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Writer's pictureAlan Howe

"No Music, No Life" - TOWER VINYL SHINJUKU, the first vinyl record store in Tokyo by Tower Records

Updated: Feb 9, 2022



Tower Records, a record chain that originated in California in 1960, became popular in the 80s with its slogan "No Music, No Life" and expanded from its first store in Japan to 18 countries. Back then, whether you liked electronic dance music, heavy metal, jazz or blues, all musical tastes were respected at Tower, a record store with a distinctive style.


Today Tower Records is focused on Japan, with 82 stores and is the largest record store chain in Japan, and although music streaming media is now available, Tower Records is a mainstay that protects the value of physical music. In 2019, Tower Records opened its first vinyl record store, Tower Records Shinjuku, on March 21.






In addition to the record label, vinyl, which is an analog music, is also one of Tower Records' main business focuses. With the revival of the vinyl trend in recent years, Tower Records has expanded its range of stores, and the opening of this vinyl store has created a sensation, as it not only sells new vinyl and CDs, but also second-hand records, which make up a large percentage of the record market, and is a forward-looking challenge for Tower Records.





The TOWER VINYL SHINJUKU pre-owned section features 40,000 records in a variety of styles: mainly rock and soul, but also jazz and Japanese styles, ranging from the common to the rare. The new vinyl section is no less impressive, with 30,000 new and reissued vinyl items. In particular, Tower Records welcomes not only record lovers, but also customers who are not interested in music or who do not know much about it, with a "low threshold and depth" philosophy.





TOWER VINYL SHINJUKU's overwhelming inventory and richness are not only the characteristics of the store, but also the atmosphere of the store. The store's 170 square meters, low shelves, high ceilings, and wide aisles are complemented by the sunlight streaming in through the glass windows, making the space even more spacious and bright, and its height on the 10th floor allows customers to explore records and enjoy the view of Shinjuku.


Tower Record Shinjuku / TOWER RECORDS SHINJUKU

Address: Flag 7 - 10F, 3-7-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku 160-0022, Tokyo

Opening hours: 11:00 - 23:00


Got any favorite vinyl record stores in your city that you'd like us to cover? Let us know!




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