Hey fellow music lovers and Japan adventurers!
A Vinyl Enthusiast’s Guide to “HMV record shop Shibuya” – A True Paradise
In recent years, vinyl records have seen a magnificent resurgence in Japan, especially captivating the younger generation. Popular artists like YOASOBI and Ado even release their music simultaneously on CD and vinyl, with some records selling out the very day they arrive! Among the many record stores, ”HMV record shop Shibuya” stands out for its incredible variety, spanning all music genres except classical. It’s truly a treasure trove, featuring everything from records with “obi strips” (the iconic paper bands) to rare finds and timeless classics. The quality of their pre-owned records is so superb that collectors often call it “paradise.”
Join me as I delve into the captivating charm of “HMV record shop Shibuya”. If you’re a music enthusiast planning a trip to Tokyo, this is a spot you absolutely cannot miss!
Table of Contents
- What Kind of Store is “HMV record shop Shibuya”?
- Discover a Once-in-a-Lifetime Record: 5 Must-See Highlights
- Record Accessories to Enjoy Different Sound Qualities
- HMV record shop Branches in Other Areas
- 10% Tax-Free + Free Original Tote Bag Promotion
- Conclusion
What Kind of Store is “HMV record shop Shibuya”?
The meticulously arranged record sleeves, with their stylish designs, transform the entire space into a museum.
The Biggest Allure: An Astounding Collection of Over 80,000 Records!
“HMV record shop Shibuya” is a specialized vinyl record store operated by the renowned CD retailer, HMV. Stepping inside, you’re immediately struck by the sheer volume – countless records line the walls of the spacious interior, totaling an astonishing 80,000! The first floor houses genres like rock, pop, Japanese artists, and anime soundtracks, while the second floor is primarily dedicated to electronic music and “Black music,” including jazz, soul, reggae, hip-hop, and R&B.
The first floor features a Japanese Pop Music section.
Given its prime location in Shibuya, the shop is particularly known for its incredibly comprehensive selection of electronic music. With such a massive inventory, you can easily find your favorite genres, but the real magic is the “digging” experience – unearthing hidden gems in unexpected categories. It’s an absolute joy!
An extensive selection of 7-inch records is also available.
Discover a Once-in-a-Lifetime Record: 5 Must-See Highlights
At HMV record shop Shibuya, new records arrive daily, with pre-owned vinyl making up about 70% of the total stock. This means every visit offers a fresh selection, ensuring a unique, once-in-a-lifetime encounter with your next favorite record.
1. Globally Acclaimed Japanese Anime Soundtracks
Soundtracks from Japanese TV animation and anime movies, including classics from Ghibli (吉卜力), are incredibly popular both within Japan and internationally. The store is packed with nostalgic TV anime records that just looking at the covers makes you want to buy them all!
You’ll also find TV anime records that are a must-listen for anyone who grew up reading “Weekly Shonen Jump” (週刊少年Jump).
Not only the latest anime, but also nostalgic anime are fully stocked.
Ghibli soundtracks are consistently best-sellers.
2. “City Pop” Music: A Genre Worth Listening To
“City Pop” (城市流行) is a unique Japanese music genre that gained popularity from the late 1970s to the 1980s and continues to charm listeners today. Its sound evokes a modern urban atmosphere, and when listened to on vinyl, it takes on a wonderfully melancholic quality, distinct from how it sounds on CD. It’s a must-experience for anyone curious about Japanese music history!
The store features “City Pop” works that were popular in the 1980s, including Tatsuro Yamashita (山下達郎) and Mariya Takeuchi (竹內瑪莉亞).
3. The “Japanese Pop Music” Section
The term “Japanese Pop Music,” or “J-Pop,” broadly refers to all music created in Japan. At “HMV record shop Shibuya,” records are organized by era, offering a fascinating panoramic view of the Japanese music scene through the decades. It’s a wonderful way to explore the evolution of Japanese music!
1960-70s “Japanese Pop Music” section.
1990s “Japanese Pop Music” section.
4. The “Rock” Section: Records Acquired from the UK 1-2 Times a Year!
You’ll find an extensive array of rock music, ranging from 60s and 70s rock to vintage jazz, hip-hop, and even City Pop.
Sorted by genre, making it easy for first-time record buyers to find what they’re looking for.
The store manager personally acquires many rare records from Europe and the UK, including original pressings of legends like The Beatles (披頭四) and The Rolling Stones (滾石樂團), as well as precious original pressings from Japan and abroad.
The album of the same name is available in both 7-inch EP and 12-inch LP formats.
5. The Disco Zone: A Goldmine of Singles!
Shibuya is an area known for its vibrant nightlife, and as such, this store boasts a massive collection of disco-related records. This section alone features an incredible selection of approximately 10,000 singles, making it a beloved spot for DJs.
You’ll find singles overflowing throughout this entire section. This vast inventory is truly a major draw, setting it apart from other record shops.
It’s truly a testament to Shibuya’s music scene that you’ll find such an extensive and diverse collection of hip-hop, electronic, and reggae records here.
At HMV record shop Shibuya, new records arrive almost every day. On weekends, they sometimes receive large shipments of specific genres (for example, 100 jazz records at once!). When new releases drop, the official social media accounts and blog also post announcements, and some dedicated fans even queue up before opening to snag these precious records.
Dive Deeper into Sound: Exploring Record Accessories
Mr. Oe (大江), the store manager, shared with us, “One of the most fascinating aspects of records is how their sound quality can change due to scratches or dirt, and also how it evolves with different handling methods.” Simply by changing the stylus or using different cleaning supplies, the sound quality can transform, making the pursuit of your preferred sound a joy in itself. HMV record shop Shibuya offers a rich selection of accessories – from cleaning supplies and PP bags to protect your records, to styluses and turntables – allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the enjoyment of vinyl.
Even the sleek, wireless, and compact “Sound Burger” portable vinyl player is quite popular here – perfect for on-the-go listening!
Among these, the stylus is particularly crucial for vinyl records. Different types of styluses have their own unique characteristics; for instance, some excel at reproducing high frequencies, while others emphasize bass. So, paying close attention when choosing accessories is key to finding your ideal sound.
You’ll also find quality replacement styluses like the Nagaoka 長岡製作所 “M44G” available in-store.
Digging for Gems: The Used Record Section
They regularly hold used record sales, offering a fantastic opportunity to unearth some hidden treasures!
Main Sale Dates
| Late April – Early May (Golden Week) Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays | Release of rare records |
| First Saturday of August | In conjunction with the CITY POP on VINYL event, showcasing CITY POP used records |
| November 3rd (Japan Record Day) | Large release of new records. Used records displayed in conjunction with Japan Record Day |
| December | Large-scale discontinued record sale |
| Every Saturday in December | Excellent opportunity for rare record releases |
Different records arrive each time, so every visit brings new discoveries. If you’re visiting Shibuya, I highly recommend stopping by to hunt for your next favorite record!
The store offers tax-free shopping, multi-language services, and accepts various payment methods including Alipay+ and WeChat Pay.
There’s a unique pleasure in carefully sifting through records, one by one, truly a cherished part of the vinyl experience.
HMV Record Shop: More Locations to Explore Across Japan!
Beyond the Shibuya store, HMV record shop also has branches in other parts of Japan, including Shinjuku, Kichijoji, and Shinsaibashi. Each of these locations offers exclusive vinyl records that you can only find there. Planning your travels around visiting different stores can be a unique and exciting adventure! The detailed information for each store is as follows.
Special Offer: 10% Tax-Free Shopping + Free Original Tote Bag!
Enjoy tax-free shopping on purchases of 5,000 Japanese Yen or more in a single transaction. Plus, when you make a tax-free purchase, simply show this screen to the staff to receive an exclusive original tote bag! Offer valid until August 31, 2025.
※Tote bags are limited in quantity and available while supplies last.
Score an “original tote bag” when you spend 5,000 Japanese Yen or more in a single transaction (Offer valid until August 31, 2025, while supplies last – so hurry!).
Conclusion: Your Vinyl Journey Awaits!
Since they deal in used records, the inventory at each branch is unique, and even the display arrangements might vary slightly based on the staff’s preferences. Beyond the Shibuya store, HMV record shop also has branches nationwide in places like Shinjuku, Kichijoji, and Shinsaibashi, and visiting each one offers its own distinct charm. I highly recommend a visit to HMV record shop Shibuya to uncover that one-of-a-kind vinyl record you’ve been dreaming of!