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Akihabara - A Model of Development In Japan?
This could be the start of something or just another attempt to market Cool Japan. The Economy Minister of Japan, Motohisa Furusawa, believes that the Akihabara business model can be used in other areas.
Does this mean we’ll see idol groups singing to motivate factory workers? A big question is how will the otaku react to their way of life being used for the sake of the economy. Japan does have race cars decorated with famous anime characters and they seem to be fine with that.
What’s unique about Akihabara is its emphasis on expression. I do wonder how Japan plans to market that expression as they don’t seem to be a country that thinks heavily about promoting the intangible benefits of products.
How would you suggest Japan use the cultural power of Akihabara to their advantage?
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Introducing…The Akiba Culture Zone!
Earlier this summer, a new department store opened up in Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan called the Akiba Culture Zone. It’s basically a department store that sells nothing but products catered to the otaku. There are also clothing stores that sell clothes for geeks as well.
A food court, cafes (a new cafe is opening soon on the 6th floor), & karaoke are all present. I think Akihabara has continued to establish itself as THE place for otaku, though I’m highly interested to seeing how those clothing stores will make otaku “fashionable”.
You know what would be even cuter & also have a huge economic impact? A department store dedicated to fujoshi in Ikebukuro.
For more information & photos, you can read GPara’s article on the new store.
Akiba Culture Zone’s official website is at: www.akibacultureszone.com.
