Yoshiko Sai — “Mikkou”, first reissue of the cult classic album on WeWantSound
Friday february 13th, 2026 - 5PM
Wewantsounds is pleased to continue its reissue program dedicated to Yoshiko Sai with the release of Mikkou, the Japanese singer-songwriter's second album, originally released in 1976 on the Black Records label. Produced by arranger Isamu Haruna, the album follows the formula established on her debut album, Mangekyou, with captivating compositions blending Yoshiko's ethereal vocals with Haruna's subtly funky arrangements, here supported by the legendary guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka. This is the first international reissue of Mikkou, featuring remastered audio, original artwork, and new liner notes by Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha, who interviewed Yoshiko Sai for the occasion.
Yoshiko Sai occupies a unique place on the Japanese music scene. From the release of her debut album, Mangekyou, in 1975, she captivated listeners with her ethereal voice, poetic lyrics, and magnetic stage presence, gaining an ever-growing cult following over the decades. Following the success of the Mangekyou reissue, Wewantsounds is delighted to continue its momentum with Mikkou, the singer's second album, originally released in 1976 on the Black Records label.
Produced by Isamu Haruna with some of Japan's finest studio musicians, including Masayoshi Takanaka, the album is distinguished by a skillful blend of poetic compositions and subtly funky arrangements, all carried by Yoshiko Sai's ethereal vocals. Mikkou, however, marks a new stage in the singer's artistic vision, inspired here by the Silk Road and the rich cultural heritage of her hometown, Nara.
Sai's compositions here explore themes of femininity, freedom, and intergenerational transmission. Tracks such as "Kaasama no Uta" ("Mother's Song") and "Tenshi no Youni" ("Like an Angel") blend blues, jazz, and folk sensibilities, with instrumentation including tabla, sitar, and dulcimer, reflecting influences from the Silk Road. The title track, "Mikkou" ("Secret Passage"), expresses the feeling of a hidden journey, both real and imagined, that runs throughout the album.
Sai also designed the album artwork, inspired by her reflections on ancient Persian travelers and the cultural exchanges along that route. As she told Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha about the title track, "This idea of slipping away somewhere perfectly matched the mood at the time... it was like approaching everything in life as if you were secretly sneaking into it." This Wewantsounds reissue marks Mikkou’s first international release, presented with remastered audio and the original cover art, offering a rare glimpse into Yoshiko Sai’s subtle and dreamlike world.
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