Today in Tokyo, a precious sunny spell graced us before the rainy season’s official arrival. It was Saturday, June 21st, 2025, a little past 2:00 PM. My business in Ochanomizu finished much quicker than expected, leaving me with some welcome free time. A thought sparked: “On a day like this, digging for music at Disk Union is the only way to go.” Drawn by the unique scent of old records and the promise of discovering unknown sounds packed tightly on the shelves, my feet naturally led me towards the station-front building.
Ochanomizu Station Front: Gateway to a Music Sanctuary
Disk Union Ochanomizu boasts an unbeatable location on the second floor of the Tokyo Metro Shin-Ochanomizu station building, just outside the ticket gates. The “disk union” logo on its glass facade never fails to excite me. Oh, and a little quirk of this particular store: the restroom is located by the entrance, near the merchandise corner. So, after a quick ‘purification’ (?), it was time to dive into the ocean of music.
It’s astonishing to think that Disk Union was founded way back in 1941, making it a venerable institution in the record shop scene. They handle not only new releases but also a colossal amount of used CDs and records, even audio equipment, and they have their own record label. Its presence is monumental in the Japanese music scene. With numerous stores mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including Shinjuku and Shibuya, their dedication, even to the extent of having genre-specific specialty stores, is a testament to their deep love for music.
The Ochanomizu Store’s Character: A Soundtrack for a Town of Students and Book Lovers
This Ochanomizu branch is a fairly orthodox, all-genre store, but perhaps due to its proximity to Jinbocho, an area known for bookstores, it exudes a somewhat academic atmosphere. It holds the promise of unearthing music that might tickle the intellectual curiosity of students and book aficionados. The selection in a used record store is like a mirror reflecting the musical history of the people who live in the area. That’s why browsing the ever-changing shelves offers a thrill akin to a treasure hunt.
First Stop: The New CDs – Future Rarities Lie in Wait
My ritual is to start by checking the new CD section, reining in my excitement. Why? Because that one gem that might appreciate in value later is often most affordably priced when it’s brand new. This is a small piece of wisdom gleaned from years of experience.
As I scanned the shelves, the name Oasis caught my eye: a remastered version of their classic compilation, ‘Time Flies… 1994-2009.’ Next to it, a new release from Pulp. A delightful sight for any Britpop fan. But wait a minute… The Oasis ‘Time Flies’ package looked bigger than usual. Picking it up, I realized it was a 7-inch size paper sleeve edition. And then, the gleaming words: “Japan Only Limited Edition.”
Upon closer inspection, I learned it came with a bonus set of classic Oasis logo stickers. This… I had to buy this. Visions of Liam and Noel Gallagher, alternating, seemed to give me a gentle nudge from behind.
Into the Labyrinth of Used CDs: The Quest for Oasis
Buoyed by my auspicious start in the new arrivals, I moved on to the used CD section. This is where the real hunt begins. Where was the Oasis shelf? Ah, Coldplay. Tempting, but not my target for today. The store was surprisingly bustling, everyone intently scouring the racks. Their fervor was contagious, fueling my own search.
Finally, I found it: the Oasis section. To my surprise, it was neatly divided into domestic (Japanese pressings) and import versions. This kind of thoughtful organization is one of Disk Union’s many charms. Now, was there anything unusual…?
A Rekindled Memory: Reconnecting with the Essence of Disk Union
As I meticulously examined the spines, a sense of déjà vu washed over me. “That’s right, I remember now! This is the true joy of Disk Union!” It’s the thrill of encountering not just official releases, but also bootleg live albums that sometimes possess an even greater raw energy. I’d been so focused on the vinyl section lately that I’d completely forgotten. A foolish oversight.
My eyes landed on a series of unfamiliar covers. What were these? One I picked up was a recording of a 1996 live show in Cardiff, Wales.
Next to it, a live album from a 1997 New York concert, capturing the frenzy around the release of ‘Be Here Now.’
And then, a Japanese pressing of the 1996 Maine Road stadium show. This concert, which shook the former home stadium of Manchester City, is a legendary night often mentioned in the same breath as their Knebworth performance later that summer when discussing Oasis’s career. Personally, I have a soft spot for their razor-sharp performances from this period, just before Knebworth.
A Fateful Encounter: The Legendary ‘JILY’ Bootleg, Remastered
And then, my eyes locked onto one particular CD. A simple, predominantly black cover with ‘JILY’ written in white. Could it be…? No way… This was ‘JILY,’ renowned as one of the ultimate Oasis bootlegs! And, looking closer, I saw the words “High Quality Remastered.” A remastered version? Seriously?
Speaking of Cardiff, it’s serendipitous that, in about two weeks, Oasis’s (fictional) Live2025 tour is set to kick off at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. This felt like fate. I snatched it up without a second thought.
Furthermore, in the import section, I found what appeared to be a complete 3-disc version of the Maine Road stadium shows, covering both nights. I had to get this too. I was on a roll today. Disk Union, you are the best.
The Lure of Vinyl, and the Occasional Miss
Still buzzing with excitement, I made my way to the vinyl section. Here too, new arrivals first. It’s a golden rule: valuable records are often most accessible when first released. Unfortunately, nothing Oasis-related jumped out at me today. I wondered if the ‘Time Flies’ vinyl was different from the Record Store Day release. It piqued my curiosity, but I decided to pass for now.
I also browsed the used vinyl shelves, but no noteworthy Oasis finds today. That’s just part of the record hunting experience. However, it’s precisely because I’m physically here, sifting through records one by one, that the joy of unearthing an unexpected treasure is so immense.
The Sweet Trap of the Merchandise Corner: Memories of Knebworth
Just as I was about to head to the checkout, the merchandise corner caught my eye. Better do a quick scan for anything I might have missed. And there it was: an Oasis track jacket. Pretty cool retro design. I checked the price tag and almost gasped. “Over 30,000 yen?!” Why so expensive? This is always the moment I regret not buying merch at concerts when I had the chance.
But then, I took a closer look at the tag. It read “Knebworth.” Ah, that explained it. This must be a jacket from the legendary 1996 Knebworth gigs. The price suddenly made sense. It was like wearing a piece of music history. I reluctantly passed on it this time, but it was a feast for the eyes.
CityNomix’s Guide to Navigating Disk Union
This whole experience reaffirmed my appreciation for Disk Union’s unique appeal. Let me share a few tips I’ve picked up, which you might find useful:
First, remember that Disk Union, founded in 1941, is a veteran establishment with an enormous inventory of both new and used items. Their range is vast, covering CDs, records, DVDs/Blu-rays, music-related books, and merchandise.
The used section is particularly fascinating because the selection varies by store, reflecting the local customer base. Every visit is a chance for a unique find. So, if you’re nearby, it’s always worth popping in. You never know what treasures await.
And don’t overlook the new arrivals section. The curated selections, designed to impress even the most discerning fans, are a testament to the staff’s passion and hard work. The handwritten blurbs (POPs) accompanying items are often insightful mini-reviews and valuable sources of information. Use them as a guide, but also trust your instincts and don’t be afraid of an impulse buy based on cover art.
Today’s Haul and the Impact of the ‘JILY’ Remaster
So, here’s what I walked away with today:
- Oasis ‘Time Flies… 1994-2009’ Remastered Japan Complete Production Limited Edition (7-inch size paper sleeve, with bonus stickers)
- Oasis ‘JILY’ High-Quality Remastered Edition (1996 Cardiff live bootleg)
- Oasis 3-disc import presumed to be the complete Maine Road stadium shows
Back home, I immediately put on the ‘JILY’ remaster. …This is truly an “ultra-masterpiece.” The high-quality sound is so vivid it’s like being right there at the concert. Every note is crystal clear, and the band’s groove is incredibly direct.
The highlights are plentiful: Liam messing up the ending of “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” Alan White stopping the drums, Noel inexplicably getting angry, and Liam stepping in to mediate. The beautiful acoustic guitar work by Noel on “Whatever.” And, of course, the massive singalong with the crowd during “Wonderwall.” Personally, I love the different guitar riff on “Round Are Way” compared to the studio version. With the massive Maine Road shows just a month away, you can hear the band hitting an incredible stride. The performance is remarkably solid throughout, reaffirming just how special this gig was.
The Music Hunt Continues: Ochanomizu and Beyond
My few hours at Disk Union Ochanomizu were a true musical treasure hunt. Through the common language of Oasis, I relived legendary past performances and thrilled at new discoveries. This is why I can never quit exploring record stores. In an age where music is readily available digitally, the experience of holding physical media, admiring the artwork, and poring over liner notes feels more valuable than ever.
Actually, there’s another musical sanctuary in Ochanomizu that I need to visit… but that’s a story for another time, a new article. I hope your own music explorations bring you wonderful encounters.
Until next time, see you on Photomo.
Store Information: Disk Union Ochanomizu Ekimae Store
Whether you’re searching for rare Oasis records, bootleg CDs, or simply new musical encounters, I highly recommend a visit.
Official Website: https://diskunion.net/shop/ct/ocha_ekimae
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