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Fire Cat
A man aged 21 died after running into an apartment that was blazing with fire trying to save a cat. The police later di... ( more » )
Fri 07/04 09:55 comments (5)
Alter Mikuru
This 1/8 scale figure of Mikuru by Alter just came out and you can get the reviews at FooBarBaz and ( more » )
Fri 07/04 09:06 comments (8)
Japanese Haircut
I used to cut my own hair when it was long - because it was long, one could not really notice the shoddy handwork ^^; A... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 21:02 comments (40)
Wonfes Hatsune Miku
Mikatan has more pics of the Hatsune Miku that will be on sale at the Wonfes next month. Love the triangle minamike-sty... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 17:30 comments (34)
Choose Your Destiny 2
Somebody has broken into your house and stole all your clothes. The burglar was kind enough to leave behind some underwe... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 16:27 comments (107)
Machine Gun in Akihabara
Knives are not the only thing you need to watch out for in Akiba... A man was given a spot check in Akiba after "lookin... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 09:53 comments (45)
NicoNico Douga
NicoNico Douga announced that it made an agreement with the likes of the Japan Animation Association ... ( more » )
Thu 07/03 09:36 comments (42)
日本語/Japanese  Tue 01/29 02:07 JST
If you haven't done so already, the Radio Kaikan in Akiba is a place that I recommend you stop by on your next visit.
Apart from K Books (doujin, eroge related goods) and spare Gundam parts, its worth making the trip just to check out the Kotobukiya store on the first and second floors.

This is the view from Akihabara station entrance - its the Denkigai or "electric town" entrance. The Radio Kaikan is the building that you see with the yellow sign.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Radio Kaikan up close. Also has a load of Gachapon, figures, audio and surveillance equipment too.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Opposite Radio Kaikan is the Gamers store.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
The Kotobukiya store on the first floor usually have some sort of event on the weekends.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
This week they had some sort of card game promo. One of these girls is a popular cosplayer but I forgot her name.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
And as with all the events they hold, there is usually a bunch of people gathering outside to take photos.

It seems that Kotobukiya have changed their strategy on what they sell on the first floor. Before it used to be full of figures but now its full of stuff that gajin are most familiar with - a lot of Totoro, Majo no Takkyubin, Final Fantasy etc.
If you walk in you will notice that their strategy is working as the place is usually full of gaijin.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Up on the second floor is another Kotobukiya store filled to the brim with figures.
Getting acquainted with some of the top folks at Kotobukiya now means that I don't have to sneak around in their store to take photos ^^;

This is the recently released Louise. Shame that the cast off is disabled.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Kino from Good Smile. I thought this was a boy at first.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Michiru from the ToHeart series by Kotobukiya.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Konomi and half pantsu by Kotobukiya.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Lei Fang - more of her in this previous article.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Tsuruya-san and Kyon's sister set - "It's NEW."
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Suppadaka Sonsaku.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Some revoltech goodies.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
More Revoltech goodies.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
DC mousepads with oppai.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Haruhi Keyring - only 504 yen.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Shelf O figures.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
I must be getting old. I know this character so well but cant remember her name.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Power loader.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
More shelf O figures.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Milfa with replaceable heads.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Shilfa in a box.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
The prices of the Kotobukiya figures at the store are all retail price. But if you are looking for rare Kotobukiya figures then its worth paying retail rather then trekking all over Akiba looking for rarity.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Case full of stuff.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
The lovely Good Smile petit series next to the worst Haruhi figures.

More from Akiba this week - will also be posting Akiba stuff in the News Items which you can read or subscribe to.
Radio Kaikan (click to enlarge)
Polls
iheartassassinmaids in Closed Space
Writer/Academic/Code Monkey
Registered on 2007/01/03 12:07
Am I bored of Akihabara news?  NEVER!

Why ask such a blasphemous question!?
(ID #70915) Posted on 2008/01/29 01:43
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Student Engineer
Registered on 2007/01/01 14:12
I;ve never followed their news so I cannot answer yes or no.

and OH MY GOD. I am totally raiding Akihabara when I come to Japan in 2009.
(ID #70916) Posted on 2008/01/29 01:47
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
iheartassassinmaids,
Because you will in for a load of Akiba news this week ^o^ 
(ID #70917) Posted on 2008/01/29 01:48
laughingman in Canada
McMaster Engineering Student Fall 08
Registered on 2007/11/18 11:58

(ID #70918) Posted on 2008/01/29 01:48
laughingman in Canada
McMaster Engineering Student Fall 08
Registered on 2007/11/18 11:58
That's three cut offs in 5 days danny ;), Except this time, there's no message at all! Why me :(
(ID #70919) Posted on 2008/01/29 01:49
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
laughingman,
Looks like the anti-html gizmos ate your comment ^^; 
(ID #70920) Posted on 2008/01/29 01:50
kâkebuke in Paris, Not Texas
Wibbling
Registered on 2007/12/18 04:54
Looks pretty impressive...

That figure seems to be Manaka Komaki (aka Magic Hairclip Girl...that thing somewhat defies gravity) of To Heart 2, which I'm currently watching. :)
(ID #70921) Posted on 2008/01/29 01:58
qingy in center of the galaxy
SMS
Registered on 2007/10/06 05:09
@Danny
the figure that you can't identify is Manaka Komaki from ToHeart2

nice pictures, and i see a few figures that i want to add to my collection
(ID #70922) Posted on 2008/01/29 01:59
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
Knowing about Japan is one of the main reasons why I joined and stayed here since the beginning.
I don't think I'd ever get bored of learning of different cultures (This is also why I decided to study in social work and assimilated).
More is never enough. ^^
Thank you for everything so far, Danny.
(ID #70923) Posted on 2008/01/29 02:02
Maya in Out there, Somewhere out there.
Being human/Student
Registered on 2007/06/21 16:24
I like the "Suppadaka Sonsaku"'s face and hair. She looks nice, except for the fact that she's naked and her hands are crossed over looking very fake. Thanks for the review! ^-^
(ID #70924) Posted on 2008/01/29 02:05
xjaymanx in Vegas, baby!
Technical Writer/Editor, Designer, Collector, Artist, Nice Guy
Registered on 2006/12/29 11:01
Hey, nice Kino shot! 

But you're right, in the "Kino no Tabi" anime, she chooses to adopt the name and live the life of the man who saves her. Great haunting series, which is why I ordered her in the first place, haha. Thanx again. ^_^
(ID #70925) Posted on 2008/01/29 02:24
gusgus in cyberspace
web head
Registered on 2007/09/11 04:28
oh yes.. stop telling me about the reason I saved up for a year to live in Japan, and when I had to move back, it felt like someone took all my socks..
(ID #70926) Posted on 2008/01/29 02:27
BandAiD in 米国
C. Engineering Student
Registered on 2008/01/08 08:52
I admit, I'm a bit jealous you can walk into these places anytime and see figures all over and look at them in person.  I can only rely on pictures on a website selling them. :/
(ID #70927) Posted on 2008/01/29 02:27
24/7 Otaku / 100% Haruhiist
Registered on 2007/09/16 17:16
No way, I'll never be bored of news from Akihabara! This is basically the next best alternative to actually visiting Akihabara. :)
(ID #70928) Posted on 2008/01/29 02:44
Rikku in ロリランド
フレイム ヘイズ
Registered on 2007/11/04 12:12
Any store with loads of figure and otaku stuff is like a paradise for me, so I'll make sure I visit this place if I went to Akiba. And it's only across the street from Gamers!
I'll never get bored with your Akiba posts Danny, besides your business revolves in these otaku related stuff so it's only natural if you post this kinda news. And we love it!
(ID #70929) Posted on 2008/01/29 03:16
iroppoi in California
Student
Registered on 2007/11/11 13:11
OMFG!! O.O if i ever go to this place in my life, i better make sure i lock my bank accnt and my credit card so i dont die >.< wish there was a store like this in cali, dont care were it is, ill drive there every month ( monthly trips because i will have money by then >.
(ID #70930) Posted on 2008/01/29 03:18
Boris in USA
Interactive Media Design and Graphic Design
Registered on 2006/12/26 00:12
oh i love this, it looks amazing, I agree with BandAiD, I'm jealous as well. heheheh some day we shall all see it in person.
(ID #70931) Posted on 2008/01/29 03:37
seth.frostheart in Malaysia. Singapore. Bangkok. Shanghai.
Motion Graphics Designer
Registered on 2007/01/08 01:11
damn... i'm so in love and hate with this building, lol. japan's gonna make me broke. guess i need to save up a few more months just to cover the extra expenditures, lol *pushes trip to 2009*
(ID #70933) Posted on 2008/01/29 03:45
Cutkillavince in Kr, Nl, Fr
MI Manager, Blogger and Newswriter
Registered on 2008/01/19 02:09
Excellent, feel free to post more news on Akihabara, we love it^^
(ID #70934) Posted on 2008/01/29 04:13
Rin in Canada
Student Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/04 16:17
DAMN!!!!! I got to wait for 6 more months till I get to go to Japan. The anime type stores here over in Toronto is way smaller. Why can't stores here be like the ones in Japan. I hope when I go (just in time for summer Comiket), I get to see it for myself. It'll be good to have somwsort of map or guild so I don't get lost looking for some store. 

I WANT THOSE FIGURES!!!!!!!!!!
(ID #70935) Posted on 2008/01/29 04:20
duffman in the Urban Jungle that is Manila~
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
Registered on 2007/10/30 20:56
that's one hell of a shop!

goodies galore~
(ID #70936) Posted on 2008/01/29 04:25
Hirito in The Little Red Dot - Singapore
ORD!! Now awaiting Uni admission.
Registered on 2007/09/01 18:24
Bored of Akiba news? No way!! In fact, can't wait to get back to Akihabara!! Maybe end of this year if I manage to save up enough money again.
(ID #70937) Posted on 2008/01/29 04:27
necrophadian in a van down by the river
Stigmata Martyr
Registered on 2007/04/22 12:13
i wonder if that power loader figure comes with an Alien Queen...
(ID #70938) Posted on 2008/01/29 04:29
bob-san in Madison WI
Administrative Assistant
Registered on 2007/02/22 23:27
Given that I may never get to Akihabara, keep the news coming.  Vicarious living FTW (and the poor).
(ID #70939) Posted on 2008/01/29 04:38
FatBastard in over his head
Meat Puppet
Registered on 2007/11/04 18:16
Oh yes, I remember this place well as it is quite overwhelming for the 1st time visitor. It is one of the stops I choose to go buy myself, so I could take my time looking around. Had a list of WANTS, and swore to stick to it with only enough Yen for it, and one extra purchase (but it was a BIG list). Had to, as I only had one extra suitcase to carry everything I bought from Japan. That didn't stop me from looking for hours though. Only item I regret buying in Akiba was my sony minidisc player. Remember those??
(ID #70940) Posted on 2008/01/29 05:03
10116222 in QC, Manila, Philippines
Not sure anymore
Registered on 2007/01/28 21:37
from what manga/series is the Power Loader from?

thanks in advance!
(ID #70941) Posted on 2008/01/29 05:03
chun in home feeling sleepy LOL
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Registered on 2007/01/09 14:33
I hope I'll be able to go back there again! Wooohooo!
(ID #70942) Posted on 2008/01/29 05:09
Shin in Port Swettenham
Aspiring Trap
Registered on 2007/10/20 23:04
I remember being there the first time, as the counter for the New Akihabara Discovery Tours was right in front.
(ID #70943) Posted on 2008/01/29 05:41
Akiba-Kid in California, USA
Online Shop
Registered on 2008/01/17 11:35
Danny, thanks for your comments about Kotobukiya.  During my four visits to Japan, I always stopped or passed by 1st flood of Kotobukiya and was wondering 'where the heck is all the figures and stuffs Kotobukiya is famous for?' and now I know they don't display those stuffs on first floor, blast!!!  

I guess Kotobukiya also wants to venture out to USA because I've been their booths at recent anime conventions down here.

I always visit Radio Kaikan since I have to go there in order to get to K-Books ^^;  I'm surprised to see they even have a trading card speciality store in there.
(ID #70944) Posted on 2008/01/29 05:44
technonewt in Talent, Oregon, United States
College Student
Registered on 2007/11/02 11:41
I wish we had stores that sold figures here. I am a little tired of hearing about Akiba, i'd like to know more about Japanese culture, like the education system, how are elementary, middle schools, highschools differ. Whats the grading scale like, etc. Or anything else culturally in general.
(ID #70946) Posted on 2008/01/29 06:15
radical anime fan in Dai-Singapore-dan. Hotter than Kamina and Lelouch combined.
Polytechnic Freshman. Mmm... fresh.
Registered on 2007/01/25 21:20
this is amazing. they way they sell figures and anime-related stuff is completely different from singapore; even shops dedicated to selling figurines sometimes have their figures strewn all over in the glass display, not to mention the truly bad ones have dust on them *shivers*
(ID #70947) Posted on 2008/01/29 06:19
Marcus Tyr in LA, California
Composer-DJ-Sound Design.作曲家
Registered on 2007/01/15 09:58
Looks like a place my wallet would get alot lighter at.
(ID #70948) Posted on 2008/01/29 06:25
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 13:35
heh, akiba stores are still amazing, no matter how many times I've seen it over the year. I remembered visiting Singapore when I was a kid and seeing those Gundam figures neatly displayed on the shelf, still, it couldn't be compared to akiba shop which display thousands of them. 

On a side note, the news seems lacking of OddJapan stuff, I'll have an honor to display Horse Mushroom fetish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffDPTKn7HiY
(ID #70951) Posted on 2008/01/29 07:22
tibul in Sheffield, UK
ICT Technician
Registered on 2008/01/28 07:18
I think I'd have to take out a loan if i ever visited there :D
(ID #70952) Posted on 2008/01/29 07:33
CrazyAnimeTuga in Portugal
Student
Registered on 2007/01/03 02:12
Somehow I'm not very pleased with this strategy of Kotobukiya, I mean they don't know how much anime is spread through out the world right now, almost every new figure is related to character based on an anime series and most people that go to Akiba want to buy them. 

There ideia is very good though to attract foreigners that are not so familiar with new animes.

So Danny for a guy like me which floor of Kotobukiya should I go to get a hold of some nice figure goodies? 
(ID #70953) Posted on 2008/01/29 08:18
Haseo in USA
Professional Slacker ;D
Registered on 2007/12/04 14:22
FIGURES GALORE~~ I'd like to Japan just to dish out on figures/gunpla. DX
(ID #70954) Posted on 2008/01/29 08:21
Henry in Makati, Philippines
anime/cosplay events organizer
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:17
hanyaan~! *heart*

so many Kotobukiya figues~ ^___^

gaijin tourists = big spenders
and having some mainstream anime stuff that gaijins know would rake in more money for the store

and btw, i don't get bored of Akiba news ^^
Akiba always has something new for the otaku community ^____^
(ID #70956) Posted on 2008/01/29 09:21
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Registered on 2007/12/04 23:16
Mouse pad with oppai!! WANT! 
(ID #70958) Posted on 2008/01/29 10:36
Chong Mizunaga in an Afro
Afro-ed Student
Registered on 2007/12/15 09:57
Oppai mousepad! Haruhi Keyring! DO WANT! ε=(´A`;;)
(ID #70959) Posted on 2008/01/29 11:27
Zeroblade in Manila, Philippines
Student
Registered on 2007/04/10 21:47
Honestly, I'd rather have figures on the first floor than FF crap.
(ID #70960) Posted on 2008/01/29 11:36
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:33
hmm, I wonder if the Kotobukiya shop has some of the much older stuff available...

One of my bigger purchasing regrets is that I was unable to buy a 1/100 posable resin kit of the WildWurger, Made by kotobukiya. Apparently been discontinued now so chances of finding one are slim at best...
(ID #70961) Posted on 2008/01/29 11:48
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
Registered on 2007/06/11 14:57
Akihabara is so cool. it's like a holy land to otakus. i never get tired hearing enws about it. ^^,

in fact when i died, i want my ashes to be spread over there. well kinda. ('~')
(ID #70962) Posted on 2008/01/29 12:35
janken in Germany
Student
Registered on 2008/01/24 04:10
The only problem I would have if I would go to Japan is how to ship the tons of anime stuff back to Germany... My Trunk could get lost and I don't know how I could convince the customs officer that I don't trade with that stuff... ^^
(ID #70963) Posted on 2008/01/29 12:36
Keith in Tokyo From Singapore
IT engineer
Registered on 2007/12/05 20:39
Radio kaikan is a place I sure visit every time i drop by akiba :)
(ID #70964) Posted on 2008/01/29 12:59
Sgt Beavis in Dallas, TX, USA
Overpaid Computer Nerd
Registered on 2007/07/23 22:59
Tired of Akiba?  Is that even possible?

My only suggestion is that you offer more articles similar to this one show casing the shops in Akiba.  Of course the main focus should be anime/manga related but I'd like you to show us the other offerings a shop has.

Also, Akiba has gotten away from its reputation of being a good place to get great deals on electronics.  Last year I was shopping for an Olympus EVolt 500 DSLR with the dual lens kit.  I couldn't find any shops that had this for less than 800000 yen but I found it in Hadano for only 640000 yen.

My understanding is that there are still several smaller shops on the side streets that offer great deals but I have no idea how to find them.

My next trip to Japan is scheduled for April this year.  I hope to spend an entire day in Akiba (my wife is going to kill me)  I'd like to have a good idea where I'm going to go before I head over.

All that said, this is still my favorite website for info on figures, anime, manga, Akiba, Dancing Storm Troopers, etc, etc.. 
(ID #70965) Posted on 2008/01/29 13:07
CMWilly in Los Angeles, CA
Animation
Registered on 2007/04/19 10:59
ugh...that kino figure! i want it so badly! cant find it online anywhere. all of them are sold out!
(ID #70967) Posted on 2008/01/29 15:25
Tami in Germany - Cologne
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
Registered on 2007/12/16 10:42
*drool* I wanna go shooopppinnngg there.

Shouldn't have bought that new laptop and went to Japan instead. *shakes fist at herself* :/

I love keychain stuffs, the Haruhi one is nice.
(ID #70974) Posted on 2008/01/29 16:00
Birusama in San Francisco, CA
Camera Operator. PV director/producer.
Registered on 2007/11/23 14:56
How do you get permission to shoot inside stores? I had the toughest time shooting in Akiba.

I was hired to document a 2 week PR tour across Japan. One of the lead vocalists is a huge Gundam otaku (his stage name is Mecha 1), so he scheduled a day trip to Akihabara.

Unfortunately every time I looked through my eye piece, some employee would materialize and tell me to stop.   In the rest of the country, as a gaijin slinging around a big HD camera, I pretty much had free reign. The police even let me run up to a burning building in Osaka because I blurted out:  "I'm with the BBC!"

Apparently filming in a store where people are buying scantily clad, under age looking figures is where they draw the line. 
(ID #70977) Posted on 2008/01/29 19:21
cowboy4eva in New York, Osaka, Tokyo
Leisure Consultant, Writer, Webmaster
Registered on 2008/01/29 07:28
I think I passed by Akibahara a couple of times, but I never spent more than a few minutes there. I guess I was too busy looking at all the hot Japanese chicks! Next time I will take some time off and really explore the area. I'm not into eroge, but I might as well try something new!
(ID #70983) Posted on 2008/01/29 22:30
Eric R. in Michigan
Sales Engineer
Registered on 2007/01/24 10:20
This is definately the sort of place I'd love to visit if I eve