The “Shared Record” corner at Feel Records Kyoto Hanare features a curated selection of vinyl from various shop owners. Joining our collection, which includes “SORC” from Nagoya and “borzoi records” from Tottori, is the select record store “HEIMA.”
Operating primarily as an online store without a physical location, HEIMA specializes in music and lifestyle goods from the Nordic regions. We sat down with the owner, Mr. Takagi, to discuss his store’s concept and the appeal of Nordic music.
Please introduce us to your store, HEIMA.
We are a select record store based in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, operating without a permanent physical shop. While we primarily run our online store, we also participate in occasional pop-up shops and events. We curate a selection of vinyl and cassettes, focusing on music from the Nordic countries and the UK.
Additionally, we carry products from “FISCHERSUND,” a fragrance brand and art collective run by Jónsi (the frontman of the Icelandic band Sigur Rós) and his family, offering items that can be enjoyed alongside music.
What kind of music do you carry?
Our selection focuses on the Nordic countries—Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway—as well as the UK. Accordingly, we introduce a wide variety of works across genres, including ambient, folk, electronica, shoegaze, and post-rock.
What inspired you to start HEIMA?
Having been involved in music and having worked at live music venues since my teens, my primary motivation was simply wanting my work to involve music in some way.
The specific catalyst for starting a record store was realizing that the music I listened to daily was often not available domestically. In many cases, people had to pay shipping fees equivalent to the price of the record itself just to buy from overseas sites, which meant these artists had limited opportunities to be discovered here.
I thought it was such a waste that these wonderful works existed but remained unknown because they weren’t easily accessible. That’s when I decided to create a place of my own to bring this music to people.
How do you feel about it, now that you’ve actually started running HEIMA?
Surprisingly, I’ve received quite a few comments like, “I’m so glad you’re carrying this artist in Japan,” or “I didn’t know this work, but I loved it after listening.” These moments make me truly feel that starting the store was the right decision.
There are moments when I feel that if I only select music based on my own tastes, I might not notice something wonderful. It’s wonderful when an unexpected recommendation turns out to be a perfect fit, or when those discoveries lead to new encounters with people. I’m happy if knowing about HEIMA leads to positive experiences in someone’s life.
Why did you choose to operate as an online shop?
My main profession is a system engineer, and I wanted to continue that work while running the record store. Therefore, I chose the online format because it allows for a good balance between the two.
Recently, however, I’ve had more opportunities to participate in events, and I’ve realized how much I appreciate being able to speak with customers face-to-face. I’m now gradually making preparations toward opening a physical store in the future.
Could you tell us what first led you to discover Nordic music?
More than ten years ago, I was instantly captivated by background music I heard on TV. Back then, apps like Shazam didn’t exist, so I had to rely on my memory of the sound and search desperately using combinations of abstract keywords. My vocabulary was quite limited at the time, but by some miracle, I stumbled upon a blog introducing a British band called “Kyte.”
From there, I searched further and finally found what I was looking for: the song “Hoppípolla” by the Icelandic band Sigur Rós.
The world they created was like nothing I had ever heard before. I was so shocked and moved that I began digging deep into other Icelandic music. Since I already loved Nordic tableware and interior goods, I became curious about the music of other Nordic countries, which led me to discover Danish bands like MEW and Efterklang.
What is the specific appeal of Nordic music to you?
While it doesn’t apply to every work, I feel many pieces possess a unique atmosphere—somewhat avant-garde and experimental.
I once discussed this with an Icelandic musician, and their words left a strong impression on me: “In this region, many people make music for themselves rather than for someone else. And those people don’t really care about sales.” I think I’m drawn to the pure sincerity and unwavering core found in works born from such uncalculated passion.
Could you tell us about some of your recommended artists?
All the artists we carry are recommended, so it’s hard to choose. Instead, I’ll introduce two artists whose works we haven’t stocked yet:
Vetle Nærø – All Moments Must Pass
The fourth album from Norwegian composer and post-classical/ambient artist Vetle Nærø. It is a beautiful work themed around “impermanence,” woven with delicate piano, electronics, and field recordings.
Mikael Lind – Norðaustur
The latest release from Swedish-born, Reykjavik-based artist Mikael Lind. Originating from a video and sound installation held inside a giant fish oil tank, it’s an experimental work with incredible immersion, traversing serene ambient, powerful drones, and modern classical.
Do you travel to these countries for buying trips?
Yes, I went to Iceland last June and Finland this past January. I am also planning to visit Iceland again this August for another buying trip.
What is the atmosphere of the record shops like in the Nordic regions?
Of the ones I visited, a certain shop in Denmark was the most memorable because of its interior. It featured Nordic design lighting and teak furniture arranged with plenty of open space—it felt very “Hygge.”
In Iceland, at the famous “12 Tónar,” it was also interesting to see a coffee counter on the first floor and a large sofa in the basement, with a chess set left mid-game on the table. It felt less like a simple store and more like a social hub for music lovers. If I open a physical store someday, I want to create a place where people can interact over a cup of coffee. “12tonar” is exactly my ideal shop.
What is the current state of record culture in the Nordic countries?
I’ve heard that the Nordic region is where streaming is most prevalent in the world, but at the same time, I feel there are many highly unique independent labels. These small labels are closely linked with local record shops, serving as community hubs where new interactions and events are born. This local cycle seems to revitalize the music scene.
What kind of records have you selected for the Shared Record corner at Kyoto Hanare?
Since we don’t have a large number of titles yet, we are currently stocking the same content as our online shop. I hope to refine the selection as I see what kind of works people here resonate with.
Finally, what is the appeal of vinyl to you, Mr. Takagi?
In a world that has become so efficient and convenient, I find the appeal in “choosing to embrace a bit of extra effort.” To listen to a record, you first take the disc out of the jacket, then drop the needle. If there’s dust, you wipe it off. And when one side finishes, you have to stop what you’re doing, stand up, and flip the disc.
In an age where you can instantly play or skip music with a single touch, dedicating time to this seemingly “inconvenient” process is meaningful. Taking that time for yourself makes you feel as though you are living your life proactively, and I think that is a very happy thing.