Hello. This is Tsushima.
I’m the PR person with blue hair.
Our store, TCGAKKI, has a history spanning over 30 years—including our time as “THE Used Instrument Shop”—and we’ve spent most of that time here in Shin-Okubo.
I’ve heard that Shin-Okubo Station used to be just a tiny, unremarkable station, but it’s grown rapidly, partly thanks to the Korean Wave boom.
Two years ago, as development progressed, the station was renovated. A station building was constructed, and even a Starbucks moved in. The other day, I went there with Mr. Sano, who’s in charge of Effectors.
We both ordered the limited-time special.
The ticket gates, which used to be crammed with people, have been expanded, and a new exit leading to the alley where our store is located has opened. So even though we were already a station-side shop just a 0-minute walk away, we’re now even a few dozen meters closer.
It’s so close that even if it’s raining on the way home, our staff will just head straight to the station if it looks like it’s sunny in their neighborhood.
I’m sure you’ve all been there—you make it to the station on your way to a music store, but then you end up staring at a map, trying to figure out where to go from there… But rest assured, you absolutely won’t get lost.
Just like this.
You’ll see our sign as soon as you step out of the station, so you’ll be fine.
Some of you might be carrying heavy hard cases when selling instruments, but don’t worry—you’ll get here in no time.
If you happen to be taking multiple instruments on the train, we’ll come pick you up at the station, so please feel free to contact us.
Earlier this year, something called “Kabukicho Tower” popped up in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district. It was all over the media, wasn’t it?
Believe it or not, you can actually see it from the rooftop of TCGAKKI.
I’d been thinking, “They’re building something over there…” when I heard about the opening of this “Kabukicho Tower,” but even as the opening date approached, there was absolutely no sign that the building was going to be finished.
I was thinking, “What is this?” but apparently, this was the finished product.
I’m sorry I just assumed it was still under construction.
Nakamura-senpai, who does wind instrument repairs, apparently already took a peek inside the Kabukicho Tower.
Be sure to ask him what it was like! ☺︎
Actually, Shin-Okubo is really close to Kabukicho. It’s totally within walking distance.
It takes less than 10 minutes to walk from Shin-Okubo Station to Seibu Shinjuku Station, which is the closest station to Kabukicho.
The stations in Tokyo are so close together that it’s actually quite common for lines operated by different companies to end up right next to each other like this.
By the way, it takes less than 5 minutes to walk to Okubo Station on the Sobu Line.
I was surprised to see that “Okubo Station” was added to the latest Momotaro Denki (game). Why Okubo instead of Shin-Okubo?
I was hoping to find a “used musical instrument shop” in the game, but unfortunately, there wasn’t one.
KONAMI, please consider this for the next installment! There are so many music stores in the Okubo area!
Buying a musical instrument is fun—and it makes you hungry, doesn’t it?
Actually, at the end of last year, a casual izakaya opened right in front of our store.
It’s called “Dance” 🕺 The food is delicious, so I think it’s a great spot even for people who don’t drink.
Here’s Manager Matsui closing up shop, with the izakaya “Dance” across the street.
Please be sure to visit both places together.
Anyway, TCGAKKI, a specialty store for used and vintage instruments, is a 0-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station.
It’s a 4-minute walk from Okubo Station and a 9-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station.
Stop by while you’re out exploring the local food scene. While you’re at Kabukicho Tower. While you’re sightseeing in Tokyo.
Please feel free to stop by!!!
This was Tushima⠉̮⃝
Click here to watch a video of me walking briskly from the station