In Japan, Don Quijote (a.k.a. “Donki”) is a discount chain store with 160 locations throughout Japan, 6 in Singapore, 1 in Thailand and in Hong Kong and 2 in the USA (both in Hawaii).
If I have to compare it with a store in the United States, I guess the first thing that comes into my mind is Big Lots.
If Daiso Japan is looked at as the dollar stores of Japan (although there are other stores that are actually 100 yen shops in Japan), Don Quijote is where people can find discounts and each building floor features different things to purchase such as snacks, electronics, cosmetics, skincare, souvenirs, clothing, luggage and stationery.
I actually go to Don Quijote to purchase electronics (ie. several years ago, my iPad and iPhone cable broke, so I needed to get one and sure enough, found them at Don Quijote in Akihabara).
The store became popular during the bubble collapse of Tokyo and many people wanting to save money shopped and Donki. But the popularity of Donki, especially in Akihabara, was when AKB48 opened its AKB Theatre on the eighth floor of Don Quijote.
For those who are not familiar with AKB48, they are a group who brought the power of idol music to the forefront and to this day, AKB48 is a financial powerhouse which has sold millions of singles, albums, videos and merchandise.
While AKB48 may fallen a bit in Japan (it’s rival group, Nogizaka46 is now Japan’s most popular idol group), Don Quijote was my favorite place to go as an AKB48 fan. No, I have not had the opportunity to watch the group live at the theater (as it was by lottery) but everytime I saw the AKB48 signs, I knew I was in the heart of Akihabara.
I would often go up there to grab some snacks but most of the time to play the AKB48 zombie game at the arcade.
But if you are ever in Akihabara, especially if you are looking for souvenirs, definitely visit Don Quijote!
