The compilation—widely regarded as the most prestigious form of recognition in U.S. music culture—was nominated for a Grammy Award. Through its Japan Archival Series, Light In The Attic has presented a landmark achievement that shines new light on Japanese music. At its core sits Takashi Kokubo, whose distinctive acoustic design and sensibility crystallize the aesthetics of Japanese Ambient and serve as a conceptual axis for the entire release.

The compilation stands alongside and even advances the label’s historic projects, including reissues of Haruomi Hosono as well as I Am the Center (Private Issue New Age Music In America, 1950–1990) (2013) and (The Microcosm) Visionary Music Of Continental Europe, 1970–1986 (2016).

Centering on Kokubo, the release brings together essential works by Hiroshi Yoshimura, Satoshi Ashikawa, Joe Hisaishi, Yoshio Ojima, Interior, Yoshio Suzuki, Yasuaki Shimizu (Mariah), Jun Fukamachi, Inoyama Land, YMO, Haruomi Hosono, Shō Itō & Fumio Miyashita (Far East Family Band), Shiho Yabuki, and more. Constructed exclusively from officially licensed recordings, the compilation serves as a definitive summation of the New Age revival.

The project arrives at a cultural apex formed through overlapping developments: the rise of the 2010s cassette culture surrounding James Ferraro, Oneohtrix Point Never, and Spencer Clark; the emergence of vaporwave; reassessments via underground blogs such as Growing Bin and Root Strata; the impact of I Am The Center; and the success of Visible Cloaks. Together, these currents led to the culmination represented by this release.

Included is an extensive booklet containing liner notes and artist bios by Spencer Doran (Visible Cloaks). The 2CD edition is housed in a 60-page 7”×7” hardcover book. With its combination of documentation, accessibility, and comprehensiveness, the compilation stands as a monumental work—one that deserves a place in every collection.

‍

1.Satoshi Ashikawa / Still Space

2.Yoshio Ojima / Glass Chattering

3.Hideki Matsutake / Nemureru Yoru (Karaoke Version)

4.Joe Hisaishi / Islander

5.Yoshiaki Ochi / Ear Dreamin'

6.Masashi Kitamura + Phonogenix / Variation III

7.Interior / Park

8.Yoichiro Yoshikawa / Nube

9.Yoshio Suzuki / Meet Me In The Sheep Meadow

10.Toshi Tsuchitori / Ishiura (abridged)

11.Shiho Yabuki / Tomoshibi (abridged)

12.Toshifumi Hinata / Chaconne

13.Yasuaki Shimizu / Seiko 3

14.Inoyama Land / Apple Star

15.Hiroshi Yoshimura / Blink

16.Fumio Miyashita / See The Light (abridged)

17.Akira Ito / Praying For Mother / Earth Part 1

18.Jun Fukamachi / Breathing New Life

19.Takashi Toyoda / Snow

20.Yellow Magic Orchestra / Loom

21.Takashi Kokubo / A Dream Sails Out To Sea - Scene 3

22.Masahiro Sugaya / Umi No Sunatsubu

23.Haruomi Hosono / Original BGM

24.Ayuo Takahashi / Nagareru (LP Only)

25.Ryuichi Sakamoto / Dolphins (LP Only)