Navigating the Shibuya Scramble for the Sound of a Needle on Wax
The humid July air clung to my skin. On a Friday afternoon, the streets of Shibuya were, as always, a swirling vortex of humanity, each person on their own distinct mission. Fresh from securing cassette tapes of Billie Eilish and Bedriddens at Oddtape in PARCO, my feet were already carrying me toward my next destination. It was an essential stop on any analog audio pilgrimage in Shibuya: the hallowed grounds of HMV record shop Shibuya.
While the store boasts a fine selection of new releases, its true treasure lies in the vast, deep ocean of its used vinyl collection. By my estimation, it’s about a 40/60 split between new and pre-owned records. Tower Records Shibuya, another giant in the area, also deals in used records, but in my humble opinion as CityNomix, HMV has the edge when it comes to the sheer depth of its second-hand inventory.
The shop is located near Shibuya Hands on Inokashira Dori. However, its entrance is tucked away, set back from the building’s main facade, making it easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. On this particular day, layers of promotional posters made it even more inconspicuous. Yet, I knew that behind this modest door lay a swirling vortex of musical memories, waiting to be rediscovered.
Today’s Dig at the HMV Record Shop: Oasis Fever and Elusive Masterpieces
Stepping inside, a sight greeted me that literally took my breath away. A special section had been set up, dedicated entirely to the legendary British rock band, Oasis.
Just last week, their reunion tour kicked off in Cardiff, Wales. The news of Liam and Noel walking onto the stage hand in hand sent waves of euphoria through the global fanbase, and I, like many others, was still riding high on that emotion. To see this display, in this moment, felt like the store was reading my mind. My heart skipped a beat.
The shelves were lined with reissued color vinyl, complete with the *obi* strips exclusive to Japanese pressings. These were classic early albums, re-released as commemorative editions, some even referencing their past Tokyo Dome concerts. Next to them, the greatest hits album, *Time Flies… 1994–2009*, was prominently displayed, its iconic cover art facing out. A promotion this grand, I reasoned, must mean they’re also beefing up their used Oasis stock. Fueled by this hope, I made a beeline for the indie/alternative section.
The Ghost of Oasis: A Dream and the Reality of Used Vinyl Prices
I was on the hunt for early 12-inch singles, hopefully at a reasonable price. This is the essence of crate digging: the thrill of the chase. The tactile sensation of flipping through jackets, the faint, musty smell of old paper, and that heart-pounding moment when you find the one you’ve been looking for.
And then, it happened. A flash of brilliant blue caught my eye. It was the double A-side 12-inch single for “Little by Little / She is Love.”
“Little by Little,” a beautiful track featuring Noel Gallagher’s heartfelt vocals, has been part of their reunion tour setlist. My eyes, however, were glued to the price tag in the corner: ¥16,500. I did a double-take. There was a reason for the steep price. The B-side features a cover of The Who’s “My Generation,” a rendition that is legendary among fans. Oasis has always been open about their reverence for their musical forefathers like The Beatles and The Who, and this particular cover is considered one of their best.
My gaze drifted to an adjacent shelf, where a copy of *The Masterplan*—a B-sides compilation often hailed as their finest work—was sitting. The price? Over ¥30,000. I remembered the 10-inch box set released at the same time had commanded a premium from day one, but I had no idea the standard 12-inch LP had reached such heights. With a sigh, I gently slid the record back into its slot. This is the reality of record hunting. You might find your holy grail, but that doesn’t always mean you can take it home.
Into the Cassette Forest: A Treasure Hunt for Tapes
Shaking off the mild disappointment, I moved on to my other objective for the day: the cassette tape corner. Tucked away in the very back of the first floor, it was a sight to behold. An entire wall, packed floor-to-ceiling with cassette tapes.
I picked them up one by one, scanning the spines. The selection felt geared more towards J-Pop compared to Tower Records or Oddtape. Since I had already made my purchases at Oddtape earlier, nothing here managed to catch my eye. “Some days are like this,” I told myself, and headed for the stairs to the second floor.
The second floor is dedicated to Hip-Hop, R&B, Techno, and Jazz. It’s another spacious area filled with an overwhelming number of records. The used bins here are also well-stocked, creating a perfect environment to lose yourself in for hours.
A special display for the Japanese artist Nujabes caught my attention. His music has transcended borders and continues to influence countless people today. His seminal works were respectfully arranged, a fitting tribute to his legacy.
At the back of the second floor, I found another cassette section, this one specializing in Hip-Hop, R&B, and Techno. Once again, I sifted through the collection with anticipation. But alas, I didn’t find a title that I absolutely had to have.
Ultimately, I left HMV empty-handed. But strangely, I wasn’t disappointed. The thrill of finding a rare Oasis record, the reality check of its price, the joy of the treasure hunt in the cassette jungle, and the quiet moment reflecting on Nujabes’s music—this entire experience was the real find. Leaving the store, my feet naturally began carrying me toward my next stop, Manhattan Records. The journey, it seemed, was far from over.
A Practical Guide to the HMV Record Shop: For a Successful Music Expedition
Now, allow me to share some practical advice based on my experience, designed to help you have the best possible music-hunting adventure at HMV. I’ll use my digital marketing insight to anticipate and answer the questions you might have.
The Allure of HMV Record Shop Used Vinyl: A Comparison with Tower Records
If you’re looking for HMV record shop used vinyl in Tokyo, especially in Shibuya, it’s an unmissable stop. As I mentioned, while Tower Records is a worthy competitor, I find HMV’s selection of used records, particularly in Western rock and indie genres, to be more expansive. A good strategy could be: Tower Records for new releases, HMV for a deep dive into the used bins. The store is organized by genre, but the real joy is in the serendipity of the hunt, stumbling upon that unexpected gem.
Selling Your Records: The HMV Record Shop Buyback Program
Have a collection gathering dust? The HMV record shop buyback service is a great way to give your old records and CDs a new life. They offer a few options. You can bring your items directly to the store for an on-the-spot appraisal and cash payment. For those not in the city, they offer mail-in services. For very large collections, they may even offer an at-home pickup service. It’s a great way to ensure your cherished collection is valued properly and passed on to the next generation of listeners.
Using the HMV Record Shop Charts to Your Advantage
The official HMV record shop charts and bestsellers page is a great tool for keeping up with new releases. But here’s a pro-tip from me: the cheapest time to buy a record is almost always when it’s first released. Popular records, like the Oasis ones I was eyeing, can see their prices skyrocket once they go out of print. Keep an eye on the charts and pre-order new music from artists you love. It’s the smartest way to build your collection and avoid future regret.
HMV Record Shop Locations: Finding Your Local Vinyl Hub
The dedicated HMV record shop locations are special places for music lovers. Besides the Shibuya store I visited, there are other fantastic shops across Japan.
- HMV record shop Shibuya
- HMV record shop Shinjuku
- HMV record shop Kichijoji
Furthermore, many of the larger “HMV&BOOKS” stores also have excellent record sections, such as the one in Osaka.
A Look at HMV Record Shop Shinjuku
The HMV record shop Shinjuku ALTA branch is incredibly convenient, located just outside the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. Like the Shibuya store, it offers a wide range of new and used vinyl. It has a particularly strong reputation for its selection of Japanese pop and *kayokyoku* (classic Japanese pop), offering a different flavor of discovery compared to Shibuya.
Exploring HMV Record Shop Osaka
For music fans in the Kansai region, the record corner inside HMV&BOOKS SHINSAIBASHI is the main hub. This key HMV record shop Osaka location features a comprehensive lineup of both new and used records in a spacious setting. It frequently hosts events, making it a central point for the region’s vinyl culture.
Mastering the HMV Record Shop Online Inventory Search
Wondering if a specific record is in stock? Before you head out, use the HMV record shop online inventory search on their official website. You can check if a particular store has the item you’re looking for. While the one-of-a-kind nature of used records means not everything is listed, it’s invaluable for finding new releases or standard pressings. Check the stock online, use the reservation service, and then head to the store. It’s the smart, efficient way for the modern record collector to hunt.
Conclusion: Why We Keep Returning to the HMV Record Shop
In the end, we go to a place like the HMV record shop for more than just buying music. We go for the thrill of the unexpected encounter, the joy of discovery. The physical act of flipping through covers, inspecting the condition of the vinyl, and carrying it to the counter is an integral part of the musical experience. Even if I leave empty-handed, the inspiration and motivation for the next hunt are priceless rewards. And that is why I will continue to walk the streets of Shibuya and open that slightly hidden door, always dreaming of the next record that awaits.
Official site: https://www.hmv.co.jp/store/SHU/
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