Tokyo Beatniks

Retro-Japanese Content Curator
Celebrating the sound and style of Japan’s Showa & Heisei eras.

Tokyo Beatniks brings ShowaPop and modern indie J-pop to life through DJ events, curated playlists, collaborations, and vinyl pressings on the Tokyo Beatniks Record Label. Each release amplifies the spirit of Japan’s next-generation indie artists, preserving their music in timeless grooves.

Additionally, Tokyo Beatniks personally sources authentic retro kawaii treasures — from vinyl records and collectibles to vintage video and arcade games — connecting fans around the world to Japan’s golden pop culture.

My mission is to share the warmth, color, and creativity of retro Japan—while spotlighting emerging voices from Japan’s vibrant indie music scene, connecting the past and present through sound and culture.

レトロジャパニーズ・コンテンツ・キュレーター
昭和と平成、日本の音とスタイルを讃えて。

Tokyo Beatniksは、昭和ポップとモダン・インディーJ-POPを、DJイベント、キュレーションされたプレイリスト、アーティストコラボレーション、そしてTokyo Beatniksレコードレーベルでのアナログレコード制作を通じて蘇らせます。各リリースは、日本の次世代インディーアーティストの精神と音楽を伝え、時代を超えて残るグルーヴとして刻まれます。

さらに、Tokyo Beatniksは、ビニールレコードやコレクタブルグッズ、ヴィンテージのビデオゲームやアーケードゲームなど、本物のレトロかわいいアイテムを丁寧にセレクトし、世界中のファンと日本の黄金期ポップカルチャーをつなげています。

私たちの使命は、レトロ日本の温かさ、色彩、創造性を分かち合うこと。そして、日本の活気あるインディー音楽シーンから生まれる新しい才能を照らし出し、音楽とカルチャーを通して過去と現在をつなぐことです。

東京ビートニクス

  • Moon In June

    Summer Pop'97 / Robert
    TBDW-2

    Known for celebrating Japanese pop culture and highlighting the Japanese indie scene, San Francisco-based label Tokyo Beatniks Record Label is releasing Moon In June’s next 7-inch vinyl. As part of a special project, this Disk Union (DIW) collaboration will feature two fan-favorite tracks: “Summer Pop '97” and “Robert.”

    Side A’s “Summer Pop '97” is a radiant pop tune, marked by sun-drenched, sparkling guitar work and a nostalgic melody. With its breezy beat and uplifting chord progressions, the song naturally lifts the listener’s spirits and evokes a sense of bright, carefree joy.

    On Side B, “Robert” begins with a quiet arpeggio, gradually layering delicate and wistful melodies that swell into a powerful emotional wave. Its intricate arrangement reveals new imagery with every listen, making it a deeply resonant and immersive track.

    This 7-inch release captures the essence of Moon In June’s sound—a small yet vivid story that reflects memory and emotion, gently sealed into vinyl form.

    $16 - Buy Now

  • Moon In June

    「The Sky Crawlers / ペーパー・ムーン」
    TBDW-1

    Moon In June is a band that is at the core of the recent booming Japanese Dream Pop and shoegaze scene and has been attracting attention in Japan and internationally.

    This 7 inch analog record is a collaboration between Tokyo Beatniks Record Label and DISK UNION (DIW) that contains two songs from Moon In June’s second album, "shikisai wo motainai dei”.

    SIDE A: “The Sky Crawlers"
    SIDE B: Paper Moon (ペーパー・ムーン)

    $16 - Buy Now
  • An image of tbrl-1003.

    ごいちー / The Pen Friend Club

    「新しいメロディ / My New Melodies」
    SZDW1114 / TBRL-1003

    The song “My New Melodies” was included on The Pen Friend Club’s 10th Anniversary album in 2022. Additionally, the band backed singing idol goichiiiii (cana➗biss) for the song “Atarashii Melody” (新しいメロディ) from the 2022 mini album “Let Me Hear It, Mister”. The two songs have now been released in parntership of Tokyo Beatniks Record Label and DISK UNION (DIW) for Record Store Day Japan, April 20, 2024.

    “My New Melodies” has been remixed for the vinyl release from The Pen Friend Club’s main songwriter & leader Yuichi Hirakawa.

    $16 - Buy Now
  • An image of TBRL-1001.

    The Romans / Ichiban

    「好きになっちゃった / Colours」
    TBRL-1001

    Side A: The Romans, based in Tokyo, presents “suki ni nachatta” which features all the gleam, sparkle, and wonder that the band (now operating as The Second Waltz) has become known for. With a whirling synth, smooth electric piano, and laid back guitar strums, this semi-shoegaze, indie pop gem titled「好きになっちゃった」, shares the strength of love during the difficulties of separation. SIDE B: Ichiban, based in California shares “Colours”, a light and melodic mood and vibe of the changing seasons and how with the warmth of music–even in the coldest of winters–can help wash away tears and pain.

    The Romans / Ichiban split 7 inch vinyl is Tokyo Beatniks Record Label’s debut release.

    $12 - Buy Now
  • An image of Super Drive EP

    Ichiban - "Super Drive EP"

    Ichiban (Instagram) is an indie band bridging the Pacific—fronted by vocalist Yoko in Japan, with bandmates Marty, Jared, and Allen based in California. Despite the distance, the group has been collaborating across time zones to craft their unique sound.

    Their debut release bursts with an infectious power-pop energy, blending catchy melodies with a playful, retro vibe. Don’t miss the animated music video below for the title track, “Super Drive”—a vibrant, joyride of a song that captures the spirit of their cross-cultural collaboration.

    "Super Drive EP" is now available both digitally and as a self-released 7" and it can also be heard on iTunes, Spotify, etc.

    $5 - Buy Now
  • Showa Pop Cassette Photo

    Showa Pop Compilation Cassette

    Beat, Pop, Lounge - 20 Song Collection

    $12 - Buy Now
  • 16 songs from Tokyo Beatniks cassette image

    16 Songs From Tokyo Beatniks

    Compilation cassette for 16 essential tracks from Tokyo Beatniks

    SOLD OUT
  • 16 Songs from Tokyo Beatniks CD Comp

    16 Songs From Tokyo Beatniks CD Compilation

    First CD comp containing 16 essential songs from Tokyo Beatniks

    SOLD OUT

Tokyo Beatniks: Modern Beatniks Spotify Playlists

Each volume offers listeners a curated 16-song playlist showcasing standout Japanese bands and artists—both emerging and established. Through these playlists, Tokyo Beatniks aims to introduce and celebrate the richness of Japanese music culture with audiences in the United States and around the world.

For the latest volumes and more musical discoveries, follow Tokyo Beatniks on Spotify.

16 Songs From Tokyo Beatniks

Each playlist from Tokyo Beatniks is a carefully curated journey through 60s and 70s Japanese Beat, Showa Pop, Rock & Roll, Group Sounds, j-boogie, and Shibuya-kei. The “16 Songs from Tokyo Beatniks” series invites listeners into a nostalgic soundscape—like stepping into a hidden chanteuse bar or retro lounge tucked away in the backstreets of 1960s Tokyo.

Through music, Tokyo Beatniks strives to preserve, share, and reimagine the golden eras of Japanese pop culture. Sit back, relax, and stay tuned for more sonic time travel.

Tokyo Beatniks & OK Marketplace

I’m thrilled to partner with OK Marketplace, a vibrant pop-up event in Japantown, San Francisco celebrating makers, artists, and vintage fashion. Built by the community for the community, the event encourages visitors to express themselves freely while exploring Japan-inspired culture.

Through this collaboration, I bring personally sourced and hand-selected treasures directly from Japan to shoppers, offering rare and exciting finds, including:

  • Nintendo Consoles & Games: Famicom, Super Famicom, N64, plus rare games and printed materials.

  • Vinyl Records: LPs and 45s spanning anime soundtracks, J-boogie, City Pop, J-indie, J-pop, ShowaPop, and Group Sounds.

  • Collectibles: New and vintage figures from Sanrio, Peko-chan, Arale, Domo, Sailor Moon, Super Mario, Chibi Maruko Chan, and more.

  • Rarities: Large Hello Kitty lamps, vintage wall art, store displays, and other unique kawaii treasures.

  • Plush Toys: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, Badtz-Maru, Domo, Doraemon, Pokémon, Gudetama, Kirby, and so many more.

I’m always searching for items that reflect our customers’ passions. If you’re looking for a specific collectible or rare piece, don’t hesitate to reach out— As a collector myself, I’d love to help bring a piece of Japan’s pop culture directly to you. Let’s start by filling out this no obligation form!

私は、サンフランシスコのジャパンタウンで開催される、クリエイター・アーティスト・ヴィンテージファッションを祝う活気あるポップアップイベント「OK Marketplace」とのパートナーシップをとても楽しみにしています。コミュニティによって作られ、コミュニティのために運営されるこのイベントでは、来場者が自由に自己表現をしながら、日本にインスパイアされた文化を体験できる場となっています。

このコラボレーションを通じて、私は日本から直接仕入れた、手選びの特別なアイテムを来場者にお届けします。ここで手に入るのは、珍しくてワクワクするようなアイテムばかりです：

  • 任天堂コンソール＆ゲーム：ファミコン、スーパーファミコン、N64、さらにレアなゲームや印刷物。

  • アナログレコード：LP・45回転盤、アニメサウンドトラック、J-ブギー、シティポップ、J-インディー、J-POP、昭和ポップ、グループサウンズなど。

  • コレクタブル：サンリオ、ペコちゃん、アラレちゃん、ドーモくん、セーラームーン、スーパーマリオ、ちびまる子ちゃんなど、新品・ヴィンテージのフィギュア。

  • レアアイテム：大型ハローキティランプ、ヴィンテージのウォールアート、店舗ディスプレイ、その他ユニークなかわいいアイテム。

  • ぬいぐるみ：ハローキティ、マイメロディ、ポムポムプリン、バッドばつ丸、ドーモ、ドラえもん、ポケモン、ぐでたま、カービィなど、多数。

私は常にお客様の好みや情熱に沿ったアイテムを探しています。もし特定のコレクタブルやレアな一品をお探しでしたら、ぜひご連絡ください。コレクターとしての経験を活かし、日本のポップカルチャーの魅力を直接お届けするお手伝いをさせていただきます。

Let’s Connect!