Why are Japanese Pressings so sought after?

Quick answer

•  Japanese pressings tend to have better sound quality and the materials used for both the record and the cover tend to be excellent. Also when the obi strip is present it adds a unique element. 

 

Long answer

• Unlike most western countries that often utilised recycled vinyl Japan mostly used "virgin vinyl" in their manufacturing process. Virgin vinyl results in less surface noise and better audio dynamics. 
• Japan was at the leading edge of audio technology from the 1960s onwards and it's reflected in the quality control that was implemented at the manufacturing level. 
• When pressing vinyl Japanese companies tended to press records in smaller batches than was common in the west. This resulted in stampers that were fresher and another reason why the sound quality was so high. 
• Record collectors in Japan tended to take very good care of their collections. The number of Japanese Pressings from 40+ years ago that are in excellent shape is impressive. 
• Companies in Japan mostly used plastic inner sleeves rather than paper ones. Plastic sleeves are better for records because paper can scuff the surface. 
• "Japanese only" releases. There are many albums that when released in Japan were given alternative covers. 
• The quality of the sleeves is usually excellent with high quality cardboard and paper used and excellent print quality. 
• The famous "obi strip". In the 1960s Japanese record companies started to add a wraparound paper band to record sleeves with additional info or descriptions of the album in order to entice the buyer. The idea was that it would be thrown away after purchase so when still present an obi strip adds value to a record due to its visual interest and rarity.