Manhattan Records: 45 Years of Global Influence and Growth

Manhattan Records

Established: 1980
Industry: Retail Store/Distribution Label
Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
Owner's Motto: Respect

japanese

Text & Photo: Atsuko Tanaka

Tucked away just outside Shibuya’s main area, Manhattan Records is marked by its iconic blue “m” logo. A legendary record store that has influenced hip-hop fans worldwide, it has grown beyond Japan to become a global destination. Music lovers from around the world visit in search of an unparalleled record-shopping experience.

Founded in 1980 by the late Masao Hirakawa, the shop first opened as a discontinued vinyl store near Shibuya Police Station. In 1993, it relocated to its current Udagawacho location, positioning itself at the forefront of Japan’s record scene. Now celebrating its 45th anniversary, Manhattan Records is taking bold steps forward, including expanding into South Korea.

Leading the store today is Harada, known as “MarT.” Born and raised in Yamagata, he was drawn to Western music in middle school and started DJing in high school under the influence of friends. We spoke with him about the store’s rich history, best-selling items, and future plans.

Congratulations on the 45th anniversary! Can you share a brief history of the store?

The store originally started in a small apartment near Shibuya Police Station, where customers would remove their shoes and browse records on tatami flooring. We moved to our current location in 1993, at a time when the record scene was booming. The area was packed with record stores like Tower Records and Cisco, making it a prime destination for vinyl enthusiasts.

Initially, the store focused on blues and rock, but as customer demand shifted, we expanded into jazz-funk, rap, and dance music. Eventually, we began stocking new releases because discontinued records were expensive and catered mainly to collectors. By supplying fresh vinyl at a faster pace, we aimed to contribute more effectively to the scene.

How did you first know about Manhattan Records?

I started DJing in high school thanks to friends, and we always discussed where to buy records. I discovered Manhattan Records through a DJ KOMORI mixtape at a local record shop. When I finally visited, the area was like a dreamland—packed with record stores—and I spent all my money on vinyl.

What was your first impression of the store?

Manhattan Records stood out for its eye-catching POP display like, No.1 heat for the baddest chicks!” or “No doubt, cop two of these!” made it easy to choose records, even for beginners. The store also had an impressive selection of R&B, which was perfect for me.

When did you start working here?

After graduating from a specialized school, I worked as a DJ while doing various part-time jobs. In 2008, I joined Manhattan Records, though my first role was in the warehouse, handling online orders, distribution, and labeling. A year later, I left to work at another record store for eight years. When I returned, I was determined to take on a bigger role. Three years later, during the pandemic, I became store manager, and it's now been about four years.

What’s the store’s core concept?

Manhattan Records is a hub for hip-hop culture, connecting artists and customers while serving as a launchpad for new music and trends.

What are your best-selling items?

Our main focus is on new vinyl records and original merchandise, but we also carry used records and cassette tapes. Right now, our most popular items are apparel featuring the iconic “m” logo. Back in the day, we had a separate store called “Manhattan Clothes & Shoes,” which sold both our brand and other fashion labels. When that shop closed in 2010, our clothing line became more of an afterthought. But over time, demand for our logo gear grew, so around the pre-pandemic period, we decided to expand our apparel collection. Our designer, Kaleido (from Sound’s Deli), creates pieces that resonate with younger audiences. T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the redesigned storefront have been particularly popular.

You have many interesting items too. What’s the rarest itesm in the store?

The rarest might be MF Doom’s Operation: Doomsday. The original release was independently produced with a limited run, making it a prized collector’s item. We also stock cassette tapes, which are a more affordable way to experience analog sound. You can grab a player and tapes for under 10,000 yen.

What’s been the most memorable event at the store?

When Shibuya was recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the city with the most record stores, we saw an insane turnout. During a MISIA vinyl release, lines stretched past the NHK intersection.

We’ve also had visits from big-name international artists. The Alchemist and Cookin’ Soul held meet-and-greet events here, and Knxwledge often drops by. One of the most unforgettable moments was meeting The Alchemist. He was calm, charismatic, and had a powerful presence. At his first event, held without prior announcement, over 300 fans showed up post-pandemic. While we were worried about time, he told us, “No need to rush.” He made sure every fan had a meaningful interaction.

After the event, I asked him for a message to aspiring artists, and he said, “To find inspiration, you need time. You haven’t done enough yet—10,000 hours, no, 100,000 hours. Keep creating, and when the time comes, you’ll be ready.” That moment really stuck with me.

What a nice story! You recently opened a store in Seoul. What led to this expansion?

It took several years of planning, negotiations, and preparation, but we finally made it happen. Even before opening, Manhattan Records had a strong following in Korea, so we felt an immediate sense of excitement—like people were saying, “Finally, Manhattan is here!”

How was the opening event?

The official opening event was for industry insiders, but our pre-opening in January was incredible. We announced it just one day before, yet people lined up from early morning. The team in Korea has strong connections in media and fashion, which helped create a lot of buzz.

What’s different about the Korean store?

The focus there is more on apparel, with exclusive items you can only get in Korea. We support them on the vinyl side, but the local team handles fashion.

What’s next for Manhattan Records?

Since the store’s founding, we’ve always embraced a global mindset. Now that we have a base in Korea, we’ll continue expanding our reach. At the same time, we want to preserve analog culture while staying relevant to younger digital-native generations. Our goal is to remain a hub for music and culture.

You get a lot of international customers, right?

Yes, especially young people from Asia. We also see Western families stopping by. Interestingly, our Katakana-branded merch is a huge hit now. A guy from California recently came in, super hyped, saying, “Give me a Katakana T-shirt!”

Any thoughts on the Shibuya area?

Back in the ’90s and 2000s, Center Street was the main attraction, and we felt like its final destination. But with Miyashita Park’s redevelopment, the landscape has changed. We now see ourselves as part of “Backstreet Shibuya.”

Finally, any message for first-time visitors?

This store has naturally evolved into a cultural landmark over decades. If you’re curious about what “culture” really means, come visit and immerse yourself in it!

big apple scramble