The Japanese record store owner and Bristol bass enthusiast passed away yesterday.
The founder and operator of Tokyo record store Disk Shop Zero died yesterday following a bout of illness, Resident Advisor reports. Naoki E-Jima – who championed the sound of Bristol bass in Japan – was honoured by friends from around the world, including Bristol artists Kahn and Addison Groove.
Since opening the record store back in 1993, E-Jima (real name Naoki Iijima) passionately promoted Bristolian music, with a vision to bridge the gap between the two cities’ music scenes. This dream became a reality when he and a group of friends formed the BS0 (a made-up Bristol postcode) party back in 2015 and released a compilation of records on their self-titled label.
Addison Groove expressed his condolences on social media, commenting: “His passion and knowledge for Bristol music is beyond most…if you have a glass tonight, raise it to Naoki, who will be missed. A true fighter, did things his way and a man with a big heart.”
In his tribute to E-Jima on Instagram, Kahn said: “…[Disk Shop Zero] was the most extensive library of music and culture from all different periods of Bristol history that I’d ever seen.” He went on to praise the record shop owner for his kindness, and support in organising the 2015 Kahn & Neek tour in Japan.
Kahn also said something big is on its way to commemorate the late record shop owner: “There are plans already underway to release a massive collection of music from the many artists that he befriended over the years, with all proceeds going to Naoki’s family.”
Visit the Raising Funds for Naoki DSZ Facebook page for more information.
