Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music rightsholder, just opened a new concept retail store in Japan that it says will be “dedicated to supporting music super-fans”.
“Japanese music fans are globally known for their dedicated fandom and this store will only help to strengthen the connection between our artists and their fans,” said UMG in the statement announcing the launch.
In Japan, the world’s second-largest music market, physical music continues to be the dominant listening format in spite of streaming’s global growth.
Universal Music Japan’s new superstore opened to the public on Friday (October 20) on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo.
The company says that it will serve as a hub for “UMG artists and fans from around the world to connect offline”.
Spanning four “curated” floors, Universal says the store will feature dedicated fan experiences, product launches, and retail pop-up shops.
Universal also says that it will “offer a platform for artists to express their creative vision and share this with their fans through exciting, original and bespoke programs of activity.”
Additionally, launched inside the new superstar is the ‘RS NO.9 HARAJUKU flagship store’, described as “a brand born from the RS No.9 store” – the Rolling Stones’ official flagship store in London – now opening its second global location.
In 2020, ‘RS No.9 Carnaby’ opened a street-level store on London’s Carnaby Street. It sells apparel, merchandise, and hosts exclusive collaborations, both in-store and online.
The new store in Tokyo features the Rolling Stones’ famous “Lips and Tongue” logo and according to UMG “offers a wide range of unique items on display and for sale”.
‘RS NO.9 HARAJUKU’ also offers exclusive original Japanese only-merchandise and products, with the opening coinciding with the release of Hackney Diamonds, The Rolling Stones’ first new studio album in 18 years, which was also released today.
Attending the launch event on Friday alongside Naoshi Fujikura, President and CEO of Universal Music Japan, was Mr. Hotei, one of Japan’s most famous guitarists, who has previously performed on stage with the Rolling Stones at the Tokyo Dome.
UMG says that further artist and fan experiences to feature across the floors of the new superstore will be announced shortly.
“We’re thrilled to bring the RS No 9 brand to Japan to support our new album.”
the Rolling Stones
“We’re thrilled to bring the RS No 9 brand to Japan to support our new album.” said the band
“We hope our fans are excited to experience everything the store has to offer.”
“This store represents an exciting new venture for UMG, and celebrates the incredible impact and role, that fans play in supporting their favorite artists.”
Naoshi Fujikura, Universal Music Japan
Opening the space, Naoshi Fujikura, President and CEO of Universal Music Japan, said: “We are excited to welcome the new UNIVERSAL MUSIC HARAJUKU concept store to Tokyo’s world-famous Harajuku district, a gathering point for people, styles and culture from all over the world.
“This store represents an exciting new venture for UMG, and celebrates the incredible impact and role, that fans play in supporting their favorite artists.
“In the coming months, the store will offer unique fan experiences for our artists, both domestic and international, creating new commercial opportunities for our artists and business.Music Business Worldwide
