Tokyo record shop Technique has closed indefinitely

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  • Rocked by the pandemic, the beloved store will now focus on online sales.
  • Tokyo record shop Technique has closed indefinitely image
  • World-renowned Tokyo record shop Technique closed yesterday, March 27th, for an indefinite period. In a post on Instagram, the store said the "expansion" of the Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure. But the post, which has been translated from Japanese, also hinted at a possible return. "If the timing comes again, I would like to manage the store in a new way." The voice behind the post is likely Technique manager Yoshiharu Sato, who, in a recent interview with Inverted Audio, said the pandemic initially caused the Shibuya shop to relocate to nearby shopping centre PARCO in 2020 because "people couldn't come into the store, which was a problem." But the new spot brought its own issues. "I guess it should've been obvious from the start," said Sato, "but in PARCO—while there are a lot of people who visit and enjoy shopping—there aren't many record buyers." The lack of international visitors also affected business, as the store was hugely popular with travelling DJs and producers. "If customers can can come from abroad again, then this might change," said Sato. "It depends on how long the effects of Covid-19 last." For now, Technique will operate online, selling a mix of club-ready and downtempo vinyl, as well as its own line of merch. This is the second high-profile closure to hit Tokyo's electronic music community in the past week. Last Thursday, beloved club Contact confirmed its doors will shut for good on September 17th due to an urban redevelopment project. On March 21st, Tokyo eased its latest round of Covid-19 restrictions, meaning business no longer have to limit operating hours, among other measures. Find out more here.
RA