On the initiative of guitarist Jinichiro Iida – from Tzadik-famed band Limited Express (has gone ?) – download platform Ototoy just released a massive six-volume compilation featuring 112 tracks by artists such as African Head Charge, MONO, Haruomi Hosono (YMO), Audio Active, DODDODO... Proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross. Tracks are DRM-free, encoded in 192 kbps mp3 format, and sold only as 18-19 track albums for the price of 1000 JPY (around $12).
The Ototoy website is only in Japanese, but explanations regarding the purchase process follow after the jump.
(It looks complicated but it really is as easy as on any other website)
First, create an account :
First, create an account :
1. Click the green bar-shaped button on the upper right (新規会員登録)
2. Check the box to agree terms of use, enter your email address in the blank space and type in the captcha.
3. Check your email, open the message from info[AT]ototoy.jp and click on the link. You will be redirected back to Ototoy.jp
4. Complete the form as follows :
email address (should be already typed in)
surname / first name
surname / first name (in Japanese hiragana : you can paste this instead : みょうじ / なまえ)
sex (first is male, second is female)
select wether you wish to receive the Ototoy newsletter (second option is « yes, once a week », third option is « no »)
enter a password
confirm your password
select your Chinese astrological sign (you will need to indicate it if you lose your password) : Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar.
Register your credit card
1. Go to Ototoy.jp>>>My Page>>>クレカ登録 (section on the far right)
2. enter your password
3. select your type of card
enter the number
enter the expiry date
enter the name as it appears on your card
1.To purchase, go back to the product page, and click on the right side of the green button (↓購入) below the volume you wish to buy (you can also buy all six volumes by clicking the ↓購入 button below "Play for Japan Vol1-6").
2. Click on the button on the top (クレジットカードで支払う) Warning : clicking this button will complete your purchase. You will not be asked to check your order before completing it, and you will not be able to cancel your purchase after pressing this button, so make sure you selected the right item.
3. a pop-up window will open and you will be able to select where to store the files on your computer.
To delete your account, go to the bottom of any page on the website and click on 退会. Enter your password, and click on the button on the left.
If you need assistance, please email me at musicreliefjapan[AT]hotmail.fr (I do not work for Ototoy, though). Ototoy can be reached at info[AT]ototoy.jp