Where to buy online in Japan?

[Que]

I'm interested in some Japan-only issues.
The Japanese seem to share two of my special interests: HIP recordings, and historical/older recordings. I soon discovered that many Japanese issues are also available as special import items from various Amazon sellers but - not surprisingly - at (much) higher prices!

I'd appreciate some advice on which Japanese store I should buy from.

Taking the following in account:
- I'd like to know if it's in stock. I don't like back orders that take ages.
- Price, of course!
- Also indispensable in this case: some basic navigation tools in English. (My Japanese is a bit off lately.. )
- Reliable shipping against a reasonable rate.

I'm familiar with the sites of CDJapan, HMV Japan and Tower.JP - which one to choose??

Thanks!  ,

Q

[Que]

What's your preferred online seller in Japan? Anyone?

Q

[Daverz]

HMV Japan

Overseas shipping is expensive but very fast.  Usually when averaged out, prices come out to about the same as a trip to Borders, but, of course, Borders doesn't have anything like the selection.

[sidoze]

HMV Japan

Overseas shipping is expensive but very fast.

It's not that much anymore as instead of using FedEx they use a local Japanese courier. Their selection is bigger than CD Japan's, but the latter allows you to mark the package as "gift", thus avoiding any customs charge (in my experience).

Has anyone here been to Japan? I've heard that the classical CD stores are outrageously over-stocked in Tokyo.

[SimonGodders]

It's not that much anymore as instead of using FedEx they use a local Japanese courier. Their selection is bigger than CD Japan's, but the latter allows you to mark the package as "gift", thus avoiding any customs charge (in my experience).

Has anyone here been to Japan? I've heard that the classical CD stores are outrageously over-stocked in Tokyo.

Yeah, postage is much cheaper now and makes purchasing far more tempting
In my experience (ordered from HMV a few times) it's also incredibly fast shipping. Good customs tip there Tony

[Novi]

Hello Que - didn't respond to your original post because I've only used hmv.jp and didn't have other suggestions.

Obviously I like the selection there and for some CDs, the prices are a fair bit lower. But I also like the fab courier tracking thing where they log virtually every inch of the journey .

(I need to get a life, he, he).

[Drasko]

HMV has an enormous catalogue, much bigger than cdjapan. Cdjapan prices are generaly touch lower than HMV. I found cdjapan to be great for smaller orders as they offer regular air-mail shipping which comes the same as ordering from US for someone in Europe and that regular air-mail usually arrives here in 7-10 days. One tip: when you search through cdjapan change both left dropdown slots to all or you won't get complete result.

[bhodges]

Another vote for HMV Japan.  Awhile back I placed an order online on a Wednesday, and it arrived express mail two days later, on Friday.  I would definitely order from them again.

--Bruce

[uffeviking]

I wanted to see what HMV has to offer and ran into this news:


HMV Japan Auction Begins
May 11, 2007 - Global | Retail


British music and books retailer HMV Group Plc is auctioning its Japanese business, with buyout firms among the bidders, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday

[karlhenning]

Another vote for HMV Japan.  Awhile back I placed an order online on a Wednesday, and it arrived express mail two days later, on Friday.  I would definitely order from them again.

With the speed of a bullet train . . . .

[Que]

Thank you all for the comments and recommendations - much appreciated!

Q

[Daverz]

with buyout firms among the bidders

Does that mean liquidators?   That would be very bad news.  Guess I better do my next order soon.

[Todd]

Does that mean liquidators?

Most likely not liquidation, but it may still be bad news for collectors.  I use both HMV Japan and CD Japan, and the former has some sweet titles I can find nowhere else.  Time to buy indeed.