Welcome to episode 130 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this episode, I talk about the Kodama Press sonojournal, “X’mas Dance Music,” featuring Yasushi Ashida and his Mellow Notes.

I hope you enjoyed listening to and learning what little I was able to uncover about Yasushi Ashida. The music here really is fantastic. Collecting these old sonojournals and flexi-discs has been an adventure unto itself. While I know what I’m getting into with some of them, others are a complete surprise. Finding gems like this really makes it worthwhile.

As promised in the episode, here’s the contents of the sonojournal:

Join me back here on Christmas Day for another great, new episode. It’s become something of a tradition for me to feature the best, most exciting albums from my collection on Christmas Day, and this year is no exception. This time I’ll be covering one of the ultimate holy grails of Japanese Christmas records, “Rock Christmas Rock” by the Warner Beatniks. This is one that will truly blow you away, so make sure you listen in.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know. Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

Welcome to episode 129 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this episode, I talk about the Tokyo Ocean Orchestra’s 1971 album, “White Christmas.” I hope you enjoyed the enigmatic Tokyo Ocean Orchestra as much as I do. I really love this, not just because it’s an 8-track, but because it helps show that there is still plenty of undiscovered Christmas music out there. I’ve been lucky enough to find several records and tapes that have no digital footprint and are truly unknown works of art. Be sure to check out my next episode where I cover another artist who is now virtually unknown, Yasushi Ashida and His Mellow Notes. They were featured in a Kodama Press sonojournal in 1960 and left behind an absolutely spectacular collection of Christmas music. It’s one you don’t want to miss. As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know. Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

Welcome to episode 128 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this special X’mas Stars On 78 episode, I talk about a selection of my Christmas 78s. I hope you enjoyed this look at older Japanese Christmas records. The work and care that goes into these really make me appreciate them even more. Even though I’ve been collecting them for nearly five years, every time I listen to one, I can’t help but think about how remarkable it is that they’re still available. The best example of this is my Fumiko Noso record from 1909. The fact that this brittle disc of shellac has survived 115 years without any major damage is impressive enough, but it’s also lived through numerous earthquakes, tsunamis, two world wars, and a nuclear attack, not to mention being shipped halfway around the world. Being able to listen to records like that is one of the most fulfilling things about this hobby. Towards the end of the episode, I mentioned how Yuji Koseki’s record was the perfect bookend to the episode. Other than having it end with another version of “Firefly Light,” and spacing out the two versions of “Jingle Bells,” the other coincidences weren’t planned. Before I started writing this episode, I didn’t realize he was born the same year Noso’s “Firefly Light” was released, and that Ichiro Fujiyama, the singer who most helped boost the success of Koseki’s Pop songs, had started out by taking piano lessons from Noso and her father. I loved that it worked out that way. As for the picture discs, I have quite a few more that I’ll talk about eventually. Keep an eye on my social media for pictures of them. As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know. Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

Welcome to episode 127 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this episode, I talk about Takeshi Terauchi’s 1983 album, “Electric Merry Christmas.”

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about Takeshi Terauchi’s life and career, and listening to his Christmas music. The term “legend” tends to get thrown around a lot, but Terry truly lived up to the name.

As you all know, December is the high point of the year for me. I have several great episodes lined up. I’m debating whether to add another to the mix. First up, though, is one I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I’ve managed to collect quite a few 78s, and next episode I’ll be sharing a selection of them with you. They offer a fascinating look at the sort of Christmas music that was available prior to and just after the Christmas pop music explosion of the 1950s. I’ll share more details on my other December episodes next time around, so be sure to tune in.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know.

Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

Welcome to episode 126 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this episode, I talk about Takeshi Terauchi’s 1979 album, “Let’s Go! Terry X’mas.” I hope you’re enjoying my coverage of Takeshi Terauchi. If you like Christmas Rock, you can’t go wrong with Terry. “Let’s Go! Terry X’mas” has a great, late 70s vibe to it, with its blend of Rock, Country, Funk and Disco. It’s one of those albums that should appeal to just about everyone.

Join me next time for the conclusion of my Takeshi Terauchi episodes. I’ll be talking about his 1983 album, “Electric Merry Christmas.” It continues his string of fantastic Christmas albums, and you’re sure to enjoy it.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know. Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

Welcome to episode 125 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this episode, I talk about Takeshi Terauchi’s Christmas music from the 1960’s.

I hope you enjoyed this first episode about the God of Electric Guitar. His records were some of my favorites early on, and I still listen to them whenever I get the chance. Although I managed to get back on pace at the end of last month, things got really hectic again and I’m once more way behind schedule. I’m doing my best to get these three episodes out before the end of the month, and then I’ll dive into my December episodes.

Join me next time as I continue my look at Takeshi Terauchi. I’ll be talking about his 1979 album, “Let’s Go! Terry X’mas.” Then listen in for my third episode about Terry when I’ll be discussing his 1983 album, “Electric Merry Christmas.” They both great albums you’re sure to enjoy.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know. Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

Welcome to episode 124 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this episode, I talk about Hiroko Williams’ 2016 album, “My Room For Christmas.”

I hope you enjoyed “My Room For Christmas” as much as I do. It’s such a fantastic album, and Hiroko Williams is absolutely amazing. She’s had a fascinating career, and learning about it really kept me engaged while working on this episode.

Be sure to listen in next month for my trio of episodes about the God of Electric Guitar, Takeshi Terauchi. I’ll start out with his 1960s Christmas EP’s, then talk about his 1979 album, “Let’s Go! Terry X’mas,” and finish up with his 1983 album, “Electric Merry Christmas.” He’s truly a legend in Japan and you’re sure to enjoy his music.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know.

Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

And don’t forget to order your limited-edition Kringle Krew ornament. All of us at the Christmas Podcast Network wanted to do something special this year, so we came together to offer our listeners the chance to help us spread some holiday cheer. Not only do you get the beautiful ornament pictured below, but 100% of the proceeds go to the Red Sled Santa Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income, at-risk, medically-challenged, and terminally ill children during the holiday season. We have a limited number of these ornaments available, so be sure to order yours now, and help us bring a little love and magic to some children in need. From all of us at the Christmas Podcast Network, thank you for your generosity and support. Together, we can help create unforgettable Christmas memories.

Welcome to episode 123 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this episode, I talk about Mami Horie’s 2010 album, “The Swingin’ Christmas.”

I hope you liked Mami Horie’s album as much as I do. There are some real gems here, and I’m glad I was finally able to share it with you. I can’t help but wonder about what derailed her career, and just how big a star she would have been if that hadn’t happened. On a positive note, based on one of the interviews I read, she seems to have had a happy, successful life despite the early setback.

Join me next time for another fantastic album, Hiroko Williams’ “My Room For Christmas” from 2016. It’s another wonderful vocal album that took forever to get. Then listen in next month as I devote all of November to guitar legend Takeshi Terauchi. I’ll be covering his Christmas releases from the 1960s, and his two albums from the 70s and 80s. Trust me when I say you don’t want to miss them.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know.

Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

And don’t forget to order your limited-edition Kringle Krew ornament. All of us at the Christmas Podcast Network wanted to do something special this year, so we came together to offer our listeners the chance to help us spread some holiday cheer. Not only do you get the beautiful ornament pictured below, but 100% of the proceeds go to the Red Sled Santa Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income, at-risk, medically-challenged, and terminally ill children during the holiday season. We have a limited number of these ornaments available, so be sure to order yours now, and help us bring a little love and magic to some children in need. From all of us at the Christmas Podcast Network, thank you for your generosity and support. Together, we can help create unforgettable Christmas memories.

Welcome to episode 122 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this episode, I talk about the 1997 compilation, “Winter Gift Pops.”

I hope you enjoyed “Winter Gift Pops.” It’s a fun album and one I’ve been looking forward to sharing. As hard as I tried to get this episode out before the end of September, life got in the way. To say it’s been crazy is an understatement. Like I’ve said several times over the past few months, I’ll be doing my best to get caught up over the next few weeks.

Be sure to tune in later this month, or possibly early next month, as I talk about a pair of really great vocal Jazz albums from the 2010s. Up first is Mami Horie’s “The Swingin’ Christmas” from 2010. Then join me the following episode for Hiroko Williams’ fantastic 2016 album, “My Room For Christmas.” You’re sure to enjoy them both.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know.

Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

And don’t forget to order your limited-edition Kringle Krew ornament. All of us at the Christmas Podcast Network wanted to do something special this year, so we came together to offer our listeners the chance to help us spread some holiday cheer. Not only do you get the beautiful ornament pictured below, but 100% of the proceeds go to the Red Sled Santa Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income, at-risk, medically-challenged, and terminally ill children during the holiday season. We have a limited number of these ornaments available, so be sure to order yours now, and help us bring a little love and magic to some children in need. From all of us at the Christmas Podcast Network, thank you for your generosity and support. Together, we can help create unforgettable Christmas memories.

Welcome to episode 121 of Holly Jolly X'masu! In this episode, I talk about Yasuko Agawa’s 1990 album, “Come In Christmas.”

I hope you enjoyed learning about and listening to Yasuko Agawa. This album was a really pleasant surprise, and it’s one I’ve listened to multiple times since getting it.

I’m still trying to back on track, but I do plan on getting out one more episode before the end of the month, so join me next time when I talk about the 1997 compilation, “Winter Gift Pops.” It’s a fun album you’re sure to enjoy.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know.

Remember, I've added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you'd like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!