Akihabara
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97)
Sat 2008/08/09 21:18
While in Akiba for the post Wonfes Hobby Traders Show, I scheduled some other meetings and went around snapping photos. Today we are going to have a general look around Akiba and tomorrow we take a look at all the ecchi stuff that Akiba has to offer ^^;
Its difficult to believe that many people were killed in this very spot a few weeks ago. Everything just seemed so normal.
If you are looking to snap some good views of Akiba, take the stairs in the building next to the Sharp sign. As you can see the stairs are outdoors so you'll be able to get some good shots.
Yummy girlie.
The To Love-ru girls at Toranoana.
Its cool today but the weather of late has been horrendously hot. The armor is going to kill me when I'm filming next week ^^;
At the traders show - just a handful of stuff that we haven't covered yet.
Here is a sample of some squeezable eyes. The note says...
"Soft Oppai. Go ahead and give em a squeeze."
Here is a sample of some squeezable eyes. The note says...
"Soft Oppai. Go ahead and give em a squeeze."
Yamato Valkyries have been around for ages - not sure whats so different with these ones.
As with Yamato's other mechas - its colored plastic. Would look great if they painted them.
Never really got a chance to watch Patlabor.
Name that mecha thing.
More Patlabor goodies.
Then its back out in the sweltering heat onto the next meeting.
Many places have the iPhone 3G in stock now. Softbank are even introducing cheaper plans for the "light" internet user down from about 5,000 yen to 2,000 yen-ish per month.
I'm waiting for the 32GB and better battery life version.
Many places have the iPhone 3G in stock now. Softbank are even introducing cheaper plans for the "light" internet user down from about 5,000 yen to 2,000 yen-ish per month.
I'm waiting for the 32GB and better battery life version.
Right outside the station there are a few tall buildings with restaurants at the top with some nice views.
Anybody enjoying Sekirei like me?
Eroge is still hot business in Akiba. Folks would reserve their copy and then come to line up for it when its out. Big titles are launched at midnight.
Bump into AkibaHobby-san again - he was on the way down and I was on the way up to the traders show.
Much more folks attended this years show compared to this time last year.
Folks who say that all the nice girls are in Shibuya and Omoesando don't know what they are talking about - Akiba has loads of nice (2D) girlies.
Pachinko shop front. Been meaning to give it whirl. Have you played Pachinko before? (Whats Pachinko?)
The Eva girls at Akiba Island.
Lunch with comrades at Akiba Today.
Another meeting after that with Good Smile.
Pop into K-books to pick up some goodies.
At the Akihabara station "electric town" exit. I first visited Akibahara with a friend and asked him to take me to a shop which sold idol gravure photo books ^^; The days when all health care material came on paper was tough - carrying over 20 kilos of carry on luggage back to the UK was probably the cause of my current back problems ^^;
Do you remember the first shop you went to when you visited Akihabara?
For folks who have not been yet, what type of shop will you first raid when you visit?
Do you remember the first shop you went to when you visited Akihabara?
For folks who have not been yet, what type of shop will you first raid when you visit?
Patrick busy at work.
Akiba ecchi stuff tomorrow - prepare tissues.
For nosebleeds.
For nosebleeds.
My first memories of Japan were sunny afternoons walking around in Akihabara drinking so...(more)
Tue 03/04 14:33 comments (94)
I never really got Patlabor myself. I think I saw the movie a long time ago but I don't remember much. Maybe you could add some extra ventilation to your Storm Trooper outfit. That or add some heatsinks. j/k.
(ID #261057) Posted on 2008/08/09 21:43
filmaker
i remember whn i 1st arrived in tokyo...akiba was my 1st stop as soon as i left my bags at the hostel. ive taken so many shots like the 1st 1 in the post but yet i never get fed up of looking at them or of other peoples shots of the same
(ID #261058) Posted on 2008/08/09 21:44
"the new context conference"? sounds like a really boring conference haven't been to japan yet, i swear i will head over there someday anyway, i would be running in circles, screaming at the top of my lungs "Nippon banzai!" before collapsing out of shock and exhaustion the moment i arrive ^^ seriously though, i have no idea what are the shops to look our for, so i will probably visit every one of them.
(ID #261066) Posted on 2008/08/09 21:57
i thought the same thing too though. a lot of big shops in akiba, but a lot more smaller ones. there were very few stores that i remember being bigger than my living room. a lot of the stores are built UP. i remember a place i went for dvds/games/figures the staircase was one person capable, the floor space was about 50x20 feet and seven stories. i tried to travel each store, hit about three blocks and was pooped. luckily the maids kept me motivated.
(ID #261075) Posted on 2008/08/09 22:08
You probably went to Media Land, possibly the best game store on this planet ^^
(ID #261215) Posted on 2008/08/10 01:44
Student and full-time otaku
Nice pics; can't wait to finally go there and do some shopping. Haven't decided where to go yet, but it'll probably be something well-known like Gamers. Don't know how many kilo's I'll bring home, but probably many ^^ Which reminds me of something I wanted to ask: what is the deal with import taxes at customs when you get home? Because figures aren't that expensive; but when I ship 'em over here I end up paying double due to the high shipping cost. But what I don't know if that is due to the airmail being pricy or the customs. What are the amounts you end up paying (if any) when bringing in a load of goodies after a Japan trip?
(ID #261070) Posted on 2008/08/09 22:00
Hi Evil King. I went to Japan last June and brought back for 500$ (can) worth of figures, gunpla, games, health care and clothes. They didn't ask me to pay anything more or taxes at the customs in Japan. In Toronto though they asked me what exactly did I purchase for 500$. Anyway , I didn't have to declare any alcohol, tobacco or guns so it didn't cost me anything. (I'm from Canada btw...) Just try to save space in your luggage and pack your stuff there. (carefully!!!) Enjoy your trip!!! Nippon banzai!!!
(ID #261372) Posted on 2008/08/10 04:26
Import Duties depends on several factors, I assume you are importing into Netherlands. 1) Description of product 2) HTS#(used to clear Customs)that is reported to your Customs officials. For NL, currently I believe that there is a 4.7% duty(plus VAT) for "Toy Figures" under HTS#9503009500 The US currently as no duty for "Toy Figures" under HTS#9503000080. And of course all this depends on whether your local Customs agrees with the description "Toy Figures". :( However US residents have a 800$ personal exemption for stuff they bring back into the US, so even if you bring back more than 800$ worth of figures, you technically should not need to pay duty for the figures. (Manga/Eroge is duty free as well) :)
(ID #261650) Posted on 2008/08/10 15:05
Student and full-time otaku
Thanks for the tips guys. This really helps me out!
(ID #261793) Posted on 2008/08/10 18:21
havent being to akiba yet, but knows that one day, i will be there. So, no worries. ^_^;; Tissues prepared, not for nosebleed though >=D
(ID #261081) Posted on 2008/08/09 22:16
i have yet to decide where should i go 1st, other must visit places if i ever get a chance to visit japan. But with pics and coverage by DC, this would help much
(ID #261084) Posted on 2008/08/09 22:21
Student & Authorized Chicken Slapper
Im sorry I couldnt stop laughing at the picture of the guy dressed like Goku, I wanna do that myself too now for some reason. The hair is just ultra funny.
(ID #261085) Posted on 2008/08/09 22:22
I recommend the Patlabor TV series if you want some good comedy. I used to really enjoy it, and it's still one of my favorite series. ^_^
(ID #261097) Posted on 2008/08/09 22:37
Danny, I think you've made a slight mistake in your link to Akibahobby. It should be .net instead of .com.
(ID #261104) Posted on 2008/08/09 22:45
Director/代表取締役
Thanks for the correction ^^;;;
(ID #261113) Posted on 2008/08/09 22:58
Never been to Japan, I know if I'm lucky enough I'll definitly try and buy CDs and manga and magazines : ) Especially rare CDs that you can only get in stores in Japan...
(ID #261106) Posted on 2008/08/09 22:52
Horror☆Star
First venue I'll rape (opps, I mean raid) are Gamers & Yodobashi Akiba (The building on the 17th photo). Can't wait to bleed tomorrow ^_^
(ID #261118) Posted on 2008/08/09 23:10
Yeah, defiantly hitting up (erm, I mean stopping by) Gamers first when I finally visit!
(ID #261144) Posted on 2008/08/09 23:47
Horror☆Star
Hi5 fellow comrade ;-)
(ID #261156) Posted on 2008/08/09 23:56
Mechanical Engineering student
I have yet to arrive at the Mecca of Otaku culture. I would probably hit the figure and manga shops first XD
(ID #261121) Posted on 2008/08/09 23:13
Lover of Akiba!
Akiba is the best town in the planet! I wanna stay there always!
(ID #261128) Posted on 2008/08/09 23:20
I carried quite of goodies on the way back from Japan. I had 2 bags I lugged onto the plane. Maybe 11-20.
(ID #261129) Posted on 2008/08/09 23:23
student
Will be going at the end of this year... Carrying luggage around is one of our biggest issues at the moment...
(ID #261131) Posted on 2008/08/09 23:27
Same here ... dunno if I will have the heavier luggage or the missus will! LOL
(ID #261141) Posted on 2008/08/09 23:44
website designer (currently assist. graphic designer)
get a locker at the station? =o
(ID #262737) Posted on 2008/08/11 20:16
Patlabor never got much of my attention and I've been enjoying Sekirei quite a lot, it's funny -especially because of Kuu-chan- and has some nice oppai.
(ID #261142) Posted on 2008/08/09 23:46
For the 3 times I've been I would first head for Radio-kan, because it's one of the first thing I see when I go out of the JR Station. That would use up an hour just to browse through individual shops.
(ID #261161) Posted on 2008/08/10 00:01
Programmer, Web Developer / Web Designer
For this anime season, I think Sekirei is on my top viewing list. I never really liked ecchi anime before but this one is the few that actually has a good plot. So good I can't wait for the anime and went ahead with the manga (>_<). The manga is definately not for those with nosebleeds he he. I find Tsukiumi funny as she does have some cute side and really funny when she is bullied around even though she is a bit tsundere.
(ID #261169) Posted on 2008/08/10 00:10
Meimi132 in Leicester of Leicestershire of England of Europe of THE WORLD!! (Registered on 2007/12/04 05:05)
(University)Student
Oh I wanna go!!! So tempting....and evil to show all this stuff lol
(ID #261174) Posted on 2008/08/10 00:14
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:30)
I see you still have that magic wallet? does money suddenly appear out of it these days? ^^ btw Dragonball cosplayer has nice hair! ^^
(ID #261179) Posted on 2008/08/10 00:26
Secondary Student~
I still remembered I went to china with a 10kg lugguage and came back with a 7kg luggauge ^^; but I think when I go Japan someday, I'll be totally overloaded~
(ID #261192) Posted on 2008/08/10 00:48
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
I think that the Yamato Valkyrie that you mentioned earlier are the new 1/60 Strike Valkyries that they just released July this year. the jointed/foldable leg fins were the giveaway, the 1/48 vf-1s that Yamato has been churning out for a while dont have this feature.
(ID #261196) Posted on 2008/08/10 00:57
pepsi??? (Registered on 2007/09/29 22:36)
hopefully i "might" go to japan later this year might as well buy loads of stuff to bring home..as for some of you guys that have went to japan and bought stuff to your country is it cheaper in japan or the same?
(ID #261198) Posted on 2008/08/10 01:04
Management Student + MMORPG Human Shield or Damage Dealer
the stuff should be cheaper over there. as some manga i buy is like £7(1,480.43 yen) for a copy of those mangna release on a monthly bais. which in japan they are only 440 yen(£2.08). all those extra are their profit and tax towards my grovenment ><
(ID #261202) Posted on 2008/08/10 01:10
Professional Student
This is great! I'm heading over to Japan next week, so hopefully I'll have a nice Akiba guide before I go.
(ID #261199) Posted on 2008/08/10 01:06
First time in Japan today... Be in Akihabara tomorrow!!!!!!! I would love to visit all the stores!!!!!!!!!!
(ID #261209) Posted on 2008/08/10 01:23
Enjoy your stay!!! I sure did enjoy mine!! Go Canada in Japan!!
(ID #261381) Posted on 2008/08/10 04:32
I haven't visited Japan yet, but I plan in the future. I haven't decided which shop I'll visit first, but I think it will definitely be some anime stuff shop. And nice article as always, thanks:)
(ID #261222) Posted on 2008/08/10 01:54
Online Shop
I always bring back 3 bags(1 carry on and send 2) which usually weighs more than 100 kilos, it's really killer x_x First shop I went in when I first visited Akihabara was Tora no Ana I think, always a favorite place for me~ I can't wait to visit Japan this week! When are you filming next week Danny? I would love to go visit you and say hi in person :D
(ID #261235) Posted on 2008/08/10 02:02
Director/代表取締役
Unfortunately cant talk about it until it goes on air ToT.
(ID #261462) Posted on 2008/08/10 08:42
Online Shop
Doh, oh well~ I guess I'll be on lookout for Storm Trooper whenever I go to Akihabara!
(ID #262645) Posted on 2008/08/11 18:24
Otaku, High School Student
I plan to hit the anime and figure shops first of course...once I find out where to go. I'd probably try to go with someone that's been before so they can show me where all the best shops are.
(ID #261255) Posted on 2008/08/10 02:19
Writer.
Can't wait for episode 7 of Sekirei to come out.
(ID #261258) Posted on 2008/08/10 02:25
I remember the first shop I went was Gamers, it was very near the station. Dint have a map that time and only went to the big shops on the first day.
(ID #261262) Posted on 2008/08/10 02:36
I've play pachinko before and thank god it was free. It was at an anime convention and they had free pachinko machines to play with. As you can probably tell by my first sentence I didn't fare too well at the game.
(ID #261313) Posted on 2008/08/10 03:45
i'm enjoying sekirei! but i enjoy most anime that i pick up. i'm not critical on things like many people, if it bores me i won't watch it. sekirei is far from boring though :)! and as always, you're making me want to travel back to japan >:I
(ID #261316) Posted on 2008/08/10 03:50
For Sekirei, im barely on episode 6 here the the states.....awesome....what episode number count up in japan?
(ID #261318) Posted on 2008/08/10 03:51
Hahaha! I say an advertisement for Persona 4~! :3
(ID #261319) Posted on 2008/08/10 03:51
ahhah... tissues.. for nosebleeds. ::scoff::
(ID #261325) Posted on 2008/08/10 03:57
radical anime fan in Singapore; starting to freeze up. Mmm, end-of-year weather. (Registered on 2007/01/25 22:08)
Polytechnic Freshman. Mmm... fresh.
Woo, finally everything is going back to the way it was... And yes, I've got my tissues ready XD
(ID #261379) Posted on 2008/08/10 04:31
Student // Collector // Gaijin
Mmmm...good ol' Akihabara looks the same. I don't know how much this weighed but here is my Akiba loot: http://blog.cleartranquil.com/2008/04/home-sweet-home.html
(ID #261380) Posted on 2008/08/10 04:32
I don't remember the name of the first store I entered in Akiba, but it was an electronic store. Right after that I went to Azobit C to get a Lelouch figma. They didn't have any at the local Sakuraya in Shinjuku next to my hotel. I miss Japan so much!! I gtg back soon!!! BTW, Patlabor is a very nice anime. The 7 OVAs, the anime serie (49 eps?) and the 3 movies are worth it. The third movie is kinda weird but it's still nice if you like the genre. There's not much mecha action the movies thought. Well, to anyone going to Japan: go to Akiba!! It's a must!! Nippon banzai!!
(ID #261392) Posted on 2008/08/10 04:47
I didn't buy that much when I went to Akihabara, mainly a PS3, some other game stuff (GBA Micro, Wonderswan games, etc) and some capsule toys.
(ID #261404) Posted on 2008/08/10 05:17
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
ahhh want to go back again! :P I got quite a buncha doll related stuff ^^ Hubs got about 4 gundam model kits when we were there last year ^^;
(ID #261422) Posted on 2008/08/10 06:02
IT, Programmer, ...
Oh, it seems they are finally building something at that building site at the crossing. During the 1.5 year period that I went 3 times to Japan, it just didn't change at all, just ground work. Now there's 2 floors ;p And yes, I'm enjoying Sekirei very much ;p Oh, and I see they got a big ad up of Sekirei at Gamers ;p Last time I was there, it was Konata from Lucky Star and Kodomo no Jikan above it. The first shop I went into when I first visited Akiba, hmm, I think it was the Radio Kaikan building (I had a guide I printed out ;p), I only discovered Gamers after I found Animate and Tora no Ana. Now Gamers is usually my first stop when I exit the station ^^
(ID #261445) Posted on 2008/08/10 07:00
I hope they'll release more Sekirei figures. The whole premise about a useless guy with a bevy of girls all clinging to him never seem to get old. And the girls are often designed to appeal to the widest audience available. There's always the sweet but slightly slow one (Musubi-chan), the loli (Kuu-chan), the tsundere (Tsukiumi) though sexy oneechan types (Matsu) are popular as well.
(ID #261465) Posted on 2008/08/10 08:54
yay akiba! Can't wait till tomorrow!
(ID #261491) Posted on 2008/08/10 10:04
love akiba, i go there 1 time per month (for the money reason...). there times i just wanna to do a little walk for there, nothing in mind for buying, but strangely i always got something in hands when i go back to home! kkk
(ID #261534) Posted on 2008/08/10 11:14
NightyKnight in Canada