DEEPTOKYO
magazine
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DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
With an Overwhelming Selection, a Sanctuary for Records in Shibuya:
Nearest Station
Shibuya’s Udagawacho district is one of the world’s most beloved areas for record enthusiasts, packed with top-tier record shops. Among them stands “HMV record shop Shibuya,” located on the former site of the legendary “DMR,” once considered a sacred ground for records. Since its opening in 2014, the shop has attracted both domestic and international visitors with its overwhelming selection and wide range of genres.
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Back in the 1990s, Shibuya boasted more than 200 record shops, and at the heart of this scene stood “DMR,” renowned as a record mecca. When “DMR” closed in 2014, “HMV record shop Shibuya” opened in its place, operated by “HMV,” which was celebrating its 35th anniversary in Japan. The shop’s greatest appeal lies in its all-genre curation. Between its first and second floors, it houses more than 80,000 records.
From new releases to used vinyl, the shop boasts an enormous inventory.
A section offering records for just 220 yen draws crowds, alongside a “New Arrivals” corner that shows how often shelves are refreshed.
Both the first and second floors are equipped with listening stations, allowing customers to sample records on the spot.
A vintage “WURLITZER” jukebox is on display inside.
The shop also houses the one-of-a-kind “TIME WARP SOUNDSYSTEM,” donated by the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), which can actually be played.
Despite its vast selection, “HMV record shop Shibuya” is carefully organized by genre and era, making it easy to browse. The first floor focuses on Japanese and Western rock, Japanese pop (kayokyoku, a style of pop music popular from the 1950s–1980s), anime and film soundtracks, and 7-inch singles. The second floor reflects Shibuya’s club culture, highlighting electronic and dance music, hip hop, R&B, reggae, and jazz. The store particularly emphasizes Japanese pop and kayokyoku, with decade-specific sections and a special City Pop corner—a genre of 1970s–80s Japanese pop music enjoying worldwide popularity among younger listeners.
The Japanese music section focuses on City Pop, with both new and used records.
Categorized by era, making it easy to find favorite artists.
Anime and film soundtrack corners are especially popular among international visitors.
The 7-inch section is neatly arranged by artist and genre.
The second floor centers on club music, befitting Shibuya’s reputation for nightlife.
The hip hop and R&B sections span a wide range of Japanese and international artists.
Hip-hop and R&B corner with a variety of artists, both Western and Japanese.
As vinyl’s popularity rises, some records have become prohibitively expensive in the used market, often due to limited original pressings or surges in genre popularity.
In response, “HMV” has launched reissue projects, releasing new vinyl editions of past masterpieces—sometimes titles that were once only available on CD. These initiatives have drawn great attention from both Japanese and international collectors, making rare music more accessible.
This project started with the desire to have as many people as possible experience vinyl records, and has attracted a very large amount of interest from users in Japan and abroad.
An “HMV” project pressed the “Super Mario World” game soundtrack—previously available only on CD—onto vinyl. 11,550 yen.
Popular anime “Dragon Ball” soundtracks were also reissued through “HMV.” 4,400 yen.
To commemorate its opening, “HMV” reissued Taeko Onuki’s second album “SUNSHOWER.” 4,400 yen.
Noriyo Ikeda’s “DREAM IN THE STREET” reissued on clear vinyl. 4,950 yen.
Kingo Hamada’s “Midnight Cruisin’” (1982) reissued on colored vinyl. 4,400 yen.
Takako Mamiya’s “LOVE TRIP” (1982) reissued. 4,950 yen.
“Buruburu” by Ging Nang BOYZ, released overseas, 3,960 yen.
Norah Jones’ albums “Come Away With Me” and “Feels Like Home” reissued with Japanese-style “obi strips” (paper bands wrapped around records or books in Japan). 6,490 yen each.
“HMV record shop Shibuya” is not limited to selling records—it also embraces new ventures. One example is the gallery space “Bankrobber LABO,” opened in 2023 at the back of the second floor, hosting solo and group exhibitions by artists. The store also offers record-related goods, accessories, and original souvenirs ideal for visitors. Over 10 years since its opening, the shop continues to grow in influence and energy.
The only record shop in Shibuya to also feature an art gallery, hosting music-related exhibitions and events.
A wide variety of related goods are available, including record needles, record bags, and players.
A capsule-toy corner with music-themed items.
Original goods perfect as souvenirs: tote bags that can fit records (440 yen), logo T-shirts (2,500 yen).
The information contained this article was correct as of 09/05/2025 (the time of publication)
