DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
Longstanding Icon at the Heart of Shibuya’s Record Culture
Nearest Station
From the 1990s to the early 2000s, Shibuya's record store scene witnessed a remarkable boom, attracting music lovers from around the world. The Udagawacho area near Shibuya PARCO, in particular, became a fiercely competitive hotspot packed with iconic record shops.At the heart of this community was Manhattan Records. Instantly recognizable by its signature blue "m" logo, the store celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2025. Beyond records, it has continued to share Shibuya’s broader cultural output—from fashion to art—with a global audience.
SHARE
Founded in 1980 in a small apartment behind the Shibuya Police Station, Manhattan Records relocated to its current location around 1993. Since then, it has supported Shibuya’s music culture with a distinctive and curated selection. The store has also functioned as a hub for interaction In February 2025, responding to the global vinyl resurgence, it opened a new store in Seoul, South Korea. The Shibuya flagship spans two floors: the first floor features new hip-hop vinyl, related apparel, and lifestyle goods, while the second floor offers a broad selection of used records. The building’s entire side is covered with a massive collaborative mural by graffiti artists TABOO1, TENGA one, and MARK BODE—a powerful visual statement that draws visitors in its own right.
The first floor offers new records, original merchandise, and apparel from partner brands.
The second floor features an extensive lineup of used vinyl. Buyback services are also available.
A striking mural by graffiti artists TABOO1, TENGA one, and MARK BODE covers the side of the building. The sheer scale is awe-inspiring.
Specializing in hip-hop, Manhattan Records carries an expansive collection of classic and sought-after albums from both Japan and overseas. As Shibuya has become known as a sacred ground for Japanese hip-hop, this shop has helped fuel the genre’s growth. While streaming has become the norm, vinyl has regained appreciation for its tangible appeal. Classic hip-hop albums that transcend time are drawing renewed interest. Manhattan Records consistently updates its offerings, from must-have classics to cutting-edge new releases. To cater to international customers, the store also curates Japanese city pop, hip-hop, and other local records often sampled by global artists. Visitors are encouraged to bring in their old records for buyback, too.
D’Angelo’s genre-defining debut "BROWN SUGAR" (1990s) – ¥7,920
"BELOVED", the second album from L.A.-based R&B artist Giveon – ¥4,950
"Bando Stone and The New World", said to be the final release under the name Childish Gambino – ¥7,260
"Why Lawd?", the 2024 hit by NxWorries, with a stellar guest lineup – ¥6,600
Nujabes’ timeless classic "modal soul", still enjoying global popularity – ¥4,950
"XLARGE × Manhattan Records", a 2020s-era collaboration album featuring top Japanese hip-hop artists – ¥4,950
The 1990s hip-hop classic "Get It Together" by the Beastie Boys, featuring Q-Tip – ¥1,650 ※Prices for used records may vary depending on condition.
"Tical", the debut solo album from Wu-Tang Clan’s Method Man – ¥6,600 ※Prices for used records may vary depending on condition.
"Labcabincalifornia", The Pharcyde’s second album (1995)—perfect for a chill session – ¥11,000 ※Prices for used records may vary depending on condition.
Cassette tapes, both new and vintage, are also abundantly curated.
The gadget revived by "Stability," also featured in this article, is now on sale.
The store’s blue “m” logo is its trademark, and appears on a wide range of original merchandise. From T-shirts and caps to cushions and incense, the items are designed to easily blend into everyday life. Numerous collaboration items with artists and fashion brands have also been released. As a natural gathering spot for music fans and creators alike, the shop frequently hosts pop-up events. For instance, in July 2025, a special collaboration with SAMUEL—a brand designed by ANI of Scha Dara Parr—was launched, generating significant buzz.
T-shirts inspired by the store’s identity are a hit. From left: ¥3,520 / ¥4,400 / ¥4,950
A wide variety of original accessories are also available. The cushion on the left is a collaboration with TABOO1, who worked on the wall art, while the character-shaped one on the right was created by ODDJOB INC, known for producing the opening movie of “Wednesday’s Downtown.”
The store displays numerous autographed photos and memorabilia from visiting artists, reflecting its rich history.
Records by Japanese artists like Hikaru Utada and Anri—often used as sampling sources—are curated with international visitors in mind.
From Friday, August 15 to Sunday, August 17, 2025, the shop will host a pop-up by Vancouver-based artist GANGSTER DOODLES. Then, on Friday, August 29, MILES WORD from the rap group BLAHMRY will perform a live in-store set. Don’t miss these exclusive events!
The information contained this article was correct as of 08/10/2025 (the time of publication)
