A 2005 release by MIKA VAINIO under the name Ø! Ø does not appear to be the Greek letter “phi,” but rather the Nordic Latin character Ø (slash-O); in any case, it’s a name with a strong symbolic, iconic quality. This is a moniker used even before PANASONIC, dating back to the early days of the album Metri—wrapped in kraft paper—and several singles. It features spacey electronic sounds, ambient music, and deep bass. It is widely regarded as the most beautiful album released under the Ø moniker. (Original Japanese text by Saito)