On September 23rd they opened up a special gallery event to commemorate the first release 15 years ago. At Akihabara's Anime Center it shows various writers' and illustrators' limited works and photographs. The exposition will be going on until mid october but on the 5th there will be a big event as part of the Akihabara autumn festival. During this event held at the UDX 2nd building one can meet and receive autographs or signings from writers and illustrators during event hours. Besides that there will be anime screenings, a web radio show, a lottery as well as cafes.

The "Dengeki Bunko Gallery" at TOAC can be seen until October 19th from 11.00 until 19.00 o' clock. It will be closed however during the following days: September 29th. October 6th,16th and 17th.

Honey Egg, a company popular for organizing cosplay and photo shoot events in the past has opened a new bar this month where customers can enjoy hearty Tex-Mex food and a variety of not less than 30 different brands of Tequila. The atmosphere is strictly kept to resemble southern, that is southern U.S.A lifestyle with scantly dressed cowgirls serving customers who might be looking for a change from the maid theme or simply prefer their staff dresses in southern style frocks, even though they probably can't get the accent right.

Ferias has 9 counter seats and 12 at the tables with an average customer spending of 2000¥ - 3000¥.  Opening times are from 18.00 until 24.00 on weekdays and from 17.00 to 24.00 on weekends and holidays.

To read the japanese version of this entry please visit our partner

Akiba Keizai Shimbun

New Pinafore Can released (Akiba Today)

Giant "Big Bang Lovely Burger" (Akiba Today)

Ferias (Japanese)

To the west of the main Akihabara area lies the famous Kanda Myoujin Shrine; formerly located in Otemachi near Tokyo Station, but removed to the Kanda area by Ieyasu Tokugawa (1543 – 1616) after he moved to the then city of Edo during the era named after the city. It is said that he visited the shrine to seek the protection of the gods prior to his decisive victory at the battle of Sekigahara.

The shrine itself was situated to the north-east of Ieyasu's residence, in part to protect him, and the remainder of the city from evil spirits that supposedly originated in the north-east; the Devil's Gate ('Kimon' in Japanese).

Today, the shrine's main festival – Kanda Matsuri – is held in mid-May, and is said to be one of the three greatest festivals in Tokyo. Of late, perhaps because of its location near Akihabara, Kanda Myoujin has become the shrine at which those connected to the world of Information Technology turn for spiritual guidance; as shown in the photo with its IT related charms.

Roughly 10 mins from Akihabara Station on foot, whilst walking along Hongo Street, it should be possible to see the 'torii' gate of the shrine on the right – an un-drawn border that seems to banish the sights and sounds of the nearby Akiba.

Move South from the shrine and you'll discover some traditional Japanese restaurants – but that's for another one .

by Kodama  from Japan Hopper

Despite the hidden location in a tiny attic above a doujinshi shop in the midst of akiba's back street area the place has managed to grow a very solid fan base and the only reason you don't see people lining up throughout the steep stairway would be simply because hardly anybody even knows the place exists. Maybe this is for the better though, after all the cozy atmosphere of the tiny attic could only suffer by being overrun with maid hungry customers looking out to get hearts drawn onto their cappuccino. 

There is a lot of mystery involved when digging into the matter, starting from the owner whose identity is unknown but who is said to often be hidden amongst the group of customers, drinking his hot or iced tea like everyone else, up to the various items appearing or disappearing around the tables. One thing definite though is the announced "end of chapter 1" and therefore the closure of the place on March 15th next year. This was planned from the start and does not mean the end of Schatzkiste but rather it's evolution. Until then the production of a new original comic and 4-panel stories is said to take place as well as the preparation for "Chapter 2" of Schatzkiste which might include the casting of new staff.

Schatzkiste is open from 12:00 to 22:00 everyday except Tuesdays. 

To read the japanese version of this entry please visit our partner

Akiba Keizai Shimbun

Maid Cafe "Dear Stage" (Akiba Today)

Eva Event at Cure Maid Cafe (Akiba Today)

Schatzkiste (Japanese)

This time the theme of my colum is "PEPSI STAR WARS BE＠RBRICK (in Japan)".
"PEPSI STAR WARS BE＠RBRICK" is the campaign that PEPSI push their product "PEPSI NEX" in July. This campaign is a tie-up with "STAR WARS Celebration Japan" wich is held to Celebrating the Japanese 30th anniversary of the movie.If you bought  "PEPSI NEX",you could get the STAR WARS BE＠RBRICK. STAR WARS BE＠RBRICK is BE＠RBRICK(bear figure which is made of plastic) painted STAR WARS character.

There is 16 characters.Line up character is...
「Darth　Vader」「Darth　Maul」「Stormtrooper」「Boba　Fett」「Jango　Fett」「TIE　Fighter　Pilot」「Jawa」「Imperial　Logo」「Yoda」「C-3PO」「R2-D2」「Chewbacca」「Wicket」「Clone　Trooper［Ep　II］」「Clone　Trooper［Ep　III］」「Rebel　Alliance　Logo」

I liked it .So I seeked it ! But it was sold out. I visited many combini in Tokyo to find it.

I got it!!
I could collect 8.
 

My favorite is R2-D2^^

How about you?

【P.S】
I apologize my bad grammar.(^^;

By  Chikako - Jo

The 1/10 scale figure will cost 2300¥. 

To read the japanese version of this entry please visit our partner

Akiba Keizai Shimbun

Revoltech Hasegawa  (Photo)

Revoltech Ayanami Rei (Akiba Today)

Revoltech Krauser from DMC (Akiba Today)

Kaiyodo (Japanese)

In October, CCP will be releasing the first in its "Characon" character inspired radio controlled car series, two cars featuring character motif from the anime "Macross F."  Pre-orders are currently being accepted as Asobit Hobby in Akihabara as well as other hobby stores.

With "Characon" series, a play on words combining both "character" and "control" from "radio controlled car," CCP plans to make a line of miniature and collectible "itasha."  Itasha are known throughout Akihabara and otaku circles as cars that feature large and sometimes garish homages to favorite characters in the form of custom paint jobs, stuffed animals, dolls, figures, and seat covers. The word "itasha" is a combination of the Japanese "itai" (ouch, pain), and "sha" (vehicle); literally a car that is painful to look at, but a term that has come to be embraced by community.

The "Characon" series will likewise feature character decals, logos, and other images to recreate the itasha effect in the palm of your hand.  Special limited edition decals will also be included for early purchases.  In terms of RC capabilities, cars will be equipped with basic steering, brake, and acceleration in addition to two radio frequencies so that you can challenge your neighbor.  

These first 2 cars will be based on CCP's 1/28 scale "Real Drive Mini" series, one featuring Ranka Lee and the other Sheryl Nome, both from the "Macross F" series.  Available car types will include the Subaru Impreza, for Ranka, and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8, for Sheryl.  

In regard to the upcoming product release, a company representative says, "This new Akibahara subculture of "ita-sha" has been getting quite a lot of attention in the media lately.  Plastic model "ita-sha" are already on the market, so we wanted to be the first to make a radio-controlled model - one that can actually run around.  We think this will really strike a chord with people who can't get their hands on a real ita-sha, but still want to taste the experience of what it's like owning one.  If possible, we only want to expand our line-up from here."

Measuring 16cm long, the "Chara-con" will be priced at 4,500 yen each.  First edition models will be limited to 3,000 per car.

Currently Yodobashi Vision is installed in Tokyo, Yokohama and Umeda. All three displays will change to the new multi language setting during september but a spokesman added: "So far no other languages are planned because we cover a lot of ground with the new ones." 

To read the japanese version of this entry please visit our partner

Akiba Keizai Shimbun

iPhone release in Akihabara (Akiba Today)

Uchimizukko at Kanda Shrine (Akiba Today)

Yodobashi Camera (Japanese)

The company is known for having various shops in Akihabara selling unusual computer products going from tables you can use while laying down to a mouse that will keep your muscles toned. Their spokesman announced that due to increasing demand from foreigners coming into the store their head office company Sanko decided to make the products accessible on a bigger scale. If customers order from within the U.S. they won't have to be worried about long waiting times or additional tax as all products will be shipped from local storage.

Looking at the site on can see that they are doing a man's job with it but admittedly use some "cute" sounding wording every once in a while.

To read the japanese version of this entry please visit our partner

Akiba Keizai Shimbun

USB Cooler Mouse (Akiba Today)

Gold Keyboard (Akiba Today)

Rare Mono Shop

In between the small computer shops and cafes in the heart of Akihabara lies a structure called "Denpa Building". After a short lived establishment selling mostly DVD's the place has now reopened with a new concept focusing on creating an all-round Akiba-Kei experience with a goal to include girl otaku (fujoushi) as well. For that reason the 3rd Floor, which is at the top, will host a female staff cosplaying as boyish characters, therefore actively serving fans of yaoi, comics of homo-erotic romance usually enjoyed by a young female audience. This particular theme is called "Dansou."

The second floor is a regular Maid/Cosplay Cafe. Some staff will be dressed in costumes designed by "Okama-san" one of the the character designer for the Evangelion 1.01 Theatrical feature released last year. Also through a smart tie up move music should be provided by "Monaka" the Audio production team responsible for the music in many famous anime like Haruhi or Lucky☆Star.

The first floor will serve as an event space, leaving a place for idol concerts or photo shootings with included Bar. The staff is planning for various other tie ups with local maid cafes and even hopes to create a regular talk event where game creators, musicians or otaku and the like can engage in a discussion bout.

At the head of all this is a company called Moe Japan.

Opening times depend on the event and should be checked prior before planning a visit. 

To read the japanese version of this entry please visit our partner

Akiba Keizai Shimbun

New Miko-Cafe with Live Stage (Akiba Today)

New Pinafore Can released (Akiba Today)

Moe Japan (Japanese)