While Tower Records is one of the most well-known music stores in Japan, TSUTAYA is the largest chain store in Japan that not only attracts book and movie aficionados but also attracts music aficionados to their store thanks to their point card system, guest appearances and more.
Owned by the database and marketing business Culture Convenience Club, Ltd., TSUTAYA is a music and book store and rental shop that began back in 1983 as Tsuya Bookstore.
The bookstore would expand and in 1994, would start their franchise development of creating more bookstores and in 2012, would surpass Kinokuniya Bookstore in sales. By December 2017, there are 938 Tsutaya Stores in Japan. Of the 47 prefectures in Japan, the only prefecture there is no TSUTAYA is in Shimane Prefecture.
As TSUTAYA became Japan’s largest chain store in terms of sales and recognized as such in 2012, their music division ala TSUTAYA RECORDS began in July 1993 and TSUTAYA was recognized as the largest dealer in JApan for video and music in 2005. And as of December 2017, TSUTAYA has around 803 stores selling DVD’s and 802 shops that selling music CD’s.
The Tsutaya building is located right at Shibuya Scramble and is well-known, especially as a goto place for those trying to get a seat at Starbucks Coffee to get an overhead video or photo of people at Shibuya Scramble.
But taking a look at TSUTAYA in Shibuya is no doubt reminiscent of the past when music stores were relevant in America. The only difference is you see people with their smartphones taking pictures of various interior segments with their favorite band.
The other difference is that a music CD are more expensive than the US with the average price going for $40+ or more. But these days, when you buy a CD, they release limited editions or CD+DVD or CD+Blu-ray versions that feature a music video collection or a live concert. Sometimes they come with tickets for a live event or to meet with a pop star via a handshake event (which is common with idol groups).
But during my visits to TSUTAYA, I notice that each time I’ve been there, there has always been a pop star visiting the area. Recently, I saw three members from the idol group LOVE at the TSUTAYA Shibuya store.
Overall, TSUTAYA is a pretty cool music store to visit beyond just going there to find a seat to sit at a Starbucks to look out a window. Explore the place and check it out!
