On the way to Crazy Factory I always transit in Akihabara to the Tsukba Express line which takes me up to Adachi. I had a bit of time before my meeting at Crazy so I snapped a few pics around Akihabara. Akihabara or Electric Town as it is known, is always so colorful and for some like being in another fantasy world. The train tracks are adorned with billboards featuring Anime and Video games.
Riding the escalator down from the platform the walls were covered with AKB48 posters featuring their “face” Maeda Atsuko. Those of you who may be in the know for Japanese pop culture will know that AKB48 is the biggest idol group in Japan (literally speaking as well). Their popularity in some cases transcends all celebrities, politicians and pro athletes. Exiting Akihabara JR station there were more posters of Acchan as she is affectionately called , and for 9am in the morning, there were surprisingly a lot of idol otaku (enthusiasts, nerds, however you may call them/us), even for Electric town.
Then I remembered that today was Acchan’s graduation from the group. In my idol days I probably would have joined the lines to get a chance at taking part in the graduation festivities that night, but alas I have grown up and had a meeting to get to so I simply snapped some shots around the station area before heading to Crazy Factory. Watching the hundreds/thousands lineup and wait in the sweltering heat reminded me of what it was like to be a dedicated fan of Japanese pop. Oh those were the days!
