Shintaro Sakamoto is set to release his new album Yoo-hoo on January 23, 2026. Ahead of the full album, the lead single “Is There a Place for You There?” has been released digitally as of November 19.
His first album in three years since 2022, Yoo-hoo draws on Sakamoto’s live experiences overseas in the U.S. and Asia, blending a wide range of sounds including blues, mood kayō, ’60s soul, surf instrumentals, and funk. The album features ten tracks in total, including the October-released single “To Grandpa” and the new lead track.
Recording was carried out with members of the Shintaro Sakamoto Band — Yuta Suganuma (drums/chorus), AYA (bass/chorus), and Toru Nishiuchi (sax/flute) — as on his previous album Like A Fable. Guest musician Mami Kakudo adds marimba to two tracks. Recording engineer and mastering was handled by Soichiro Nakamura, and Sakamoto himself designed the album artwork.
Yoo-hoo will be released worldwide via digital platforms, as well as in Japan on CD and LP. The CD edition includes a bonus disc featuring instrumental versions of all tracks.
“Is There a Place for You There?” – Shintaro Sakamoto
Digital Release: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Japan Streaming & Purchase: https://virginmusic.lnk.to/IsThereAPlaceForYouThere
YouTube (Official Audio): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-Ve_3cUIFQ
Yoo-hoo Shintaro Sakamoto
Release Date: Friday, January 23, 2026 – Digital/CD/LP
Japan Pre-save / Pre-add: https://virginmusic.lnk.to/Yoo-hoo_pre
Tracklist:
01. Dear Grandpa
02. Is There a Place for You There?
03. Justice
04. Protect Your Brain
05. On the Other Side of Time
06. The Clock Began to Move
07. Numb
08. Why Do This?
09. Ghost Town
10. Yoo-hoo
Credits:
Written & Produced by Shintaro Sakamoto
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Soichiro Nakamura at Peace Music, Tokyo, Japan 2025
Vocals, Bass (track 10), Keyboard, Acoustic, Electric & Lap Steel Guitar: Shintaro Sakamoto
Bass & Chorus: AYA
Drums & Percussion: Yuta Suganuma
Flute & Saxophone: Tetsu Nishiuchi
Marimba: Manami Kakudo (tracks 8 & 9)
Release Formats & Prices:
Digital (Download/Streaming)
CD (zel-029): ¥2,600 + tax (2-disc set with Instrumental BONUS CD)
LP (zel-030): ¥3,200 + tax
