Just wanted to you guys some tips on how CD releases are typically done at various venues around Tokyo, especially with the Best album being released next month Feb 2017.



CD/DVD are usually release 1 day ahead of the official release date, around morning or afternoon depending on the shipment arriving.



[Things may change and I will update accordingly]



SHIBUYA





Tsutaya Shibuya.

Reservation/purchase: reserve in store only, reservation payment not necessary.

On the day purchase participation: general available depending on time/availability.

Participation tickets: given out when CD/DVD are available, usually numbered for popular artists, i.e. Scandal. Numbers can be first come first server or random. For any non in-store events, i.e. a mini live at another venue, the number tickets will be distributed amongst different stores.

Event lining up location: at the fire escape stairs.

Tip: Line up before the store opens especially if its first come first serve, lining up on event can get cold as its in the fire escape stairs, meet and greet are usually done behind partitions so by-passers can not see.





HMV & BOOKS Shibuya.

Reservation/purchase: In store purchase only ** Reservation are picked up on 5th floor. So far of the events where I've picked up reservation tickets, it is advised to purchase in store on the day instead, as participation tickets are handed out at the cashier on the 6th floor in front of the event space. i.e. other people will be buying the CD/DVD quicker then you having them look for your reservation and then lining up after everyone else on the 6th floor.



On the day purchase participation: general available depending on time/availability.

Event lining up location: gather in front of the event space stage on the 6th floor. Meet and greet are usually done in the open.

Tip: Just purchase on the day, line will form once the CD/DVD are shipped to the store.



Tower Records Shibuya.

Reservation/purchase: prepaid/postpaid reservation in store only, can reserve online in store reservation usually.



On the day purchase participation: general available depending on time/availability.



Event lining up location: gather in front of the event space for small events else lining up on the stairs, in particular if the artist is performing in the live stage in the basement floor.

Tip: you will see signs on the stairs have been numbered for the participate tickets, meet and greet are usually done in the open.



SHINJUKU



Tower Records Shinjuku.

Reservation/purchase: prepaid/postpaid reservation in store only, can reserve online in store reservation usually.



On the day purchase participation: general available depending on time/availability.



Event lining up location: gather in front of the 7th floor event space for smaller acts else lining up on the stairs, in particular if the artist is performing in the live stage in the basement.

Tip: live event for minor artists will generally have unnumbered participate tickets and first come first serve, once they become popular i.e. expecting 200+ fans they the will be numbered tickets.



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OTHERS

Tower Records Mini - various location.

Reservation/purchase: prepaid/postpaid reservation in store only, can reserve online in store reservation usually.



On the day purchase participation: general available depending on time/availability.

Event lining up location: Events are usually held nearby, i.e. shopping mall space, event space, or event outside the store, so will depend on the act/venue.



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Feedback! Shop, Shibuya

For Feedback events, fans turn up an hour or two before the store opens at 12pm.

If you are facing the front of the store, you would cross the side street and line up on the other side from the corner, i.e. the street going up the hill leading towards Yoyogi/Harajuku direction. (You will see some plastic pole in the middle of the pavement/sidewalk, that are used to prevent cyclist from speeding down the hill and on to the side street)

As the store is small, usually about 6 people will be allowed in to the store at a time.



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General rule, events no photos/videos, unless they are minor acts and trying to get more publicity. Gifts are to be deposited in to boxes/handed to staff.





[Will update with photos soon.]