Japanese Technology
Are you a techie-geek? Whether it be the heated toilet seat or the computer that can do everything but wash the dishes, Japan is the country for you. Before you hop on that plane though, there's one thing that many of us seem to forget when shopping for those electronic goodies....they speak a different language here....
My advice to save yourself some time, hardship and money...ask if there is an international version. Often, unfortunately, there isn't. And the large electronic companies have the reputation to not be the most helpful in this regard. I had such a case with a friend who could not read those darn Japanese squiggles on her brand-spanking new camera. After some time and many phone calls I was able to get my hands on the English software and manual...from Australia!
For most, I think, Akihabara is an extreme when shopping for electronics. We can go to our Bic Camera, Yodobashi or an equivalent. But for the foreigner who needs English, Akihabara's stores can often accomodate...or let you know if they can't. Doing the research on what you're looking for is advisable. There might be minimal information in-store. And if there is, you might be dealing with more squiggles.
posted by Fudocom - Celina @ 3:32 PM
6 Comments:
On the other hand, if you're Japanese-skilled, I think a good way to pick up almost-new stuff can be from the people who do buy hastily. For example, I bought a dig cam from a gentleman who hastily bought the pretty camera in the window then discovered it was all in Japanese. It was a month old at that point and a great bargain. And least he could retain some of what he paid and learned to be more buyer aware the next time around.
I didn't think there was such a price difference between Akiba and regular electronic stores in other areas. Am I wrong? Was there a special bargain section I completly missed?
Celina is a much better resource for something like this, but you're partially right. On the main streets there are regular electronic stores like Laox and Yodobashi Camera. The prices don't really differ. But there are some darkened alleys (haha), kind of in between the main streets or down the side roads. Usually you can find your second hand things there that are often cheaper. If you are esteemed you can even haggle a bit. For those computer bargain hunters, there are several "re-furbished" computer places. For the person who knows nothing about computers though, it might be an easy place to be taken advantage of in regards to quality. But if you're looking to pay the cheapest price possible, maybe that's ok?
Thanks for your quick reply, Rei. when I went to TOkyo last year, I admittedly, didn't look around Akihabara too much. It was quite busy when I went. I was also a bit overwhelmed with each store selling so much electronics. I expected there to be repetition from stores, which was fine. But I wish the prices differed a little more. I think if they did, I would have made more of an effort to enter more then one. I did enjoy the atmosphere, though. There was a live band in front of the station when I went that I enjoyed quite alot.
BTW, is Rei a Japanese name? The spelling seems a bit unusual.
Firstly, I apologize for not thanking you for posting in our blog. It's much appreciated!
It's a shame you didn't enjoy the shopping in Akihabara so much. But I guess it's for the type of person who really really enjoys electronics, games, models, etc. In actuality, not many of my friends or I go there often. Recently, I've discovered the wonders of Yahoo! Japan's shopping section.
As for my name, it is Japanese. Short for Reiko. But I don't often use the full name.
Hi Matthew, thanks for posting!
I do like my gizmos and gadgets so I go to Akihabara sometimes. It really isn't that often. Though it's not so far from my area, it feels like an effort. Shopping around can be exhausting. If you're looking for your basic item like...an Ipod Nano, every store has it. Going from one to the next to the next....well you see what I mean. Especially if the prices are virtually the same in each shop. Not to say there aren't deals out there.
The time I did successfully shop around was when shopping for a cell phone. Often you can find a shop with some promotion giving models away for cheaper prices.
There might be events happening there. Akihabara has an official website at http://www.akiba.or.jp/english/index.html . That's probably a good place to get up-to-date information about things going on.
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