Disk Union - Shimokitazawa -
diskunion, a long-established store founded in 1941, supports music culture through records, cassettes, CDs, and more.
This time, we conducted a photoshoot and interview at the Shimokitazawa store and Club Music Shop, which are close to the APPLEBUM office.
We had a leisurely chat with Kim (KIM a.k.a. X-one), who has worked at diskunion for over 20 years and is also active as a DJ, about diskunion's historic culture, what he's observed amidst changes in the scene, and more.
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KIM a.k.a. X-one
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimakaxone/
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[How long have you been working at diskunion?]
"Was it 2002 or 2003? Before I knew it, it had been over 20 years."
There are branches in Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa, Osaka, and Nagoya, and he has worked at over 10 of them.
He is someone who has been on the front lines for a long time and has seen many different places.
[Originally an imported car dealer!?]
The beginning of diskunion is a bit unexpected.
It was originally founded as an imported car dealer in Ochanomizu, and then transformed into an electronics store.
"They started putting records and CDs in a wagon in front of the store, and they just happened to sell."
From there, the focus gradually shifted more towards music, leading to its current form.
Back then, Ochanomizu was an area where student movements were active, and there was a rebellious air about the town.
"They say the red and black coloring of the logo also comes from the image of rebellion."
[About the Shimokitazawa Store]
Shimokitazawa is unique in that it's divided into two stores: the Shimokitazawa store and the Club Music Shop.
The Club Music Shop was originally located in Ochanomizu, the birthplace of diskunion, but due to the aging of the building, it had to relocate. In 2010, it moved to Shimokitazawa as a "shop-in-shop."
So, even within the same building, they are treated as separate stores.
[The interesting thing is the individuality of the buyers.]
When asked about the characteristics of diskunion, Kim gave a typical answer.
"At diskunion, the buyers' personalities really shine through."
Even within the same genre, the lineup can vary completely from store to store.
Shimokitazawa, in particular, is characterized by a strong subculture influence, including rock, bands, anime, movies, and miscellaneous goods.
I can somehow understand that.
[To be a store where there's "always something new to find"]
Used records are basically sold at the store where they were purchased.
On top of that, "turnover" is a key consideration.
"Anyway, I want it to be a store where you can always find something new, no matter when you come."
The shelves don't always have the same records; there's always a subtle change.
This keeps even daily record diggers entertained.
[Customers at the Shimokitazawa store]
"Back in the day, DJ KOCO aka SHIMOKITA used to come digging for records almost every day. He still comes a few times a month now."
In addition, many other celebrities, including DJs, musicians, comedians, and actors/actresses, have visited the store.
"Can you tell who the celebrities are? (laughs)"
"Kind of, you can tell by their aura."
[Records are "an experience"]
"I think part of the appeal of records is the 'experience' itself."
Where did you buy it?
Who did you listen to it with?
It's that feeling of the atmosphere at the time remaining as a memory.
"With digital, you don't really remember where you bought or downloaded it, do you?"
"Even when I'm DJing, I feel that the same song resonates differently depending on who plays it. It's like the memories come along with the sound."
I feel that these aspects are unique to records.
[Changes in the record market]
"Around 2005, music's main focus shifted to digital, and the demand for analog significantly decreased."
Currently, due to inbound tourism and a new appreciation and re-evaluation of records, the market seems to be expanding.
On the other hand, he feels that fewer young people are deeply delving into one genre compared to the past.
Such changes, too, reflect the trends of the times.
[From player to purveyor]
Over his long career, Kim's own stance has also shifted.
"In the past, it was for my own enjoyment, but now it's a little different."
Now, as a "purveyor," he's also involved in efforts to immortalize music by releasing it on analog formats.
"Slow Lights - Germinating Soul - (LP)"
This is a compilation with a unique concept: a beatmaker and a DJ, each participating in the "Slow Lights" event held at Heavysick ZERO in Nakano, team up and invite an MC to create new music.
Kim was involved in the release of this analog record.
And there was another impressive story.
When I mentioned how nice it must be to be able to check out good records before they go on sale, he replied,
"Here, staff members are forbidden from buying used records."
he said.
"A sushi chef can't say, 'I've got some good ingredients,' and then eat the best parts in the kitchen, right? (laughs)"
Precisely because it's something delivered to customers, he draws a clear line there.
[How I got into music and HIP HOP]
He originally liked Japanese music, and in junior high school, he listened to The Blue Hearts a lot.
He had many music-loving friends, and while listening to various music they brought together, he discovered Schadaraparr, and from there, he gradually got into and immersed himself in HIP HOP.
"I think I really got into HIP HOP after 'Sanpin Camp'."
This was an era when the genre of HIP HOP had not yet been fully established in Japan.
"Even when I went to Shinseido, they only had a few Japanese rap artists like Gidorah and Pager."
From that era, he naturally became part of the culture.
During his university years, while deeply immersed in HIP HOP, he also interacted with friends from band circles.
Among them was Wataru Kakubari, founder of the indie label "Kakubarhythm."
It was also impressive to hear him talk about how nice it is to enjoy the same hobby with friends he'd played with since childhood, even as adults.
"Even now, I sometimes DJ at Wataru's talk shows. It's kind of strange, isn't it?"
[The ever-changing town of Shimokitazawa]
The town of Shimokitazawa is also slowly changing.
Due to rising rents, the number of independent shops has decreased, and large chain stores have increased.
"The teishoku restaurant that Koco and I used to frequent is gone now too. I even forgot its name (laughs)."
Even so, I feel that its charm as a hub for music and culture remains.
"Now, the places I often go to are Oleo, Counter Club, and Live Haus."
"I hope the long-established yakitori restaurant Sakae never disappears."
For our species, music is undeniably an integral part of life.
Kim's story, about continuously supporting that culture, brought many fresh insights.
Before I knew it, I wanted to go record digging again.
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Disk Union Shimokitazawa Store
Disk Union Shimokitazawa Club Music Shop
1F Kashiwa 3rd Building, 1-40-6 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031
Access: 5 minutes walk from Shimokitazawa Station
Opening hours
Weekdays 12:00-20:00
Weekends and holidays 11:00-20:00
Web: https://diskunion.net/
Instagram (Shimokitazawa Store): https://www.instagram.com/diskunion_shimokitazawa/
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