Shopping in Akihabara
Member meronpan goes on a spending spree in Akihabara and shows us his goodies with more details at kare no burogu.
I remember the first few times I went to Akihabara - spend most of my money in one visit!
Back in those days, there wasn't really any more stuff (over 15 years ago) and I spent most of my dosh on Idol VHS tapes and gravure photo books called Shashinshu [写真集].
One of the groups that I really liked was Ribbon - still listen to their tunes from time to time.
One of my fave Ribbon tunes - Silent Summer.
And of course Nishida Hikaru - the girl I chased after on roller blades.
And if you have not read about how the story went - pasted for you below.
She was a Japanese Idol called Nishida Hikaru who I previously talked about before. Came to Japan to meet her every year. The first time I met her was at the backstage entrance of the Kousei Nenkin Hall in Shinjuku. Managed to pass her some presents. That night, I got a huge bunch of flowers and waited outside the hall after her concert with rollerblades on - the intent of chasing her car and handing her the flowers.
The guards at the hall didnt like the look of me and just before her car came out, 7 or so guards rushed and pinned me to the ground until her car was out of site. They left with the words "This is Japan - you cant do this sort of thing here."
The flowers still looked decent so I got up battered, bruised and skated in the direction of the car as fast as I could. Fate was on my side and her car was stuck at some traffic lights. She opened the window for me with a sorry look and accepted my flowers. I dont think it was her decision to set the guards on me - or at least thats what I like to think ^^;
I tried the same thing the next year at the same time and place but this time I hid well out of site. Unfortunately fate was not on my side and the traffic lights were greener than green - I remember chasing her on my roller blades through Shinjuku in the middle of the road with this huge bunch of flowers until my lungs started to ache - my ashtma got the better of me.
I retreated to sitting infront of a pachinko parlor crying my eyes out until a lady came up to me and asked if I was alright. I said I was fine and offered her the flowers.
Have you met your eternal partner yet or are still looking or do you intend not to marry or are you happy with 2D girls?
Yikes - completely hijacked meronpan's post - handing over to you below ^^;
Original text from meronpan below.
Recently came back from a trip to Tokyo, the majority of which was spent in Akiba ^__^
Surprised myself by not getting any figures, instead winding up with a ton of manga, cd's and other random stuff.
I've gone through and broken down/annotated the picture at my blog if you want the full rundown complete with in depth coverage of some of the more interesting items.
Otherwise, here's what I got (numbers apply to the annotated pics at my blog ^^;):
1. Code Geass Complete Best - all OP and ED songs from the series. Also included all those postcards surrounding feena’s face and some story booklets.
2. Fate/Device Metal Charm Collection 01, 05, and 08 - (bardiche (assault form), laevantein (schwertform), and Excalibur)
3. Feena dakimakura cover - from G’s Festival
4. Evangelion: Ikari Shinji Ikusei Keikau Vol 6
5. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu Vol 7
6. GUNNM Vol 6
7. Mahou Sensei Negima Vol 25
8. Some pins that came with an okazu purchase at K-Books ^^;
9. Ikkitousen Vol 14
10. Poster that came free with the CDs (12)
11. Some mamori from Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū - One for traffic safety and the other just for general goodness (or was it against evil? hmmm ^^;;)
12. Trance Anime CDs - CODE SPEED Anime Trance BEST, SPEED Anime Trance BEST 5, SPEED Anime Trance Ecstasy, Animage 30th anniversary Anime Dance request countdown, and umauma dekiru trance wo tsukuttemita 3 smune de yoyuu deshita.
13. Nagasarete Airantou Vol 14
14. These extra case covers came with my Idol Master purchase (21)
15. To Aru Majutsu no Index Vol 3
16. Kimi no iru Machi Vol 3
17. Figma & Nendoroid Cycles from WonHobby 9
18. Shakugan no Shana Light Novels Vol 5 & 6 - Used books from Book Off - both of them together cost… 210 yen ^_^
19. Toradora Light Novel Vol 1
20. Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu Light Novel Vol 1
21. The iDOLM@STER ~ Missing Moon
22. Asu no Yoichi Vol 1-8 - been liking the anime, so decided to start up the manga.
23. Nanoha StikerS THE COMICS Vol 1
24. G’s Festival Vol 15 - Feena dakimakura (3) included! Also came with a mouse pad (not oppai :P) and a cell phone cleaner.
25. Fate stay/Night Vol 6-8
26. Majikano Vol 1
27. Makenki! Vol 1
28. ef Vol 7
29. Kemeko Deluxe Vol 2-5
30. DAIKICHI! ^_^
31. Sekirei Vol 7
32. Doujin Work Vol 1-6
33. Haruhi gachapon - Got this little guy in either bic or yodobashi camera ^^; Makes a mikuru squeal or haruhi proclaiming, “iwayuru hitotsu no moeyouso!”
34. Final Fantasy Dissidia
35. Erika Sendo cushion cover
36. Replicant 2009-2010 calendar - figure calendar that came with Replicant (40)
37. Another free poster from my CD purchases. This one is macademi wasshoi?
38. Yoake mae yori ruri iro na -Moonlight Cradle- Bookmarks - came free with manga purchases at Gamers.
39. Asu no Yoichi… cards?
40. Replicant - was in a book store and happened upon this magazine. Full of great pics of figures, both pvc and some garage kits, happened to include aforementioned figure calendar (36).
41. ef wallscrolls
All told less than 100,000 yen, but a bit more than I expected.
What's your target spending level in Akiba?
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SNSD Lover
http://realtaku.wordpress.com/
That is a very very big haul. Jealous? Definitely
Kagamin's Waifu
http://moorina.deviantart.com/
Uwa... Replicant want...
Professional Panhandler
http://theinfernoproject.com
LOL, what a haul! Nice taste too. Any figures?
Azusa and Chihaya = best voices in idolmaster.
Professional Panhandler
http://theinfernoproject.com
nvm...didn't read carefully enough...and just read on your blog...
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
glad i made a good choice for idolmaster, didn't want to buy all three games ^^;
http://akari-nyan.deviantart.com/
=w='' Verri verri nice...Me wants all your manga ^^;
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Holy cow... 100,000 yen worth of stuff from Akiba?? I hope you left some stuff for the rest of us when we get there!
Is that Replicant calendar included in the magazine or was it given by the cashier when you purchased it?
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
there's pleeeenty of manga left, trust me ^^;;
the calendar was included in the magazine, it's tear out.
Graphic Arts Student
That haul is epic.
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
well, it's still nothing compared to rin's haul (see below) ^^;;;
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
http://koiaichaku.com/
Lets see....last time...
I spent $3000 on my Japan loot...
http://koiaichaku.com/2008/08/29/the-overflowing-loot/
All my loot...
Japan = MAJOR SPENDING!!!!!!!!
I want a lot of stuff you got Meronpan!!!!!!
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
i think i spent a lot more than i would've otherwise because i read about your insane $3k haul :P
Com. Sci. Student
WTF you made my jaw drop
Associate Network Administrator
I was curious how you brought that all back, and then I noticed the $500 shipping comment. Crazy!
College Student: Animation Major
Good God XDDD.
What did you get into first after you but all that stuff?
College Student: Animation Major
bought*
Otaku, US Army, Student (Political Science)
http://figure.tsuki-board.net/profile/Syaoran
Nice manga haul. My target spending in Akiba is $2000-3000USD. Although most would be figures and doujinshi.
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
alas, i haven't really seen much of what the doujinshi scene has to offer... guess that's a project for next time ^^;;
Student
in a sense, you should be glad :P
初音ミク命
Nice haul.
I really enjoy the SPEED trance mix cd's that you got, I have one of them that I bought from cdjapan and it's spent a considerable amount of time in my cars stereo.
Injured
I would probably buy so much if I went that I couldn't get out of Japan with it all. I'd say 3,000 bucks worth at least. Going there would be like visiting a candy store with every single item being wanted.
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
that is exactly what it's like ^^;;
Student
i don't like spending it all at once but the most i did at once was 50k. incremental purchasing allows me to buy at good prices and able to bring it home on the train :P
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
with manga, it definitely pays to spread it out... carrying around all those books is heavy! ^^;
三年せいとオタク
That's a huge haul very nice! I'm jelous of those Asu no Yoichi! volumes T.T
Manufacturing Technician
I voted even though I haven't been there yet. But my wife and I are planning a trip to Japan for later this year and I'm 100% sure we will spend well over 20,000 Yen. :D We have both always wanted to go to Japan and are super excited!
website/graphic designer and karaoke amateur~
http://www.furudango.com
Can't vote as I haven't visited yet xD;
I don't think I could spend that much on anime related merchandise ^^;; But for the amount you spent, it looks like a lot.
Congrats on your trip in either case, I wish you many more return trips :3
Student!
http://zh3us.wordpress.com/
Never been there yet ;_;
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
i came close to it... but my schedule pushed me away ><"
I WILL CONQUER IT NEXT TIME! and blow loads in akiba...
Nekophilia
meronpan.. You're one lucky man ^^
Student, Uncle & hopfully a good husband..
One trip cost me tons...and i haven't even explored the place...Must be tough to get it back home...
Moe Hunter
http://moehunter.wordpress.com/
If I could go to akihabara and spend only 100,000 yen, I would consider myself lucky.
thousand master II, Internet Learner, Auto didacta
http://pipopaz.wordpress.com/
man i haven't been there yet xD but i plan to do a massive spending when i do! ^o^
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aseps/
wow! 100 000 yen! if i could do that...
studying comp studies, planning to look for part time job
http://bruneian-otaku.blogspot.com
now thats a haul
http://news.monsterlittle.com
I think I must get there first to answer that question
Editor
http://cavalock.blogspot.com/
my turn next week! yup, i'll be back to tokyo on sat, after 2 years away.
one question to Danny or anyone who can help, is it easy to receive free wifi while outdoors/out on the streets in tokyo? reason i'm asking is i'll be having my ipod touch with me and hope to log on while out roaming. thanks in advance!
Student
http://dazisbloodlusting.blogspot.com/
nice goodies
Passerby
http://jitokun.wordpress.com/
Dun think I'm able to buy that much. Didn't spent much time when I went to Akiba the 1st time as my mum and I spent a lot of time at Asakusa temple earlier on that day. Also not into figure that time, not sure how much i will spend the next time I'm there.
Reminds me of my friend who just came back from Tokyo. She told me that she spent more than S$1k (around 63k yen) on doujins & merchandises.
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
I doubt that I have the capabilities to save enough money to buy that much stuff x_x
Poet (not)
First time I went to Akihabara, the only thing I spent money on was the train ride ^^;; (fail as otaku)
初音ミク命
Still haven't been to Akihabara. -_-;;
Student and full-time otaku
OMG....every time I see a haul, it's bigger than the previous one...and it makes me want to go even more. Danny, a new giveaway idea: a fully funded shopping spree in Akiba! (I know you can make it happen ;P)
former Emperor of Britannia
http://reflectiarx.wordpress.com/
If i could go to akihabara then i'd be spending more than 5 years worth of money XD
NO seriously i might do something childish like that but what the hell.
It will surely be fun!
Software Developer
http://www.otakutimes.com
Spent only about $100 or so, but that was mainly because my bank balance was dry (from traveling to a load of other countries before Japan), and because I didn't have any space in my luggage to bring anything more back.
Student
http://shockerz.wordpress.com/
Remember to share with the DC members here. You know what they say sharing is caring :D
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
i did give away a gsc miku last year ^^ hopefully it will be at least an annual thing, economy willing ^^;;
high school student
http://hentaifreak99.newgrounds.com
nice haul yah got there
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
OMG the loot... the huge amount of loot... gawd I can't wait to go there... I hate to think of how much I'll spend...
ダメ人間, ひきこもり
that's just, wow.
listening to that ribbon song reminds me of the style used in the OP song for the J-Dorama Tokyo Love Story. It aired in Indonesia in 1994, I think, and it was quite popular (at least in my family). I remembered watching that with my mom but can't remember what the story is all about >.<
IT-Architect, SysAdmin, WebDesign and Coding, Virtualization (VMware + NetApp)
http://www.milkdrop.de/
First time there i spend a few travler checks... ><
That was bout 10 or 11 years ago too... back then the NGE hype was big.
The good old times... ^^;
I bet nowdays i could lose a lot lot more money in one go there... *shiver*
Nice loot in the picture btw. ;)
Student
Too many things I want in that picture! Jealousy overload!
In all seriousness though, how did you manage to get everything home? Second suitcase?
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
I brought a large main suitcase and an empty carry-on size suitcase. Also had my backpack. At the end everything was packed to the brim ^^;;
大学生
http://okashi.cloudy-skies.net/
Wow... where does the money come from?? O_O
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
the danger of growing up and getting a full time job but not changing hobbies ^^;;
Future Pioneer and a Dreamer
!!! That Nishida hikaru vid is natsukashi~! I used to jock her also! I remember going to Oiso! The last frame of the vid just yells swimming game shows of the 80s lol! kono tsugi...PORORI!
大学生
http://justaskeikaku.net23.net
I hasn't made it to Japan yet T__T
Saving money for a trip, hopefully this year.
Student at a school somewhere
http://pixiebee.deviantart.com/
Want all that plz ;A;
How could you go all the way on Roller Blades?!
I couldn't do that orz;;;;;
pervert
"I said I was fine and offered her the flowers."
that lady became your wife?
http://www.c-games.info
More than 20,000Y That's for sure :) I bought more than 30kg of stuff :D I would have got even more if not all those damn plane restrictions and limits :(
Space Pirate
Never been to japan :(
And it saddens me *Must...go...to...JAPAN!*
Media & Communications Student
*Bring...me...with...YOU!*
Student
I've never been to Japan but if I did go and ended up going to Akihabara, I could see myself spending over 20,000 yen lol ^^"
Otaku
http://imperiomoe.wordpress.com
Wait for me Akihabara... wait for me^^
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
http://blog.jpopdb.org/
Nice shopping spree :)
I will be going in April/May, still making a list of what to buy :)
Hmm, the first time I went to Akihabara..., I was always limited to buying CDs/manga/art books and other merch stuff. But now I'm going to try and buy some figures/models too and ship them back home separately :)
Actor, Moviemaker and Blogger.
http://sitedofonseca.blogspot.com
I dream of going there!!
Hobby fan
Well, sadly for me but I've never been there so far but I hope I can change that.
But, your story with the idol is simply great, It impresses how hard you tried again and again to aproach to her. That's something very romantic.
And about the lady that you gave the flowers... did you see her again?... don't tell me that she's your wife. Robu-robu-story =^_^=.
Greetings.
Student, Motivated Future Hikikomori
Yay, if I could go I would be so happy...but that's why I should be studying right now instead of blogging ^^;;;;Otherwise, awesome loot, great choices. . .Hope you had fun, looking forward to Akiba
Supreme Commander of NERV Co.
Simply awesome loot, I wonder how much is 20,000 yen in Canadian dollars? I am going to start saving my money for 2 years until I get to Japan ^^
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
^^
http://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter?u#from=CAD;to=JPY;amt=256.7871
hw sw engineer
http://darkfader.blogspot.com/
The question is: what should you NOT buy? Choices choices choices...
And I'm always afraid the best stuff is already sold out by Japanese.
But it's way more fun than online shopping.
College Freshmen
Can't bring loli manga to the States anymore. When I went to Akihabara, it was on a tour so I only stayed there one day.
I would bought tons of doujinshi
Accounting Technician
http://alpharalpha.com
haven't been to Akiba yet, will go soon enough, my bank account will hate me afterwards ...
Medical student
http://www.protocolsnow.com
Wow very impressive! I've been to Akiba 3 times. Personally, I don't spend too much money there since I'm only interested in video games and not really figures or anime. Seeing these shopping hauls always makes me happy though ^_^
Video game developer
http://www.instant-ramen.net
At least 30'000 YEN died that night that I went to Akihabara ^^ too many Super Famicom games that I just couldn't miss the chance to buy them x_x
now Bus Driver - ex Programmer/Systems Analyst
http://redracer.wordpress.com
Just ONE model train set is usually more than Y20,000 !!!
大学生徒
http://ichinichijuu.blogspot.com/
うらやましい！Btw, おめ on your JLPT2 success! (Blog lurking ><)
software manager
http://wawawawasuremono.com
thanks! ^_^
???Confused???
That's quite the haul...I'd think I'd be bankrupt by the time I get out of there...
.NET/Web Developer
http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net
wow! that's a lot of stuff! I was targeting around 200k yen but seeing how much you can buy with half of that I think I'll do some re-budgetting! hahah *envy*
student
http://zephi-san.deviantart.com/
When I first went, I just bought a load of doujinshi, and a few other books. Also got a few figures, since its really hard to bring them back.
I paint F/A-18C's
First time in Akihabara, I built an entire gaming PC. You know you have done it too many times when you can pick and match parts in a language you don't speak.
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
Haven't visited Akiba yet nor Japan as a matter in fact. But I'll be sure to be armed with loot on day one of my voyage. ^^;
Fledgling repowriter
http://sn.im/sdr002
My first visit there was December 2005. I rode the Hibiya line to Akihabara station from Kiyokawa 2 (I had to walk to Minami-Senju station.).
Incredibly, the first shop into which I went turned out to be an 'underground' shop selling uncensored videos and even the urabon photobooks! (In Kanda-Matsunaga-Cho) I didn't buy anything there.
I soon went west of the JR tracks to regular Akiba. I bought only a few AVs this trip, mostly at Yamagiwa Soft (which is now merged with Sofmap). I also strolled through Don Quixote, and was totally dazzled by all its items. But I don't believe I bought anything there.
I visited some regular AV shops, but seemingly only glommed onto the free magazines and catalogs they had.
Now - the next year was when I really hit the button on Akiba.
US Navy Sailor
http://punynari.wordpress.com/
Hey, nice haul. ^_^
My first time in Akihabara. Dang, that was a long time ago. I only knew about Animate and Gamers then. I spent about 20,000 yen. Mostly on Kanon figures and towels.
Now I'm more seasoned when shopping in Akiba but I still find stores even now that I didn't know existed.
Online Shop
http://wildarms.egloos.com
Akihabara is truly a heaven for the otakus and black hole for your wallet ^^; I would spend all my cash in first few days and then use credit cards as last resort >_<
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Comment QA.
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
That's a victory loot~~~~~~~
http://twitter.com/phossil
http://www.animoe.net
Wow.. Meronpan Akihabara list of goodies he got is very long.
No doubt why he "almost" spent all his money.
I wonder If the same would happen to me if i visit Akihabara...¿?¿
high school student
http://hentaifreak99.newgrounds.com
omg~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
99th Emperor of the Holy Britannian Empire
http://ccwantsmorepizza.blogspot.com/
the fact that i have never been to akiba makes me even more jealous
Retailerz
good ole flat items good for suitcases
90's F1 Afficionate and Anti-Otaku
http://www.livestream.com/f1action
Ask her to marry you, if you were constantly in love with her since 1993. And then this issue shuts off for good 'till divorce
Brigade Leader-in-Training
http://st1337theblog.wordpress.com/
Wow...
If I was in Akihabara, I'd enter with lots of money and leave with nothing in my pockets lol
Designer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/martoonz/sets/
first time no much but now i leaving my salary on there .
High School
never went to akihabara *CRY*
well, I live in the Netherlands and I'm underaged.
My parend would never go that farXD
So I have to wait till I'm 18...
(since I'm probably in collage by than, I won't have any money to spend...)