Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)

[fretzburner]

Mura nga mga prices based on the photo,halos 3 CD's(3,300yen each) lang bawat pedal.

[shodawmoon]

@gandy

 binasa ko lahat nung facts na pinost mo.   

@TS

 thanks for sharing. 

[accento24]

Unfortunately, wala silang planong ipaghalo at sirain ang lahi nila sa pagdagdag ng mga pinoy sa Japan.  Your only chance is to get married to Japanese girl.  Kaso lang, ang panget talaga ng itsura nila.  Kaunting kaunti lang ang maganda parang gitarang may hiyaw.  Less than 3% of their population lang ang maganda.

Pero di po ba pag sa porn sila yung laging may hiyaw?! 

[accento24]

http://www.musictrades.co.jp/webnews/english/2009/09/take-a-closer-look-at-ochanomizu-musical-instruments-town-in-tokyo-earning-20-billion-yen-annual-sal.html



Ayun found the article I read...^^^

Take a Closer Look at Ochanomizu, Musical Instruments Town in Tokyo Earning 20 Billion Yen Annual Sales

Academies generated demands for music products

Ochanomizu means special to Japan's music products industry. Total sales of the area are estimated to be 20 billion yen* including Internet sales. There are 48 music stores located in an about 70 hector space starting from Japan Railways Ochanomizu Station down to Akihabara which is renowned by shoppers of PC and consumer electric appliances. Majority of them are MI stores with guitar as a main line. More recently specialist stores for used instruments are increasing their existence. (*Total annual sales are an estimate brought by Japan Music Trades in reference to previous data as no sales figures were provided from part of the stores.)


Looking back the history of the area, there are some credible reasons that the mega town for musical instruments was formed and developed to this day. The first point is its historical background dating back to Meiji Era. During the period, Meiji, Chuo, Senshu and other law schools founded one after another, and Tokyo University of Music (then, Toyo School of Music) which is the first music academy in Japan was established in 1907. Japan's first orchestra was organized in the academy to achieve national sensation. (photos above: Holy Resurrection Cathedral, Nicholai-do, a landmark of Ochanomizu, top, and the crossing from where the musical instrument town begins.)

Today extended Ochanomizu area including adjacent Kanda has become one of the largest academic towns having nearly 20 universities, art and language institutes. There existed substantial demands for musical instruments for those schools from earlier times.

The second point is the area also raised book stores of versatile fields serving the needs of the students. Well known Kanda Book Street emerged along with increase of the schools. A town guide book lists up as many as 160 book stores in Kanda.

The third point much relates to prolific music activities by students in the area. From early to middle of the 20th century, mandolin became a popular instrument among university students. Harmonica was another favorite of students and citizens. The music stores mainly sold violin, mandolin, guitar and harmonica. Only a limited number of retailers had piano on their sales floor. With outbreak of The Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, brass bands budded throughout Japan which helped stimulate demands for wind instruments.

The customers for the music stores in Ochanomizu are 73% adults, and 27% students. Despite the origin as academic town, they chiefly serve businessmen today. That reflects fewer youth population and increasing involvement in music making by adults.

The 48 music stores in Ochanomizu have following products displayed at their sales floors:
12,590 electric guitars
4,670 electric basses
4,430 acoustic guitars
320 trumpets
470 saxophones
210 flutes
147 clarinets
1,210 violins

Growth associated with surging demands for guitar
Origin and advent of Ochanomizu as a town of musical instruments are deeply rooted into its peculiar factors much associated with the area. It's ideally located between Japan Railways Tokyo and Ueno mega terminal stations of Metropolitan Tokyo. It budded in early 20th century backed by demands from the schools in the area.

After the World War II, Ochanomizu revived from the ashes relatively earlier than other towns as much of the area survived the raids. As humble shops opened, people flocked, more shops came up, and a good cycle developed to form a larger commercial area.

Such established music stores as Shimokura Gakkiten, Suga Gakki , Kawase Gakki, Miyaji Shokai, Ishibashi Musical, Shimokura Gakki and Taniguchi Gakki prompted further growth of Ochanomizu. Later, guitar boom brought by popular folk and rock music also greatly accelerated their success.



 



 

Electric guitar sales flourished after 1972. Domestic sales in 1972 were 45,000 units which nearly doubled to 82,000 units next year, and reached 103,000 units in l976. After the industry sold 230,000 units in 1978, business successfully expanded.   
 
While, acoustic guitar market enjoyed favorable growth with average annual sales of 650,000 units from 1965 through 1979, however, it went into a downward trend in 1980s. All in all, huge demands for guitar built a solid foundation of music retail business in Ochanomizu.

It was the middle of 1980s that music stores for used instruments began increasing existence in the area. Present structure of the music town forged in this period. It's not a surprise that competition magnifies as more players join the game. At one time, cut-throat discount by music retailers in the area was a major concern for the industry.

Whereabouts of the musical instruments town cast significant influence on performance of music products industry. It's trend and business climate are easily penetrated to other areas. Hopefully, Ochanomizu remains as one of leading powers in music business in the years to come.

Here is a list of 48 music retailers in Ochanomizu.

Shimokura Gakki main store  http://www.shimokura-gakki.com/
Ishibashi Musical main store  http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/
Taniguchi Gakki  http://www.taniguchi-gakki.com/
ESP Technical House http://www.espguitars.co.jp/
G-Club Tokyo  http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_g_club/
Kurosawa Wind  http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_windocha/
PAN Music Used Insts. Center http://www.pan-project.com/pan_used.html
PAN Music http://www.pan-project.com/panmusic.html
Big Boss FREAKS MARKET http://www.bigboss.jp/
Shimokura Violin Co. http://www.shimokura-violin.com/
Shimokura Second Hands Part I http://www.shimokura-secondhands.com/
Shimokura Second Hands Part II http://www.shimokura-secondhands.com/
Kurosawa Violin http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_ocha.v/
Guitar Planet http://www.pan-project.com/guitarplanet.html
Akio Gakki http://www.akionet.com/
Kurosawa Gakki Ochanomizu St. store http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_ocha/
Old Guitar Garage http://www.bigboss.jp/
Big Boss Tokyo http://www.bigboss.jp/
Figaro Guitars
Ishibashi Musical Ochanomizu Annex http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/
Gakki Center Tokyo (Show Room) http://www.gakkicenter.com/
Big Boss Tokyo SOUND LINER http://www.bigboss.jp/
Guitar Workshop Andante http://andante.aki.gs/
Wood Magic http://www.woodmagic.jp/
Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Electric Guitar & Bass)
 http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/
Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Acoustic Guitar) http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/
Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Classical guitar) http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/
Rankado http://www.rankado.co.jp/
Otofuku http://www.otofuku.net/
Rim Shot http://www.rim-guitars.com/
Sankei Shoten
Suga Gakki
The Dream http://www.the-dream.jp/
Kuroda Gakki
Blue-G Acoustic Guitars http://www.blue-g.com/
Hobo's Trading http://www.hobos-g.com/
Guitar Workshop
Kawase Gakki http://www.kawase.co.jp/
Woodman http://www.woodman.co.jp/
LLuck Guitar http://www.lluck.jp/
Miyaji Gakki Kanda Store http://www.miyaji.co.jp/
Vintage Strings http://www.vintage-strings.co.jp/
Media Calm http://www.media-calm.com/
Ken Guitars
MUSICVOX AKIHABARA http://www.musicvox.jp/
Ikebe Gakki Revole Akihabara Store http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/
Ikebe Gakki Bass Station Revole Akihabara http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/
Ikebe Gakki Drum Station Revole Akihabara http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/

Thanks po for sharing!!!

[gearthird]

Mother of God. a true paradise! thanks for sharing bro.

[kawayan_strat]

Boss, USED ata ang pedal na tinutukoy mo.

Alex, kahit used, mura parin, Php4190 for a TC pedal quite cheap, kung dito sa classifieds yan, malamang, mga 8-9k yan.

[walanakamingyelo]

Handanda danda! Ang laki talaga ng problema ng mga musician na nakatira sa 3rd world countries.... pakenengshayt!

[CeL1916]

na check mo ba yung zemaitis shop? there's also a shop that has 1 whole floor dedicated for lefty guitars. you need to take the elevator @the side to get there.

Dapat mapuntahan ni allen yun..

Anyways

Masaya talaga kultura ng japan tsaka yung randomness nila..

[curiousdcat]

What a coincidence (somewhat)!  I was just in Ochanomizu for the first time 2 Saturdays ago!  While I have been to Japan a couple of times already, I usually just end up in Akabane or Shinjuku music stores to get gear if need be.  I've heard of Ochanomizu before but never really needed to go there because the stores I frequented would usually have the stuff I need already.  This time it was different, the stores I go to didn't have the particular items I wanted.  They were out of stock so I ended up asking how to get to Ochanomizu and never regretted it.




For me, the nice thing about "Ocha" is the number of guitars they have in total.  Think of the guitar showcase in Guitar Center Arlington times 20!  No kidding...there were just too many stores in Ocha that have a huge inventory of guitars.  Don't let the store size fool you coz the stores usually have 3 to 4 floors devoted to gear with about 2 floors at least for solidbodies.  Just ask how to get to the other floors and they will gladly point the way.  Also when in Ocha, don't forget to explore the side streets as well because the stores there, IMO, have better guitars and more quality guitar inventory.

This is me and my tummy at a Kurosawa store in one of the side streets; about to get sick with the more than PHP600k priced Private Stocks:



Pricewise, I actually find Ocha more expensive than my usual go to places in Japan.  Simple case in point is the price of Korg Pitchclip tuners at Shimamura, Ikebe and all other Ocha stores.  They cost PHP700 there while it was only between PHP400-440 in Shimamura Akabane and Ikebe near Shinjuku.  Even prices at Amazon.co.jp was a lot cheaper (and guaranteed delivery within 2 days).  Having said that, there are nice guitar bargains in Ocha including a very nice looking used Suhr C2 which had a price tag of only PHP90K.  Buying used items in Japan, whether via stores or ads, is almost risk free since the Japs (even salespersons) are usually straightforward and will tell you everything they know about a particular used item, including unseen defects, minute scratches and other problems.

Overall, Japan carries more types and brands of gear than HK and Singapore but I still find Japan pricier than SG.  Prices in the US will always win hands down but Japan is still a nice place to go gear hunting in coz one might just find a trasure somewhere.

[renzy_boi]

Ok talaga dito sa Japan. Heaven para sa mga musician na tulad natin. Madalas maraming mura and steal kapag may mga sale sila. This sunday may sale sa Ikebe. You can click on the link para macompare nyo kung gano kalaki ang discount sa items.
 http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/web-ikebe/130609rev-1day-baragain/index.html#revg

[firemodel55]

Alex, kahit used, mura parin, Php4190 for a TC pedal quite cheap, kung dito sa classifieds yan, malamang, mga 8-9k yan.

Ok, just clarifying.  I was just pointing out that it is practice in japan to display the used products along with the new products BECAUSE the stores only accept used products that are close to unblemished condition.

[tonwins11]

May mga surveillance cam ba yung stores nila? !@#$%^ ang sarap kumupit kahit isang pedal lang! 

[firemodel55]

Pero di po ba pag sa porn sila yung laging may hiyaw?! 

Eh... nakita mo ba ang mukhang ng mga babae sa Jap porn?  mukhang ang only redeeming quality nila ay pilitan sila humihiyaw. 

[firemodel55]

I feel that the best place to buy Fender Custom Shop (not the one-offs) and Gibson Custom Shop is in Japan because:

1) They get the most beautiful tops.  They get a lot of the exclusives and are upto date with the latest releases more so than US online and retail stores.
2) Ang dami nilang stock of this same variant in the same color.
3) Lower than USA Street Pricing

* PRS I would have included except on the day before I left; they were going to do a price increase across the whole line.  That being said, their tops rival or exceed the tops in Tom Lee Hong Kong only on a more grander scale in terms of number.

That being said, maski na Japan, marami pa rin panget na Made in USA.

On the other hand, some USA made effects are cheaper by about US$30-50 versus USA pricing.  I bought my Plush Noxious recently and all in all it was cheaper by US$30 so was my Lehle Looper.  And the variety of pedals as already pointed out here is astonishing.

However, I would like to point out that one weakness Japan has that we should capitalize on is amps.  Though they have expensive and exclusive amps, they are few.  There is a japanese law that allows a neighbor to complain of excess noise.  For the japanese, silence is important and a sign of courtesy.  I suggest we take advantage of this and continue to bring in and buy more boutique amps to gain an advantage over Japan.

[firemodel55]

May mga surveillance cam ba yung stores nila? !@#$%^ ang sarap kumupit kahit isang pedal lang! 

Unfortunately, the pedals are displayed behind a glass display case.  No luck there.

[tonwins11]

Unfortunately, the pedals are displayed behind a glass display case.  No luck there.

Basing sa pictures na na-post, eh may ibang nasa shelf lang. 

I don't know if may nagtanong na dito, magkano kaya conversion ng peso sa yen ngayon? 

[joel_marcelo]

PORN.

[fretboard]

Basing sa pictures na na-post, eh may ibang nasa shelf lang. 

I don't know if may nagtanong na dito, magkano kaya conversion ng peso sa yen ngayon? 

google is your friend

PORN.

ow yes hahaha, parang sarap mamasyal dun then uuwi ng brokenhearted 

[ryechua]

ow yes hahaha, parang sarap mamasyal dun then uuwi ng brokenhearted 

dalawa lang ang kalalabasan nyan.. either uuwi kang brokenhearted or bankrupt. lol

[kym005]

Basing sa pictures na na-post, eh may ibang nasa shelf lang. 

I don't know if may nagtanong na dito, magkano kaya conversion ng peso sa yen ngayon? 

Since uso ito,

http://bit.ly/18Tyjik

 

[fretboard]

Since uso ito,

http://bit.ly/18Tyjik

 

galing hehehe

[dirk]

Wow sarap nman dyan kunan ko nga din kaya ng picture yung biggest shop dito minsan 

[jepbueno]

Gitaa o tameshtemo ii desu ka? (May I try [out] the guitar?)
Takai desu ne. (It's expensive.)
^two most important japanese words I learned. ahahaha

Ang gogondo... ang swerte ng mga taga doon, parang yung sa beck (anime/manga) totoo pa la yun. Isasama ko na pala sa "savings target" ang biyahe to japan.. haha.

[tonwins11]

Since uso ito,

http://bit.ly/18Tyjik

 

Salamat ha. Nag abala ka pa... 

[curiousdcat]

Basing sa pictures na na-post, eh may ibang nasa shelf lang. 

I don't know if may nagtanong na dito, magkano kaya conversion ng peso sa yen ngayon? 

True...there are stores where the pedals are out.   

Ako, what i always do is divide cost by 2 to arrive at the approximate Peso price.  From that, I determine if price is ok.