iLounge Around the World: Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan

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iLounge Around the World: Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan

Reporting from the streets of once famous electronics district Akihabara in Tokyo, Japan, iLounge reader Christian N. has sent a collection of pictures showing the local state of the iPod there, outside of Apple’s official retail stores. You can view the full-sized shots at Read More, below.

The pictures show an iPod time warp, with prominent posters of earlier-generation iPods, as well as display cases filled with new, used and discontinued iPods. Part of this is due to Akihabara’s thriving trade in hard-to-find older electronics; another part is the result of overstock. First-generation iPod minis are shown selling used for 14800 yen ($132), second-generation versions for 15450 yen ($138) to 18550 ($165) yen, third-generation iPods for around 21500 yen ($192), and fourth-generations for between 24800 ($221) to 30800 yen ($275). Japanese companies such as Power Support and Tunewear are shown with significant shelf space in stickers and guards for various iPods, while U.S.-based companies such as Speck, Griffin, and Belkin have major display space, as well. The story is obviously different in Apple’s own stores, which are stocked only with newer iPods and Apple-selected merchandise.

How is the iPod doing in your city? Earlier this week, we posted an iPod report from the streets of Paris, France, and would love to share your impressions and pictures with our readers. If you’re outside the U.S., e-mail jeremy (at) ilounge.com to submit your photos and brief reports. Thanks to Christian for his update!

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Comments

1

wow so many ipod accessories there!

Posted by Arthur on September 23, 2005 at 8:08 PM (PST)

2

Yeah, I went to one of those before somewhere near Nagoya or something. I wish they had these types of stores in Silicon Valley…more than Fry’s Electronics or Apple Stores (which surprisingly have a very limited selection :-( )

Posted by mjmoonwalker on September 23, 2005 at 9:50 PM (PST)

3

yoshi turomiki said “apple makes me happy”
tyshi brukimyo Said “i like ipod, more apple in my wok”

Posted by herpies on September 23, 2005 at 10:01 PM (PST)

4

Where in the hell is Namie Amuro? Why isnt she in the Itunes Japan catalog???!!!

Posted by John on September 24, 2005 at 12:05 PM (PST)

5

I went to Akihabara last July and August, and it really is amazing. The Mac stores (Mac Collection) were quite a sight, selling old fruit-colored iMacs and tons of software. It was something like 4 floors, too. I flew to Japan in July 26, the day the iBooks were refreshed, and I saw them there by the 28th JST. Worth the trip for a Mac diehard, methinks.

Posted by FireEmblemPride on September 24, 2005 at 1:13 PM (PST)

6

This is the Softmap store in Akihabara. It really has an amazing selection of used gear for both the mac and iPod. However, the new stuff is nothing special as most big electronics stores stock the same products.

But definetly worth checking out if in Tokyo. BTW, their website is http://www.sofmap.com/shop/sb_category/sb_category.asp?GR_CD1=SL10000000 (for the mac store) and http://used.sofmap.com/used/event/3003000.htm (for the used mac department)

moot

Posted by moot on September 25, 2005 at 9:27 AM (PST)

7

we have one store out here in the philippines that looks similar to the 4th picture down.. it’s called Digital Walker.. and what’s more of a plus, members to philmug.com and podcentral.ph (filipino mac/ipod communities) get a discount! its amazing how many accessories (and stores dedicated to the ipod) we have available out here even if the ipod community isn’t as big as other countries…

Posted by dizchik on September 25, 2005 at 11:34 PM (PST)

8

Japanese have more Apple accessories and PC Casing then any countries…

Posted by Qiu on September 26, 2005 at 11:33 AM (PST)

9

“once famous electronics district Akihabara”

?? Once famous? Is the Akihabara no longer famous??

Posted by Fangorn in Texas on September 27, 2005 at 8:47 AM (PST)

10

how much is the 80gb ipod new now at your store in yen?

Posted by KARLBERG on August 9, 2007 at 1:42 PM (PST)

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