Decided to fix this up a bit.
OK!
*Don't report this blog, really wouldn't be very nice, so just don't do it.
*A lot of site ask you to delete the file within 24 hrs of downloading, I don't ask that. Again, if you really love the artist and its within your means you'll find a way to purchase their music.
*I do post CD-rips (in 320kpbs and Apple Lossless Format) of my own CDS. And I will continue to do so. If you want to request something, there is my list of owned CDS in the next tab.
*I do post DVD-rips (avi most of the time, for single PVS usually Original size .mpeg, will start doing .vob at some point.
*I do post scans of the ones I own or some I know owns, if they are not my scans, I will credit original uploader).
*About credits, for the stuff I post up of my own volition, credit, don't credit, not really going to bother me either way. I will credit original uploaders of other material on this blog, unless I have no idea who the original uploader is.
*I post any Asian music here, K-Pop, C-Pop, J-Pop, J-Rock, Visual Kei, you name it. However, I tend to upload and share stuff I like, if there is something you'd like me to post, by all means, email me (my email is on the side).
*I intend to maintain this blog until, at least, next September. Hopefully longer. However, I do have a full scholarship to study in China for two years (you may see a spike in C-pop and such lol because I'll be able to buy it!), the internet is really not the greatest there, but I will try my best! 加油！ がんばります！
Ok so you've read those, now you want to know the best places to buy legitimate releases??! I agree, it can be a pain in the butt if you don't know what to use.
Top Recommends (note I have used all of these):
CD Japan, probably one of my most used sites for J-Pop and J-Rock/Visual Kei. They ship pretty much anywhere, it is being shipped directly from Japan, so prices can be high, depending on the option you choose.
Play Asia, based out of Hong Kong, they have very decent prices, and their stuff is legit. I suggest choosing the faster more expensive shipping however. Unless you don't mind waiting for a while for your item to show up!
Yesasia, link is to the global one, if you live in US or Canada, choose the option for that. You can find a lot of stuff here, I find the prices are a little high. For certain areas if you purchase about 39 to 40 dollars worth of merchandise you get free standard shipping, otherwise note the shipping can take a while. Based, also in, Hong Kong.
Maru Music, US based record label, selling legitimate, low priced J-rock. They DO ship worldwide. This may be handy considering they are releasing 3 of the GazettE's albums on November 9th, and 2 Alice Nine albums on November 16. I've also purchased An Cafe, and D'espairsRay from there. Note: if you live in the states, Maru Music usually sells those releases in Hot Topic stores and online. [Bought D'espairsRay, and Versailles releases there].
Japanfiles, another American label, check their webstore (sorry I'm unsure if they ship worldwide), you can find their releases in Hot Topic and Amazon.com. I've picked up my LM.C CDs and Girugamesh CDS from them.
Tainted Reality Store, sell various things there, I ordered my LIX. cd there.
JAPAN Discoveries I totally recommend for really hard to find J-music.
CDbaby they also sell some j-rock and j-pop :)
Japan Garage Sale, really suggest this, however you need to sign up for Livejournal, don't worry it's free ;) You can find so many things here, really!
Jboys4Sale, specializes in selling Johnny's stuff mostly. (i.e., ARASHI, NEWS, Kanjani8, Tegomass, etc...) also Livejournal account needed.
Jrock4Sale specializes in, well, Jrock ;)
CoolJapanStore, sells some great stuff and ships anywhere.
Amazon just search for any artists, they do have releases from quite a few. I picked up some of my Hikaru Utada CDS and Chihiro Onitsuka CDS from there. Great prices. Also got my hands on the GazettE's "NIL" album, limited edition, like new and the seller threw in a free Shoxx mag. But, be very careful, ordered a kagrra, CD here and turned out to be bootleg! (Oh I was angry!)
Ebay this site can be a blessing and a curse. First off you can find legitimate items here, I suggest it for magazines, tshirts, tour goods, etc... However, be very very weary when you buy J-music here, bootlegs are rampant, please read this: Miya Records Remember: Bootlegs may be cheap, but you're not supporting the artist.
Others (haven't used):
Amazon Japan will ship worldwide, note they will not ship anything unless it's through EMS (this is for them a more secure way and you'd definitely receive your merchandise, can be super pricey!)
Brand-X ships worldwide, only uses EMS, however, if you really want it, they give some great freebies with some of their releases (notably when you buy PSC artists)
Guruguru about the same as Brand X, different freebies however.
Closet Child now here is the fun part, they sell used CDS and stuff here :) But only use EMS. Still cool though.
Ok enough of that, so I hope this helps! Any questions? Just mail me :)
