A store that dealt in trading cards costing over 100,000 yen each has gone bankrupt just two months after opening. Some customers who had their cards bought back by the store have not received payment exceeding 3 million yen, and there are voices on the Read More …
Back in 2016, Carl’s Jr. Inc, a subsidiary of Mitsuuroku Group Holdings, Co., Ltd. (MGHD) opened its first restaurant in Akihabara. And the goal of CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (CKE) and MGHD to develop 150 Carl’s Jr. restaurants in Japan for the next ten years. Read More …
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 Read More …
For those who love cheese tarts, you can find them around Japan. But you can also find Pablo Mini outlets as well, and these locations are great for those who want to purchase mini cheese tarts. While the actual Pablo cafe’s are the goto spots, Read More …
Located in Akihabara at atre1 is a bakery known as DONQ Boulangerie Francaise. DONQ is just one of the few bakeries located throughout Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. Established in Kobe, Japan back in 1905, the company’s creed has always been “Customer and Read More …
Not far from Yodabashi Akiba and a lot of the major locations near Akihabara is Yanagimori Shrine (which means “Willow Forest Shrine”). The Shinto shrine that is right next to Kanda River was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to the tanuki (a Read More …
In Japan, especially in Tokyo, in major foreigner-friendly shopping areas such as Akihabara, there are logos showcasing “Japan Tax-Free Shop”. It’s important to for people traveling Japan to know that shops will NOT give you tax-free if you don’t ask for it. Afterall, how would Read More …
I wrote about Kotobukiya back in October 2016 and I realized, that I really didn’t feature many photos. So, for those who want the history of the company can click here. With that out of the way, I just want to say what I love Read More …
Akihabara. The electric city known for its shops of toy merchandise, collectables, video games, electronics, maid cafes and more. And of my favorite experiences is visiting these locations late in the day and seeing how the nightlife is for these areas. Last month, I posted Read More …
I’m often asked of where in Japan would I go to buy import Japanese video games for a good price. While you can find many places that sell video games new and used all over Japan (such as the plethora of BookOff Stores), in Tokyo, Read More …
Akihabara. The electric city known for its shops of toy merchandise, collectables, video games, electronics, maid cafes and more. I’ve been to Akihabara many times, but often staying within the known shopping districts. I decided to walk around Akihabara and intentionally get lost, taking photos Read More …
Back in 1953, toy company Kotobukiya established themselves as toymakers that care about craftsmanship. Fastforward to 2016 and the company still prides itself in craftmanship and quality and have become the #1 toy company specializing in collector toys and creator of statues, figures and kits. Read More …
In Japan, Yodabashi Camera and Bic Camera are popular locations for those wanting to purchase electronics. Sofmap is a subsidiary of Bic Camera and an electronic retailer that sells both new and used products. Established back in 1982 by Kei Suzuki, the origins of Sofmap Read More …
In 1960, Fujisawa Shashin Shokai was created and founded in the former town and ward of Yodobashi. As the store changed its named to Yodobashi Camera Co., Ltd. in 1974. The first store would open in Shinjku Nishiguchi and 1/3 of all SLR cameras were Read More …
While many people flock to Akihabara to get their figurines, idol merchandise and video games, for those who are not interested in brand new items can take part in the various consignment shops that flourish around the city. Consignment shops featuring transparent boxes in a Read More …
I went with a few friends to experience a maid cafe in Akihabara. We went to @Home Cafe, which is well-known in Akiba. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take any photos inside, but that’s how a lot of maid cafe’s are in Japan. @Home Cafe is located Read More …
One of the restaurants that I was looking forward to in Akihabara is “Akihabara Backstage Pass”. The restaurant is a collaboration with Sharan Q vocalist and Hello! Project producer Tsunku and founder/executive director of 5pb., Shikura Chiyomaru. Their joint venture is Le:iDo Entertainment and their Read More …
AKB48, the idol group that began in Akihabara is one of the most successful idol pop groups in Japan. Since 2012, nearly every CD single released, has achieved over a million copies sold. Fans buying dozens to hundreds of CD singles for voting tickets, handshake Read More …
For Mobile Suit Gundam fans who are visiting Tokyo for the first time, many are excited to try out Gundam Cafe. Located in Akihabara, next door to the AKB48 Cafe, Gundam Cafe is a place that people visit for the atmosphere and being surround by Read More …