[Report] Hosono Record House — A Pop-Up Gathering Haruomi Hosono’s Records in One Place

A special pop-up titled “Hosono Record House” is currently taking place from December 19, 2025 to January 25, 2026.
Inside the venue, an energetic scene unfolds: records and CDs, T-shirts and sweatshirts, caps, interview booklets, and even posters and mugs — an abundance of playful merchandise fills the space. Alongside this joyful atmosphere, we deliver behind-the-scenes stories from Mr. Tanimoto of Medium, Haruomi Hosono’s office, including conversations leading up to this exhibition.

Half a Century Since His Debut — Yet His Popularity Never Fades

Having led the forefront of Japanese music through Happy End, YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra), and beyond, Haruomi Hosono has long been celebrated as a pioneer of Japanese rock. It has already been more than half a century since the release of his solo debut album “HOSONO HOUSE.”
And still, his influence and popularity continue to grow — not only within Japan but across the world.

Why hold this pop-up now? Mr. Tanimoto reflects:

“For the 50th anniversary in 2019, we packed a year full of projects, including the ‘Hosono Kanko 1969-2019’ exhibition, the documentary film NO SMOKING, and various domestic and international tours. For the 55th anniversary, however, I wanted to take a more relaxed, long-term approach. This time around, we are placing a special focus on his more recent works.”

In 2018, Hosono composed the original soundtrack for Shoplifters, winner of the Palme d’Or (Grand Prize) at the 71st Cannes Film Festival, demonstrating how actively he continues to create today.
Among my own friends, not a single person doesn’t know his name. And many — like me — cherished seeing him appear in the NHK show Ogen-san to Issho, where he played the “eldest son” to Ogen-san (Gen Hoshino) — cool, witty, charming. (It truly breaks my heart that the show has ended…)

Yet fame does not always reflect the artist’s own perception.
A single surprising comment from Hosono became the spark for this exhibition.

“In 2023, HOSONO HOUSE celebrated its 50th anniversary. Its reevaluation — even overseas — made Hosono genuinely happy. He finally recognized how strongly that work continues to resonate.
But at the same time, he said something a bit sad — : ‘I’m worried that no one might be listening to my more recent work.’ 
That was when we decided: we should re-release and properly highlight his recent creations, and bring them all together. That was about a year ago.
Opportunities to see all of his analog records assembled at once are rare — so focusing on his newer music made this project feel essential. That is how Hosono Record House came to life.”

The Secret of the Main Visual — Beethoven and the Future of Haruomi Hosono

Inside Hosono’s studio stands a bust of Beethoven — a piece inherited from his maternal grandfather, Takao Nakaya, who was a piano tuner.
This bust now appears prominently in the main visual for Hosono Record House.
Of course, this isn’t simply because “it was there.” It suggests a surprising musical direction.

“Lately, Hosono-san has been mentioning that he wants to cover Beethoven. That idea resonated with the bust of Beethoven in his studio, which led us to adopt it as the main visual. Since this project focuses on his recent output, it feels truly meaningful to feature Beethoven—who is deeply tied to his upcoming new works—as the central image.”

Beyond merchandise, the gallery also features walls lined with Hosono’s own words related to his more recent albums.
At your feet, playful blocks spelling H – R – H (“Hosono Record House”) quietly welcome you.

Before I forget, I should also mention the digital museum “HOSONO MANDALA,” scheduled to open in 2026. But — first things first — you must experience the exhibition in person.

I opened my barely weighted wallet and somehow walked out wearing a T-shirt — in mid-winter. I immediately rushed to meet a friend — a die-hard Hosono fan — and spent hours talking outside in the freezing night, the two of us warmed only by excitement. I survived that evening with no more than a single sneeze — a winter memory I’ll never forget.