Re: [tlug] ... Rant about Akihabara

[Raymond Wan <rwan.kyoto@example.com>]

On Saturday, June 16, 2012 07:42 AM, Lyle H Saxon wrote:
> On Fri, Jun 15, 2012 at 3:26 PM, Raymond Wan<rwan.kyoto@example.com>  wrote:
> > So, not sure if you remember, but was there a very big T-Zone in
> > Akihabara in the 1990s?  In the same building that AKB48's theatre is
> > in (among other things...)?  Is that correct?  I bought my first
> > laptop there and that was the first time I had so much cash on
> > me...scary for someone who wasn't raised in Japan.  :-D  Anyway, the
> > building looks right but can't be too sure.
>
> Yeah, in spite of my ranting about Akihabara, once I got going with
> computers (a late start in 1995-96), I also bought my first new laptop
> at that large T-Zone store (after going through a few used laptops).
> In fact, in 1996, just about everything new I bought was from that
> T-Zone.  That shop closed (as a T-Zone - I only entered the building


It is kind of funny that T-Zone has closed down, given that 
Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera have succeeded.  So, it 
isn't like such a large superstore cannot succeed.

But, the other two did something 'right'.  Maybe it is 
because they decided to do everything -- from cameras to 
fridges to computers.  Or its their point card system that 
gives you 10% points, but they also marked up their prices 
by 10% (at least).  :-)


> overpriced used equipment the last time I checked).  That T-Zone shop
> was the last place I regularly went to in Akihabara.  I haven't
> completely given up on the area for computer parts, but it's starting
> to feel like there isn't anything worth going there for.  There's even


For better or for worse, Akihabara has generalized itself, 
also.  The Atre at the JR station was a big surprise.  Now, 
they've also opened a bunch of Watami-like restaurants 
around the station, too.  It's going to look like any other 
station some day in the future!

Oh, and I looked up T-Zone's Japanese Wikipedia article and 
it has become the current location of AKB48's theatre:

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB:Don_Quijote_Akihabara_Shop.JPG

The structure looks identical to the original T-Zone, now 
that I compare the two photos.  The best picture I can find is:

http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2002/0416/tzone.htm

(Funny, but I remember the old T-Zone to be far wider in 
size.  :-) )

Ray