborator with Yamaguchi since her debut. The mastering was handled by Itsuki Mashiko, also active as a member of ROVO and DUB SQUAD. While her signature mystical mood and ingenious songcraft remain unchanged, her new, upbeat, danceable style highlights her newfound talent. Track 1 features Gota Yashiki on drums. Track 10 is a remix of Track 3 by up-and-coming new creator Sasuke Haraguchi. Chris Mosdell, who previously wrote lyrics for YMO, provided the English lyrics for tracks 8 and 10.