TokyoMusicJapan.com

 

Japanese PROMO and rare collectables!

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

About Tokyo Music

Catalogue Information & Abbreviations

Sleeve & Disc Gradings

Promos, Samples & the Obi

Discounts

About Shipping

How To Order & Payment

Mailing List & Homepage Updates

 

ABOUT TOKYO MUSIC

Tokyo Music was started in 1994 and specialises in supplying Japanese issue promotional, deleted and rare CDs and vinyl by all major artists. In addition, we also stock a vast range of tour books, original music videos and laserdiscs, memorabilia and other related rarities. Currently we have almost 7000 items in stock, and new items come in every day. We are mail order only and can be contacted as follows:

Tokyo Music,
203 Grandmeil Haga
1-9-26 Takadanobaba

Tokyo 169-0075
JAPAN

e-mail: sales@tokyomusicjapan.com

Fax: +81 (3) 5285 0907(24 hours) - please press START on your fax immediately after dailing our number, and the fax will be received automatically.

Due to problems with the international time difference (Japan is GMT +9 hours), telephone enquiries can only be accepted by mutual arrangement - please e-mail for full details.


CATALOGUE INFORMATION

ALL items listed on the homepage at each update are currently in stock (we don't advertise items we don't have!!) Occasionally listed items may already be reserved by a customer, but as soon as payment is received and the item sent out the item is deleted from the homepage so the site is kept totally up-to-date.

We list as much detail as we can about the items we stock. Common abbreviations on the column headings are CAT (catalogue number), FORM (format), SLV (sleeve grading), DSK (disc grading) and XTRA (extra info such as new in stock, photo or track listing (where available). In the notes section of the description we also use JAP (Japanese pressing), TRK (tracks), P/S (picture sleeve), SLD (sealed/unopened).

PROMO, SAMPLE & the OBI

PROMO ONLY items: Items listed as 'promo' in the format column of the homepage are PROMOTIONAL ONLY items. These are the rarest issues of all and are made in tiny quantities ONLY for distribution to DJs, writers and other industry people - they are never available commercially. Promo only items often have totally unique promotional only sleeves and track listings and are the jewels in any serious collection!

DJ PROMO / SAMPLE items: These are promotional copies of commercial releases. The sleeve and tracks are usually the same as the standard store versions, but ALL our DJ promo/sample include EXTRA text factory printed somewhere on the disc label (eg. 'sample' or 'not for sale' in English and/or Japanese text). For many vinyl items, the label colour on promo copies is also different (usually white). In addition, all promo items include a small numbered promo sticker, usually on the back inlay.

The OBI - The obi is a small piece of thin card or paper unique to Japanese releases. This usually rests along the left side of the jewel case (for CDs) or wraps around the left side of the picture sleeve (for 12" and LPs). The obi includes release & price information regarding the item and is part of the packaging - it usually discarded by Japanese buyers when they unwrap an item from new, but we try to stock items that include the obi wherever possible - if an obi is included, it is usually mentioned in the notes section (for sealed items, these are unopened so if an obi was issued it is always included). Some items NEVER include an obi originally, including ALL promo only items, 7 inch singles and 3"CD singles.


SLEEVE & DISC GRADINGS

The condition of the sleeve and disc is stated for each item. Used items are graded strictly according to the UK Record Collector magazine guidelines as stated below.

SLD = SEALED. The item is brand new and has never been opened, and includes the original factory cellophane or outer wrapping. All contents are in perfect/unplayed condition.

M = MINT. The item looks to be as good as new!

EX = EXCELLENT. The item is in excellent condition, average or better for a used item. There will be some wear or slight damage such as creases on the CD booklet or light surface marks on the disc surface. Not mint but still in very nice shape!

VG = VERY GOOD. Condition is OK but not great. Sleeves may have creases or other noticable flaws, discs may have several visible scratches (but all items are guaranteed to play without problem unless otherwise stated!).

We also use the symbols - and + to indicate more detailed gradings within each level. For example a very near mint item would be listed as M- and a better than excellent item may be graded as EX+

Each item is graded individually and with care, but if you have any absolute condition requirements please e-mail for further detail. Prices are adjusted according to condition, a CD in VG condition will be priced considerably lower than the same CD in mint condition.


DISCOUNTS

We hope that prices are fair for the items in our catalogue, and the listed price + shipping is the price we usually charge. However for larger orders we will try and offer an additional discount where possible - this depends entirely on the rarity of the items and the artists in question though and is generally not possible for promo only items by major artists! Some items are currently on special offer 30% off the listed price - that is an EXTRA 30% to be reduced from the price you see on the homepage. In addition we have a wide range of limited SPECIAL DISCOUNTS, full details can be found via the SPECIAL OFFERS link located on the main CATALOGUE A-Z page.


ABOUT SHIPPING

As shipping rates depend on where in the world you live, the postal service required and the final weight of the parcel it is impossible to list all shipping rates. We will always confirm the full shipping charges with you at the time of ordering before payment. Almost all our orders are shipped within 24 hours of payment being received and we will do everything possible to ensure you receive your goods as fast as possible.

Orders will be shipped by standard airmail unless otherwise stated or requested at the time of ordering. While this service has been fantastically reliable for us over the years, ** it doesn't include any insurance in the (very rare) case of loss or delay **. We cannot be responsible for any missing parcels sent by standard/non insured mail and would recommend that more valuable or rarer items be sent by REGISTERED or insured EMS for extra security. Please ask for quotes if you would prefer these additional services.

For further details on shipping & the various services available please refer to our 'How To Order' page.


MAILING LIST & HOMEPAGE UPDATES.

Sold items are deleted from the homepage the same day they are sent out, and so we endeavour to keep the homepage as up-to-date as possible. The supply of new items is irregular but we try to add items as often as possible (at least once a week). In addition we have a MAIN UPDATE usually every 3 weeks when an average of 350-450 new items are listed in the 'new items' section of the homepage. These items also appear on the full catalogue and are indicated by a 'new' icon in the XTRA column.

Customers who have ordered from us in the past will usually be added to our MAILING LIST. This is an e-mail sent out after each MAIN update (ie. once every 3 weeks) to inform customers that the new items have been added to the homepage, and this helps to ensure that regular customers have the first chance to buy the newly listed items. Mailing list subscribers will also receive occasional special offers not available to other customers! If you don't currently receive this information, please e-mail and we would be happy to include you on our lists. The information is used only for this purpose and is not given out to any other companies or organizations. It is possible to 'unsubscribe' at any time by e-mailing us with a removal request, after which we will permanently delete your details from our database. As new items are added to the website continually (not just for the main update) it is impossible to e-mail after every smaller update and so we would always recommend checking the homepage regularly if you have the chance!

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