Akihabara used to be the vegetable market of Kanda-ward, and unofficial – or black – market after WWII, as well as Ueno area. As GHQ (General Head Quarters, U.S. occpation forces) forced to close the black market, and the market has concentrated under elveted bridge, selling small electric parts. Thereafter, it grew as a town of electric appliances in 1960-1970s, and gradually changed to the town of “geeks” from late 1980s. Inerestingly, the area has transformed according to the market priciple by itself, not designed nor controlled by any officials.
It is now a wonderland that you know, or you remember !
“The “Radio Kaikan”, just in front of Akihabara Station. Many shops are selling variety of gadgets, models, fighres, softwares…..and so on.These cars remind me as a kid…..They are models of Buddhism Guardians. From left, Komoku-ten, Zocho-ten, Jikoku-ten, and Tamon-ten, Shiten-no (four deities) Tetrad. “Ten” is one of four categories of Buddhism statues.Non-colored models, to be painted by yourself.Ultramans !Conventional electric parts shop, which used to be seen everywhere in this area.They still have new old stock tubes. SOVTEC ! is from Soviet Technology.We call this “one with hone”.Models of Japanese castles.I have no idea, but expensive.
