Hello, this is CityNomix. When I’m not crunching numbers in the digital marketing world, I’m out walking the streets, trying to capture the raw energy of the city. This time, I paid a visit to a sanctuary for music lovers worldwide: Tower Records Shibuya.
My mission was simple. I wanted to see how the massive “Oasis Reunion” movement—which has the whole world buzzing—is being felt right here in the heart of Tokyo. And, with a bit of luck, I hoped to snag a commemorative piece of vinyl from the legendary band.
However, what awaited me was the harsh reality of a “bubble” that shattered my naive expectations. Here is my on-the-ground report from February 2026, detailing the shocking vintage prices, the changing value of physical media, and a glimmer of hope that saved my crushed spirit.
The Oasis Fever and Despair in the Vinyl Aisle
On a cloudy afternoon on February 13, 2026, I arrived at Tower Records Shibuya. The first thing that greeted me was a colossal visual of Liam and Noel Gallagher. Seeing the legendary brothers side-by-side on the wall was deeply moving for a long-time fan. Thinking, “The time has finally come,” I headed straight for the analog record section on the 6th floor with high hopes.
The floor was bustling with music fans from Japan and abroad. The Oasis section, in particular, was crowded, proving just how impactful the reunion is. I started flipping through the bins, hoping to dig up a treasure.
¥52,800 for “Definitely Maybe”? Disbelieving the Price Tag
My fingers stopped at a UK original pressing of their debut album, Definitely Maybe. As I pulled up the sleeve to check the condition, I gasped at the number on the green price tag.
“¥52,800” (approx. $350-$400 USD)
I thought I was seeing things. But no matter how many times I looked, it was over fifty thousand yen. Sure, a UK original 2LP set is rare, but just a few years ago, it was somewhat reachable. Even accounting for the weak yen, there is no doubt that the “Oasis Reunion Bubble” has driven market prices through the roof.
I gathered myself and looked for their second album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?. Surely there were more copies of this pressed…
This one was also ¥52,800. I could only laugh. The 90s Britpop anthems are now treated like fine vintage wines. The market value for oasis vinyl tokyo has skyrocketed, seemingly with no ceiling in sight, mirroring the fans’ excitement.
Even Singles Are Out of Reach
“If albums are impossible, maybe a single,” I thought, shifting my strategy. I looked for the 12-inch single of Whatever. That iconic cover art of the blue sky and grassy field would look great just displayed in my room.
But that hope was quickly dashed too. The price was ¥24,200. Over twenty thousand yen for a single record. It was far beyond the level of a casual “commemorative purchase.”
Even the UK original of Some Might Say was ¥16,500. The only thing I found for under ¥10,000 was the 25th Anniversary Silver Vinyl reissue of Be Here Now for ¥7,700. After seeing the original prices, this almost felt “cheap,” which is a dangerous illusion.
I quietly returned the records to the bin. This price surge goes beyond simple supply and demand; it’s proof that Oasis has become a “historical heritage.”
The Second Shock in the Cassette Tape Section
Dragging my defeat from the vinyl section, I moved to the cassette tape area, thinking, “Surely cassettes are still cheap and cute.” I knew about the recent cassette revival among Gen Z, but I still viewed them as a charmingly cheap medium.
The cassette section at Tower Records Shibuya is impressive. Wooden shelves are packed with tapes, ranging from City Pop classics to Western rock. It looked like a digger’s paradise.
Cassettes Are Now “Assets”
But reality was harsh here, too. I picked up a UK cassette edition of Oasis’s (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?.
¥19,800. Nearly twenty thousand yen for magnetic tape in a plastic case. Even more shocking was Nirvana’s grunge masterpiece, Nevermind.
The US cassette edition was ¥17,600. That iconic baby cover has a massive presence even in cassette size, but the price is equally massive.
The ultimate shock came from The Smashing Pumpkins’ Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness (EU double cassette).
The price was a staggering ¥33,000. Cassette tapes have transcended their status as “cheap, nostalgic goods” to become established collector’s items and assets.
Feeling dizzy from the prices, I looked to the side and saw brand new soundtrack cassettes for the hit show Stranger Things.
Prices ranged from ¥2,690 to ¥3,890. Seeing these numbers, I felt genuinely relieved. For now, these “fun-to-enjoy” cassettes seem to be more my speed.
A glimmer of Hope: New Opening on February 28
Both records and cassettes were over budget. Just as I was about to leave empty-handed, a poster caught my eye.
“TOWER RECORDS BEER SHIBUYA 2026.2.28 OPEN”
Tower Records Shibuya is opening a full-scale craft beer bar inside the store! The poster showed a sleek counter with 12 taps. A space where you can drink quality craft beer while listening to music… this is something to look forward to.
The opening is next week, at the end of February. Although the high-priced records were out of reach this time, I decided to return when the bar opens. I’ll sip a delicious IPA and make a vow: “Someday, I’ll buy that ¥50,000 Oasis record.” Music and beer—having this perfect combination in the middle of Shibuya is a huge salvation for us music fans.
For Those Hunting Oasis Vinyl: What You Need to Know
Based on my experience, here is some advice for those looking into the oasis vinyl tokyo market.
Oasis Vinyl Definitely Maybe & 30th Anniversary
While originals are skyrocketing, Oasis has been actively releasing 30th-anniversary remastered editions and colored vinyl. These offer improved sound quality and are realistically priced (usually under ¥10,000). If your goal is listening rather than collecting, these current pressings are the wise choice.
Oasis Vinyl Original vs. Reissue
The current used market is definitely a “seller’s market.” If you own original 90s pressings, their value is at an all-time high. If you are buying, you might wait for the reunion tour fever to cool down. However, since the value of these masterpieces rarely drops significantly, the best time to buy might simply be when you find them.
Specific Titles to Watch
- Oasis Vinyl Wonderwall & Morning Glory: These are the most popular and expensive titles. Be prepared to spend around ¥50,000 for originals in Tokyo.
- Oasis Vinyl Time Flies: The vinyl box set of the greatest hits collection Time Flies… 1994–2009 is also trading at very high prices because it covers all the hits from their golden era.
Conclusion: Why We Still Go to Shibuya
¥50,000 records and ¥30,000 cassettes. My visit to Tower Records was a harsh reality check regarding the weak yen and the reunion bubble. However, the thrill of seeing an original Definitely Maybe on the shelf and the excitement of being surrounded by vintage cassettes are experiences you can’t get online.
And most importantly, the new craft beer bar opening on February 28 gives us another reason to visit. Tower Records Shibuya continues to evolve from a place that just sells music software to a place where you can enjoy the culture and time surrounding music. Next time, I hope to see a different view through the foam of a beer.
Official site:https://towershibuya.jp/
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