Soichi Terada's video game soundtracks, particularly for the Ape Escape series, have maintained popularity among gamers, but his house productions were largely unheard until 2015, when the Rush Hour-issued compilation Sounds from the Far East became an underground phenomenon (although its most popular track, "Do It Again," was actually made by Terada's cohort Shinichiro Yokota). While Terada has remained active with game soundtracks and his chiptune/enka-influenced side project Omodaka, Asakusa Light is his first house album in over two decades. The record delivers the type of uplifting deep house vibes that fans of the compilation would expect, with simple but sturdy beat patterns underpinning warm synth melodies and propulsive bass sequences. It all sticks to the relaxing side of house as it was established in the late '80s, drawing heavily from the more atmospheric Chicago house as well as the Balearic scene and 808 State. "Bamboo Fighter" has light breakbeats and snazzy chords, along with some breathy flute soloing. "Runners" successfully incorporates panpipe-like melodies without inducing seasickness like anything tagged as tropical house. The tracks are generally bright, sparkling, and perky, doing just what they need to without over-complicating things. Even though music like this generally gets categorized as deep house, there's nothing conceptually deep about this album -- it's just pleasant, enjoyable music that exists to spread light and happiness.