Tomoko Aran - Fuyu Kukan (Japanese Import) Tomoko Aran

Tomoko Aran’s masterpiece Fuyu Kukan finally arrives as a definitive 2LP edition — 180g heavyweight vinyl, cut at 45 RPM.

Originally released in 1983, the album was conceived with a more expansive structure in mind. However, due to the sonic characteristics of the recordings and the time limitations of vinyl at the time, groove interference became unavoidable, forcing the producers to abandon cutting one track in its entirety. This long-lost song, Ji・re・n・ma (25sai no Yuutsu) (a different composition sharing the same title as the bonus track), is finally included here, allowing the album to be realized in its complete form on analog for the very first time.

A quintessential city pop classic that has seen massive global reappraisal in recent years is reborn after 43 years — now presented in its ultimate, audiophile-grade configuration. The album features numerous timeless tracks, including the advance single Body to Body, Midnight Pretender, which found worldwide success after being sampled in The Weeknd’s Out of Time, and I’m in Love, long used as the opening theme of a popular U.S. podcast.

Also noteworthy is the album’s groundbreaking cover artwork, which made waves at the time for its innovative use of early CG technology.