Tower Records in Tokyo, Japan

Tower Records is one of those interesting 'big in Japan' kind of stories. When this chain went bankrupt in the United States in 2006, Tower Records Japan had already established itself and went independent from the international chain in 2002. In other words, Tower Records Japan wasn't impacted by the U.S. bankruptcy and continued to thrive here.


Prior to visiting Tokyo, Japan I was already aware of this history because of the Tower Records documentary, All Things Must Pass. I also knew the 9 story flagship store was located in Tokyo in Shibuya. Naturally, we had to go. Funnily enough, I wasn't even looking for anything in particular. I just wanted to see it. I just wanted to browse a giant music store again.