The "Relaxin' With Japanese Lovers" compilation series has released its first spinoff album today as a vinyl-only edition. "Volume 9 1/2: I Want to Make It With You Japanese Lovers Selections" compiles tracks that appeared on the CD version of Volume 9 but never made it to analog, plus previously unreleased vinyl cuts and alternate versions from across the series.

The 10-track collection spans funk, reggae, and Japanese pop, featuring standout selections like FRISCO's cover of Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity" featuring Rickie-G, bonobos' dub rework of "Thank You for the Music," and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra's rendition of "L-O-V-E" with Rico Rodriguez. The tracklist rounds out with cuts from Yoko Fujita, Watanabe Kazumi, REBECCA, and JUJU, among others.

Beyond the music itself, this release carries sentimental weight. The album's liner notes are helmed by writer Takeshi Miyauchi, while the accompanying booklet features a conversation between series curator Akimasa Yabushita and Tetsuro Hashimoto (SUBURBIA) reflecting on graphic designer Eisaku Ono, who passed away and created artwork for the series spanning decades.

To mark the occasion, a talk event launched today at Tokyo's July Tree venue. Yabushita, Hashimoto, and photographer/writer Masataka Ishida gathered to discuss the compilation's legacy and share memories of Ono, their mutual friend who designed artwork for "relax" magazine, "Free Soul," and the "Relaxin' With Lovers" series. LPs were available for purchase at the event, with Ishida offering to sign copies for interested buyers.

The "Relaxin' With Japanese Lovers" series has built a devoted following over the years for its thoughtful curation of jazz, funk, and world music, making this spinoff a meaningful continuation of that tradition while honoring the creative vision that shaped its visual identity.