A Week in Akihabara
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144)
Wed 2008/01/30 05:19
Been spending a lot of time in Akiba recently so this weeks "A Week in Tokyo" is an Akihabara special.
Yesterday we had a look at the inside of the Radio Kaikan and now we go look at the rest (but not all) of Akihabara.
Yesterday we had a look at the inside of the Radio Kaikan and now we go look at the rest (but not all) of Akihabara.
While I get bored of going to places like Shibuya or Shinjuku, I never get bored of visiting the holy land.
Kodomo no Jikan poster covers three floors of the Gamers building.
Fellow otaku lining up for last weeks eroge releases.
AV actress Hamazaki Rio (VNSFW) will be having a photo session on the 9th Feb at M's.
If you want to attend then you need to buy two of her DVDs where you will get 60 seconds of her in costume and 60 seconds in a bikini.
If you want to know what its like to attend these then check out this previous article.
If you want to attend then you need to buy two of her DVDs where you will get 60 seconds of her in costume and 60 seconds in a bikini.
If you want to know what its like to attend these then check out this previous article.
My Master costume for 8,500 yen and Haruhi for 7,900 yen - a great gift for your GF/Wife/Mistress or BF.
The whole of Akiba has gone Fortune Arterial crazy what with the release of the eroge.
This case is full of August (the company that released Fortune Arterial) goodies.
This case is full of August (the company that released Fortune Arterial) goodies.
Operation Sanctuary and moar August goodies. Yum.
Taka Tony ero anime.
Some of last weeks eroge releases.
Natsukami - NSFW screenshots of the girls in action here.
Pia Carrot telephone card illustration.
The Lucky Star PS2 game.
SOS Dan angels.
Ai Shinozaki - see pics I took of her in this article.
BTW, these pics were taken at the Asobit Games building. Go there and you can get that Haruhi red armband hanging on the right.
Some bed time reading.
Nocturnal activity material.
Enough nocturnal activity material to last months - or days depending on how often you wax the dolphin.
Moar dolphin care products.
Some illustration books of popular eroge.
Material to drain your body of three types of liquids - blood (nosebleed), tears (depending on how good it was for you) and soldiers.
Some of the less erotic illustration books.
Fortune Arterial dakimakura.
More Fortune Arterial.
An elevator that you want to get in even though you don't particularly want to go to another floor.
The main street in Akiba - Chuo Dori.
Hatsune Miku goodies.
There are many demos set up outside shops that you can play.
Apparently there is a surprise if you look up this Haruhi's skirt.
Billy in Akiba.
This block contains Toranoana (ero, doujin), Animate (anime goodies) and the Taito Game building.
The yellow building on the right is Akibakan...
...And at Akibakan you will find a load of cheap PC accessories, hard disks and flash memory. 1TB SATA is 32,990 yen.
8GB SDHC for 4,790 yen
In the back streets of Akiba you will find the small stores which give Akiba its personality. Hope they last against all the big guys moving into the area.
Coin lockers are to be found here and there - leave your luggage here as you trek around Akiba.
More of the back streets.
The crossing at Chuo Dori as soon as you come out of the "Denki Gai" exit at Akihabara Station.
Evening approaches on Akiba.
Have not asked for permission to do coverage at Gamers yet so had to sneak this one in of the Polyphonica girls.
For some of the stores, I need to ask permission to take photos which usually involves talking to head office and is a pain in the bottom.
On the other hand, some of the store owners seem to know about dannychoo.com and ask me to cover their store from time to time which I gladly do.
Expect more Akiba coverage here in the articles and over in the News Items in the left column.
For some of the stores, I need to ask permission to take photos which usually involves talking to head office and is a pain in the bottom.
On the other hand, some of the store owners seem to know about dannychoo.com and ask me to cover their store from time to time which I gladly do.
Expect more Akiba coverage here in the articles and over in the News Items in the left column.
If you are new here, you may want to keep up with more of the same via RSS or Danny's other networks. (dont show again)
If you haven't done so already, the Radio Kaikan in Akiba is a place that...(more)
Tue 01/29 03:19 comments (62)
As long as we live, we will encounter illness. Some of these illnesses come and go like the common...(more)
Thu 01/24 09:51 comments (140)
probably eroge, doujin/manga or figures - no point buying gundam models in japan when first of all hong kong is cheaper (for some reason) and ya.. its seriously a lot cheaper -.-(and they ain't fake,etc if ur wondering) and i see more of a purpose to buy eroge or figure msot there --> u can't get it anywhere else ^^ (unless u wanna pay shipping fee and all those stuff which is a pain)
(ID #70990) Posted on 2008/01/30 05:06
*Wipes drool off face* Heaven... Just... purely Heaven... Anyways, I would love to visit, great illustration/pictures Danny!
(ID #70991) Posted on 2008/01/30 05:07
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
Akihabara is everyone's dream!!
(ID #431633) Posted on 2009/01/01 09:36
MI Manager, Blogger and Newswriter
Great as usual with this "A week" series
(ID #70992) Posted on 2008/01/30 05:14
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
danny now you just made me want to go to akihabara more then EVER!!!! [rate is rising over 100% to 9000000%!!!!!]
(ID #70993) Posted on 2008/01/30 05:21
anime/cosplay events organizer
DANNY! FROM NOW ON -- I SHALL CALL YOU AWESOME-KUN!!! ^_____^ i lol'd at the "wax the dolphin", "dolphin care products" and "nocturnal activity" comments XDDD Akiba = the land of milk and honey *heart heart heart* if ever i have the chance to visit Japan and Akiba, i'll but figures, doujins, manga, eroge and character goods and maybe also some PC parts that i can only find in Akiba ^___^
(ID #70994) Posted on 2008/01/30 05:42
wonderful article as always. I wonder why the shop keeps wouldn't want basically free publicity.their loss. 1st time hearing of waxing the dolphin.moaR.
(ID #70995) Posted on 2008/01/30 05:42
Online Shop
You are right about one thing, Danny. You can never get tired of going to Akihabara. Except right after Comiket, Akihabara becomes so crowded and during that time, I might not consider going there daily... I always come to Japan for Comiket so it's always crowded in Akihabara. Then again, Akihabara is always full of people, just there are way more people during and after Comiket season -_-
(ID #70996) Posted on 2008/01/30 05:49
afatcow (Registered on 2008/08/28 17:59)
not to mention the fact the all the prices go up during comiket season... =/
(ID #431371) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:31
University Student.
LOL @ the dolphin comments. For otakus, no matter how many times you visit Akiba, it's nearly impossible to get bored!! I want the FA Shiro Dakimakura!! Btw the surprise up the 1/1 figure of Haruhi, she's wearing actual panties. And no I didn't look up (I wanted to though) but there was this group of high school girls who peeked and started "screaming" about it when I was nearby.
(ID #70997) Posted on 2008/01/30 05:52
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
LOL waxing the dolphin... LOL!!!! man we learn new things everyday on dannychoo.com LOL!
(ID #70999) Posted on 2008/01/30 06:36
About that.... "Apparently there is a surprise if you look up this Haruhi's skirt." Could it be a DOLPHIN lol omg.. that would be a terrifying surprise..
(ID #71000) Posted on 2008/01/30 06:38
that's probably the one place where I could spend my savings ($7000) in less than one hour... btw...I just realized how The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya ended like a year ago, but its still popular...wish they made it longer >_
(ID #71001) Posted on 2008/01/30 06:52
Scientist, unemployed.
A second season is getting made. So keep the happiness going!
(ID #431724) Posted on 2009/01/01 10:51
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Language barrier keep me from purchasing lots and lots of doujinshi >_< So I have only dakimakura, figures, mouse pad with oppai, onahole, renting candy girls, some music cd, eroge photobooks and some other stuffs to buy if I were to go there. ^^
(ID #71002) Posted on 2008/01/30 06:57
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
I need to grab moar dolphin care products when I'm in Akiba again. Need to go play some Natsukami. Cutesy girls. LOL about looking up Haruhi's skirt. I remember reading it somewhere... @Danny: Do you get the "AH! It's Danny! Do coverage of my store nao plz! I'll give you some dolphin care products" thing when store owners want you to do coverage?
(ID #71003) Posted on 2008/01/30 07:18
LOL
(ID #431253) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:46
If anyone knows where I can still get hold of that G's Festival for international delivery PLEASE let me know, I'm a collector of the series and amazon sold out too fast... orz. Love the most danny, these are the posts I adore looking through the most :P
(ID #71004) Posted on 2008/01/30 07:25
I can get a dozen doujins for the price of one decent figure... So doujin for me. And Kodomo no Jikan poster? Why does that thing sell so well? ugh
(ID #71005) Posted on 2008/01/30 07:50
afatcow (Registered on 2008/08/28 17:59)
maybe you should try reading kodomo no jikan, you might understand why...
(ID #431374) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:33
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
"Waxing the Dolphin". lol I haven't heard that one for a while. got to save the Dolphin from cancer I guess. ^^ another similar idiom I found unique was a Cantonese term, "shoot the plane". regarding taking pictures at gamer, I didn't know you needed permission to take pictures there. lol good thing they didn't throw me out of the building when I was taking pictures during my visit there. lol ^^
(ID #71006) Posted on 2008/01/30 08:43
JR. College Student
I think I would spend it mainly on music, games, and blank DVDs. I can always get cheap PC hardware from newegg.
(ID #71007) Posted on 2008/01/30 09:03
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
The surprise is a deadpan image of Yuki Nagato...total letdown if you ask me.
(ID #71008) Posted on 2008/01/30 09:04
Great coverage as always. Also, don't be fooled by the cover of that T2 H OVA. The contents are nothing like the cover and reeks of extreme QUALITY.
(ID #71009) Posted on 2008/01/30 09:07
Interesting as always. Also, do I spy a Little Busters manga in the bed time reading picture?
(ID #71010) Posted on 2008/01/30 09:19
Student
I'd probably end up with tens of kilograms of doujin, manga, and artbooks, along with another few kilos of CDs and DVDs, if you were to ever let me loose on that place lol
(ID #71011) Posted on 2008/01/30 09:22
Online Shop
I came back from Japan 2 weeks ago and I still miss it, especially Akihabara of course T_T I brought back with me about 100kg of doujinshis, which amount to about 4-500 doujinshis, crazy... Hopefully I can go back to Japan in time for Comiket 74 and visit the Akihabara again(plus doujin shops in Ikebukuro, Shibuya Mandarake and Nakano Broadway) >_
(ID #71012) Posted on 2008/01/30 10:15
Hobby Store clerk guy thing...
*sigh* I miss Akihabara... Most of my money while I was there were spent on figures ^^;
(ID #71013) Posted on 2008/01/30 10:17
Wow. Superb coverage... Oh yes, the comments: - Tony Taka anime as well as specialized magazines... *Quickly bans perverted side for a while* - Even elevators (Say, who wouldn't mind to stay stuck inside the 'vator and drool at pictures all day? Be honest, lol) and public lockers are magnificently decorated...! - LOL at the Konata's version of "The girl who leapt through time" (as a pose); - Haruhi is quite cute as a maid and with that kind of embarrassed face. Would like to see more of her dere part. Danny, you truly are a swift Master Ninja and our hero. ^^ What? Flattery? This is not flattery.
(ID #71015) Posted on 2008/01/30 10:41
Hangmen13 in Sabah, Malaysia, but now studying in KL (still the same country) (Registered on 2007/04/21 22:31)
Aimless Traveler
"Nocturnal activity material." My favourite definition is "clandestine night time operation."
(ID #71016) Posted on 2008/01/30 10:52
Oh by the way, if I were to be traveling in Akihabara, I feel I'd run for figures, anime songs, anime series and maybe some costume of warrior/samurai (without the weapons sadly, since the Customs would panic like no tomorrow otherwise) or other male-oriented costume/accessories... ^^
(ID #71017) Posted on 2008/01/30 10:52
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
For the poll, if I ever have the chance to visit Japan and go to Akihabara, I'll probably waste my moneys on everything! LOL, nocturnal activities... The dolphin would get really smooth or hurt real bad if you have night time fun everyday...
(ID #71019) Posted on 2008/01/30 11:52
ISP Tech Support
I never visited Akiba when I was in Japan last year. (*sigh*...last year? It was only 3 months ago!) But on our next visit, I plan on Spending a week in Tokyo. My Dad was Stationed in Japan between 1954-1956 and took lots of photos. I've been scanning the old 35mm Negatives and posting them in my Flickr account. What I'd like to do is find the old places where he visited and take pictures now from where he took his photos to see how much things have changed. I know the old Hardy Barracks don't exist anymore. I wonder what else is different/the same? Of course, while we were there, I'd HAVE to take a full day and visit Akiba. :)
(ID #71020) Posted on 2008/01/30 13:00
Service desk support
I have to admit that I don't have a particular drive to go to akiba should I go to japan. I would, for the experience but in terms of Geek stuff, I keep hearing good things about denden town in Osaka. Went there before and the gaming stuff was great!! Wasn't into figures and stuff back then so I can't remember how well they stacked up in that regard.
(ID #71021) Posted on 2008/01/30 13:09
Some many awesome care products!!! Too bad I still have more than half a year to go before the shops would allow me to legally purchase all those goodies >_
(ID #71022) Posted on 2008/01/30 13:16
I suddenly feel motivated to create a teleport machine o.O
(ID #71023) Posted on 2008/01/30 13:46
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
I think it would be half on figures and half on artbooks... mainly I mean. Because I'd probably spend tons of money in different things. That is today. Couple of years ago when I've been on Akiba, I spend tons of cash in Artbooks... my figure side still wasn't awake back then (T_T). Anyways, nice pics. I see some stuff changed. Such a nice time to be there... I'd take a thousand pictures with life-size Haruhi.
(ID #71024) Posted on 2008/01/30 14:42
Hmm planning on a trip to Asia this year, I wonder where the best shopping for techno hardware and stuff is? Any one in Hong Kong or Seoul?
(ID #71025) Posted on 2008/01/30 14:48
Student Engineer
GAH! You are making me drool MORE. I would pretty much unload on everything, but with limited space back on the plane AND considering I own one figure- I would dump massive amounts of cash on figures, then gundams, then anything else that tickled my fancy (fon't misconstrue that =p).
(ID #71026) Posted on 2008/01/30 14:51
seems fun >< gotta visit that place
(ID #71027) Posted on 2008/01/30 14:51
"My Master costume for 8,500 yen and Haruhi for 7,900 yen - a great gift for your GF/Wife/Mistress or BF." My Girlfriend would kill me if I asked her to wear this... Sadly but true... ^^
(ID #71028) Posted on 2008/01/30 15:10
closet hikikomori
GOSH! Thanks for the coverage! I'm going there in April! Can't wait!
(ID #71029) Posted on 2008/01/30 15:20
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
You Lucky ba!"$!·"$.. haha Lol!!
(ID #431635) Posted on 2009/01/01 09:39
thx for the coverage. August really put a lot of effort, everywhere Fortune Arterial ...
(ID #71031) Posted on 2008/01/30 15:29
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
Wow, i would give my right arm and do a tsukkomi in my underwear just to have access to that great a variety of manga...
(ID #71033) Posted on 2008/01/30 15:45
I'm getting baited to Akibahara- I mean Japan. lol.
(ID #71039) Posted on 2008/01/30 17:57
I went to Japan in 2005 and am returning this April. After the initial mind-explosion of my first Akihabara experience and visiting the big stores, I spent a lot of time exploring the little shops tucked away in the side streets. I've read so much about how Akihabara has changed in the last couple of years. I'm glad some of those indie places are still there! (The next two months can't pass soon enough!)
(ID #71042) Posted on 2008/01/30 18:05
I put hardware because you left out video games. Where's the love?
(ID #71043) Posted on 2008/01/30 18:48
Planning a trip there this summer, so these Akiba pics are great! Looks like my limited funds are going to be hit pretty badly... And methinks I'll be mainly investing in figures and video games. Maybe the odd DVD here and there.
(ID #71045) Posted on 2008/01/30 19:09
I'll spend most of my money on gunpla, figures and electronics stuff if I do visit Akiba. which unfortunately won't be happening this year. Need to brush up on my nihongo too. I would love to meet up together and discuss anime/figures/gunpla/otaku stuff with you Danny. I'll be sure to bring you some maple syrup and grade AAA beef cuts...lol (Canada doesn't have anything worth exporting, so sad) PS. can you actually rent candy girls? if so...that's nasty and unhygenic.
(ID #71047) Posted on 2008/01/30 19:20
:3...nice post Danny i really like akiba..the holy land XDD i would get there some day...but i didn't do the poll because it was kind of hard to decide in what am i going to spend more money...i think i'll spend on everything !!!
(ID #71048) Posted on 2008/01/30 19:47
NEET (no, student, AND employed min. wage)
How about: anything I can't find at Yamada Denki. Honestly, the point cards make the Gunpla so much cheaper...
(ID #71049) Posted on 2008/01/30 19:54
Akihabara is the Heaven... Maybe I should die to go there? At least, my wallet die for sure :)
(ID #71050) Posted on 2008/01/30 20:12
Lol danny you should have taken a picture of the surprise under haruhis skirt too. Unless you included it and I missed it. Anyways that surprise is pretty damn funny.
(ID #71052) Posted on 2008/01/30 20:54
Lowlife
There be no dakimakura option in that poll there
(ID #71053) Posted on 2008/01/30 21:38
I hope to make a pilgrimage soon, but the only funds I have are my student loan right now.
(ID #71054) Posted on 2008/01/30 23:14
LOL. Billy Blanks, no way. hahaha
(ID #71055) Posted on 2008/01/30 23:45
hey, you didnt tell us what surprise we would get if we peep under Haruhi's skirt..??
(ID #71056) Posted on 2008/01/31 00:33
@ornehx you really want to know that badly? http://kotaku.com/348368/dont-look-up-haruhis-skirt
(ID #71059) Posted on 2008/01/31 02:26
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
I WANA GO BAD!!!!!! I'll most likely spend my money on figures.
(ID #71060) Posted on 2008/01/31 02:42
hmm it would be both figures and doujin on top of my list I am going to tokyo in october. (only for a week but hey,i am already glad i can go.) 100% sure that i will go to the holy land for doujin and figures. btw,chose figures at for the poll
(ID #71089) Posted on 2008/01/31 09:51
.NET/Web Developer
I SOOO WANT TO GO THERE T_T I'd mostly spend my entire life savings on anime stuff (cds, posters, figures, costumes and etc) and hardware. I love how anime is so mainstream in Japan. The holy land indeed. ^^
(ID #71090) Posted on 2008/01/31 10:00
Rhaaaa ! I had not had my dose of Dannychoo.com for 10 days and I was in need. Now I feel better. Thank you Danny, nice coverage !
(ID #71098) Posted on 2008/01/31 13:06
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
@qingy LOL qingy LOL!
(ID #71111) Posted on 2008/01/31 16:39
@quingy: Killer stuff!
(ID #71119) Posted on 2008/01/31 20:44
I meant qingy... Darn, why do I have to repeat nicks in my head before typing them? XD
(ID #71120) Posted on 2008/01/31 20:45
I'd definitely spend my money on figures...then comes manga.
(ID #71122) Posted on 2008/01/31 21:31
let's see hmmmmmm i'd say that if i ever get there i'd spend most of my money on figures and manga ^^ (AKIHABARA ROOCKS!!)
(ID #71218) Posted on 2008/02/01 18:08
since i am a idiot i would probably spend my money on dip n dots & porn
(ID #71249) Posted on 2008/02/02 03:19
I'm probably missing something obvious, but why would they want to turn down free publicity for their shops by not letting you cover them? And, good work on this post, it has a good visual impact, with great explanations.
(ID #71395) Posted on 2008/02/04 01:38
film modelmaker, comic artist
One whole WEEK in Akihabara???? I visited Tokyo last year and after travel time etc. I ended up with two HOURS to see it all (sob!) Next time I'll do better. HEH HEH!
(ID #71982) Posted on 2008/02/11 03:15
great pictures :) I take the train to Akiba whenever I get the chance. It's easy to spend an afternoon there.
(ID #73007) Posted on 2008/02/24 13:00
It's been so long since i've been there, but it's mainly because i got the wierdest stares when i walked in there.. and it's not like i was the only girl walking in Akiba. Oh well i love it anyway.
(ID #192913) Posted on 2008/05/21 14:21
Student, Storyboard Artist, Graphic Novelist (soon to be)
When I go, first stop, Akihabara.
(ID #213896) Posted on 2008/06/16 02:18
Student // Collector // Gaijin
Just coming back from Akiba last month...I can show you a pic of my stash! http://bp3.blogger.com/_3oa9yPh5YyM/SBcJSZfpSYI/AAAAAAAAAB8/gMYojPczSnA/s1600-h/IMG_3306.JPG
(ID #217627) Posted on 2008/06/20 10:19
How did you carry it all!? I went earlier this month, but only had remaining space in my suitcase for one figure (the Yuki Figma which you have too), some nendroids, and a couple of manga volumes.
(ID #431085) Posted on 2008/12/31 23:52
Student, Son, and Otaku.
Eroge all day! :D
(ID #238130) Posted on 2008/07/15 09:20
college student
i really want to go there now....ty for this review danny choo ^^
(ID #244393) Posted on 2008/07/22 17:01
I want to go in Akihabara.
(ID #428013) Posted on 2008/12/29 06:26
hardware for me...ok maybe a few trips to the maid cafes wouldn't hurt ^^;
(ID #430978) Posted on 2008/12/31 22:16
I have found...paradise!
(ID #431058) Posted on 2008/12/31 23:23
Navy Recruit
great pics and blog danny. I would spend my money on hardware and a figure or two.
(ID #431067) Posted on 2008/12/31 23:32
Student
I would spend my money on manga and figures mostly. From the photo's it looks a lot quieter, I went on a sunday last year >.< Big mistake, considering I wanted to spend money. Too crowded XD espcially Chuo-Dori. Thanks for the pics Danny :D Happy New Year everyone ( yeah I know its early hehe)
(ID #431129) Posted on 2009/01/01 00:44
I was there just a couple of days ago, bought loads of goodies (mainly hardware though) ^^ Those hard drive prices are very high though. I saw some 1TB SATA hdds for under 10 000yen in the backstreet shops, and even a 1.5TB for just over 10 000. ;)
(ID #431157) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:08
High School Student
It's depressing that I won't be able to go back to Japan next year. D: I already miss it so much. > . <;;
(ID #431164) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:15
The holy land it is.. I'd really love to have an armband. ^^ And its gotta be Shiro for Fortune Arterial!
(ID #431172) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:22
My hotel was in Akihabara last time I went to Japan. I couldnt have asked for anything better!
(ID #431176) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:25
Lover of Akiba!
When I go to Akiba, I always buy some videogames, PC or PS3 american or imported games (asian english version). Spent mostly 15.000~25.000yen in games... When I built my computer, I'd spent near 110.000 yen in 3 days... I have at this time, 4 PVC figures and 1 action figure, think never owned more than one figure when I go to Akihabara, because figures are new for me...
(ID #431187) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:34
Even thought I would buy a lot of figures hardware is my greatest passion. So I think I would spent most of my money on hardware and such things.
(ID #431196) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:42
Great photowalk like always. Thanks for sharing :)
(ID #431205) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:47
Gokuraku Gokuraku （ ´∀｀）.
(ID #431208) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:51
I miss the point "Anime/Manga related stuff" so I chose "Eroge".^^; I'm sure I will see a lot of stuff which don't come in mind now but I'm willing to pay for.
(ID #431218) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:06
I would spend the most of the money for (ita-)merchandise stuff e.g. dakimakuras, t-shirts, random fan-stuff like Timotei or Pocky or ITA-Decals for my car. I guess i would run around the whole day and sing this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkEDxBo-REc (Perfume - AkihabaLove)
(ID #431221) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:08
Otaku, High School Student, Aspiring Animator
Awesomeness. If I went there I'd spend lots on figures and artbooks. Maybe even some gunpla too. If I was old enough then we'll add doujins to that list, though I get I feeling that I'd have the luck to be stopped by customs or have a package searched.
(ID #431222) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:08
anime/cosplay events organizer
If ever I get to visit the Holy Land Akiba...I'd spend it on Figures, Doujin/Manga and Hardwares =3
(ID #431239) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:31
This just makes me want to go to Japan even more. I would probably buy just about everything off the list exceot for probably the Gundams; I already have a lot of Gundam stuff back here in the states. I love how you said "Nocturnal activity material". That is why I love your website and posts like this.
(ID #431255) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:46
former Emperor of Britannia
Danny, i can't answer the poll XD Everything in Akihabara that is related to anime and otaku are all eye candy to me XD Love this coverage of Akihabara that you did. Seems that Akihabara is really indeed an otaku heaven. Coin lockers? That's a first for me seeing such. How many items could one store in the locker?
(ID #431265) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:56
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
Really? You've never seen coin lockers? Anyway, judging from the size I'd say you can stuff a medium sized backpack in there. They're not meant to be closets, just for throwing off stuff that'd be annoying to carry in your hands/arm.
(ID #431290) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:21
Yea, just about a backpack generally. Some places have bigger ones for more stuff. They're convenient when you need them. We've got some around my area. Just make sure not to put something in there that you need later since it's going to very expensive. I made that mistake...had to open it up 3x at $1.25 in quarters per lock.
(ID #431315) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:38
Otaku / Student in Computer Science
WOW!!! There's some many goodies that I want! ^^
(ID #431287) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:17
I miss Akiba soooo much. Been twice to Tokyo and spent a lot of time in Akiba. The McD at Akiba in one of Danny's vids is a place I at at several times as the money in my pocket got smaller. BTW, why are pc parts so expensive in Japan??? I can get a 1TB hard drive for $100 in the US. Makes no sense.
(ID #431289) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:19
Something just occured to me as a possible subject for Danny's great articles. I recall Danny talking about getting tours organized for visitors but how about a Danny Choo's Guide to Akiba series. By that I mean articles by Danny about places in Akiba that he considers top guality and friendly to us confused gaijin. He could do one article per topic like models, maid cafes, manga, anime, etc. Sure would be helpful especially since a lot of good stores are apparently not on the ground floor of many buildings.
(ID #431300) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:27
Good idea. I plan on traveling around Asia, of course that includes a trip to Japan as well, and was thinking of taking notes down from all of Danny's articles to bring on my trip. Since he's already visited them first hand and knows where a good amount of good stuff is it's a great travel guide to have.
(ID #431308) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:32
I really really want that life size Haruhi, but why are the hard drives so expensive over there. I can get a 1TB drive for around $110.00 US dollars. The most expensive one I have seen lately goes for about $200.00 US dollars.
(ID #431314) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:36
Ex-Soldier / NEET
Wondering about that too. The cheapest 1TB drive is available for onyl 79€ while the most expensive costs 187€. Seems like it's expenive to store much healthcare material in Japan.
(ID #431836) Posted on 2009/01/01 12:33
university film student
Look carefully at the top comments - they were posted a year ago, which is also when this article was originally written. Naturally, the prices for a 1 TB drive are much lower now. Danny used to have a menu option for disabling the "This Time Last Year" articles appearing on the top page. I haven't been able to find that since the site-redesign a while back, though, and the article's year is changed as well. The only way to really tell is by looking at the first few comments' date stamps. *shrug* It does allow all of us to have a second (or first) look at some of the older and usually still valid articles, so I don't mind it much.
(ID #432063) Posted on 2009/01/01 17:47
Eroge blogger
Ah, it's been a while since I've been to Akiba. I go there just to take in the sights, grab a few manga, doujins and miscellaneous items (trinkets from Gamers). Figures are too expensive for me and eroge I'd rather get via other sources due to the price tag (although some limited edition stuff warrants a buy). I also took a look around the tech stuff, but not as interested in that. God, I love Gamers so much.
(ID #431388) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:48
Akiba is high on my priority list for when I visit Japan. It looks so awesome.
(ID #431396) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:57
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
My parents promised that they'd take me to Japan if I get into medical school, although I'm not sure i'd want them around when I get to Akiba ^^;
(ID #431405) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:04
university film student
Claim the health care material is for school? Anatomy studies? xP
(ID #432065) Posted on 2009/01/01 17:48
NEET (Desktop Support / Admin)
The hard drives and SD cards are over priced. Are they cheaper online?
(ID #431418) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:11
Probably doujins because I wouldn't be buying a lot of figures. The artbooks look cool, but I'm sure they're expensive.
(ID #431452) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:49
This has probably been commented on already but good grief, you call that cheap PC accessories? If that's cheap I don't want to see the expensive ones.
(ID #431454) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:51
There needs to be more shops like that world wide. Especially the ero stores!
(ID #431513) Posted on 2009/01/01 06:56
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
Makes me want to buy the entire store for myself! hahaha..
(ID #431638) Posted on 2009/01/01 09:44
Scientist, unemployed.
Well, I think we all know what I'd buy... But alas, I have no money, and probably will never make it to Akihabara.
(ID #431733) Posted on 2009/01/01 10:54
This is the kinda place where passing time is too easy...
(ID #431799) Posted on 2009/01/01 11:53
Somehow when I got there, there's this uncontrollable urge to spend. I love the place but I fear it... Its taking its toll on my not so phat wallet >.<
(ID #431811) Posted on 2009/01/01 12:04
Anime Figure Collector
I can't go there. I'll end up using my whole savings account on everything but eroge.
(ID #431940) Posted on 2009/01/01 15:16
Student
First thing I would do when I'm at Akihabara is buy figures and some art books. And yes, nobody gets bored when going there.
(ID #431986) Posted on 2009/01/01 16:36
MI Manager, Blogger and Newswriter
Nice Pics Danny, I wish I could Akihabara again some day ^^
(ID #431987) Posted on 2009/01/01 16:36
heh, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Konata parody is funny. Nice pictures!
(ID #431999) Posted on 2009/01/01 16:43
Awesome pics Danny. I only managed to make it to Akihabara once during my trip last year, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It has a different atmosphere than anywhere else I've been. Only downside was that I couldn't make it on a Sunday - was raining both Sunday's I was in Japan -_-`
(ID #432045) Posted on 2009/01/01 17:24
student
ohhhh akihabara... the gaijin otaku's dream destination... when oh when will I finally get the chance to visit there... Such beautiful photos ;_; Though I'm a Gundam person, I'd spend most of my money on stuff that I can't even order online. Whatever that may be. I just want to go to Akihabara to feel the atmosphere!
(ID #432049) Posted on 2009/01/01 17:30
I can't wait to visit Akiba when I go to Japan this summer. Manga, doujins, hardware, and (eroge?) games are what i'm gonna buy.
(ID #432096) Posted on 2009/01/01 18:32
I think I'm gonna buy some figures for drawing reference although doujins and manga sound good too. But I gotta hand it to you, Danny, you express yourself very nice! "Dolphin care material"! Haha! Gotta take care of it! It's nice to know that there are lockers in which you can leave your stuff! I didn't know that!
(ID #432245) Posted on 2009/01/01 21:52
Programmer, student, i try to do both, Otaku style
First i was like : Nice article, very nice *Click picture for higher res* ;_; oh boy so much detail and i can't zoom. Then non the less it was a superb article. Then at the bottom danny puts a poll about what one would spend most value-tablets on, now i can't acualy answer this, cause 1. haven't been to akiba 2. not sure what i would buy most of 3. dunno about the prices probably a whole mix of it all.
(ID #432260) Posted on 2009/01/01 22:24
first time i'll say it in 2009: I LOVE JAPAN ^^ by the way, is it possible to find animes subtitled in English or mangas in English in Japan or should all the gaijins learn japanese ?
(ID #432263) Posted on 2009/01/01 22:25
Some anime blu-rays (and a few DVDs) have English subs, but most don't. You'd be better of learning nihongo.
(ID #432614) Posted on 2009/01/02 09:15
Wow...Computer stuff in Japan is expensive...1tb Hard drive 32990 Yen...thats like 520 Australian Dollars. A hard drive costs about $190AUD for a 1tb Seagate hard drive
(ID #432284) Posted on 2009/01/01 23:15
nice reportage!
(ID #432299) Posted on 2009/01/01 23:47
Student/Music Producer/Web Designer
I would probably spend it on anime/figures primarily. :D Great pictures!
(ID #432306) Posted on 2009/01/02 00:07
Hmm, was wondering how you got those store photos, Sir Danny. Er, do they make you sign anything in blood for those pics, hahaha! This year, my friend and I resolve to visit Japan. I better stop pre-ordering all those LEs.
(ID #432367) Posted on 2009/01/02 02:04
The last time I was there, I came prepare. I kinda know what I want to get ahead of time. I did my research on where to get what. I went through all the shop kinda marked down the price first then when really shopping. I had set aside a certain amount of money to spend in Akihabara and I manage to spend it all in 3 hours of non-stop shopping. When I left there later on that night, I was your typical Otaku with bags both hand, backpack fill the brim and bags hanging here and there. Anyway, All I could say is that if you want to get some animate related goods. Japan has the best price and choice! However if you are going for figures (the typical one's, not the limited or non mass produce one) then it is still cheaper in HK. (Usually, however you would need to know the time frame of availability and where to get it) I wish I could go to Akihabara again. I can't wait for my next shopping spree!
(ID #432391) Posted on 2009/01/02 02:42
Anime Figure Collector
Take me with you. I'll carry your bags for you. =P
(ID #432405) Posted on 2009/01/02 03:04
That seems like the kind of place that i would lose control of myself in and spend an absurd amount of money. I hope more stores invite you to take shots for us. I'd love to see a lot more photos of locations in Akiba. Great Article.
(ID #432404) Posted on 2009/01/02 03:04
I love Akiba to bits and have been many times, but you make it sound like Akiba is all porn Danny, which it isn't. When I go to Akiba I spend most of my time browsing old video games in places like Super Potato, Media Land, and Trader 2. Then I play new arcade games in the SEGA and Taito arcades, stuff like Street Fighter 4. Then I browse the anime and manga on offer in the dozens of stores that are full of them. To be honest I have been into the eroge sections a few times, but the atmosphere there is so creepy I don't stay long. Lots of grubby middle aged salary men. And is it stating the obvious to say does anyone really wax the dolphin over 2D naked girls? I mean, really? That's deeply disturbing if true.
(ID #432612) Posted on 2009/01/02 09:13
Those old games stores are awesome the first one i found was just off chou dori near the kfc nothing but a small yellow sign over the entrance to a hallway but glad i went in and i agree with your comment on the atmosphere the worst i experienced was in toranoana i didn't realise it was two seperate stores walked into the door on the corner only to be stared at by every set of eyes in the place (all female)and notice the two guys on the cover of every manga on the shelf quick retreat go in to the next door and up a few floors to find hordes of middle aged men with armfuls of doujinshi that the covers suggest would land me in jail in australia decided to leave after one guy became increasingly agitated at my presence, walked around some more then went to @home maid cafe (early cause that place fills up really fast) only to have them seat me almost next to previously mention agitated guy who said something i don't understand but not very nice sounding in my direction and left soon after although every time i have been in akiba since then has been nothing but awesome ps. i suggest we change the term waxing the dolphin to one of the many other terms used for fear of the PETA organization protesting the readerships abuse of animals
(ID #432682) Posted on 2009/01/02 10:44
I'll get tons of those nocturnal activity books ^.^ , but what tends to get in my way is money problems T.T . OH and most probably some dakimuras to accompany me on cold nights ^.^
(ID #432714) Posted on 2009/01/02 11:36
IT consultant
I have to wonder though: why is the Lucky Star game poster from last year? I remember seeing that exact same post when I visited Akiba in december of 2007 and the poster is even dated 2008:01:24... What's up with that?
(ID #436448) Posted on 2009/01/05 22:46
What's the surprise under Haruhi's skirt?
(ID #478359) Posted on 2009/02/07 08:23
if im alone, eroge. if im with friends, figures/manga. too shy to go to maid cafes..
(ID #539174) Posted on 2009/03/28 20:52
i love to go to akiba one day coz it looks mint and i mean it coz look at all the stuff u can buy at those prices. i would buy a ton of figures there but a t a pinch i would by manga in a book off store if there was one. over here to even get a chance of getting a 1tb drive will set you back almost 500 quid which is a rip off.
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