Merurido Kawagoe
Merurido was founded in 1974 in Kichijoji and later expanded to Shibuya, Yokohama, and Osaka, becoming one of Japan’s most iconic record shops. Owner Kazuo Nagano, affectionately known as “Kazu-chan,” first fell in love with the blues in high school and entered the music world through his connection with Yasufumi Higurashi. He began importing vast quantities of records directly from the U.S., offering them at surprisingly affordable prices and captivating countless fans. In addition to running the shop, Nagano established VIVID SOUND, a pioneering independent distribution company that helped spread the music of X JAPAN, Nagomu Records, and many indie bands from the “Ika-ten” era, leaving a profound impact on Japanese music culture.
Today, Merurido is based in Kawagoe, Saitama, where Nagano showcases over 1,000 titles from his own label, Oldays Records. The shop serves as both a record store and a cultural showroom, allowing music lovers to discover and experience blues, soul, and vintage sounds in a unique setting. With a deep history and ongoing passion for records, Merurido continues to inspire both longtime collectors and younger generations exploring analog music culture.
