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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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I met Yuto 22-year old outside Coconuts as I was rolling up on the motorcycle and he was heading out, holding in his hand a recent core. I killed the engine and grabbed his attention before he could dash away. As I began to explain to him that I was a photographer and wanted to make his portrait, rather than initial suspicion, he was nothing but good vibes and warm smiles. A can badge on his jean jacket caught my eye – “Have you hugged a mutant today?” Then I noticed one untied Chuck Taylor, then a flannel layer, a sorta ‘67 Beatle-y haircut, and a general slacker posture/strut (which I say very endearingly), dare I say there was something about him that instantly reminded me of, perhaps, a Japanese version of myself 20 (or 25) years ago. When I asked Yuto what he scored, and he very proudly pulled out Kaneko Ayano’s new album “タオルケットは穏やかな” (which is incredibly good - I just listened - Yuto has great taste). “Are you new to records?” I asked Yuto. “I just got a record player and started collecting! This is about my 10th record!” NIIIICE. Yuto and I talked about hi-fi’s, about analog vs. streaming, file bitrate and DACs (Digital Audio Converters) and I could just tell, he had the exact same enthusiasm that I had when I started seriously collecting when I was about his age. And though my excitement for records and record stores has never really waned, I’m noticing that as I get older, I get really excited when I see young people just starting out. Their interest makes ME more interested. Its cool that way. I hope I bump into Yuto again out there. He mentioned that he also is a surfer. So if you don’t bump into him at the record, you might see him catching waves in Ibaraki where he surfs! One last friendly reminder too - tomorrow is the first edition of Tokyo Record Style Day in Shimokitazawa at Flash Disc Ranch from 2pm. Check a few posts back or the event page on Facebook :-) #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinylrecord #rock #Pop #PopRock #Folk #Country #Japan #coconuts (at ココナッツディスク吉祥寺店) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn9lcopP6rD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinylrecord #rock #pop #poprock #folk #country #japan #coconuts

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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For those who might not know, I have a volunteer photography project called “Photohoku” where I gift photographs to people in need. It would take while to share all about it, but I just encourage you to check it out. But one of technical the aspects of it, not completely unlike Tokyo Record Style, is approaching (read: accosting) strangers, trying to diffuse their immediate apprehension with some welcoming, unthreatening charm and an honest smile (which, in a world filled with nefariously-intended people requires a certain finesse), and in a very, very short amount of time, seconds really, sell them on a genuine creative idea that basically involves their participation, and assure them that the result, and the connection forged from the shared faith and goodwill, will actually be an authentic human experience, and very well worth it. Absolutely, one of the most interesting aspects of this approach, is witnessing the very moment, the second in time, expressed in the face and eyes, when impressions change from suspicion to trust. It’s simultaneously a subtle and yet beautifully dramatic transition - a revelation of sorts. For them, it might feel like relief that the ticking time bomb’s red wire was cut, but for me, it’s quite the opposite, like that single first firework launched, rising higher and higher in the air, too high maybe, then the silence and suspense of wondering if it’s a dud, or if it will indeed actually explode, hanging in the sky… then BOOM!!! The heavens lights up, queue circus pipe-organ music, the show is about to begin! “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages…” Sorry, got carried away there, but now imagine for a moment being Aurelian pictured here, French expat living in Bali, running a restaurant called “O La La”, then coming to Tokyo, on holiday, for first time, walking alone in the dimly-lit back streets of foreign county, perhaps with a wallet filled of record-collecting cash for extremely rare and expensive collector Serge Gainsboug pressings, and encountering a fast-talking, obnoxiously dressed, over-enthusiastic national of yet a DIFFERENT country, speaking half-English, half Japanese to you, trying to chat you about about records. You’d be suspicious too. Hell, I’D be suspicious too! Well, lucky for both of us, Aurelian let his guard down, offered a warm smile, and both our hearts melted a little. Not only did were we made instant pals by music, but thankfully and reassuringly our mutual faith in humanity was restored, …and the occasion was marked with these photographs. Thanks, for sharing Aurelian. Congrats on the huge score. So happy we met! I listened to chanson all day yesterday and I’m better for it! Enjoy the rest of your Tokyo time! And more Tokyo Record style coming up! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinylrecord #rock #latin #45 #pop #Chanson #shimokitazawa #france #bali #traveler (at Shimo-Kitazawa , Tokyo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnvJA89vdxM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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This is one of those individuals whose mere presence makes any and all molecules in her immediate vicinity, I suspect everywhere she goes, begin to vibrate with excitement, whose high-voltage smile on the street demands a double-take, whose coolness, if you’re lucky enough to be acquainted, makes YOU feel cool, who not only has aura, but who IS aura – the incredibly talented and supremely hep Jazz vocalist from Sapporo/Sydney/NewYork/Tokyo, Miho Jonishi. Beyond this firecrackin’ bang of character and charisma I mention, she is also a most soulful vocalist, with a deeply nuanced and signature voice that I highly recommend you check out, particularly her most recent record, September in the Rain (available for purchase and on all the streaming platforms from her bio.) Miho was a surprise show at Tokyo Record Day and I was so glad to see her and dig aide her in the crates at Tower Records. As a student of some very influential musicians, she will likely out-jazz you if you attempt to go head-to-head as I did. But don’t worry, she is as tender as she is steeped in the entire breadth of Jazz, all of which comes through her singing. She gave me a small heap of recommendations, mentioning interestingly, that they were all still living, recording, and performing, making me realize so much of the limited Jazz that I know is only dead legends …who Miho ALSO loves and respects and whose albums she studies like textbooks. But Miho is primarily, definitively focussed on contemporary artists who she still has chances to see perform. Interesting. By the way, Miho, I’ve lost your recommendations somewhere on my phone. If you recall a few that you mentioned (or even more you didn’t), please leave us all some essential contemporary Jazz artists rec’s in the comments, those who are inspiring you lately (and any upcoming performances, too!) Thanks, Miho! So cool you came! Enjoy the records and hope to see you next time. More Tokyo Record Style to come! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #Jazz #Bop #CoolJazz #LatinJazz (at TOWER VINYL) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqIUfRnPZs0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #jazz #bop #cooljazz #latinjazz

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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I met globe-trotting, vinyl-raiding, sound-selector, DJ Laura Lopez outside of HMW in Shibuya, after she had just scored a smattering of City Pop 45s to add to what I might guess is a rather large collection of wax with which she regularly DJs sets of Soul, Funk, Boogie, and Disc (see her Instagram). Hailing from D.C. and having visited Tokyo (with her record-collecting partner-in-crime Ed - see next post) so many times that she’s lost count, she knew the Tokyo Wax Trax as well as anybody and had the vinyl to prove it. I loved her white jacket on all-black sense, her funky-chunky specs and hunky-punky boots, and her cool tote, with some sound advice, no pun intended, from Peanut’s favorite music aficionado, Schroeder. Laura’s spirit was bubbly, her character had character, and her affection for music and records was much like that beaming smile she so freely shared was certainly contagious. Can’t you tell from these photos? We had a super buzzing conversation about all things music, record stores, and DJ events, and we could have probably talked for hours more if we both didn’t have to dash off. She recommended I check out Club Heavy Sick, a well-known live house in Shibuya that I have yet to visit, run by Mr. Death who, despite the nickname, is meant to be super friendly and kind. Did I hear that she DJ’d there? Might have, DJ Laura Lopez will no doubt be back to Tokyo at some point, hopefully in the not-so-distant future, and I’m crossing my fingers that she and Ed will look me when they come - who knows, maybe we can do a Tokyo Record Style Day (see photos) or a DJ set! Yeah for new record-collecting homies! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #Funk #Soul #Pop #CityPop # Disco #Kayokyoku #Electronic #Latin #Japan (at HMVrecordshop渋谷) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpkgOeFvwc5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #funk #soul #pop #citypop #kayokyoku #electronic #latin #japan

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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If you don’t know Tokyo Camera Style, on which Tokyo Record Style is based, run by my pal Sypal, I highly recommend again that you check it out. It’s a celebration of old-school film photography love, where when John spots you on the streets of Tokyo, rawking your film camera, he snaps a shot and adds you to the stream. As I’ve said before, in one light, it could be considered quick to dismiss as material camera porn but it is really anything but. Culture is what it is, Street fashion is what it is, Individuality and expression is what it is. John may argue with me here, but it’s not just called Tokyo Camera STYLE for shits. In fact, I’d ALMOST argue, if it weren’t for a mountain of amazing photography that comes out of this film community, that it’s MORE fashion than photography. You know, come to think of it, it’s one of my favorite notions, style coupled with utility, like the finest engineering, which doesn’t necessarily mean the newest or shiniest, it’s hitting that perfect balance of… oh, I'm gonna stop myself before I really start to ramble on. So why am I talking about style? Oh just cuz Riku, who I photographed for Tokyo Record Style was looking pretty dang styley. With his grey tartan suit, casu’d out with Jordan 1 Lows, hoody, backwards cap, and gold wire frames and RDJ lenses, not to mention old school Hip Hop 12” remixes. Looking slick, Rick! More Tokyo Record Style on the way! …also mark you calendars for Tokyo Record Style Day Vol. 2 in Shibuya, March 19th from 2-5pm. #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #HipHop (at Diskunion渋谷中古センター) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpfXc5avZD1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #hiphop

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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At 17-years old, Turistan (@trippin_tree3) is the youngest person that I’ve photographed so far for Tokyo Record Style. I caught up with Turistan seminal classic “Enter The Wu-Tang” from ‘93, thats 30 years ago. That would be the equivalent of a 17-year old me in 1993 buying “With the Beatles” (which I probably did). Thats give me great encouragement to not only see youngsters (Oh, my god do I sound old) interested in records, but interested in GREAT records. Turistan was with his skating bros, Tiger and Keita, (Fellas, Turistan is our-cooling you! Time to score some wax!) They were out skating the streets of Shibuya, claiming the area around Tower Records to be the best. Who am I to say they’re right or wrong. I just know, with such a sick record, and such warm and cool attitudes, they’re doing something right. Hope you guys had a good night skating and hope Wu Tang drops some science on you! Thanks for posing for Tokyo Record Style. See you our there again! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinylrecord #skate #skateboard #skateboarding #Shibuya #hipHop #Boom #Bap #boombap #TowerRecords (at Tower Records Shibuya) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmsYF22Oeqr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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I agreed to meet Aratame a few years ago at our mutual friend, Tomoko’s adamant insistence. Tomoko, having worked with us both, had reason to believe we’d get on like a house on fire, and when she arranged a dinner for us to meet, and as soon we started talking about obscure cameras, Polaroid film, iconic typewriter design, vinyl records, our favorite 80’s gadgets, toys, movies, and cars, all manner of sophomoric comedic pranks or borderline juvenile fashion trends that neither of us seemed to outgrow, music, books, baseball cards and so on, trading stories of adolescent antics and subversive subculture, it became evident that we had grown up with parallel existences despite being on opposite sides of the planet, and that we’d likely become good pals. Whenever I stumble into question about, say, a particular Japanese-only market Sony walkman or an apparently very rare and highly-coveted vintage Casiotone Keyboard, Aratame is who I call. If I want to know about Japanese New Wave, City Pop, or “Mentai Rock,” or about the highly collected soundtracks from the 70’s hit Crime show, Daitokai (pictured here), Aratame is who will know. If I’m searching info for modding a Technics 1200 for high gauge interconnects, or if I’m trying to source an ever elusive Sound Burger, Aratame always has an answer. In fact, the 1200MII /M44G combo that I listen to my every record on, was incredibly graciously provided by Aratame for free cuz he had an extra that he wasn’t using. Now THAT’S a DUDE! So needless to say, I am thrilled to feature Aratame on Tokyo Record Style! We made a quick last-minute dash to Flash Disk Ranch in Shimokita before meeting for end-of-year bonnenkai dinner with kindred spirit, DJ Bemsha and homie-cupid who introduced us, Tomoko. Now our unlikely little gang is called “The Tomokodachis” all of whom I’m looking forward to seeing more of in 2023. #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinylrecordl #Funk #Soul #StageandScreen #SoundTrack #TV #daitokai (at フラッシュ・ディスク・ランチ) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmkaSKTOuYB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinylrecordl #funk #soul #stageandscreen #soundtrack #tv #daitokai

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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This project is proving to be an interesting little vehicle for the perfect conversation with a stranger, particularly from one music lover to another. It seems that with nearly everybody I’ve met, spoken to, and photographed, we’ve come to learn something that we have in common beyond just a love for music. And it’s kinda remarkable how it starts. Just the sentence “Excuse me, are those records?” seems to simultaneously cause curious antennas to raise while initiating the diffusion of any tension or suspicion as if it’s some kind of secret password buried in subconscious that overrides all external perceived differences and implies something like “Greetings fellow traveler of space, time, and vinyl. I’m of your people. I come in Peace.” Within the time span of the next 5 to 10 minutes, we’ve taken genuine interest in each other, shared space though a handful of laughs, personal anecdotes, and have spoken the language of musical appreciation for enough time that, along with the photo, a connection is forged. That’s probably one of the reasons Tokyo Camera Style (on which this project is based) has been so successful. It’s immediate shared common (and usually deep) interest with a stranger. It begs the question that if you just stopped and talked to more people, would the world feel less Us and Them. Continues in Comments #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinylrecord #Rock #RockandRoll #Funk #Soul #RhythmandBlues #Jazz #bop #poprock #vocal #NonMusic #StageandScreen #SoundTrack #disco #PsychedelicRock #Experimental #ClassicRock #diskunion #unionrecord (at disk union 新宿) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmaMSs5PUuY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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Takashi’s (@tkdm) striped sweater had something Charlie Brown about it, his chain wallet and oversized rims had something Elvis Costello about them, and I have always wanted a pair of leather Chuck Taylors. Carrying a Union Record Bag, natururally, I had to spark up a conversation with him. I told him about Tokyo Record Style but he was expectedly hesitant to just pose for a stranger with a camera. That’s understandable, but since we were already talking, I asked what records he just scored and he pulled out the Ronettes! That very day, I had spotted Phil Spectors’s Christmas Album on @garageville’s Instagram and called up Yasu (@yas.otsuka) and asked him to hold it for me (which he did and which I would eventually pick on the weekend and have been listening to it non-stop since), so anyway, I was keen to talk to Takashi about the Ronettes and why he collects records and what kind of system he listens to his records on, ad CDs and lo-fi, and so on, and so on. We had a nice chat and he told me he plays in a band called “Car Crash” and he told me about a cool Rock & Roll Record bar in Shimokita that I had never heard of or been to before - Poor Cow …wait, Googling… Just checked and, confirmed, I don’t know it, and it, indeed, looks cool AF. So thanks for that pro-tip Takashi. Well, needless to say, after we had been chatting on the streets of Shinjuku for 10 minutes by then, Takashi warmed up to the idea of a photo and posed with his Ronettes Record - The Colpix Years (1961-1963) …Gotta be a HOT record. Gonna give a listen soon! If you want the details, check the linked Discogs list in bio. Thanks again for the chat Takashi! See you around! More Tokyo Record Style on the way! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #turntable #dj #lp #vinyl #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinylrecord #nowspinning #Rock #RockandRoll #pop #Jazz #poprock #vocal #diskunion #unionrecord (at disk union 新宿) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmWdUi4vo7X/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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I met Shimpei on the streets of Shinjuku with his new vinyl scores from Disk Union: Peter Tosh’s Bush Doctor and Tom Browne’s Magic. I asked Shimpei why he collects records and he mentioned being a DJ, and when I looked at his instagram, I can see he’s spinning music every few nights. Shimpei was super friendly as you can see by his warm smile - Looking forward to listening to these records and keeping tabs on Shimpei so I can catch one of his DJ sets. #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #turntable #dj #lp #vinyl #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinylrecord #nowspinning #Reggae #Roots #RootsReggae #Jazz #Funk #Soul #Disco #diskunion (at disk union 新宿) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmU9fjUyl42/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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I take my kids back and forth everyday to Japanese cram school and I pass right by Coconuts Record Shop. I’ve mentioned it here a few times already and will probably be mentioning it a bunch more. Since starting this project, I can’t seem to drive past it without starting to scan the area for people who maybe have just scored some records. Though the vinyl bags are quite cool, they’re quite subtle but I can still easily spot from across the street, which was the case for the one Yukiko was carrying. I stopped her and chatter her up. She’s an assistant director working on Japanese TV dramas and scored Tatsuro Yamashita’s 1998 album Cozy on CD, on which Yukiko said the 4th track Donut Song is the best. Thanks for posing for Tokyo Record Style, Yukiko. Enjoy the CD! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #turntable #dj #recordcollection #recordcollector #rpm #lp #vinyl #vinylcollection #vinylcommunity #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinyllover #instavinyl #vinyloftheday #vinylgram #vinyllove #vinylrecord #nowspinning #nowplaying (at Kichijoji, Tokyo) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl-3fgkv57T/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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This cool cat is Koyo who I met through my friend Paramitha (Hi Mitha chan!) who I met through Photohoku and the other photography community projects I host. Paramitha is an Indonesian fashion designer whose most recent collection I photographed a few weeks back, during which Koyo was one of the models (notice Koyo’s striking good looks!) During the shoot, Mitha, being the bubbly spirit that is, talked up Tokyo Record Style quite a lot, and mentioned TRS Day, so here we are! The circle of friends grows bigger! The community photo projects I organizing (outside of this particular one) are fun for sure, but they demand quite a bit of organization and corralling people and resources and take a lot of effort. I’m grateful to have the chance to do them, but for these Tokyo Record Style Days, I really want to just enjoy music with homies, and not really think about planning too much. So I’ve just taken a laissez-faire approach and just suggested we meet at a particular central starting spot among a cluster of record stores, all say hello, then each scatter to our favorite shops, then re-connect at another central ending spot, to see what we all scored. It’s worked out well so far. On this last TRS Day, during a moment after we has all already scattered, I was beelining to one shop when I saw Koyo beelining towards me to another shop (on an obvious mission for something…). We hi-fived and saluted some good luck to each other and then in an hour or so later, he appeared at the rendezvous point with the record he’s holding in the photo. Very little is written about P-Model’s Potpourri in English, which only intrigued me more to give it a listen., which I did this morning. What a truly interesting record. What *is* written about it (see the comments for some English Wiki details) reads a bit like angst-ridden teenage mystery fiction. Glad to have logged and listened to this one, and if/when I see it again out there in the wild, I will remember the person who turned me onto it. Thanks, Koyo! More Tokyo Record Style on its way!! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #Electronic #Rock #NewWave (at Shibuya, Tokyo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqNlikdv_cB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #electronic #rock #newwave

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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I’m so thrilled that getting to commemorate moments like these is part of Tokyo Record Style. It’s capturing a rite of passage …but what makes the dive into the world of records a rite of passage? Well, it's kind of a personal declaration to one’s self, that music is more to us than just something you hear on the radio, more than just the background sound of a moment, more than something that just fills your ears with even song. It’s deciding that music is for listening, not just for hearing. It’s putting one’s self into the role of active, intentional, committed appreciator. Is it possible to reach these states of awareness by just streaming music? Yes, but it’s kind of like the difference between holding and reading a hand-written letter in your hands and scanning emails in your inbox, the difference between scrolling a kindle vs. turning dog-eared pages of a paperback, the difference between, as my pal Mijonju put it on last Tokyo Record Style Day, turning on the heater in your house vs. building and standing around a campfire. That’s such a great analogy, and that’s what it feels like I’m seeing in this scene, somebody holding in arms what will eventually help them create their first campfire …but maybe that’s just me and us few like-minded friends. Well, I’m happy to make some new friends with Yukina and Ren, both of whom are studying fashion design. Sidenote: I was told Yukina makes unique fashion styles from just single square fabrics, that come to life with folds and twists and turns, perhaps like Origami or Furoshiki. And I heard Ren designs men’s street fashion and also goes on 100km bicycle rides! WOW! Well, best of luck on all your journeys and rites of passage ahead, especially this music-loving one! It’s bound to bring you tons of joy! More Tokyo Record Style to come! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #turtable #ion #transport (at TOWER VINYL) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqLVeoBPeeK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #turtable #ion #transport

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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A Tokyo Record Style FIRST! The album photographed here, Argentinian in origin, Las Grandes Creacions de Antonio Tormo, scored by this cute couple that I met outside Tower Records in Shibuya, has no Discogs listing and is nowhere to be streamed – a record that is officially off the grid, proving yet again, that if you want access (and knowledge of existence) to the full breadth of music available, record stores are still your best bet. And the fact that I can’t listen to this album, except directly from Akira and Noa’s copy pictured here, makes me want to listen to it all the more! What a find! So much young and vibrant energy was emanating off these two as we chatted about music and about their last live shows, and the music they love. They mentioned last seeing J-alt-rockers, One OK Rock, seeing past and looking forward to future Summer Sonic festivals, and a love for K-Pop. Akira mention that he’s part of a creative unit called “Bandit” (@bandit_maskedriders) who produce Hip Hop, dance, and electronic music – I gave them a listen - quite cool! When I heard this, I asked him if he happened to know of another similarly creative unit called “Killa” or the recording artist and member, KEPHA, both he and Noa lit up and said OF COURSE. I mentioned that I’m also a KEPHA fan, and that his father is a close personal friend of mine, and co-host of my PechaKucha Podcast, “Top 5 Records” …the supremely cool, one and only, “bemsha!” So bemsha, if you’re reading this, relay these friendly sentiments on to KEPHA and tell him I met some of his fans on the streets of Shibuya. Maybe we should connect these two at the upcoming Tokyo Record Style Day, ahem, on March 19th from 2pm to 5pm (come one come all) …or anytime! Well folks, another day, another record, another style! More TRS on the way! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #Latin #Folk #World #Country #Zamba #Chacarera #Chamame #Copla #Argentina (at TOWER VINYL) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpcv_JhPo9V/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #latin #folk #world #country #zamba #chacarera #chamame #copla #argentina

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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I spotted Kieron in the corner of my eye digging around the 90’s Alternative/Grunge/Shoegazer at Coconuts in Kichijoji. I noticed he had some interesting range-finder form-factor camera slung around his neck which should have been more than enough reason to chat him up, but I must have been too preoccupied with the concentration required to dig through 7” singles while looking for a perfect, within-budget ¥300 score. Regrettably, I didn’t say hello or approach him for a photo. But about half an hour later, he caught my eye when I spotted him AGAIN at Disk Union in Parco, packing a stack of recently scored records into his backpack. I thought to myself, “Do I wait to ask until he has everything packed up, or do I interrupt him to save them the trouble of unpacking it all in case he agrees?” It seemed appropriate to until he was situated, and then when he was, I did finally approach him and chatted him up about Tokyo Record Style, he, of course, said, “Sure, but why didn’t you ask 5 minutes ago before I just neatly pack up all these records?” Haha. Kieron and I got to talking and he was quite a friendly guy, visiting Tokyo from Bath, UK for the 9th time! We walked and talked on our way to HMV, about the differences in record shops and record-collecting culture between the UK and Japan. He confirmed that Tokyo record store culture seems to be as, or more, healthy and happening than anything happening in UK and Europe, adding that it seems to be easier to find many of those late 80's and 90’s titles that were somewhat limited worldwide in the CD age. Upon arriving at HMV, and digging into their 90’s section adjacent to the entrance, Kieron immediately pulled a good handful of records and seemed to be having some good luck finding titles on his wish list. Hope you scored some treasure, Kieron along with this “Here Comes Everybody” by The Wake. Lastly, I’d encourage the photography-appreciators among you to check out Kieron’s Instagram. Sublime work, with some interesting experimental compositions that might overlap somewhere with his work in AR design that he also mentioned. Check it out! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #recordstore #vinyl #NewWave (at Kichijoji, Tokyo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpHkIlrv1Yf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #recordstore #vinyl #newwave

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tokyorecordstyle · 1 year

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Perhaps the most charming record store in all of Tokyo, Ella is home to some very carefully curated vinyl. It’s not because all the wax is premium, rare, or obscure records, it’s just that it’s all solidly selected, all killer, no filler. Located in a quaint and quiet little pocket surrounded by busy Tokyo, it’s situated ever so slightly just off in the buzzing shadow and neon glow of Shinjuku. It’s actually the neighborhood where I spent my first 5 years in Tokyo, called Hatagaya, so its backstreets are my old familiar stomping grounds. Ella opened in 2016 at the end of Hatagaya’s south shotengai shopping street in an old Japanese home/shop with a bunch of exposed crooked timber posts and trusses, making for a real warm and welcoming space. In both bay window nooks on either side of the center front door, are listening booths, both with classic silver-face Marantz console integrated amps in wood cases, both with Technics 1200s and a pair of JBL 4321a Monitors under one. Pretty slick. The same folks opened “Ella Warehouse” just last year I think, in Shimokita on the 4th floor above Peacock, where they sell ONLY 12” singles - quite cool. Sitting behind the counter on the day I went last week was Mariko, AKA DJ Lily, who, with some cool hair, and interesting tattoos peaking out, and a friendly smile looked pretty photogenic to me. After she did a tour of duty at Disk Union, she’s now here regularly at Ella. Lily also DJ’s House, Techno, Jazz, Latin, Afrobeats, and more with sounds from her 2000pc vinyl collection, sometimes multiple sets a night, at multiple venues, including Womb, Air, Bridge, Tunnel, Redbar, and the like. Check her insta and catch this Archie Shepp Attica Blues mixed into her next set! More Tokyo Record Style on the way! #Tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #Jazz #SoulJazz #FreeJazz (at Ella Records) https://www.instagram.com/p/CohbgssPQXb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#tokyo #record #style #tokyorecordstyle #records #music #recordcollector #recordstore #vinyl #vinylrecord #jazz #souljazz #freejazz

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