Akiba Changes

Tue 2008/04/29 03:56 JST
 57
 in Otaku
357 views

Could be a turning point for Akiba. After the airgun shooting and Mrs Wide Open shenanigans, we now see a bunch of "patrol people" from "Akihabara Town Management" marching around with "no street performances" signs.
We also see performers being lead away by the police - even the non leg-opening type.
Looks like I wont be going back there in armor anytime soon...
Via Akibaos.

If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.

If you don't have much time now, maybe subscribe to the RSS Feed, Twitter Feed or join the other readers in the FaceBook Page.
Alternatively, you may want to read more about the site.
If you are a regular reader then this message will probably annoy you each time - hide it forever.

This item was posted in the Otaku category. You can see more of everything else or subscribe via RSS instead.
-Japan Probe - News from Japan (Subscribe)
-Akihabara News – Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)

  • chun
    chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
    http://puppy52art.com/

    oh no :( that's not fun!
    but well danny you can start bringing selected figures to go out for photoshoot? :P

    Tue 2008/04/29 04:08:42 JST (ID #177155)
    reply to chun's comment
  • skankywonders
    skankywonders in California (Registered on 2007/08/09)
    Student

    Danny, you cannot imagine how angry and irritated I am by these news, I want to say terrible things and complaints but I want to relax and save my breath. As I'm seeing it, I won't have the chance to see the old Akiba anymore, if I go all I'll see is these guys instead of people in costumes and wacky stuff...

    And what made me more sad is the idea of no more Storm Trooper...

    This is depressing, in my opinion.

    Tue 2008/04/29 04:08:54 JST (ID #177156)
    reply to skankywonders's comment
    • litokid
      litokid in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2007/11/25)
      university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
      http://www.vimeo.com/longhim

      ...on the other hand, those yellow jackets and green hats are approaching costume status themselves.

      Tue 2008/04/29 04:11:12 JST (ID #177161)
      reply to litokid's comment
      • Phalon
        Phalon in South Dakota (Registered on 2008/04/13)
        Student / Software Engineer

        you know what, that gives me an idea. Someone should mass a cosplay group of those guys. It'd confuse them so much they'd explode... (wishful thinking)

        Tue 2008/04/29 05:08:32 JST (ID #177211)
        reply to Phalon's comment
        • wtfjusthappened
          wtfjusthappened in Illinois, U.S (Registered on 2008/01/22)
          Student

          would love to see that!

          Tue 2008/04/29 07:38:00 JST (ID #177332)
          reply to wtfjusthappened's comment
  • litokid
    litokid in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2007/11/25)
    university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
    http://www.vimeo.com/longhim

    ...I'm hoping this will blow over, but that doesn't seem too likely. People will be watching their step and thinking twice now, if even normal "street performers" are being led away.

    That said, the whole idea of "street performance" seems a bit vague. Does a cosplayer count? He/she could be just boldy stating his or her own fashion sense.

    Tue 2008/04/29 04:09:52 JST (ID #177158)
    reply to litokid's comment
    • litokid
      litokid in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2007/11/25)
      university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
      http://www.vimeo.com/longhim

      Bah, I feel like I'm spamming. Anyway, what I want to say with the last remark is that it seems to leave some intentional room for people to play with. I'm sure those town officials are quite aware of the business otakus bring.

      Tue 2008/04/29 04:13:10 JST (ID #177164)
      reply to litokid's comment
  • reggie
    reggie in indonesia (Registered on 2007/11/10)
    uni student
    http://reggie21.wordpress.com

    reminded me of akihabara@DEEP

    Tue 2008/04/29 04:16:31 JST (ID #177170)
    reply to reggie's comment
  • Fabian
    Fabian in Germany (Registered on 2008/01/08)
    student

    Doing things for the sake of doing things...

    Tue 2008/04/29 04:18:56 JST (ID #177172)
    reply to Fabian's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    And Akiba became even more popular (in the bad sense)...
    *major sigh*
    It has become much the unruly place now and otaku will still be seen as oddballs, no thanks to a bunch of mess-makers.

    Tue 2008/04/29 04:27:21 JST (ID #177185)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    Btw Danny, what will you do now in the current state of things?
    No more dancing trooper in Akiba?

    Tue 2008/04/29 04:28:51 JST (ID #177188)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
    • D_Blade
      D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
      Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

      Double sorry:
      1) to not have read it fully
      2) for triple post.
      *Promptly runs away*

      Tue 2008/04/29 04:30:39 JST (ID #177189)
      reply to D_Blade's comment
  • strikr
    strikr in California (Registered on 2007/11/06)
    purchasing

    depressing to read, but also very relieved that Mrs. Wide Open won't be around to torment me.

    Tue 2008/04/29 04:54:59 JST (ID #177203)
    reply to strikr's comment
  • knaackattack
    knaackattack in USA (Registered on 2008/04/22)
    College Student

    Why is the back of there heads blurred?

    Tue 2008/04/29 04:58:09 JST (ID #177204)
    reply to knaackattack's comment
    • D_Blade
      D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
      Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

      Particular brand/logo on their hats?

      Tue 2008/04/29 05:13:36 JST (ID #177216)
      reply to D_Blade's comment
    • Karasu-kun
      Karasu-kun in オタキュブ (Registered on 2007/07/27)
      大学生徒
      http://ichinichijuu.blogspot.com/

      So you don't see the barcodes.

      Wed 2008/04/30 01:33:41 JST (ID #177911)
      reply to Karasu-kun's comment
  • Boris
    Boris in USA (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Visual Communications and Web 2.0
    http://www.imagineboris.com

    interesting, seems they are out to changes things. i only hope that you will still be able to go out on a torn in a storm trooper and dance, dance like there is no tomorrow. ^_^

    Tue 2008/04/29 05:18:52 JST (ID #177222)
    reply to Boris's comment
    • D_Blade
      D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
      Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

      Hopefully it is not about all places in Tokyo, so Danny can dance elsewhere... And this is good for maintaining our hopes high.

      Tue 2008/04/29 16:46:44 JST (ID #177616)
      reply to D_Blade's comment
  • XSportSeeker
    XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
    http://xspblog.com

    Airgun shooting and Mrs Wide Open: NO!
    But street performing is the heart of Akiba, as long as it isn't offensive or harmful to people walking there.

    Who these guys think they are? The modern shinsengumi or something?

    I say street performers (of the good kind) also form some sort of organized force to defend their right to be there...

    Tue 2008/04/29 05:26:24 JST (ID #177227)
    reply to XSportSeeker's comment
  • Jotham
    Jotham in Los Angeles, CA (Registered on 2008/03/08)
    Student
    http://yellowguy89.blogspot.com/

    is that little smoking sign a subsidized campaign or something..
    anyway, it brings me down to hear this...I hope this doesn't apply to cosplaying or photo shoots?

    I think this will affect other parts of various cities in Japan as well.
    Its just a conspiracy!!!

    Tue 2008/04/29 06:10:45 JST (ID #177257)
    reply to Jotham's comment
  • desangel
    desangel in Malaysia (Registered on 2008/03/30)
    Student
    http://www.desangel.blogspot.com

    really bad....hope akiba would turn back to what it used to be

    Tue 2008/04/29 06:51:34 JST (ID #177282)
    reply to desangel's comment
  • don
    don in Minnesota USA (Registered on 2007/10/22)
    Engineering Student

    Where will all the village idiotstresses go?

    Tue 2008/04/29 06:57:33 JST (ID #177286)
    reply to don's comment
  • Sgt Beavis
    Sgt Beavis in Dallas, TX, USA (Registered on 2007/07/23)
    Overpaid Computer Nerd
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/rboyett/

    We all saw this coming. The smaller shops were slowly disappearing and there have been many people saying that otaku paradise of Akiba was slowly disappearing.

    As of right now I'm canceling my plans to visit Akiba on my next trip.

    I guess this is now a golden opportunity for another city to step up as Otaku Mecca.

    Tue 2008/04/29 07:00:29 JST (ID #177292)
    reply to Sgt Beavis's comment
  • Hakushaku
    Hakushaku in on the chair using a computer.... (Registered on 2008/03/12)
    Seeing red!!!

    my dream........crashing....

    Tue 2008/04/29 07:03:04 JST (ID #177295)
    reply to Hakushaku's comment
    • D_Blade
      D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
      Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

      Same... I feel that idiots truly killed the unique essence of Akiba.

      Tue 2008/04/29 16:48:38 JST (ID #177619)
      reply to D_Blade's comment
  • animes
    animes in cephiro (Registered on 2007/01/23)
    mahou kishi
    http://www.animedia.com.mx

    hope someone make a march or something because is part of akihabara and shouldnt be banned

    Tue 2008/04/29 07:14:56 JST (ID #177301)
    reply to animes's comment
  • Edward
    Edward in SE Michigan/Osaka (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
    http://funkyblueame.tumblr.com/

    .Don't lose hope gang. Things can change and probably will, just give it a little time.

    Tue 2008/04/29 08:10:39 JST (ID #177358)
    reply to Edward's comment
  • Cutkillavince
    Cutkillavince in Kr, Nl, Fr (Registered on 2008/01/18)
    MI Manager, Blogger and Newswriter
    http://cutkillavince.com/

    Bad news, indeed. The old Akiba was amazing and unique ;)

    Tue 2008/04/29 08:11:27 JST (ID #177359)
    reply to Cutkillavince's comment
  • Daimaou
    Daimaou in Tokyo (Registered on 2007/01/05)
    Space Pig
    http://www.akihabaranews.com

    Well I personnaly think this is a bad for a good, Akihabara is a great place that I saw getting down since the past last 6 years, being able to have fun is one thing, but the past event were too much. And we must make sure that Akiba stay a place for Electronics Fan, Anime/Manga Fan, Video Game Fan and so on where everyone from any ages can go without being solicited for porn, illegale software...

    I really sad to see how Akihabara went, all good store had to closed

    Tue 2008/04/29 08:28:55 JST (ID #177370)
    reply to Daimaou's comment
  • Bayonette
    Bayonette in Manila, Philippines (Registered on 2007/03/14)
    College Student
    http://bayonette.multiply.com

    Man, this sucks. No cosplay, no dancing on the streets, boring town to visit.
    I think Akihabara is becoming the next Shibuya, which is sad.

    Tue 2008/04/29 08:43:12 JST (ID #177383)
    reply to Bayonette's comment
  • GTR
    GTR in Minnesota, United States (Registered on 2008/02/29)

    I really prefer Akiba as an Otaku's paradise. That's a place where we Otaku's can really express ourselves. I don't want it to change!!

    Tue 2008/04/29 09:10:00 JST (ID #177398)
    reply to GTR's comment
  • lostandfound
    lostandfound in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/21)
    Hikikomori in the making
    http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/

    Now that's no fun... No performaces = Torture! Akiba's not going to be the same...

    Tue 2008/04/29 09:32:50 JST (ID #177413)
    reply to lostandfound's comment
    • Key-Ta-Rho
      Key-Ta-Rho in Germany (Registered on 2008/03/26)
      University Student

      To me the performances are part of Akiba and shaped it to what it is nowadays, a vivid place for people to have fun and not only a big shopping mal...

      Tue 2008/04/29 23:58:49 JST (ID #177851)
      reply to Key-Ta-Rho's comment
  • Wave Rider
    Wave Rider in NJ United States (Registered on 2007/01/22)
    Student/Daemonhunter

    *Sigh*, Just as I was starthing to think that Akiba is going to be saved so that my visit will be a success, this happens.

    Why do stupid people always have to ruin good things? >.>

    Tue 2008/04/29 09:45:33 JST (ID #177422)
    reply to Wave Rider's comment
  • Melo
    Melo in stitutionalized (Registered on 2008/04/14)

    I guess there will be no chance of him dancing in Akihabara anymore or anytime soon.

    Tue 2008/04/29 09:50:29 JST (ID #177425)
    reply to Melo's comment
  • Last{[0]}Raven
    Last{[0]}Raven in South Korea (Registered on 2008/01/02)
    Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
    http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=last0raven

    i thought what my jap friend in school said was a lie. . . i guess its not after all T-T

    Tue 2008/04/29 11:36:38 JST (ID #177463)
    reply to Last{[0]}Raven's comment
  • Akiba-Kid
    Akiba-Kid in California, USA (Registered on 2008/01/17)
    Online Shop
    http://wildarms.egloos.com

    That sucks, so few people ruined it for everyone. Whenever I went to Akiba on Sunday, I've seen many decent performers who tried to show their skills and not do something radical or rowdy to grab attention. It sucks that those people(including Danny) won't be able to do what they like because of some inconsiderate people. I hope things can change back to normal soon and some people can mature.

    Tue 2008/04/29 12:21:14 JST (ID #177493)
    reply to Akiba-Kid's comment
  • Miki-kun
    Miki-kun in Perth, Australia (Registered on 2007/08/16)
    System Administrator and full-time Otaku

    I bet all this political correctness is coming from the "new" residents of Akihabara, the invading large corporations and universities who have changed Akiba's skyline and, in my view, started ruining it.

    I mean, sure, some people went a little overboard with their exhibitionisms, but it's sad to think that something like the Haruhi dance can not happen any more in Akiba.

    Whatever happened after that otaku demonstration last year? Is it time for another one? Akihabara is being changed against our will.

    Tue 2008/04/29 13:39:58 JST (ID #177534)
    reply to Miki-kun's comment
  • Henry
    Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    anime/cosplay events organizer
    http://www.cosplay.ph

    this may be an irritating news and a kill joy but we should accept this for our own good. we should blame the people who abused the open street system...

    Tue 2008/04/29 15:19:42 JST (ID #177579)
    reply to Henry's comment
  • bolt
    bolt in Tampa Fl. (Registered on 2007/04/17)
    security/3d graphic artist
    http://www.kennethleishman.com/

    the japanese should issue out permits for street shows.. and if the po po come buy they can just show them the permit and be left alone.. an ida anyways.. don't let free speech die!

    Tue 2008/04/29 15:54:40 JST (ID #177593)
    reply to bolt's comment
  • Katsuyoshi
    Katsuyoshi in Poland (Registered on 2007/11/10)
    Perv

    Damn....the otaku culture will gain it's old image back if it goes this way :/

    Tue 2008/04/29 17:11:06 JST (ID #177630)
    reply to Katsuyoshi's comment
    • D_Blade
      D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
      Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

      Guess it did already...
      There would have been no witch hunt (in the political sense) in the first place, otherwise.

      Tue 2008/04/29 18:16:48 JST (ID #177677)
      reply to D_Blade's comment
      • Karasu-kun
        Karasu-kun in オタキュブ (Registered on 2007/07/27)
        大学生徒
        http://ichinichijuu.blogspot.com/

        It's still not doing any harm, imo. Guess they need something to spend their budget on. Hell, Ikea's taken out more eyes than those airgun shooters according to this blog.

        Wed 2008/04/30 01:35:25 JST (ID #177913)
        reply to Karasu-kun's comment
  • Len-Vesper
    Len-Vesper in Quebec City, Canada (Registered on 2008/02/16)
    Network Architect, Administrator, Vmware Guru
    http://www.finetoo.org/

    Troubling, to say the least. Akihabara was going to be one of my milestone stop points when I travel Japan in September-October, to hear that Otaku-Mecca is more or less paralysed like this doesn't sit all too well with me. Despite my not being able to do a damn thing about it.

    I'm going to hold my breath and hope that things swing a nice 180. I'll probably still end up going to Akiba during the trip it just won't be the same without the performances. Heck I was hoping to Hare Hare Yukai just once...

    Tue 2008/04/29 17:12:44 JST (ID #177633)
    reply to Len-Vesper's comment
  • ohanian
    ohanian (Registered on 2008/02/20)

    Attention whores meets Camera Geeks
    in The Farce of Akihabara!

    Oops! You can't cosplay now! No singing! No dancing! And boys dressing up as girls.

    Just give us ya money and piss off! Akihabara is now business only! You give us ya money and we give you ya toys. If you wanna play, go home and play with yourselves.

    By the edict of Akihabara Business Managers.

    Tue 2008/04/29 18:18:48 JST (ID #177679)
    reply to ohanian's comment
  • radical anime fan
    radical anime fan in Singapore, Furnace City, Cinderblock Outskirts. (Registered on 2007/01/25)
    Polytechnic Junior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer In-training.
    http://thehangerbay.wordpress.com/

    I guess I can't drive my Sutherland up there now, eh? I'm sure they'd welcome you, Danny. You ARE one of the top bloogers in Japan and after appearing on Blog TV(I'm not sure about the title :X), there's got to be SOMEONE who wouldn't lump you together with some other people who do @#% and $#^%#&#% and %^$#...

    Tue 2008/04/29 19:22:05 JST (ID #177723)
    reply to radical anime fan's comment
  • gurugurutrex
    gurugurutrex in Vancouver, B.C., Canada (Registered on 2007/11/07)
    オタク all day long
    http://www.nekomagic.com

    Oh no, that's not good.
    I really hate Ms. wide open. =(

    Tue 2008/04/29 22:23:06 JST (ID #177804)
    reply to gurugurutrex's comment
  • Vic Fieger
    Vic Fieger in Mass., USA (Registered on 2007/11/23)
    Typographer
    http://www.vicfieger.com

    Where oh where is the brave and humourous manga-ka who will annihilate these yellow-jacketed, chest-puffing Deputy Dawgs the way Nagai did to the PTA in Harenchi Gakuen?

    Wed 2008/04/30 04:27:33 JST (ID #178023)
    reply to Vic Fieger's comment
  • cowboy4eva
    cowboy4eva in New York, Osaka, Tokyo (Registered on 2008/01/29)
    Watcher

    That's pretty lame. They should let people have fun and do what they want. That brings the business there.

    Wed 2008/04/30 05:26:13 JST (ID #178063)
    reply to cowboy4eva's comment
  • BIGGU-gAi
    BIGGU-gAi in Between Tengoku & Jigoku... (Registered on 2008/02/01)
    Chef, Full fledged Otaku, Full time Observer.....

    this is a nightmare...
    please someone, tell me this is all a bad dream...
    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

    Wed 2008/04/30 09:09:11 JST (ID #178220)
    reply to BIGGU-gAi's comment
  • Benjamin Takeyo
    Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive (Registered on 2007/12/04)
    ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^

    Oh well, they've got their right to express their opinion and we've known that Otaku are quite disliked by many even in Japan and once those haters see an opportunity to deal damage to the Otaku community..

    Wed 2008/04/30 14:49:42 JST (ID #178367)
    reply to Benjamin Takeyo's comment
  • bell
    bell in singapore (Registered on 2008/04/02)

    its sad ...sad...n more sad....it wont be the same again.....sighzzz >_< !!!!!!

    Wed 2008/04/30 22:20:55 JST (ID #178606)
    reply to bell's comment
  • Ash Riot
    Ash Riot in San Francisco (Registered on 2008/01/18)
    Radical Dreamer
    Mon 2008/09/01 16:29:49 JST (ID #287093)
    reply to Ash Riot's comment
  • Spoonz
    Spoonz in Liverpool, England (Registered on 2009/01/29)
    Sony Games Tester

    Danny I haven't had a chance to visit Japan yet, and Akiba was one of the main places i was excited about when i do visit because of the street performances... do me a favour and rally up a lot of performers/cosplayers etc. and start a protest!

    Sat 2009/02/07 03:16:13 JST (ID #478424)
    reply to Spoonz's comment
  • tamaki kousaka
    tamaki kousaka in korea (Registered on 2009/07/06)
    otaku!
    http://cafe.daum.net/heavyvehicle

    WHAT!!!??????? NO STREET PERFOMANCES AND COSPLAYING, WHAT IS AKIBA GONING TO COME TO?? A BORING PLACE LIKE EVERYWHERE ELSE, THE UNIQUENESS AND FUN OF AKIBA WAS THE MAIN REASON I WANT TO GO TO LIVE AND WORK IN JAPAN. DANG!!!!!!!! =__=

    Tue 2009/08/18 04:18:22 JST (ID #703484)
    reply to tamaki kousaka's comment
    • tamaki kousaka
      tamaki kousaka in korea (Registered on 2009/07/06)
      otaku!
      http://cafe.daum.net/heavyvehicle

      Well, IF THE STUPID PEOPLE THAT DONT KNOW WHAT FUN IS SO CALLED "CLEAN UP" AKIBA WHAT AM I GOING TO DO???? IF IT DOSENT RETURN TO NORMAL I WILL BE SO SAD *----*

      Tue 2009/08/18 04:25:55 JST (ID #703492)
      reply to tamaki kousaka's comment

Currently being read