Cosmos Records
Founded in 1998 by Aki Abe, Cosmos Records is a long-established record shop based in Toronto. The store operates two locations: Cosmos East, situated along Queen Street and specializing in rock, soul, hip-hop, and disco, and Cosmos West, a quieter space focused on jazz, Brazilian music, and psychedelic rock. Deeply inspired by Japan’s meticulous record culture, Aki places great importance on understanding and sharing the unique charm of each record. Rejecting online sales entirely, Cosmos Records sells only in person, preserving the experience of crate digging and conversation. Aki personally travels across the United States to source records, maintaining a hands-on approach that reflects his dedication to authenticity and connection. With its distinct character and deep musical knowledge, Cosmos Records has earned the trust and admiration of diggers and DJs from around the world, standing as one of Toronto’s most respected record stores.
