Since I get asked this question frequently, I thought it would be best to compile a pseudo list of where I buy records from. If you're starting out, Discogs is often the place to order from but please pay attention to shipping & seller reviews. Ebay is also the old standard and can have good deals. Get familiar with the grading of the records and what they mean but reading the reviews of the seller is the most important part! If I shop on marketplaces or auction sites, I tend to not buy records from someone with BELOW a 99.7 rating.
If you're in LA or southern California, Boogie Maru Sounds is supposed to be a solid place to shop. I haven't shopped there personally but it might be one to keep in mind.
🎵 Plugs/connections in Japan
🎵 Yahoo Japan Auctions 🎵 Various Online Japanese Stores 🎵 Discogs - I usually buy from sellers with 99.7% rating and above. Before you buy from a seller, please read the reviews!
🎵 HMV Record Stores (Japan) - You can ship to the US directly from HMV. Shipping is a little high but Japan Post is super reliable.
🎵 Ebay (more so this year than before)
🎵 Music History (Portland, OR) 🎵 Daybreak Records (Seattle,WA)
🎵 Face Records NYC (NYC) (Also on Discogs)
🎵 A-1 Records (Jazz, Brazilian, Boogie, etc) (NYC)
🎵 Academy Records (non-Japanese Purchases) (NYC)
🎵 Human Head Records (Brazilian, Reggae, Jazz & more) (NYC) (Also on Discogs)
🎵 lightnup records good people, good selections. overall recommended!
🎵 Portal Records - I haven’t ordered from this exact site (only their Discogs store before) but are pretty reliable!
🎵 offshore sounds - formerly earsofthebeholder. very nice people - sell more than just city pop.
🎵 Saltbox Records - Make sure you grab any heat FAST because once they’re posted, they are gone!
My collection is constantly growing. While you may find 4 Momoko Kikuchi albums in my collection, I do not collect idol music (no Seiko Matsuda, etc for example). My vinyl love also extends to Brazilian, Jazz, Jamaican, and 60s French music, American Boogie & Funk, and Soul. I am actively collecting more Jazz (both Japanese Jazz & American Jazz/Jazz-funk) music in 2023. We will see where the years take me!
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