Tower Records Shibuya Undergoes Major Five-Floor Renovation With New “Oshikatsu” Zone and Beer Bar

Japanese pop culture news edited by Patrick Macias

• Tower Records Shibuya begins multi-phase renovation spanning five floors.

• New “Oshikatsu” (fan activity) area will cater to Japan’s growing fandom culture.

• Sixth floor adds “Tower Records Beer,” a standing craft beer bar with DJ events.

Tower Records Shibuya Begins Renovation for a New Era

The iconic Tower Records Shibuya in Tokyo began large-scale renovations on November 4, aiming to transform five of its floors into a next-generation “experiential music store.” The project marks the first major overhaul since the expansion of its vinyl section in 2023. The store, which first opened on Jingumae’s main street in March 1995 after relocating from Udagawacho, is once again evolving to meet “the trends of the times.”

A Full Redesign of the First Floor

The first floor has closed entirely for renovation and will reopen on December 18. The redesign includes new entrances, registers, and display layouts to create a “high-visibility” retail space. A mirrored “welcome gate” near the ceiling will invite customers to take photos and videos, while dedicated background music will play exclusively within the gate. The “Power Push Area” will showcase new CDs, vinyl records, books, and original Tower Records merchandise. Meanwhile, the “Oshi Area” will respond to Japan’s oshikatsu boom, which refers to the fan-driven culture of supporting favorite idols, anime characters, or artists through events and merchandise. This space will feature photo spots equipped with selfie functions so even solo visitors can capture memories.

Fourth and Fifth Floors Target Idol, Anime, and K-Pop Fans

The second renovation phase begins January 1, 2026, focusing on the fourth through sixth floors. The fourth floor, dedicated to idol and anime or game content, will introduce private photo booths for immersive fan experiences. New “dance studio-style” spots with full-length mirrors will let visitors take pictures beside life-size visuals of their favorite artists, complete with lighting effects tailored to each performer or event. The fifth floor will become a full-scale K-pop zone. Inspired by Seoul’s bustling nightlife, it will include neon signage and street-style décor. Both the fourth and fifth floors will remain closed through February 23, 2026, as work continues.

Tower Records Beer Brings Craft Brews to the Sixth Floor

On the sixth floor, home to the Tower Vinyl new and used record specialty shop, a new standing beer bar called Tower Records Beer will open. It will feature 12 craft beer taps from Japanese and international breweries, including exclusive original brews. A built-in DJ booth will host live sets and themed events, allowing customers to enjoy music and drinks in one place. Renovations on this floor are scheduled through February 27.

Expanding J-Pop and Domestic Music Offerings

The third floor, which focuses on Japanese artists, will undergo limited construction from February 3 to 7, 2026. The store plans to expand its J-pop inventory to approximately 1.5 times its previous scale to meet increasing demand for domestic music.

Tower Records Legacy in Japan

Founded in the United States in 1960, Tower Records opened its first Japanese store in Sapporo in 1979, eventually expanding into one of the nation’s most beloved music retailers. The Shibuya flagship, famous for its bright red exterior and nine floors of music, became a cultural hub for fans, artists, and collectors alike. Even in the age of streaming, Tower Records Shibuya continues to prove that physical music retail can thrive by combining fandom culture, live experiences, and community-driven passion.