Tokyo Akihabara “Radio Kaikan”

October 15, 2023 84 Views

Akihabara resembles Yongsan in South Korea. Yongsan, too, was once renowned as an electronics market. However, while Yongsan ceased growing as a bustling district, Japan’s Akihabara evolved into the epicenter of “otaku culture” by integrating diverse subculture elements.

In the Edo period, Akihabara was a town for lower-class samurais. In the 1930s, it housed a fruit market, transforming into a computer-specialized market in the 1990s.

Since 1998, it has developed into a mecca for otaku. Presently, Akihabara is a haven for subcultures, offering a variety of hobby-related items like figures, gunpla (Gundam plastic models), trains, model guns, anime, and cars.

“Radio Kaikan in Akihabara”

Among the must-visit places in Akihabara is “Radio Kaikan,” pronounced as “Radio Kaikan” in Japanese. It’s conveniently located near Akihabara Station, making it easily accessible within a 3-5 minute walk from the station.

“A 10-Floor Building Overflowing with Various Figures”

Radio Kaikan is a substantial 10-floor building, entirely dedicated to figure exhibitions. Each floor presents figures based on different themes, and you can explore a plethora of figures, along with products such as posters, dolls, cards, cars, and military items.

“A Place to Appreciate a Variety of Figures”

At Radio Kaikan, you can encounter figures of diverse styles, from those with a traditional animation feel to ones closely resembling real people. Whether you’re a devoted fan of this subculture or just someone with a passing interest, Radio Kaikan offers a space to spend an enjoyable and intriguing time.

Personally, even though I don’t collect figures, exploring Radio Kaikan allowed me to appreciate the well-organized and exhibited figures based on various themes, making it an interesting experience.

“The Otaku Sanctuary”

Akihabara, often nicknamed the “Mecca of Otaku Culture,” includes spaces like Radio Kaikan that contribute to this vibrant subculture.

“Tokyo Akihabara, Radio Kaikan”