Kichijoji’s SILENCIO: Where Eclectic Tunes Meet a Chill Vibe

The Inviting and Energizing Atmosphere of a Music Aficionado’s Space

What came to mind after hearing that story was the collection of Brazilian music featured on SILENCIO’s Instagram. The collection includes several records by Brazilian singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento, as well as records by his close associates, collaborators, and even the collaborators of his collaborators. This diverse lineup shows that Mr. Arayama meticulously gathered records by tracing connections through credits on record covers, following his own unique path. He wasn’t bound by existing contexts, but he wasn’t buying records randomly either. As I listened to Mr. Arayama’s story, I found myself reflecting on how, before the internet, everyone used to painstakingly collect records in a similar manner.

From my very first visit, I felt that SILENCIO’s selection reflected a sense of personality. It seemed to be a place that values its own context rather than conforming to any external one. Hearing Arayama’s story confirmed that this was indeed the case—his personal tastes directly shape the store’s character. It’s as if he’s sharing his own detailed musical journey as a dedicated listener. This deeply personal approach to selection might be why, despite the eclectic mix of music, the atmosphere remains so relaxing. The experience feels like visiting the home of a knowledgeable friend with a vast record collection, where you can casually listen to intriguing records. It’s an exquisite balance of something that seems familiar but is uniquely its own. I can’t think of any other store quite like it.

My motivation to visit was sparked by seeing a record by Marlui Miranda on SILENCIO’s Instagram. Miranda, a Brazilian singer-songwriter with Amazonian indigenous roots, is known for her rare and cherished albums. I felt that a store with such a unique selection would offer continual discoveries, and I was pleased to find that my expectations were right.

Five Records Selected by SILENCIO

Doug Carn “The Doug Carn Trio
Caetano Veloso “Caetano Veloso” (1986)
Cheikh Tidiane Fall, Bobby Few, Jo Maka “Diom Futa
Willem Breuker, Lunchconcert For Three Barrelorgans
Muneer A.F. & The Rhythm String Band Vol III “For Them

Doug Carn’s The Doug Carn Trio, Willem Breuker’s Lunchconcert For Three Barrelorgans, and Muneer A.F. & The Rhythm String Band Vol III’s For Them are not available on subscription services.