Akihabara Liberation Demo
(
70)
Tue 2007/07/03 00:49
Most of you probably know about the demo that took place yesterday in heaven - the Akihabara Liberation Demo.
The main message of the demo was...
That was the main message but the main gist of the demo was to let the world know that we a proud to be otaku. Otaku forever!
Before I continue, make sure to check out Hectors coverage of the event too - he has even more great photos (all these photos were taken by him). My man ellcy90 also has great coverage too.
I have uploaded 12 videos to the otavids section as follows - camera work by Hector.
The main message of the demo was...
- We make our own future!
- We wont let anybody stop what we like doing!
- In order to make enjoyment, lets stand together!
That was the main message but the main gist of the demo was to let the world know that we a proud to be otaku. Otaku forever!
Before I continue, make sure to check out Hectors coverage of the event too - he has even more great photos (all these photos were taken by him). My man ellcy90 also has great coverage too.
I have uploaded 12 videos to the otavids section as follows - camera work by Hector.
It was a really fun event that was organized with the local police. The police guided us through the streets of Akiba with a white van in front paving the way for us.
This guy seemed to be involved in the organization of the event.
This guy seemed to be involved in the organization of the event.
Very pretty bunny lady. Dont know what character she is though.
Vending Machine Zero from Coca Colas most viral marketing Vending Machine Red. I think this beats Nikes Akiba Man.
Men dressed as maids is now an everyday sight for me.
Men dressed as Haruhi is also another everyday sight for me.
But I prefer girls dressed as Haruhi.
The police cosplay was fantastic - couldn't tell the difference from real police.
"(The major cause of Akiba's dismantle) Yodobashi Camera - Go back to Shinjuku!"
For those who dont know, since Yodobashi's arrival in Akihabara, many small shops have not only been closed down but also dismantled. If you go to Akiba lately you will notice a ton of construction work.
With the way things are progressing, Nakano Broadway may very well be Akiba's Successor as Otaku are forced out of Akiba. Its pretty evident that the government are trying to turn the area into an IT/tourist district.
For those who dont know, since Yodobashi's arrival in Akihabara, many small shops have not only been closed down but also dismantled. If you go to Akiba lately you will notice a ton of construction work.
With the way things are progressing, Nakano Broadway may very well be Akiba's Successor as Otaku are forced out of Akiba. Its pretty evident that the government are trying to turn the area into an IT/tourist district.
The end of the Demo ends in a small park near Yodobashi Camera. At this point everybody is told to go home.
But before we do go home, we all start to lark about ^^;
I thought I would steal Vending Machine Zero's arms ^^;
I've forgotten all the character names from Dragon Ball. Songoku?
The gorgeous Tamaki twins.
On the way to the station, we see some nice girls dressed up in orange and just had to ask for a photo opportunity.
The girl on my right (with her arms around me) in particular is gorgeous.
Her smile is so nice that I had to post all variations ^^;
I think this smile of hers is the best ^^;
Maid by the station.
Natsuko Ayai looking very nice.
A quick thanks to member Zer0 (textfiend.net/zerohero/) for reminding me about this event - I nearly forgot about it in the midst of being busy with Mirai Inc ^^;
Related links
A quick thanks to member Zer0 (textfiend.net/zerohero/) for reminding me about this event - I nearly forgot about it in the midst of being busy with Mirai Inc ^^;
Related links
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)
Great coverage! Looks like you had a blast! Scary, those cross-dressing maids. They draw you in from a distance, but then you see their face! GAH! VENDING MACHINE ZERO! I saw the vids for those on japanprobe just the other day - theyre excellent! Those chaps in the suits with the vader masks on are great. Love the bit about the police cosplay ^_^
(ID #50878) Posted on 2007/07/03 07:32
Webdesigner - Freelance
People looks very happy and in a good mood. This kind of event must be very funny !
(ID #50879) Posted on 2007/07/03 07:56
That looks fun! I wish I were there to see it. I feel so bad for those stores closed cus of yodobashi camera. They should just remain at Yodobashi.
(ID #50880) Posted on 2007/07/03 08:09
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
Whoa. The power of the otakus! Truly respect them for sticking with their ideals! Akiba needs to import foreign otakus over to help ^^; Go Go Otaku Power! (Power Rangers reference)
(ID #50881) Posted on 2007/07/03 08:35
I thought i saw Zero!! I wanna see his helmet. Man this looks fun ^^
(ID #50882) Posted on 2007/07/03 08:35
Antabax in Malaysia
wow, otaku unite ! i wonder how they organize themself together. good job!
(ID #50883) Posted on 2007/07/03 08:59
Owner, winterheim|hdd
The orange girl on the right looks very cute. The girl in the kimono looks cute too! The girl in the made costume facing a different direction would have looked a lot cuter if she was facing the camera. All that cuteness can get to you!!!
(ID #50884) Posted on 2007/07/03 09:00
Antabax in Malaysia
i just got to post again. men dressing up as haruhi is simply hilarious. roflmao !
(ID #50885) Posted on 2007/07/03 09:13
Dan in Shizuoka
I believe the character in the third picture is プレネール from artist 原田たけひと, best know for his work on the Disgaea series. His HP: http://members3.jcom.home.ne.jp/u1h/ There's also a figure available of the character: http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/41171
(ID #50888) Posted on 2007/07/03 10:40
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
Looks like this was a well-organized and successful demonstration. I really hope it will accomplish something, for better awareness for otaku. People who just want to have fun and enjoy themselves doing the stuff they like. I also hope this will bring a bit more attention to the otaku-hunting problem. it's cool they even got permission to play music. and Suzumiya Haruhi,SOS-dan and Hare Hare Yukai is really becoming a statement of otaku ;p But I like it, I would have joined the demonstration if I could. I'm proud being an otaku.
(ID #50889) Posted on 2007/07/03 11:01
Student
I don't think I could blend in there, I mean I like Anime, games, Figures and Gunpla and I don't consider myself an Otaku, maybe a little but not at that level
(ID #50890) Posted on 2007/07/03 11:44
Im not sure why they were protesting. Akiba is a lot more liberal than most parts of Tokyo - they dont have used schoolgirl panties, hentai, girly figures and maiko cafes in Asakusa! On the Otaku thing - i probably wouldnt consider myself a hardcore otaku. There are loads of anime series i havent heard of or seen, and i dont read much manga. I just like japanese society, the figures, artwork and some series.
(ID #50892) Posted on 2007/07/03 12:58
Although my occupation disagrees, I would not label myself an otaku...put thats mostly becuase people around me give otakus BAD names. Like there all gross and stupid. They say they arre otaku but they don't know what 日本 means, they say they like anime, but have never heard of Akira, and they say they LOVE J-Pop but have never heard of Ayumi Hamasaki! So I guess you could call me an otaku because i'm OBSESSED but I also love alot of other things, like sports. And one more thing, my pride and love for Japan goes so much depper than anime, I love their culture, I have more pride in Japan then most Samurai... XD
(ID #50893) Posted on 2007/07/03 13:45
Put it in your case, you're a Japanophile.
(ID #228789) Posted on 2008/07/03 17:29
Film Student
Otaku Pride! It looks like you had a brilliant time Danny, I really really wish I was their! Also, brilliant police cosplay!
(ID #50894) Posted on 2007/07/03 14:34
You sure look like a StormZ'Gok with the Vending Machine Zero manipulators. Btw, it appears that all Stormtrooper armour comes with a mokkori guard.
(ID #50895) Posted on 2007/07/03 15:32
I think the one on the left is cuter, Danny.
(ID #50896) Posted on 2007/07/03 15:45
Web Producer
Long live Otaku! Looked like a fun event. I like the video and photo coverage a lot . The picture I like the most is the "Maid by the station".
(ID #50897) Posted on 2007/07/03 15:53
myu in Finland
I love those maid uniform designs. Even if they are male, dresses are cute.
(ID #50898) Posted on 2007/07/03 16:27
.NET/Web Developer
I too think that the girl on your left (right when you look at the picture) is cuter. heheh! And also the girl in the kimono. ^^ Btw, are those guys in the Tamaki twins costume? heheh!
(ID #50899) Posted on 2007/07/03 16:44
Policy & Research Officer
Looks like you had losta fun. In fact I think everyone seem to be having so much fun in the video that it doesn't seem to be like a demonstration. =P The mob of otaku should just gather every week like this, form a secret organization or something so that there will be less otaku hunting incidents. P.S. I think the one on the left is cuter.
(ID #50900) Posted on 2007/07/03 16:59
anime/cosplay events organizer
We are OTAKUS!!! We are ONE!!! that's great that you and Kirei.net covered the demo. i'm quite curious and interested at the akiba liberation demo when i've 1st learned it circulating around the internets ^^ wow! the 3 organizing groups really pulled off a very organized demo and legally (w/ the local police assistance) i wish i was there to witness as otaku/akiba history unfolds ^^ btw, lol @ police cosplayers XDDD
(ID #50903) Posted on 2007/07/03 17:25
It looks like there was a good turnout for this event, and that makes me happy. Wish i could have been part of it all.Thanks for the coverage and same goes to hector as well. Rejoice in whatever your passion is people, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Mine is Neon Genesis Evangelion, and may it last forever!!!!
(ID #50904) Posted on 2007/07/03 17:38
There's a strong tradition, especially for politicians to hide things that's considered not fit to the mainstream. So Akiba may turn slowly into something that they consider more "presentable" to the world. The tactics most likely used are raising cost (rent) for small stores and giving attractive offers to selected major retailers. Considering the flow of population in that area most newly migrated computer business should do well, it may be a inevitable direction.
(ID #50905) Posted on 2007/07/03 17:42
Melonpan in Bern, Switzerland
ZOMG! Meido no tameni! Wish I was there.
(ID #50906) Posted on 2007/07/03 18:06
I'm not an otaku. I spend more time thinking about cars than I do thinking about anime and such. In fact, I should be working on my car at this moment. Procrastination strikes again.
(ID #50907) Posted on 2007/07/03 19:07
Everything
That looks like a lot of fun. I would have gone if I lived there, definitely.
(ID #50911) Posted on 2007/07/03 21:11
Student
I'm glad it went well. Hope to see results in the near future. If only something like that would happen in the UK but there arnt many Otaku in the UK. It's mostly just manga/anime fans. Not enough hardcore Otaku so an event like that is unlikley to happen :(
(ID #50913) Posted on 2007/07/03 21:47
GundamZZ in Toronto, Ontario
great coverage danny ^_^ I think the girl on your left is cuter..hehe...but did u mean our right or your right? i'm confused...lol
(ID #50914) Posted on 2007/07/03 21:58
They better not shut down Akiba, I haven't even visited yet lol. I wish I could have been there to be a part of the otaku march ^-^. I prefer girls cosplaying as maids and Haruhi too lol.
(ID #50917) Posted on 2007/07/04 01:25
Motion Graphics Designer
i saw this in the papers... oh man, would it suck big time if they "convert" akiba into some tourist-y place... and i have yet to visit this famed epicentre of otakuness! AGH, FUZAKERUNA!!! i tink the orange girl on your left is nicer and that maid hiding behind you with the hand pistol is so cute... oh, and lets not forget the complimentary japanese uber cuteness in the kimono, last pic... omg major heart palpitations! lol!
(ID #50924) Posted on 2007/07/04 03:59
Dog of the Country
pls answer the following questions: "how did u felt when taking photos with the 2 girls?" 1) moe!~ 2) near to nose bleed 3) MORE!! 4) I'm in heaven.. 5) others? pls write: thx :P
(ID #50926) Posted on 2007/07/04 04:12
CEO MIrai Inc
Tiny Red Man, 5) "いい写真になりそう！" BeLe, They are indeed men. Zer0, Mokkori in armor is dangerous. Dan, Thanks for the info!
(ID #50934) Posted on 2007/07/04 05:50
Animator/ graphic designer
is that really a demonstration?? looks like awesome fun to me...
(ID #50939) Posted on 2007/07/04 07:02
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
oh wow I didn't realise yotobashi camera is a threat! :O but if that means small shops closing that's not good at all =_=; Thanks for sharing pix, it does look like a lot of fun! :3
(ID #50940) Posted on 2007/07/04 07:33
Ninamo in Spain
I think the bunny girl is dressed as Pleinair, an original character by Takehito Harada (the artist who made the character designs for the videogame Makai Senki Disgaea). His website is here: http://members3.jcom.home.ne.jp/u1h/cg/cg.htm And the pic related is here: http://members3.jcom.home.ne.jp/u1h/cg/ple/ni/u1050304.jpg The girl maybe wanted to represent all the moe icons in one dress.
(ID #50943) Posted on 2007/07/04 09:51
College Student
That's so harsh! A company who tries to change the face of Akihabara is wrong. I want to retain Akihabara as a otaku city.
(ID #50945) Posted on 2007/07/04 11:28
Mandalorian in training + Otaku...
Recently read a book about tabloid in Japan. From what I've read, mainstream people reckon otaku are the bane of society. As such, they treated with contempt. It doesn't help that criminal that show otaku tendencies is giving all otaku bad reputation. Oh well, I wholly support the Demo, though I'm thousand of kilometre away...
(ID #50954) Posted on 2007/07/04 13:51
OTAKU rules! OTAKU tourist rules too! tourist sucks! why the hell japan government want to change akiba to tourist spot anyway? its already a tourist spot because of maids and doujins ^^
(ID #50962) Posted on 2007/07/04 19:28
The police cosplay was fantastic - couldn't tell the difference from real police. OMG I started laughing so much when I saw this that my boss came to see if I were slacking. Of course I wasn't!
(ID #50963) Posted on 2007/07/04 20:56
Even if it looked like a fight for rights, it looks like it was a great way to have fun! Ah, if only things would be like that everywhere, life would be so much more peaceful...!
(ID #50993) Posted on 2007/07/05 02:11
I think the girl on your left (our right) is more gorgeous, Danny. Her smile melts my heart. :3
(ID #51016) Posted on 2007/07/05 06:44
VF-25 Pilot. Universariate Scholar.
Viva le Otaku!!! The main reason i visited Tokyo was to go to Akibahara. And so, proving that Akibahara is a tourist attraction as a Otaku Mecca. Viva Otaku!!! Viva Akiba!!
(ID #51156) Posted on 2007/07/07 10:09
Long lives otaku ! Man i always want to visit Otaku Mecca :Akihabara ! And now they turn it into something else ,arghh.
(ID #52025) Posted on 2007/07/19 18:14
Kousaka in USA
Oh no! Akihabara as otaku know it might not be there in the near future. I hope it doesn't completely disappear.
(ID #52628) Posted on 2007/07/26 22:47
lol.. i thought we gaijins go to akiba because anime n gunpla n computer stuff r the main attractions there.. so if it turn to an only IT stuff then its gonna be just like any other shopping places.. maybe the developer should read our comments here cause we r the tourist n we want akiba to stay as otaku/gunota heaven! yeay
(ID #56413) Posted on 2007/09/05 14:04
Man, I guess I have to make a pilgrimage to Akihabara before it's gone!
(ID #66943) Posted on 2007/12/14 09:07
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
Haha, looks like you had fun... BTW, the maid in the second last pic is camera shy?
(ID #70972) Posted on 2008/01/29 16:56
I wish I had been at that demonstration! Viva la OTAKU!
(ID #228221) Posted on 2008/07/03 02:37
at the demonstration of the past year there was also a Comunist Group that go in the streets with otaku, in this demo there was again that group?
(ID #228264) Posted on 2008/07/03 03:55
おたくと大学生。
wow wish i was there to see that
(ID #228267) Posted on 2008/07/03 04:05
....High spirits!!!.....but guy dressed as a girl!?, I ll bleach my eyes after seeing those horror....
(ID #228319) Posted on 2008/07/03 05:54
So they're basically protesting big business taking over everything? I hope it helps. It happens here a lot. NYC especially has been suffering for years; its charm is slowly fading away and being replaced by Trump towers. My college town had a very charming little area right next to the university full of mom and pop type places, lots of awesome local stuff. McD's and Starbucks (I think) bought off a sector of it and lots of places were demolished or had to move. The area is what made Denton, Denton, and they wanted to destroy it. :(
(ID #228323) Posted on 2008/07/03 06:01
I hope akihabara keeps being the otaku paradise it is now.
(ID #228379) Posted on 2008/07/03 08:26
That vending machine cosplay is making me think. I could make one of thsoe, and actually have it vend pop just like a real pop machine. I would just need to take a trip down to radio shack, and maybe some custom parts online. I could probably do that costume as a fully functional pop machine for under $1000 easy.
(ID #228408) Posted on 2008/07/03 09:20
Haha that Songoku cosplayer i hear about a lot.. apparently he sings that "cha la, head cha la" song with a lot of passion. lol Akiba rules!
(ID #228439) Posted on 2008/07/03 10:15
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
love the shot of the girl in orange jumpsuit giving u a hug. beat u can't feel a thing. sadly. ^^;
(ID #228450) Posted on 2008/07/03 11:07
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
Old post FTW! XD Fun times huh Danny? That pic of yours with the Vending Machine arms is hilarious!
(ID #228512) Posted on 2008/07/03 12:17
だいがくせい
police cosplay, now thats dedication
(ID #228601) Posted on 2008/07/03 13:31
Marketing and Law Student
Lolx..The bunny lady so funny. Luckily im not eating now... If not, sure vomit.
(ID #228701) Posted on 2008/07/03 15:08
The day when Japan falls start with Japan overcrowded with idiotic otakus and I can see it coming. Taking fetish indulgences to extremism only means signing an early death warrant to the ACG industry, is this how Japan supposed to be? Such otaku movements are no different than those Taiwanese "Desperate Houseboys" who went on a protest against Valentines day and harassed couples in the streets earlier this year. Personal fetishes are nothing worthy of celeb publicity but only stay as major public concerns over their young falling to such low-life habits and developed problems mixing among society. So one Kato psychopath is not enough huh? People should promote the brighter and friendlier sides of anime-manga instead of showing off pride at crossdressing and pedophile attitudes, only losers make bad images for ACG industry and we don't need more fags...
(ID #228797) Posted on 2008/07/03 17:48
Kato is nothing compared to Miyazaki Tsutomu. Despite your moralistic scaremongering, otaku culture has survived even worse things, and that was when otaku culture was even weaker than it is now. All your complaints have been made before, and have been proven by history to be meaningless.
(ID #228905) Posted on 2008/07/03 20:49
CEO MIrai Inc
@codename:v - you are referring to me and a lot of other folks here right? Please read some of these. It may help you. http://www.dannychoo.com/all/eng/motivational/
(ID #229004) Posted on 2008/07/03 22:38
daichouginga in Byston Well, the land between the earth and the sea (Registered on 2008/06/04 10:28)
The Sword of Magus
You're the considered 'troll' in super robot wars news blog right? People hate you there, right?
(ID #229137) Posted on 2008/07/04 02:22
yum, nice find with the girls in orange danny ;3!
(ID #229149) Posted on 2008/07/04 02:34
That coke machine guy was excellent
(ID #229260) Posted on 2008/07/04 04:25
Grocery Store Clerk
Not even Otaku can nost progress in corporate Japan
(ID #361529) Posted on 2008/11/07 03:00
I'm not the sort of person who Protest or even likes Protest for that matter..... But i sure as hell would support this protest. Otaku for life~!!
(ID #498944) Posted on 2009/02/23 06:20
Good photos.
(ID #611485) Posted on 2009/05/18 23:47
Student, Anime artist
It s weird to see man in Moe s costumes but looks like fun
(ID #627466) Posted on 2009/05/31 03:35
In a meeting at Ebisu earlier on this week - everybody has an iPhone ^^;
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