This is CityNomix.
Ochanomizu, Tokyo. This neighborhood possesses a unique magnetic field. Descending the slope lined with musical instrument stores, where the scent of old books from the antiquarian district mingles in the air, lies a sanctuary that inevitably pulls us music lovers in.
I am talking, of course, about Disk Union Ochanomizu.
In a previous Photomo article, I shared the story of unearthing ‘JILY,’ a legendary bootleg of the 1996 Oasis Cardiff performance, right here in this spot. The excitement of that moment transcended mere shopping; it was an experience akin to time travel.
(Read the previous story here: Finding the Oasis Legend ‘JILY’ at Disk Union Ochanomizu)
Fast forward to January 2026. As if guided by some unseen force, I found myself descending the stairs of this store once again. And waiting for me there was, coincidentally, the keyword “Cardiff” and a strange synchronicity spanning 30 years.
In this issue, I want to talk a bit at length about the “aesthetics of passing” as a collector, a fateful encounter with a bootleg, and the thrill of digging across genres.
Prologue: Drawn Back to Ochanomizu
It was a day with a biting November wind. My original purpose was supposed to be a different errand entirely, yet before I knew it, I was exiting the Hijiribashi Exit of JR Ochanomizu Station.
Disk Union Ochanomizu Ekimae Store. Seeing that yellow sign and red logo raises my heart rate like Pavlov’s dog. For a brain exhausted by digital marketing work, the remedy is always the weight of analog vinyl and the smell of jacket ink.
Stepping inside, it was the same “jungle” as always. Walls plastered with CDs and records, and diggers with sharp eyes hunting for their prey. This atmosphere, a mix of tension and elation, is an experience you can only get in a physical store.
I stand before the Western Rock shelves. Oasis, Pixies, The Smiths… The rhythm of tracing spines with my finger. In this moment, I focus all my senses.
The Collector’s Eye: The Thrill of Putting Back a $70 Rare Record
My finger stopped at the Oasis section.
A stark white jacket. A simple design with just the band logo in the center. This is…
The ‘Columbia (Instore Sampler)’ 12-inch promo. The center label bears the words “FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY.” The tracks are “Columbia (Demo)” and “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away (Acoustic).”
With trembling hands, I check the yellow price tag in the top right corner. “UK-ORIGINAL” “¥10,850” (approx. $70).
It’s not cheap. In fact, it’s pricey. However, considering how infrequently this disc appears on the market, it’s certainly not an unfair price. It is a precious relic conveying the enthusiasm of Oasis immediately after their debut in the early 90s.
I held the record for a while, admiring it. Then, quietly, very quietly, I returned it to the shelf.
“Heh, I already have this on my shelf at home,” I muttered internally.
The moment I thought that, a strange sense of superiority welled up. The old me might have run to the register even if it meant going into debt. But the current me has the composure of “already owning it.”
Encountering the same item, reaffirming its value, and then passing on it while savoring the fact of ownership. This, too, is a twisted but exquisite joy that only those who have been collecting for a long time can taste. If you are reading this, surely you understand this feeling?
Destiny Link: From Cardiff 1996 to Cardiff 2024
Immediately after confirming my pride as a collector, I moved to the CD corner, where a title jumped out at me.
Definitely Maybe 30 Years Live In Cardiff 2024.
A Liam Gallagher solo live album. Date: June 3, 2024. Location: Cardiff.
An electric current ran down my spine. Last time, what I found here at Disk Union Ochanomizu was the 1996 Oasis Cardiff bootleg ‘JILY’.
Cardiff 1996 and Cardiff 2024.
The location is the same Welsh capital (though the venue changed from the CIA to the Utilita Arena). And a live performance centered around the album Definitely Maybe. Thirty years later, the singing voices of the brothers (or rather, just the younger brother) recorded in the same place are intersecting here on the same shelf in Ochanomizu.
I look at the back cover. The setlist features timeless classics like “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” “Columbia,” and “Supersonic.” However, what shook me most was the context residing there.
As of June 2024, the Oasis reunion had not yet been officially announced. It was a time when fans around the world were oscillating between the faint hope of “maybe” and the resignation of “it’s impossible.”
Amidst this, Liam was celebrating the 30th anniversary of Definitely Maybe alone, continuing to sing the songs his brother Noel wrote. This bootleg surely contains that unique atmosphere of the “pre-reunion eve,” a vacuum-packed mixture of frenzy and melancholy.
Of particular note is that Liam sings “Half the World Away,” a masterpiece known for featuring Noel Gallagher on vocals. This fact alone was more than enough to decide the purchase.
In my excitement, I posted to Threads from inside the store. “Buying Cardiff 2024 at the shop where I bought Cardiff 1996.” I was convinced I came here today to see the conclusion of this story.
Genre-less Scent: Electronic Sounds Next to Rock
While immersed in the Oasis narrative, my “digging” antenna was also picking up another frequency.
Glancing at the lower shelf, a metallic logo shone on a black jacket.
Daft Punk’s Discovery. A masterpiece from 2001.
The price card reads “EU ORIGINAL” “¥8,850.” This is another item whose price has skyrocketed in recent years. It is a monumental work of the French Touch representing the 2000s, also known for its collaboration with Leiji Matsumoto’s animation Interstella 5555.
Why would a rock lover like me want this? You might ask. However, the beauty of Disk Union Ochanomizu is that “good music” exists in parallel across genre boundaries.
I check the disc surface. Side C, containing “Something About Us.” Beautiful. If I drop the needle, I can easily imagine that sweet, melancholic electro-funk flowing out.
Feeling the earthiness of British rock with Oasis, then flying to the universe of sophisticated electronic sounds with Daft Punk. This range is what enriches my musical life. Without hesitation, I “rescued” (purchased) this as well.
Epilogue: Memories Connected by Physical Media
When I left the store, the sun had completely set over Ochanomizu.
In my bag, Liam Gallagher’s 2024 Cardiff show CD and Daft Punk’s original LP. And in my heart, the proud memory of the Oasis promo I passed on.
In an era where tens of millions of songs are available via streaming, going out of your way to visit a store and search for an “encounter” among limited stock might seem inefficient. However, just as Cardiff 1996 and Cardiff 2024 were physically connected in my hands, records and CDs offer the joy of owning a “story.”
If you are looking for something more than just “information” in music, please visit Disk Union Ochanomizu. There, a story unique to you is surely waiting buried in the shelves.
Disk Union Ochanomizu: A Practical Guide
For those planning to visit or wanting to know more, here are some practical insights based on common search queries, from my perspective as CityNomix.
Rumors of Disk Union Ochanomizu Closing
You might see searches for “Disk Union Ochanomizu closing,” but rest assured, the Ochanomizu branches are alive and well. However, due to past reorganizations, floor moves, or the relocation of nearby specialty shops (like the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal store), visitors returning after a long time might feel like a shop is missing. Always check the official website for the latest location info. The flame of music culture in this city has not been extinguished.
Vs. Disk Union Shinjuku & Shibuya
What’s the difference compared to Disk Union Shinjuku or Disk Union Shibuya? In my view, Shinjuku is the “headquarters of overwhelming volume and niche mania,” and Shibuya leans towards “trends and club culture.” In contrast, Ochanomizu feels like a “silver-lined lineup deeply digging into the history of Rock, Jazz, and Soul.” The atmosphere is calmer, perhaps due to the academic nature of the area. It satisfies an intellectual curiosity.
Opening Hours & Access
Generally, Disk Union Ochanomizu opening hours are 12:00-20:00 on weekdays and 11:00-20:00 on weekends/holidays, though this can vary by specific store. Note the 8:00 PM closing time. A last-minute rush creates panic, dulling your judgment (like missing a scratch on a rare record). It’s best to visit with plenty of time on a weekend afternoon.
Checking the Blog for New Arrivals
One reason I frequent the shop is the existence of the Disk Union Ochanomizu blog. Searching for this reveals arrival information for the Ekimae store or the Soul/Rare Groove building. Often, “in-store only” info appears here before hitting the online shop. For out-of-print or one-of-a-kind items, speed is key. Checking the blog is a cardinal rule for diggers.
The Depths of the Jazz Floor
While I focused on rock, Ochanomizu is also synonymous with Jazz. JazzTOKYO in this area boasts world-class inventory. Even as a rock fan, I visit to pay respects to original pressings of Miles Davis or John Coltrane. Viewing jackets in that serene space is a luxury for adults.
A History of Relocation
Disk Union Ochanomizu relocation has happened multiple times, resulting in the current layout. Finding a new building where an old one stood is common here. But this is proof of metabolism. Each move often brings better shelf organization. Enjoying the new layout is part of walking this city.
Soul Blog & Black Music
Finally, the Disk Union Ochanomizu Soul Blog. Ochanomizu has a fantastic dedicated Soul/Rare Groove building. This is the place to find the original samples for Daft Punk or Hip Hop tracks. The blog features commentary by expert staff full of love for the music. It’s not just a product list but a great read.
So, why not head to Ochanomizu next weekend? Your “destined record” might be waiting for you at the back of a shelf.
Official site: https://diskunion.net/shop/ct/ocha_ekimae
Google Map :
Photomo – CityNomix
