A recent trip to Japan transformed into a vinyl-fueled adventure. I’ve always enjoyed the country’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and bustling shopping areas. But this time, my passion for collecting vinyl records added a whole new dimension to my journey. Japan has a long history of embracing technology, from portable music players to gaming consoles. But what truly surprised me was the thriving physical media market. Even in the digital age, Japanese music lovers are still buying CDs and records, keeping the industry alive and breathing new life into vinyl. My family’s interests in anime and manga merchandise further fueled my desire to explore Japan’s unique record scene.
Searching for Hidden Gems: A Record Store Odyssey
I didn’t want to spend all my time in record stores, but I did want to check out what they had to offer. I aimed to spend no more than an hour at each store, focusing on browsing rather than buying.
My first stop was Soundpak, a multi-level store with an impressive selection of CDs, DVDs, and vinyl. The vinyl section was divided into two rooms, one for modern genres and another for classical music. I found a mint condition copy of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 conducted by Leonard Bernstein for a mere 330 yen (about S$3). The strong Singapore dollar made these bargains even sweeter! Box sets were also very affordable, averaging less than S$30 for a collection of three or more LPs. Everything was wrapped in fresh plastic sleeves, ensuring the records were in pristine condition.
Next, I stumbled upon another Soundpak store, this one specializing in pop, rock, and J-Pop. I particularly enjoyed browsing the 7-inch single section, where I could buy five singles for just 500 yen. The records were all in excellent condition, neatly wrapped in plastic sleeves.
Mint Record was a different experience altogether. This store was a treasure trove of LPs, CDs, DVDs, and even laser discs. The aisles were narrow, filled with boxes of records stacked from floor to ceiling. While it wasn’t the most comfortable browsing experience, I knew there was potential for finding something truly special.
Shinjuku’s Disk Union is a record lover’s dream come true. This massive store is divided into five separate locations, each specializing in a different genre. The sheer volume of titles was staggering, making it the perfect place for serious crate diggers. I was fortunate to visit the Classical section on a day with a special one-day sale. With an additional 5% discount for Twitter followers (now known as X), I left with a bag full of records, each costing less than S$7. The thrill of finding a bargain-priced classic like Glenn Gould’s Bach Well-Tempered Clavier was truly unbeatable.
One of the most impressive aspects of Disk Union was the ability to test records before purchasing. While I only tried it for one record, the process of removing the record from the sleeve and handling the price label, which indicated the condition, felt a bit cumbersome. I ultimately chose to trust my instincts and buy records based on their visual condition, especially those priced under S$8. The condition labels, with “B” indicating VG+ and appearing nearly new, gave me confidence in my purchases.
Disk Union also had a larger CD section than LP section, reflecting the continued popularity of CDs in Japan. This was a welcome change from Singapore, where many people are discarding their cassette tapes and CDs, believing they are obsolete. But it’s important to remember that legally, you lose the rights to your MP3s if you get rid of the original physical media.
Shibuya’s Indie Scene and a Tower Records Gem
After exploring the wonders of Shinjuku, I made my way to Shibuya, home to a vibrant independent music scene. While I missed the Shibuya Tower Records, I was excited to visit Manhattan Records, Face Records, Next Records, and another HMV. These smaller, independent stores offered unique selections, particularly Next Records with its collection of 12-inch singles and Manhattan Records’ impressive hip-hop and R&B genres.
RECOfan, located near the Shibuya train station, was another highlight. This store had a great layout and a vast range of records, including bargain crates starting at 100 yen. I added a few more Classical and movie soundtrack records to my collection, but they were so cheap that I didn’t reach the 5000 yen threshold for tax-free shopping.
Japan: A Vinyl Lover’s Paradise
My Japanese record store adventure was a resounding success. Finding bargain-priced records, even pre-loved ones, was a breeze. The tax-free shopping made brand new titles even more affordable. And the quality of the records, even those labelled “B,” surpassed my expectations. Japan is clearly a vinyl lover’s paradise, with a vibrant market fueled by passionate collectors and a deep appreciation for physical media.
My next trip to Japan will undoubtedly involve even more record store explorations. I’m already making a list of stores I want to revisit, like Soundpak, RECOfan, Disk Union, and Tower Records Shibuya. I’m eager to delve deeper into their shelves and discover even more hidden treasures to add to my collection.
