Recently, more and more of Tokyo’s uncountable railway viaducts have become home to fun and unusual facilities. One of the latest trendy spots is SEEKBASE, just outside JR Akihabara Station. This culture and shopping facility is full of exciting and unique items typical for the quirky Akihabara area.
Mandarake CoCoo
Do you know ‘sofvi’? ‘Sofvi’ is the abbreviation for “soft vinyl” (also knows as PVC). PVC was often used to make dolls and figures, especially for monsters of Japanese special effects movies and television shows (Tokusatsu). I bet, everybody has at least seen one of these classic Japanese TV shows with one or a group of superheroes fighting retro-monsters.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, every Japanese child had at least some ‘sofvi’ figures to play with. They were a part of everyday culture. Monster figures made by crafted manufacturers still have a strange charm to them. In Japanese, you would call that busa-kawaii (ugly but cute). You just can’t dislike them.
Mandarake CoCoo has an enormous selection of ‘sofvi’ that will blow your mind! They also sell limited editions from famous ‘sofvi’ creators. If you are a collector, you’ll have to visit!
RECOfan Akihabara SEEKBASE Bazaar
If you like records, this limited-time shop is a must! With more than 10,000 rare LPs and bargain CDs, this store is a paradise for music fans.
The genres include rock, jazz, J-pop, and classics from the ’60s and ’70s. You can also find a lot of records featuring Japanese idols. Even if you don’t know the idols or their songs, it’s fun to choose the record by their cover jackets. Also, they make great interior decor for your home!
AUDIO MIJINKO
Behind a small door in one far corner of SEEKBASE, you will find a tiny workshop by music lovers. Selling vacuum tube amplifiers and wooden speakers, the staff will also take your requests and create a custom-made cable for you. They also repair audio and earphone cables. Many of the items in this shop aren’t sold anywhere else. So if you are a music technology fan, this is the place to go!
SEEKBASE is great! It is highly recommended not only for hobbyists but also for anyone who is looking for cute souvenirs and interior items, or who is interested in Japanese craftsmanship. Have fun exploring this railway viaduct!
SEEKBASE AKI-OKA MANUFACTURE
https://www.jrtk.jp/seekbase/
13-1, 14-4, 15-1, 18-1 Kanda Neribei-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/45sJErsDdLnqtFEF9
Nearest stations: Akihabara Station, Suehirocho Station
