Vinyl Grades - Japanese Vinyl
In our shop , each vinyl record is carefully selected and graded using an internationally recognized grading scale . This guide will help you understand the meaning of each acronym and make an informed choice.

SS – Still Sealed
The disc is still sealed, never opened or handled. It is in its original factory condition, with the cover perfectly intact. It has not been tested for playing since the disc has never been removed.
M – Mint / New
Perfect in every way. The vinyl has no visual or sonic defects, and the cover is immaculate. It's like new, both in sound and appearance.
NM – Near Mint / As New
Excellent condition, with minimal surface marks from careful use. The record plays perfectly, almost like new. The cover may show minor signs of handling, but no obvious damage.
EX – Excellent
The record and sleeve show some more visible signs of use than a Near Mint copy , but remain in overall good condition. There may be minor defects that do not significantly affect the listening experience.
VG – Very Good
The record has scratches or signs of wear , but remains playable. Occasional crackling, crackling, or sonic imperfections may occur. The cover may show discoloration, ring wear, small writing or stickers, or slightly worn or unglued edges.
G – Good
The vinyl is heavily used , with noticeable sonic flaws such as crackling and pops when played. The overall quality is compromised, but the record doesn't skip. The cover shows significant signs of wear, stains, writing, or tears, but remains complete.
F – Fair / Acceptable
The record is essentially unplayable or severely damaged. The cover is also badly damaged, with missing parts, significant tears, discoloration, or structural damage.
Why only Japanese vinyl?

Our shop deals almost exclusively with Japanese vinyl pressings , a choice that reflects our dedication to quality and conscious collecting.
Japanese vinyl records are recognized worldwide for their superior sound quality , careful pressing materials and precision manufacturing .
This is also due to the fact that Japan, in the golden years of Hi-Fi, was the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality audio systems.
This excellence also stems from a profound cultural value: in Japanese philosophy, the concept of "mottainai" (もったいない) expresses respect for objects and encourages us to preserve them carefully to ensure their longevity and avoid waste. This is why many Japanese vinyl records reach us in impeccable condition.
Japanese prints are also distinguished by some unique characteristics:

- The presence of the OBI strip , a printed vertical band that wraps around the cover. Aesthetically pleasing, it features information in Japanese about the album, the artist, the record company, and other details designed for the local market.
- Additional inserts such as booklets, stickers, text translations, photographs, and biographical notes, often absent from Western editions.
Collecting Japanese vinyl records means not only enjoying superior sound and visual quality, but also embracing a way of experiencing music that places respect for the object, its history, and its durability at its core.