RAWMENレコード
Sangenjaya, Tokyo
Tucked down one of Sangenjaya’s narrow, lamp-lit alleyways, RAWMEN Records feels like a secret listening room for people who take their music seriously but prefer a relaxed, neighborhood pace; it sits right in the heart of 三軒茶屋, where indie boutiques and cozy izakaya line the streets. Part record shop, part kissaten-style bar, the space is compact and warmly furnished with weathered wood, stacks of vinyl, retro posters and a couple of low booths that encourage lingering conversation. The owners curate an eclectic mix—vintage jazz, rare Japanese psych, tucked-away folk and subtle electronic blends—played on an analog rig that gives records real presence; sometimes a local DJ slips in for an intimate set, other nights you can simply ask to hear a crate-picked gem. Regulars tend to share listening tips and neighborhood gossip, so visitors often leave with new music and a route for exploring the area’s live venues. If you want an authentic slice of Tokyo’s music culture away from the tourist trail, RAWMEN is the kind of place where discovery happens slowly, with a cup in hand and vinyl spinning softly in the background.
Tucked down one of Sangenjaya’s narrow, lamp-lit alleyways, RAWMEN Records feels like a secret listening room for people who take their music seriously but prefer a relaxed, neighborhood pace; it sits right in the heart of 三軒茶屋, where indie boutiques and cozy izakaya line the streets. Part record shop, part kissaten-style bar, the space is compact and warmly furnished with weathered wood, stacks of vinyl, retro posters and a couple of low booths that encourage lingering conversation. The owners curate an eclectic mix—vintage jazz, rare Japanese psych, tucked-away folk and subtle electronic blends—played on an analog rig that gives records real presence; sometimes a local DJ slips in for an intimate set, other nights you can simply ask to hear a crate-picked gem. Regulars tend to share listening tips and neighborhood gossip, so visitors often leave with new music and a route for exploring the area’s live venues. If you want an authentic slice of Tokyo’s music culture away from the tourist trail, RAWMEN is the kind of place where discovery happens slowly, with a cup in hand and vinyl spinning softly in the background.