STORY

The Great Souvenir Survey in Akihabara: Manga, Models, and More!

What do people buy when they visit Tokyo? We interviewed tourists in Akihabara, an area famous for unique items like figures, electronics, and everyday products. Use these as a reference for your own shopping in Japan!

Shopping with the backpack she just bought on her shoulder

What she bought：A keychain, a backpack, and a portrait
Shopping Story
I bought a Mickey Mouse keychain and backpack for my friend. Also, I took a picture on my iPhone of a portrait a man painted of me when I visited Tokyo Tower.

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Name: Ashley Tweddle
Country: Australia
First visit to Japan

They seized the opportunity to buy Japanese food in bulk!

What they bought：Miso soup, furikake seasoning, and toys
Shopping Story
We bought a lot of miso soup and furikake seasoning. We also bought some toys as presents for our children. Besides Akihabara, we also visited the Horseshoe Crab Museum in Okayama. We’re on our way now to visit the origami museum!

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Name: Simon Griffin (Second from the right)
Country: Hong Kong
Fourth visit to Japan

A sixteen-year-old anime-lover

What he bought：A NARUTO art book and novel based on the film
Shopping Story
I’ve always been a fan of Japanese anime, which is why I bought them. NARUTO is famous overseas. I also bought some Snoopy items.

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Name: Chris Bozikovic
Country: Australia
First visit to Japan

A couple that got what they wanted!

What he bought：A K-On! Figurine
Shopping Story
I like figurines so I thought I’d buy one. I don’t know where this one comes from, though. (laugh) She got the Hermes scarf she’s wearing here, too.

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Name: Daniel Bin (Right)
Country: China
First visit to Japan

Picking up must-have items from popular anime

What he bought：A Dragonball Z figurine
Shopping Story
It’s a very famous anime so I bought it. Besides that... just clothing. I went to Shibuya yesterday, and I was surprised by just how many people were in front of Hachiko and at the scramble intersection.

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Name: Kevin (Left)
Country: Germany
First visit to Japan

Getting a good bargain in Japan

What she bought：A facial massager
Shopping Story
It seemed like a popular item in Japan so I bought it. I also bought some make-up and a hair dryer. These things are expensive in China, so I bought them here in Japan.