🎧 Discover Japanese Vinyl: Wabi Records and the Beauty of Obi Strips ｜ First Blog
Share
Hello, and welcome to Wabi Records.
This is our very first blog post, where we’d like to share what we’re all about—curating unique Japanese vinyl records and sharing the beauty of obi strips, mellow grooves, and overlooked gems with music lovers around the world.
🛠How It All Started — From Sampling to Collecting
Fourteen years ago, I bought an MPC1000 and began digging through secondhand vinyl—searching for samples to chop and flip. That was the beginning of it all.
Back then, records were cheap, and I still remember picking up BIG WAVE by Tatsuro Yamashita for less than 50 cents at a local shop.
At the time, I didn’t pay attention to things like obi strips—I just cared about the sound.
But as the years passed, I came to appreciate the full package: the design, the paper texture, the mood. An obi strip doesn’t just wrap a record. It adds character, history, and sometimes even mystery.
🌿 From Local Sales to a Global Mission
In 2020, I quietly started selling records to collectors in Japan.
But the more I handled Japanese pressings, the more I realized something important:
These records—known for their sound quality, pressing precision, and thoughtful design—deserve to be shared with the world.
Now, Wabi Records is dedicated to delivering the essence of Japanese vinyl culture to collectors and music lovers globally.
It’s not just about selling records. It’s about sharing a cultural artifact—something that reflects a distinctly Japanese aesthetic.
🧠What You'll Find at Wabi Records
At Wabi Records, we focus on carefully selected Japanese vinyl that reflects both quality and character.
Our collection centers around Japanese pressings with obi strips, known for their unique visual appeal and cultural value.
We curate a range of genres including city pop, jazz fusion, and Japanese groove, each offering a distinct snapshot of Japan’s musical identity.
We also feature Japanese pressings of international artists, which often include exclusive mixes and mastering not found elsewhere.
For beatmakers and collectors alike, we carry obscure instrumentals and rare LPs ideal for sampling and deep listening.
Rather than chasing only the big-name classics, we seek out records that feel a little off the beaten path—unexpected, underrated, but deeply rewarding.
đź“· See the Vibes on Instagram
👉 @wabirecords
We regularly post photos and Reels showing our collection—obi strip details, retro Japanese aesthetics, and behind-the-scenes clips.
If you want to stay up to date with our latest finds, Instagram is the place to be.
đź—‚ New Records Are Always on the Way
Only a small portion of our collection is currently listed online.
Behind the scenes, there’s a much deeper archive of unlisted gems waiting to be shared—from Japanese jazz to rare grooves and sample-ready LPs.
We’ll be updating the shop regularly, so stay tuned.
đź”” For the earliest updates and exclusive previews, follow us on Instagram
👉 @wabirecords
🔚 In Closing
There’s no one right way to enjoy music.
Sometimes, all it takes is a sound that hits just right—a subtle groove, a nostalgic texture, or a melody that lingers in silence.
Wabi Records is here to help you find that moment.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a bedroom beatmaker, or just curious about Japanese pressings, we hope to share something meaningful with you.
Thanks for reading.
Feel free to reach out anytime.
–– Wabi Records