1. Various Artists - Virtual Dreams II: Ambient Explorations In The House & Techno Age, Japan 1993 to 1999 - Inner Ocean Records
  2. Various Artists - Virtual Dreams II: Ambient Explorations In The House & Techno Age, Japan 1993 to 1999 - Inner Ocean Records
  3. Various Artists - Virtual Dreams II: Ambient Explorations In The House & Techno Age, Japan 1993 to 1999 - Inner Ocean Records
  4. Various Artists - Virtual Dreams II: Ambient Explorations In The House & Techno Age, Japan 1993 to 1999 - Inner Ocean Records

Various Artists

Virtual Dreams II: Ambient Explorations In The House & Techno Age, Japan 1993 to 1999

Regular price $39.99
Label: Music From Memory
Catalog:  MFM072

Release Notes
  • 2xLP comes with an exclusive OBI-strip

We are proud to announce the next installment of our popular multi-artist compilation, Virtual Dreams: Virtual Dreams - Ambient Explorations in the House and Techno Age, Japan 1993-1999. As with Part One, released in 2020, Virtual Dreams II shines a light on house and techno-adjacent music that redefined ambient music during the 1990s.

While Part One focused heavily on music from European techno and house producers, exploring new soundtracks for chill-out rooms and reimagining the future of club culture, Part Two narrows the lens to a unique time and place: Japan between 1993-1999. Despite missing out on the "Acid House Fever," Japan's club culture began to take shape in the early '90s. Unlike the rest of the world, where ambient techno/IDM emerged as a byproduct or response to the scene, "listening techno" was a central pillar of Japan's club culture from the start.

Virtual Dreams II aims to shine a light on this unique moment when ambient music threaded through the emerging club culture in Japan. This period saw the birth of many great Japanese techno labels, such as Sublime Records, Transonic Records, Syzygy Records, Frogman Records, and Form@ Records, which followed in the late '90s. The compilation features ambient, chill-out, and intelligent techno from these leading labels alongside lesser-known but equally influential imprints, as well as ambient deviations from Japanese house producers. Much of the music has only ever been released on CD.

Virtual Dreams II is compiled by Eiji Taniguchi and Jamie Tiller, who previously collaborated on Music From Memory releases such as Heisei No Oto and Dream Dolphin - Gaia. This project is especially poignant as it is the final one Jamie Tiller worked on before his tragic passing in 2023. Jamie had been researching, planning, and compiling this edition of Virtual Dreams even before the first chapter was released, believing that many great tracks in Japan fit the series' concept. Knowing how much love and energy he put into this compilation gives it a special place in our hearts.

Compiled by Jamie Tiller and Eiji Taniguchi, with artwork by Kenta Senekt, design by Steele Bonus, and liner notes by Itaru W. Mita, MFM072 will be released on 2xLP, 2xCD, and digitally on October 15th, 2024.

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 266 reviews.

Customer photo review of Tape Cassette - Mystery Grab Bag

I got the mystery tape box specifically the "your getting tons of tapes" tier and it didnt disappoint at all packaged securely overdelivered in the best way in terms of content and didnt take long to get here ,it was exciting to finally see what i got, genuinely made my day when it came in the post, a massive 22 tape package and so far every tape ive listened to has been really really good! Quality all the way, and if anyone was on the fence about getting it, well dont be, go for it you wont be disappointed . Major respect to whoever curates the box, excellent choices!! I Usually never leave reviews of things but this was worth doing it for. I will definitely be buying this again no doubt about it and yeah just awesome really, very happy with it :)

Tape Cassette - Mystery Grab Bag

Customer video review of BLESS Vol. 1

The vinyl itself is very beautiful, and the sound is very punchy and clear! Of course all the tracks slap hard. Really great pressing, really great album!

BLESS Vol. 1

Customer photo review of BLESS Vol. 1

I discovered the Bless Vol. 1 compilation a few years ago. Some of my favorite lo-fi artists were featured on it, and last year I reached out to the label hoping to get some of their releases. Cory got in touch with me and personally made sure the record arrived safely. It sounds incredible, and the editions are beautifully produced. Now I'm eagerly waiting for Vol. 1 Greetings from Argentina!

BLESS Vol. 1

Customer photo review of Idealism - Hiraeth EP

Solid pressing, beautiful, artwork and a sturdy case.

Idealism - Hiraeth EP

Customer photo review of We Are Rewind - Tape Cassette Player

Really big fan. It’s a solidly built player and I think the aux-in recording function and ability to pair Bluetooth headphones/speaker is really unique, especially on the same device. I can’t speak to the Bluetooth pairing as I haven’t tested it out. I specifically was looking for an aux-in recording cassette player and this fit the bill perfectly. I tested this function and it sounds really great without completely losing the charm of a mic recording.

We Are Rewind - Tape Cassette Player

Customer photo review of Makoto Matsushita - First Light (Japan Import)

It was packaged perfectly! Everything that it came in was great, too! HOWEVER, the page for this product does have a preview of all the songs ASSUMED to come with the album. This is not the case. This album comes with everything EXCEPT: September Rain (English Version) With the previews available, I thought it'd be there. I was apparently missinformed. That is the ONE AND ONLY issue I have with my purchase. I wish they gave you the EXACT track list on the webpage. But like I said, that'd the only issue I had. Everything else was great.

Makoto Matsushita - First Light (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Kingo Hamada - Mugshot (Japan Import)

I've been looking for an original copy of this album for a while at a price and quality that I was happy with. I was thrilled to find this on your website and couldn't pass up the opportunity to support you and support my unhealthy collection.

Kingo Hamada - Mugshot (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Good Mood / Lofi Juice

Quality tape and case. Love the music. Perfectly chill mix. Will definitely be back for more.

Good Mood / Lofi Juice

Customer photo review of tiny.blips - juicy curveballs: beat tape

This album is truly fantastic. I have the cassette as well, it's so dynamic and interesting to listen to on both the turntable and in my case the player with headphones! blips is also just a very talented artist and incredibly kind person, sent me a short to make up for the shipping delay with the vinyl. I can't say enough nice things about inner ocean and the artists on here. Interesting work from very talented people, great deals on buying multiple tapes and records, professional and kind customer service, I've honestly never had a bad transaction from inner ocean and I look forward to my next purchase! Thanks all!

tiny.blips - juicy curveballs: beat tape

Customer photo review of Anri - Heaven Beach (Japan Import)

Legit and amazing quality!!! These are my very first two vinyl albums and I just love how these two turned out! Would definitely recommend Inner Ocean Records to those who enjoy collecting vintage Japanese albums.

Anri - Heaven Beach (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of 1986 Omega Tribe - Navigator (Japan Import)

Shipped promptly, arrived quickly, and was in good condition. I played it and it sounded great. Perfect transaction. What more could I ask for??

1986 Omega Tribe - Navigator (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of tiny.blips - juicy curveballs: beat tape

Most beautiful cassettes on earth as always. Every Inner Ocean release is an instant classic and everything I’ve ever ordered (cassettes, vinyl, merch) always comes quick and very well packaged. Best record label out!

tiny.blips - juicy curveballs: beat tape

Customer photo review of Casiopea - Mint Jams (Japan Import)

Absolutely PHENOMENAL transaction, adding a piece of Casiopea history to my collection. Shipped fast, packed well, and Always a pleasure to do business with. Not my first Inner Ocean order, and FAR from my last! Again, many thanks to the IO crew!

Casiopea - Mint Jams (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Casiopea - Cross Point (Japan Import)

I’m so glad to be able to have my favorite casiopea album on vinyl and it play wonderfully. Would say it got here quickly but alas the Canadian post strike happened not too long after I ordered it. But all in all I will definitely be ordering more from here.

Casiopea - Cross Point (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Miki Matsubara - Pocket Park (Japan Import)

Favorite Miki album. The added posted was wonderful surprise. Inner Ocean Records shipping and customer support is top notch. Can’t wait for my next purchase!

Miki Matsubara - Pocket Park (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Lofi Snacks Series 2

This is my first entry into the Lofi Snacks series after bumbling into the Inner Ocean label on Bandcamp and looking up their website. And my, what can I say other than it has been a delight! Really fresh vibey beats that sound great digitally on on my desk cassette player. The art is also fantastic and I love the print on the cassette itself. I've had this album on repeat since it arrived Monday. Look forward to exploring more of the Inner Ocean catalogue.

Lofi Snacks Series 2

Customer photo review of Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor (Japan Import)

One of the greatest records in my collection! There are few legendary records that scratch the sonic itch this one does. Love the addition of the obi strip. Inner Ocean delivers greatness yet again!

Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor (Japan Import)

Store owner replied: What a solid selection! (pun intended) Thanks so much for supporting our store!