About Us
This
is
Our
Story
Welcome to VintageJapanHiFi
Background
Our journey as lifelong audiophiles began in the 1990s when we were teenagers in Singapore. From tube and solid-state systems to analog formats like cassettes and LPs, as well as the emerging digital format of CDs, we fully immersed ourselves in the world of HiFi audio.
Over the years, we had the pleasure of owning and listening to iconic HiFi brands such as Audio Research, Mark Levinson, McIntosh, Pass Labs, Jadis, Burmester, Sonic Frontiers, Cary Audio, Krell, Thorens, Linn, Rega, Ortofon, B&W, Tannoy, Rogers, JBL, and Thiel. Each of these brands helped shape our understanding and appreciation of high-quality sound.
However, we noticed something curious: despite Japan’s reputation for excellence in engineering and design, vintage Japanese HiFi brands were often less in demand compared to their US or European counterparts. Major Japanese brands like Denon, Marantz, and Accuphase were more readily available in the market, but the more refined, lesser-known domestic Japanese models were largely overlooked internationally. It was a puzzling phenomenon, given Japan’s deep tradition of craftsmanship.
Moving to Japan (Discovering Insider Information)
In 2016, we moved to Fukuoka, Japan, and our focus shifted toward exploring vintage Japanese HiFi gear. Our attention was drawn primarily to domestic models (JDM), as it became clear to us that Japan had always kept its best products for the local market. The more we looked into it, the more we realized that the finest Japanese HiFi equipment was often not exported and remained exclusive to Japanese audiophiles.
Take, for example, the much-praised Sansui AU-919, a model that is well-known in the US. While it has become iconic in the West, the AU-919 is actually just the first model in the second generation of the Sansui 07 series, which is known as the AU-D907 series here in Japan. The AU-D907 series actually had six iterations over the years:
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D907 (1979)
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D907F (1980)
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D907F Extra (1981)
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D907G Extra (1983)
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D907X (1984)
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D907X Decade (1985)
The final version, the D907X Decade, underwent significant upgrades and refinements over its predecessors, showcasing continuous improvements in design and performance. Interestingly, the initial D907 model didn't perform as well in the market compared to the later models, which is something many overseas audiophiles may not know. By the time the D907X Decade was released, it had become a truly refined masterpiece, thanks to these years of incremental enhancements.
Many audiophiles dream of owning vintage Japanese HiFi, but their options are often limited. Platforms like eBay lack expert guidance, Japanese audio shops pose language barriers, and online forums can be filled with conflicting and unverified advice. While some seek specialized repair technicians, finding qualified experts with proven experience is rare—and even then, there's no guarantee they've worked on the specific equipment you need.
The deeper we delved into Japan's HiFi scene, the more we realized that many of these exceptional products were almost entirely unknown outside of Japan. It was this discovery that sparked our passion for vintage Japanese HiFi and set the course for the path we are on today.
Birth of VintageJapanHiFi
Our journey into vintage Japanese HiFi naturally began with the acquisition of a Sansui D907G Extra. In 2017, we took the next step by starting our Instagram account, ‘vintagejapanhifi,’ as a way to share our love for Japanese audio setups with fellow enthusiasts around the world. Living in Japan gave us unparalleled access to the vast vintage Japanese HiFi market, and we realized there were almost limitless possibilities for discovering the authentic vintage sound from Japan's golden era of HiFi audio.
We began curating a collection of vintage audio gear from legendary Japanese brands like Sansui, Pioneer, and Trio/Kenwood (the famous "Big 3" of Japanese audio), as well as Accuphase, Marantz, TEAC, Diatone, Luxman, Hitachi/Lo-D, and Tascam. With each piece, we deepened our understanding of the craftsmanship and sound that defined Japanese HiFi.
As we shared these discoveries on Instagram, our following grew rapidly, and by 2020, we had surpassed 10,000 followers. The community we built became more than just a collection of audiophiles; it became a shared space for enthusiasts to connect over their passion for vintage Japanese HiFi gear. The next logical step in our journey was to define our ‘ikigai’ — the sense of purpose that guides us. For us, it was about more than just collecting and sharing gear; it was about preserving a piece of audio history.
Ikigai
Ikigai (生き甲斐, pronounced "ee-kee-guy") is a profound Japanese concept that translates to "a reason for being." It combines two key elements: iki (生き), meaning "life," and gai (甲斐), which signifies "value" or "worth." Together, they encapsulate the essence of what makes life worthwhile, fulfilling, and meaningful.
As we delved deeper into the world of vintage Japanese HiFi, we discovered our own Ikigai here in Japan. This passion for authentic vintage sound became more than just a hobby - it became our life's purpose.
It is this very love for vintage Japanese HiFi that inspired us to create VintageJapanHiFi—with the sole purpose of sharing the joy and beauty of Japanese audio. But our commitment doesn’t end there. We wanted to ensure that the equipment we shared with the world was not only authentic but also restored to perfection by true Japanese master craftsmen.
Thus, we took the next logical step: finding the best service-workshop partners who specialize in maintaining, servicing, and restoring vintage HiFi gear. But we didn’t just want any workshop or technician. We sought out the true artisans, or Takumi—individuals with advanced knowledge of design principles, electronic components, and restoration techniques racquired from the golden era of HiFi. These Takumi are the unsung heroes of the HiFi world, dedicated to preserving the craftsmanship and sonic beauty of vintage equipment.
Takumi
Understanding Takumi
Takumi (匠) is a Japanese term that represents a master craftsman or artisan, symbolizing the highest level of skill, dedication, and attention to detail in a particular craft. The essence of being a Takumi is deeply embedded in traditional craftsmanship, where precision and the pursuit of perfection are paramount.
Definition and Significance
The word Takumi translates to "artisan" or "craftsman" in English. It refers to individuals who have devoted extensive time and effort—often more than 60,000 hours, or roughly 30 years of full-time work—to mastering their craft. This immense dedication not only develops technical skills but also nurtures a heightened sensory awareness. Takumi artisans possess the ability to detect minute imperfections that would remain invisible to the untrained eye, which is why their work is regarded as extraordinary.
We sought out Takumi artisans to restore and service our collection of vintage audio equipment, ensuring that every piece of HiFi gear we offer has been meticulously restored to its original glory.
Takumi in Audio Servicing and Restoration
For VintageJapanHiFi, the pursuit of Takumi expertise has been a fundamental part of our journey. We were fortunate to collaborate with former Sansui master technicians, seasoned craftspeople who have spent decades perfecting their skills in the art of audio restoration. These artisans understand not only the technical specifications of vintage equipment but also the sonic character that makes it so special. Their work ensures that every piece of hifi audio equipment that we offer maintains its legendary performance and retains the unique qualities that made it a classic in the first place.
For our Sansui amplifiers and other vintage HiFi gear, we exclusively work with Takumi artisans who are trusted for their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of both the original designs and the restoration techniques necessary to bring them back to life. These are not simply technicians—they are experts in preserving the authenticity and soul of each piece of audio equipment.
However, unlike the approach of big corporations, our curated bespoke focus is on the craftsmanship and personal attention that only true Takumi artisans can provide.
Building VintageJapanHiFi
In Fall 2018, with our Ikigai clearly defined and our Takumi partners in place, the next step was to build our website and expand our services to audiophiles around the world. By then, we had already started helping friends and fellow enthusiasts source vintage Japanese HiFi gear through word of mouth and recommendations. We realized that there was a need for a trusted platform where audiophiles could access quality vintage gear and restoration services, and we set out to meet that need.
Our website would serve as the gateway for sharing our passion for vintage Japanese HiFi and for providing a curated, reliable source of equipment that has been restored by the very best Takumi artisans in Japan. This move was the next natural step in our journey, as we continued to share our love for HiFi and the craftsmanship that makes vintage Japanese audio so exceptional.
The Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. Our plans were abruptly put on hold, and we had to leave Japan and return to Singapore during this challenging time. Amidst the turmoil, we faced an even greater loss—our beloved mother passed away from the virus in late 2020. The grief we experienced was profound, and it reshaped much of our journey.
By 2021, we were faced with another unexpected setback. On Mother’s Day, something unimaginable happened—our original VintageJapanHiFi Instagram account was hacked and stolen. Despite our repeated attempts to reach out to Instagram for help, we received no assistance. It was a heartbreaking loss, but we were determined not to give up. The community we had built meant too much to us.
On May 9, 2022, we created the VintageJapanHiFi_Real account, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Rebuilding digitally and personally, we started to reconnect with the audiophile world, piece by piece. And finally, in early 2024, we were able to return to Japan and resume our lives in Fukuoka. The journey was long, but we pressed forward with renewed strength and purpose.
Moving Forward
With this fresh start, we reignited the dream we had back in 2019—launching our own online shop for fellow audiophiles. It felt like a new beginning, as if the pieces were finally falling into place.
Reading the beautifully documented Jazz Kissa 2015-2019 book at our regular spot, Bar Heartsfield in Fukuoka, reminded me of an important lesson: if you truly love something, stick with it to the end. Many of the Jazz Kissa spots featured in the book have been around for over 30 years, a testament to perseverance and passion. In the Afterword, the author wisely writes, “Move forward rather than mourn the loss.” These words resonated deeply with me—and continue to guide us.
Things have changed since we first began this journey in 2017. Instagram’s shift towards video content (similar to TikTok) and the use of licensed background music (BMG) has made it harder to showcase the true sound of vintage HiFi. But we’ve adapted. To overcome this, we’ve expanded our presence by launching a YouTube channel and a Facebook page, where we can share the authentic audio experience and connect with the community in new ways.
Now, you know where to find us. We’re excited to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and, most importantly, continue sharing the joy of music. After all, it's something worth living for. And with that, we give thanks for all that we have and all that’s to come.
Vintage Japan HiFi
Fukuoka, Autumn 2024