Tokyo Special Report: Part 2
“The electronics quarter integrated with the anime culture: Akihabara and surrounding areas”
by Hiroshi Kawabata
The second edition of our special report on Tokyo will introduce Akihabara, often referred to as “Akiba,” and it’s surrounding cities.
-Akihabara-
The Electronics quarter
As the metropolis of Japanese anime exported to the world, Akihabara cannot be disregarded as a hot spot in Tokyo. Known as “Akiba,” this region is originally known as the central market for retail shops selling electronics goods. Akiba became prominent as “the electronics quarter.”
As many stores are offering PC supplies, video game and anime-related products, Japanese as well as foreigners visit to purchase popular products for bargain prices.
More recently, Akihabara has once again garnered attention in Japan due to movies and TV programs with the common plot: “an ‘otaku’ guy, who frequents ‘Akiba’ and generally has no means of meeting women falls in love with a by passer.” Akihabara is witnessing an increasing number of visitors who are non-anime fans without the intention of purchasing electronic goods.
* The term ‘otaku’ refers to someone who actively gathers information about a particular subject of interest, usually in a certain field or item; and has in-depth knowledge about and related to that particular field or item of their choice. Used as a term that closely resembles ‘maniac,’ the term ‘otaku’ is generally used in a more negative connotation.
The Maid Café
The Maid Café refers to cafés with waitresses dressed as French maids, which emerged in areas surrounding Akihabara several years ago. Since these cafes are representative of the Japanese anime ‘otaku’ culture, visiting these cafes is highly recommended if not only to tell others you did.
Tokyo Anime Center
www.animecenter.jp/jp/index.html
A must-see for anime fans. Home to the radio program, “Tokyo Anime Center RADIO,” anime-related events are held here regularly.
The official shop is located inside the center, where various anime goods are sold. Since some original goods are only available at this shop, a treasure may be found as souvenirs.
-Kanda-
The street of used books
www.jimboucho.com
Kanda is known as the “city of books.” Because many schools were built here since long ago, approximately 180 used book stores line the streets. Jinbocho is especially known as the street concentrated with used book stores. The “Kanda Used Books Festival” held annually from late October to early November attracts many visitors.
Kandamyoujin
www.kandamyojin.or.jp
The central cities in Tokyo, such as Kanda, Nihonbashi, Akihabara, Otemachi, Marunouchi, former Kanda Market and the Tsukiji Fish Market constitutes the “Soushi kamisama” (gods who protect the towns) of 108 townships. These gods are said to grant good luck for success in businesses and marriages. The Kandasai Festival held here is one of the three most renowned festivals of Tokyo and Japan.
-Ochanomizu-
Gakkigai-The streets of musical instruments
The Meidai Douri, between the Kandameijin and “the street of used books,” is where many musical instruments are sold. Musical instruments, sheet music, and CDs along with music-related products are sold in these shops, along with second-hand vintage products, a spot that’s sure to satisfy the musician.
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