Hiroshi Yoshimura/ A・I・R (Promo 1984)

A rare non-commercial promotional record originally created as a giveaway for Shiseido. The A-side, “FOREST SIDE,” blends birdsong and the gentle murmur of a stream with minimal electronic sounds, while the B-side, “SEA SIDE,” layers melancholic phrases over waves and seagull calls. A landmark Japanese New Age / ambient masterpiece with an incredibly serene, healing atmosphere.

In true Shiseido fashion, the record was originally sprayed with perfume, leaving the vinyl scented—an almost unimaginable concept by today’s standards! The scent is now very faint, and we have not cleaned the record in order to preserve this original characteristic. A truly unique and atmospheric piece of Japanese ambient history.