In this era where streaming music has become the norm, the popularity of analog records is soaring worldwide. In fact, sales of analog records (LPs) have even surpassed those of CDs, and many young people are now frequenting used record stores that were previously only frequented by DJs and a select group of music enthusiasts.

In that era, Onkyo, an audio equipment manufacturer, released the portable record player "OCP-01." The colorful trunk-shaped player is a fresh, stylish, pop, and eye-catching design, a departure from Onkyo's previous image of being robust and stoic in its pursuit of sound quality. It recently made headlines in online news for successfully reaching its crowdfunding goal, exceeding its target amount by more than 4,000%.


This portable record player will be on display and available for purchase at a pop-up shop in Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , starting on its release date, July 7th (Wednesday). Port of Notes, who have been generating buzz with the release of their first new album in 12 years, "TWO," and "TOKYO LEATHER CLUB," supervised by Begin magazine, will also be participating in this pop-up. Together, they will be releasing original record bags on July 7th (Wednesday).

Doesn't seem like it? The portable record player "OCP-01"

Onkyo is a high-end audio manufacturer that enjoys enthusiastic support from professionals and music fans alike who are particular about sound quality. The fact that this manufacturer released a portable record player with a pop design and color scheme must have been revolutionary. So, we gathered people involved in the company to see the actual product and hear the story behind its creation.


This pop-up shop will begin on Wednesday, July 7th, the same day as the record player's release, and will run until Tuesday, July 20th. The opening day also coincides with the release of Port of Notes' new album, marking their 25th anniversary this year.


This is a familiar manufacturer, as their sound systems are used in many places, including Kojima Studio. I'm also familiar with their sound, which gives me a sense of reassurance.

Hatakeyama: I also have the image of Onkyo as producing refined audio equipment.

Ueyama: This portable record player, while not being able to offer high-end tuning, embodies Onkyo's vision for a new way of engaging with music in this new era.

Kojima Onkyo's amplifiers and players had an image of being silver or champagne gold, right?

As Ueyama mentioned, there have been trends in casings to match the times. This time, we're offering a suitcase-style player in four colors: sonic blue, shell pink, vintage white, and mystic black.

The Hatakeyama color is lovely and lifts my spirits, and I like the stitching on the edge of the case.


Mitsuki: While other companies also produce suitcase-style players like this, I don't think there are any others made by a high-end audio manufacturer like Onkyo. Perhaps that's why the details are so meticulously crafted. Even the stitching has a delicate design that you don't see anywhere else.

When you open the Hayashibara case, the "Onkyo" logo is printed on the inside of the lid. This font is refreshing. I always associated Onkyo with block letters.

Ueyama: This logo design is a revival of one that was used for a short period in the 1950s.

Generally speaking , manufacturers of home appliances and other products that deal with the latest technology are constantly progressing and moving forward, so they don't use old logos because they might give the impression of decline or regression. In fashion, however, vintage logos are very popular.

Hayashibara , you've certainly hit on that point, as expected. Actually, I also listen to records at home sometimes, but the player I'm currently using is quite big and bulky... I thought this product had a design that would blend in well with the interior of a room.

In addition to functioning as a portable record player, this device also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to be used as a standalone wireless speaker. With output and headphone jacks, it offers a variety of uses.

Kojima: I definitely want to take my records outside and listen to them. If I have a portable power supply, I can use them for a long time.

Mr. Kojima, do you enjoy the outdoors?

Kojima: Right now I live in a town surrounded by nature, a little ways from Tokyo, so my environment is basically outdoorsy (laughs). But I really think this level of moderate sound quality is comfortable for listening to music in your yard or in nature.

Precisely because we live in the digital age, we are aiming for an analog approach.

Ueyama: I also love the sound of records. I enjoy the whole ritual of taking them out of the jacket, placing them on the turntable, and putting the needle on. Plus, this player has a place to prop up the jackets on the lid.

For Mitsuki , the album cover is also part of the artwork.


Hayashibara: The increased time spent at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many of our values. While we can still communicate online, the inability to meet people in person has increased the value of "meeting in person," and the rise of online shopping has made us rediscover the importance of "customer service in stores." I think our relationship with music has also changed, going beyond just streaming and subscriptions.

Mitsuki: Indeed, I've rediscovered the value of enjoying analog sound, not just pursuing high-end, clear sound. I think being analog leads to a sense of peace and tranquility.


Hatakeyama: Every Saturday, I have a regular show on FM Yokohama where we do a special segment called "Long Live Records." On that day, we play records for everything, from the songs we play on air to the background music. I just like how analog sounds have so much information, including the noise.

Kojima: I've worked so hard to eliminate noise up until now, but now I'm actually finding the hiss noise from records and cassette tapes quite pleasant (laughs).

I think I understand what you mean , Mitsuki . Just like how LCD TVs are trying to resemble cathode ray tubes, and camera lenses are trying to resemble the human eye, everything is aiming for analog. Even in fashion, there's a trend towards recreating old denim, and finding value in fabrics woven on old-fashioned looms using slub yarn.

Kojima: We also really want to do live performances.

Music, information, people's hearts, etc... Things that can only be conveyed through analog means.

In this era of digital transformation across various industries, analog is not something that is going against the times. Precisely because we live in an age where everyone can enjoy digital technology, cherishing the special sensations and emotions that only analog can provide can lead to a richer life. Everyone gathered here today understands the advantages of digital technology, while also reaffirming the value of analog.


Mitsuki 's new album, 'TWO', will also be released on vinyl, right?

Kojima : Yes. It will be released as a two-disc set with a focus on sound quality. I hope you will enjoy the mellow sound world.


Listening to Mitsuki Kojima's guitar music on vinyl is incredibly soothing. Especially in these times, I want to listen to it on vinyl again. This time, in collaboration with Onkyo, a record bag that's convenient for carrying records around will also be released.



The PVC model, which is resistant to light and rain, is a welcome feature during the rainy season. Incidentally, the suede is a material called Superbag from Charles F. Stead of England, and is used by high-end fashion houses.

Hatakeyama suede has an incredibly smooth feel. Yet it's also very sturdy. Records are quite heavy, so a bag this well-made is really appreciated.

When folded in half, it can be carried like a clutch bag, and since it has a pocket inside, I think it's easy to use for everyday purposes.


From an industry perspective , analog records have continued to experience double-digit growth over the past six years.

Hayashibara: Streaming and subscriptions are convenient, and I'll probably continue to use them, but I want to keep records of my favorite artists and albums on vinyl.

Kojima: Rather than relying on invisible digital signals, I'd prefer to preserve valuable things in a tangible form.

Mitsuki: We also publish information in print magazines that you can't find on the web. We call things that remain forever, even as times change, "classics," but "classics" aren't just old things; new ones will continue to be created.

Hayashibara: We, too, hope to continue conveying the value of the products along with the passion of the creators through our customer service.


Ueyama: I hope this portable record player will serve as a starting point for suggesting ways to engage with music that go beyond just digital, and for preserving music for the future.

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