Korean City Pop is 1970s and 1980s inspired contemporary music re-imagined through the lens of a fictional past of the country’s history. Korean City Pop is pioneered by famous K-Pop stars and many in the indie scene there have also adopted the style adding their unique perspective on the music. While not enjoying the same bubble economy that Japan was experiencing at the time, Korean artists and producers show an acceptance of the style as a legitimate musical movement that focuses on retro elements both Western and Eastern.

In every genre there are albums that exemplify the sound, and City Pop, while more loosely defined than others, still has a distinctive style that is recognizable to those who know what to look for. The checklist for City Pop almost always includes a fusion of two or more elements from genres like Funk, Jazz, Pop, or Disco crowned with English chorus sections, blaring instrumental solo, and warm production quality.

They say things only cost what people are willing to pay and nothing embodies the spirit of that saying more than a very elusive and revered album by a 1980s Japanese singer named Junko Ohashi. We explore why this album specifically has garnered almost a holy grail status among fans of the genre and how City Pop records are becoming cult objects.

A lot of people ask me this question seeing as I have a collection of over 200 City Pop records and know a thing or two about record stores in Tokyo. I've put together this guide to help you plan your trip to Tokyo better...