Following the trajectory of her 2024 second album 'The Wind Carries Scents Of Flowers,' Shino Kobayashi presents a new four-track Christmas single, 'Winter Letters,' created in collaboration with various musicians. The opening track, 'blue mint christmas,' is a light and refreshing number co-produced with Hokkaido-based artist Koushi Ono, and features guest guitarist Tsuyoshi Shimoda (formerly of Johnny Dee, 101 Dalmatians, and Thee Windless Gates). Marked by bright arpeggios, the song showcases Koushi Ono's signature UK-style guitar pop arrangement. Track 2, 'Tonakai no Yoru,' is performed by the indie pop unit Tantanrudolf, of which Shino Kobayashi is a member. The song, written and composed by Hisashi Kuno, features charming twin vocals from Kobayashi and Fumika Arasawa, who also created the cover artwork. It's a heartwarming piece, with the owner of long-running Japanese indie label chocolate & lemonade also contributing. Track 3, 'Gogo ni wa Stollen,' is composed by Kentaro Kondo of The Bookmarcs and the Sweet Onions, who is also active as a solo artist. Kondo teamed up with Masahito Oikawa to create the backing track and arrangements. With festive bells and a rich arrangement of colorful instrumentation, it delivers a beautiful soft rock sound brimming with seasonal flair. Track 4, 'wheat and rice,' is a mellow waltz entirely arranged and produced by Masahito Oikawa (known for his work with Kentaro Kondo and Ricarope). The track ends with the adorable sounds of dogs barking-Mugi and Kome making a special appearance. Artwork was provided by Fumika Arasawa, while mastering duties were handled by Seiki Sato (microstar), adding Polish to these beautifully crafted songs. With her delicate vocals, heartwarming melodies, and poetic lyrics, Shino Kobayashi offers a gentle and charming soundtrack for this year's Christmas season. LISTEN: https://youtu. Be/8FkFB4iNGcETracklist:01. Blue mint christmasLyrics & Music: Shino KobayashiArrangement: Koushi OnoShino Kobayashi: VocalTsuyoshi Shimoda: E. GuitarKoushi Ono: E. Guitar, A. Guitar, E. Bass, Chorus, Drums, Mixed02. Tonakai no Yoru / TantanrudolfLyrics & Music: Hisashi KunoArrangement: Hisashi KunoTantanrudolfFumika Arasawa: VocalShino Kobayashi: VocalBobby: BellHisashi Kuno: All instruments & Programming, Vocal, Mixed03. Gogo ni wa StollenLyrics: Shino KobayashiMusic: Kentaro KondoArrangement: Kentaro Kondo & Masahito OikawaShino Kobayashi: Vocal, Chorus, Tea partyKentaro Kondo: A. Guitar, Piano, Keyboard, Tea partyMasahito Oikawa: Bass, E. Guitar, Glockenspiel, Percussions, Melodica, Mixed04. #wheat and riceLyrics & Music: Shino KobayashiArrangement: Masahito OikawaShino Kobayashi: Vocal, ChorusMasahito Oikawa: All instruments & Programming, MixedMugi: Woof woofKome: Woof woof