MH FEATURED POLL #2: What are your favorite sites to purchase Japanese CDs from?

[CAT5 9075]

This is a multiple choice poll! What are your favorite sites to purchase Japanese CDs from?

[Biopanda 2675]

Side-eyein' anyone who doesn't vote RarezHut ;/ 

 

Content: Other than auctions, I generally buy a lot at Adumaya Honpo(aduma8.shop-pro.jp). They've got a great selection of rare items, update frequently, ship overseas with super cheap shipping and are just all-around awesome. It doesn't hurt that they seem to be less known, so all the good stuff doesn't get picked clean nearly as fast as at closet-child and puresound XD

[stylelover 1086]

Hm, most of my orders are from https://www.jishubanclub.com i guess.

 

Closely followed by auction sites.

 

i guess fromjapan then, even though thats not a "shopping site"

[Bear 1817]

Are we talking about Japanese music in general, or just "jrock/visual kei"?

 

Anyway, the 3-4 "jrock/visual kei" albums I own I've bought from CDON.no. But I own other CDs, LPs and tapes from Japanese bands, but these are mostly bought from some smaller distros in my country. Gotta support thesefew, great guys who spends so much time and money on distributing great music.

[saishuu 3220]

I've only bought from CDJapan and Closet Child so far. CDJapan's service is solid and the only time I had any troubles with them was with my last order (the fault goes to my country's post office, though). Bought from Closet Child once and got taxed quite a big amount, but the CDs were cheap and most in near-mint condition.

[hiroki 5521]

I buy 90% of my stuff "through" FromJapan even though they aren't a shopping site technically lol.

Anyway, since the poll is really about webshops:

For new vk CDs: I prefer Cross Cat and Brand X because of their slightly cheaper shipping. ZEAL LINK and Like an Edison usually have the best bonus items but online orders incur the extra cash-on-delivery handling charge. I agree with stylelover that Jishuban is a good choice as well.

For used vk CDs: Auctions ftw, especially Mbok. I also stalk puresound and closetchild on an almost daily basis. (yeah I need a life x.x)

Edit: To answer someone's question below - with the exception of Brand X and more recently Jishuban, all the other vk specialist shops don't ship overseas. So the only way you can place an order is through a proxy e.g. FromJapan.

[hitsuji-hime 211]

Bought CDs from CDJapan so far....need to try out other places, but I'm paranoid.

[Seimeisen 4406]

Technically, I hate having to deal with all of these sites at some capacity, since there's always some inconvenience... except for Bandcamp, that site is wonderful; and I'm sure RarezHut would be very convenient too, since they don't operate in Japan.

Agreeing that あづまや本舗 has a nice selection, though some of their things can be freakishly expensive. However, before they started shipping overseas, I placed orders on that site through FROM JAPAN, and shipping to the warehouse was always free. Haven't tried ordering from them since they started shipping overseas.

I like ClosetChild and PureSound, because they have a nice selection, but they ONLY let you use EMS. Also, PureSound makes you e-mail them an order form, which is fucking weird.

CDJapan can be a pain in the ass from time to time (especially with pre-orders), but they have multiple shipping options, so it can be more affordable in many cases.

FROM JAPAN used to be my all-time favourite thing ever, but now I feel a bit resentful. It's perfect for buying multiple things from several different stores, but buying only two CDs from a different store... not so much, but sometimes it's the only option. Also, it seems that they go to great lengths to make sure that customers spend the most money (e.g: putting two CDs in a GIANT BOX so you can pay more for shipping but charging you to make them put the items in a smaller packet).

With my financial situation, I will only, ONLY purchase through FROM JAPAN if it is my last resort, or it is (by some freakish circumstance) the cheapest option.

[Dark Kinma 960]

My favorite shop is CDJapan, because it's the most simple for me and they are fair price for oversea, and because I receive my cd in air mail as fast as EMS, so that's a good deal.

 

I like too ClosetChild, because they are serious and not really more expensive with shipping charge, and have some low price for cd but they are really expensive for live distribe cd.

 

has try Brand-x one time and, they are expensive and don't give bonus (and has spent more than 5000yen for bought an album)

[Champ213 1858]

To be honest, most of the vk stuff that isn't fairly old or super-rarez can be bought from CD Japan. I'm often surprised how many lesser known bands they carry. I do suspect them to overcharge on shipping though. Recently they wanted almost 4000 Yen for 5 CDs with EMS. I never payed more than 2000 Yen on Closetchild, even for more than 5 CDs!

 

That being said, I really like Closetchild, made some nice finds there. I just wish they would stop stocking all those Golden Bomber chekis. WHO IS ACTUALLY BUYING ALL OF THOSE!?!

 

 

Other than that it's Adumaya, Puresound and Yahoo Auctions for me, but 80% of what I buy is probably from Closetchild and CD Japan.

[Seimeisen 4406]

To be honest, most of the vk stuff that isn't fairly old or super-rarez can be bought from CD Japan. I'm often surprised how many lesser known bands they carry. I do suspect them to overcharge on shipping though. Recently they wanted almost 4000 Yen for 5 CDs with EMS.

That's why I'd use FedEx, or at the very least, Registered SAL. Come to think of it, whenever I use CDJapan, I almost always use FedEx.

Also, I find it funny, pointless, and somewhat infuriating that their Registered Airmail takes longer than EMS, but it's more expensive.

[hiroki 5521]

Fedex is always a good choice unless you live in one of those countries that tax a ridiculous amount on Fedex parcels.

 

Closetchild has a lot of rare stuff; unfortunately like what ryuuji has also said they charge at least 3800 or 4800 yen for almost all the live-limited or live-distros. I suspect they buy at a higher price from the bangyas to try and monopolize the live-limited market so they can profit more off it lol.

[Champ213 1858]

That's why I'd use FedEx, or at the very least, Registered SAL. Come to think of it, whenever I use CDJapan, I almost always use FedEx.

Also, I find it funny, pointless, and somewhat infuriating that their Registered Airmail takes longer than EMS, but it's more expensive.

 

That really depends on location. To Germany Registered Airmail is pretty much always cheaper, while EMS and FedEx are very close together. But FedEx may charge you extra for doing the customs work from what I heard from a friend. Again, this will probably be different from countrry to country.

[BrenGun 2261]

Hm, most of my orders are from https://www.jishubanclub.com i guess.

 

 

So they send overseas? oO..

I didn't know that.. good to know~ 

btw for brand-x

 

 

Order information for overseas

Please don't use Hotmail & yahoo.com,

because we can't send the E-mail by influence of the anti-spam.

Please read before placing your order

We can take orders and ship to any country in the globe

=.= my paypal is HOTMAIL adress. does that matter with paying?

If not then I'm going to try them in the future for sure.

I don't like closet child. but only because they only use EMS and they won't send your order as a GIFT no matter what. 

I wished they cared more for oversea fans who want cheaper shipping.

ZEAL LINK and Like an Edison usually have the best bonus items but online orders incur the extra cash-on-delivery handling charge.

cash-on-delivery handling charge. Oo...??

But they don't write anything about "oversea shipping" at their website?

but littlehearts doesn't sell overseas right?

 

 

also where is that puresound guide how to order from them? =.=

[JRD 5156]

My Favorite shop is Puresound. They always seem to have rares that I want from time to time. Like Vier la drain's Aurolla or びじゅ☆'s 大嫌い( Didn't get a chance at these since I don't really listen to VK anymore and don't stalk this site like I use to and now I'm super sad, but I will throw money at you like crazy if you can help me with these T.T), but they sometimes seen to have it out of stock when I email them and it's listed on their site still >.>

 

Second would come Adumaya. Their stuff is legit cheap with rares and the person handling everything is extremely pleasurable to interact with. I even found rares, like legit 100 copies or less stuff that I thought I would never see and got them. Except for that Panic Channel 2Days Oneman VHS(I hate you whoever got that TT.TT, I will throw money at you) And not to mention that even with EMS it's extremely freaking cheap for shipping!

 

Then for all my other wank I use fromjapan.

[fitear1590 2414]

Lately, I've been enjoying the free shipping from YesAsia.  They have just about everything I need! They're also really nice about adding items to their inventory for you to order.

I occasionally use fromjapan too, but not recently, since I'm low on the monies.

[The Reverend 3566]

CDJapan for the new stuff - no frills but reliable. At least looks like a place you'd feel comfortable entering your credit card number, unlike some on the list.

ClosetChild & Rarezhut for the used stuff - friendly service and quick/trackable shipping

 

Other than auctions, I generally buy a lot at Adumaya Honpo(aduma8.shop-pro.jp).

 

I'd never heard of them... and now my bank account hates you.

[Biopanda 2675]

My Favorite shop is Puresound. They always seem to have rares that I want from time to time. Like Vier la drain's Aurolla or びじゅ☆'s 大嫌い( Didn't get a chance at these since I don't really listen to VK anymore and don't stalk this site like I use to and now I'm super sad, but I will throw money at you like crazy if you can help me with these T.T), but they sometimes seen to have it out of stock when I email them and it's listed on their site still >.>

 

Second would come Adumaya. Their stuff is legit cheap with rares and the person handling everything is extremely pleasurable to interact with. I even found rares, like legit 100 copies or less stuff that I thought I would never see and got them. Except for that Panic Channel 2Days Oneman VHS(I hate you whoever got that TT.TT, I will throw money at you) And not to mention that even with EMS it's extremely freaking cheap for shipping!

 

Then for all my other wank I use fromjapan.

You can hate me and throw money at me if you like for that :v

[JRD 5156]

You can hate me and throw money at me if you like for that :v

JKLFAJSKLFJLKSAJFLKJSFLKAJSLKFAJKLF(Like I can ever hate you )

 

Is it an actual live VHS or some documentary thing? If you want to discuss price you can pm me if you want to sell

[CAT5 9075]

I chose Amazon, Hmv, and Fromjapan.

 

Amazon and Hmv tend to handle most of my music needs, but Amazon service is better and faster. Fromjapan I use when I need to get ahold of rarez that are only available through smaller, Japan-only shops or are mail-order only.

[Jigsaw9 6783]

My picks:

 

Yesasia.com - I like them because of the "free shipping over $40" option, only use it for such occasions. They have all the popular/well-known stuff but also can have some very random, bit more obscure things if you're willing to dig deeper. Horribly slow shipping but hey, I ain't complainin' if it's free!

 

CDJapan - My oldest and most trustworthy source of CDs/DVDs. Very good selection of even lesser-known bands, top-notch in the information and customer service department and great with shipping (if it's a new release, it's bound to knock at your door on release weekend, or next week at the latest).

 

FROMJAPAN - Great shopping service/proxy site, I only use them for such endeavours. Very good with Japanese Yahoo auctions. Recommended.

 

Bandcamp - I absolutely love the swiftness and easiness of Bc, too bad not many Japanese acts tend to favor this platform. I haven't bought actual physical CDs from here tho, only digital releases but for those I wouldn't go anywhere else.

 

ClosetChild - I haven't ordered from them for a long time now but back when I was collecting some then-active small bands' releases they tremendously came in handy. Too bad only EMS shipping was available (and nothing cheaper) but it was a comfortable sacrifice I guess.

 

Some of the other sites I used once or twice in the past but didn't leave much of an impression.

[Peace Heavy mk II 7200]

I tend to almost exclusively use CDJapan. They don't require a shopping service and they usually have all of the new things I'm looking to buy. 

 

When it comes to buying used CDs, I more often than not use Yahoo.jp (one or two cases were from mbok). 

 

 

Occasionally I use Rarezhut too, but usually that's only if I see an old release I really like that I wouldn't mind owning physically, or if there's some stuff I've never heard of on there and just buy at random

[doombox 4421]

I started with CDJapan, then moved onto HMV for better selection. I love ordering bandcamp if it's an option, too. 

[togz 2004]

I started with cdjapan as well, later moved to hmv also because they're better for huge orders... however I don't make that kind of money anymore so I either buy it on itunes if it's available or go through shopping services to get things from various auctions sites or japan only shops. So I can't say that i stick to just one place... I just use whatever is convenient at the time I need it.

[Biopanda 2675]

JKLFAJSKLFJLKSAJFLKJSFLKAJSLKFAJKLF(Like I can ever hate you )

 

Is it an actual live VHS or some documentary thing? If you want to discuss price you can pm me if you want to sell

Your inbox is full, bro :<