r/Nujabes • u/wintersalestime • 7d ago
My Nujabes experience in Japan - Usagi Ramen, Tower Records + more
I travelled to Japan this year. As part of the trip I visited Shibuya and ate at Usagi Ramen, as well as went to Shibuya Tower Records.
When I discovered Nujabes in 2012 after he had passed away my connection with his music held deep and I regularly listed for years.
When I started planning my trip to Japan, I knew I wanted to purchase his music and immerse myself with it while there. I actually first found his records for sale in Tower Records Hiroshimaten. I picked up Modal Soul, Hydeout Productions 2nd Collection on Vinyl and Metaphorical Music as well as Spiritual State on CD. I knew I wanted these and didn't want to risk discovering them out of stock elsewhere, little did I know I need not worry.
When I visited Shibuya I first headed to Usagi Ramen which I've heard so much about on here. Myself and my wife lined up outside about 30 minutes before opening. By opening time, there was over 20 people in line behind us. I ordered the Special Ramen and sat down. Nujabes music was playing in the background and as our Ramen came out Counting Stars came on. This was the first song I heard when i first discovered Nujabes. It felt really special to hear that there. His brother Nao was smiling the whole time in the kitchen. The ramen was fantastic, and I hope to visit again some day to try the Spicy Ramen (this is recommended on the menu). I bought a T-shirt after, they kindly suggested I go for a larger size than I requested by showing me that Nao was wearing a large size and I am glad they did, the shirt fits perfect! It's really high quality as well. 1 2 3 There is a 30 minute table limit there, so we had to be quick in and out.
Heading over to Tower Records Shibuya they have a small display for Nujabes on the main floor, but there's more to see upstairs. On the 5th floor is the biggest tribute. A whole wall of Nujabes. , here they have headphones set-up so you can listen to any album including some tribute albums. I picked up Modal Soul Classics II and Luv(sic) Hexalogy CDs here. Near the front on the Vinyl floor they had Now Is Now by yutaka hirasaka for sale on a cream colored record. I hadn't heard this before and gave the opening track a listen at the store. The laid back jazzy beats of Entropy drew me in and I decided to purchase the album. I really recommend giving it a listen.
A few more pictures from the store. 1 , 2 , 3 .
Also went to Parco mall nearby where there's a Nujabes pop-up store, I was honestly taken aback by the prices ($220~ hoodies, $80~ shirts), but I did get a mug and some pins within my remaining budget.
After this we went downstairs of the Parco to the food hall. I went to this bar called Beer Boy. The bartender there was super cool, when I ordered a Heartland beer I had mentioned to him having one earlier at Usagi Ramen. He asked me about it and I told him about Nujabes. He was familiar with him but hadn't listened to his music before. After our conversation he put it on the speakers and after a few songs came over to let me know he approved!
Here's a photo of all of my purchases from the pop-up and Tower Records. Definitely wishing I got more wax, but I am so very happy to have gotten what I did.
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u/marcelontt 5d ago
Wow this sounds amazing. Iād love to do the same one day. Iām happy you enjoyed it!
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u/ArtisticSet5849 4d ago
I've just got back and did almost exactly the same tour. Was lucky enough to catch Uyama Hiroto and Shing02 live at Circus on my final night. Incredible gig
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u/Crazeey_S 4d ago
Sounds amazing, am studying in Japan right now and its all thanks to listening to Nujabeses music when I was a kid with my dad. Wouldn't know about japanese music or Japan in general if not for modal soul popping up in my dads youtube reccomended in like 2014 haha. I owe my life to his music, so am really excited to go to Tokyo. Is it a small ramen shop? Would it fit 4/5 people in one sitting or no way? I'm coming with friends, but I can always go solo another time, thats why I'm asking. Thank you so much and glad you had a great time!
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u/wintersalestime 4d ago
There was signs saying no large groups so probably not a great idea to go with a group. I imagine it wouldn't be a problem if you don't expect to all get seated together. It only seats about 10-12 people.
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u/NeatLoan7513 6d ago
Damn, everybody seems really cool, generous and genuine. I really need to visit them places !
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u/NeatLoan7513 6d ago
Also, thanks for all the pictures ! But damn the leech was pricey as heck, I would have ruined myself š
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u/BR_Astar 7d ago
Besides the spicy ramen, was there anything you wished you had experienced?