News: J-DIGS Brings Japan’s Vinyl Culture To London With First UK Pop-Up At GOODHOOD

The four-day East London takeover celebrates City Pop, J-Jazz, rare records and the global influence of Japanese music culture – alongside Masayoshi Takanaka’s sold-out Crystal Palace Bowl performance.

Japanese music and lifestyle brand J-DIGS is set to make its UK debut this August with a special pop-up at East London’s GOODHOOD, bringing together rare vinyl, exclusive merchandise and a celebration of Japan’s rich musical heritage.

Running from Thursday 6 August to Sunday 9 August 2026, the four-day event arrives at a pivotal moment for Japanese music in the UK, coinciding with the sold-out London performance of legendary guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka at Crystal Palace Bowl on Friday 7 August.

For fans of Japanese music, the pop-up offers an opportunity to explore the sounds and visual culture behind some of Japan’s most influential scenes, from the smooth grooves of City Pop and the sophistication of J-Jazz to the deeper cuts of Japan’s extensive vinyl history.

Hosted at GOODHOOD’s Hanbury Street store, the event will feature a carefully curated selection of vintage Japanese records supplied by Tokyo-based specialists Face Records, including sought-after City Pop, jazz and fusion releases. Visitors will also be able to discover official J-DIGS and Nippon Columbia catalogue reissues, alongside original Masayoshi Takanaka releases and exclusive merchandise celebrating the guitarist’s unmistakable artistic identity.

The launch event begins on Thursday 6 August with the pop-up opening at 11:00am, followed by an after-hours activation from 7:00pm–8:00pm featuring complimentary Japanese sake from Hakutsuru Sake. The evening will mark the official arrival of J-DIGS in the UK, bringing together collectors, creatives and fans of Japanese music culture.

Throughout the weekend, the store will transform into a meeting point for vinyl enthusiasts and new listeners alike. Saturday will feature a DJ set from Wolf Tapes, delivering a soundtrack inspired by Japanese discoveries and rare record finds while creating a relaxed space for music fans to connect.

The timing of the launch reflects the growing international appreciation for Japanese music, with genres such as City Pop experiencing a renewed global following among younger listeners and collectors. J-DIGS aims to build on this momentum by introducing audiences to the depth and diversity of Japan’s creative output — from iconic recordings to contemporary collaborations and design-led collectibles.

Ahead of the London pop-up, J-DIGS has also launched an official Japanese Fusion & City Pop playlist, providing the perfect introduction to the sounds behind the weekend’s celebrations and setting the atmosphere for Takanaka’s highly anticipated performance.

The project will see J-DIGS collaborate with GOODHOOD, Shotengai (Beams & Co), Face Records and Masayoshi Takanaka’s official channels through a series of social content pieces highlighting Japanese music, fashion and design culture.

“Japanese City Pop, J-Jazz, and vinyl culture have built an incredible global community, and timing this alongside Masayoshi Takanaka’s show makes it even more special,” says Takayuki Oki, J-DIGS Project Lead. “We can’t wait to share our catalogue reissues, rare vintage finds, and exclusive merchandise with music lovers in East London.”

Founded as a celebration of Japan’s creative legacy, J-DIGS connects music fans with carefully curated vinyl, collectibles and collaborations inspired by the country’s influential scenes and contemporary design culture.

With free entry throughout the weekend, the J-DIGS UK pop-up offers London visitors the chance to dig through rare records, discover new sounds and experience a snapshot of Japan’s enduring musical influence.