[In Shinjuku Marui Men] Pioneer DJ Popup Store in Shinjuku Marui Men

From June 27 (Mon.) to July 3 (Sun.), the Pioneer DJ Popup Store in Shinjuku Marui Men was open in the event space on the 8th floor of Shinjuku Marui Men! The event featured displays of popular DJ equipment, a hands-on DJ experience corner, a VR DJ experience using the latest technology, DJ school sessions, and show content featuring popular artists!

For those interested in DJing but haven’t taken the plunge or are looking for a reason to start, this event was a must-see! As Sound House’s DJ equipment manager, I attended this unmissable event and will be sharing my report with you!

● What is Pioneer DJ?

Pioneer DJ is a globally renowned brand, known as theworld’s leading brand of DJ equipment. Since the release of their first DJ CD player, the CDJ-50 in the 90s, Pioneer DJ has become synonymous with DJ equipment, introducing iconic series such as the CDJ Series, DJM Series, PLX Series, which stood alongside the SL-1200 to support turntablists, and the DDJ Series and XDJ Series, which marked a leap into digital DJing.
Pioneer DJ continues to be a favorite among DJs and artists worldwide, earning overwhelming support from clubs and music bars around the globe.

● What Kind of Event was It?

The event was held in the event space on the 8th floor of Shinjuku Marui Men.
Shinjuku Marui Men is located just a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku 3-Chome Station, making it easily accessible and attracting a large crowd.
The event featured daily special programs, including DJ demonstrations by professional DJs, guest talk shows, and genre-specific DJ lessons called Special DJ School. I went to the popup store on its final day, July 3 (Sun.). On that day, the special program featured a DJ performance by Yuka Nishio (voice of Rinku Aimoto) and Karin Kagami (voice of Maho Akashi), the lead characters from the DJ anime D4DJ and its protagonist group Happy Around! I participated with the specific goal of seeing them perform!

● Entering the Venue!

Shinjuku Marui Men is a high-end department store filled with stores offering men’s high-fashion apparel, accessories, and stylish furniture. I was surprised to find a drone school among the tenants.

The digital signage at the department store’s entrance also displayed information about the popup store.

Before heading to the 8th floor, where the popup store was located, I found an Animate store on the 7th floor!
The store, which was previously located in Shinjuku West Exit HALC, had relocated to Shinjuku Marui Men in March this year. The store was bustling with many customers, including what appeared to be D4DJ fans.

● Arriving at the Store! Latest Models and Iconic Products on Display

Finally, I reached the 8th floor and entered the popup store!

The store was bustling with activity! Inside, various DJ equipment, including new products, were displayed and ready to be played.

Here’s the latest mixer, DJM-S5, which was just unveiled on May 31 and released in June!

The glossy red front panel, which exudes a sense of playfulness, offers a visual appeal that contrasts with the more traditional, understated look of DJ mixers, giving it a look just like a musical instrument. The contrast with the blue control vinyl set on the PLX-500 on either side is simply beautiful.

Next, I checked out the DJM-V10, likely the most advanced model on display. This monster machine features a 6-channel mixer with a 3-band isolator.

The setup, which includes two CDJ-3000 players and the DJM-V10, costs a staggering ¥1,122,000 (estimated retail price). The price is also monstrous.

I had the opportunity to review the DJM-V10 when it was first released, and you can check out that review here.

Pioneer DJ DJM-V10 Review before release!

Next up is the DDJ-REV1, another latest model!

The REV Series, including the higher-end DDJ-REV7, is notable for its unique layout.
It replicates the battle position layout, where two turntables are placed vertically (with the tempo faders positioned at the top), making it particularly popular among turntablists and battle DJs.

We also introduced the DDJ-REV7 during a recent Sound House’s live streaming on our YouTube channel, with a representative from Pioneer DJ joining us.
If you have the time, please check it out!

● D4DJ Special Stage!

Finally, it was time for the D4DJ Special content I had been waiting for!
Due to the large turnout, well beyond capacity, entry was determined by a lottery.

I queued up in line for the lottery tickets...

Received a ticket from the staff...

Waited for the results to be announced on the official Twitter account...

And the results were in!

Unfortunately, I didn’t win...

Reactions near the venue were mixed, with some people cheering and others disappointed by the lottery results. The popularity of D4DJ is indeed formidable.

Congratulations to those who won the lottery!
Both Yuka Nishio and Karin Kagami shared comments on Twitter, and I’m envious of those who got to see this event!

This picture was taken immediately after the Special content ended.
The stage featured the PCDJ controller DDJ-FLX6-W, a limited-edition white model used by the two performers, along with panels of Happy Around! characters Rinku Aimoto and Maho Akashi. The rear display showed live footage, making it a dream stage for fans!

For those who wanted to start DJing with the Happy Around! members!
Did you know that Sound House had a special project where Yuka Nishio and Karin Kagami explained DJ techniques?

DDJ-400HA & HDJ-X5-HA Special Collaboration in Celebration of Their Release

Although the video is no longer available, the page was packed with essential knowledge for improving your DJ skills, including basic techniques for mixing tracks and scratching. If you have the time, be sure to check it out.

● Conclusion & Impressions

The Pioneer DJ Popup Store in Shinjuku Marui Men was a massive success. While the next event is currently undecided, the success of this event certainly raises expectations for future events.
You can stay updated on upcoming events by checking Pioneer DJ’s official website for the latest information on planned content.

If you’re interested in the DJ lessons offered during the Special DJ School, I recommend checking out Pioneer DJ’s official DJ school! With the assurance of being taught by Pioneer DJ staff and the ability to borrow equipment, it’s an excellent option, especially for beginners!

Pioneer DJ School

That concludes my review of the Pioneer DJ Popup Store in Shinjuku Marui Men!