25.12.2010 · by Patrick W. Galbraith
Kaikai Kiki in Nakano Broadway
Kaikai Kiki, the artist collective and company of Murakami Takashi, has opened an art gallery on the second floor of Nakano Broadway. I was just going to pick up some idol goods from the store next door when I saw this. Not really sure what to make of this. Murakami's fascination with otaku culture is well known, but I wonder who comes to this gallery? I mean, Broadway is full of shoppers of all kinds - old, young, Japanese and non-Japanese, otaku and non-otaku - but perhaps least of all those in the market for contemporary (high) art. Most of the shoppers seem more interested in manga, anime etc than paintings by Murakami et al. I wanted to check it out, but it's only open by appointment...
Tags: Nakano Art 0 Comments
15.06.2009 · by Patrick W. Galbraith
NFS Live in Shibuya
The Nakano Fujoshi Sisters (pronounced "Fujosisters") had a great concert at Shibuya O-East on Sunday night. Thanks to Mr. Ohata for inviting us, and Androniki Christodoulou for the picture.
Tags: Idols Nakano Fujoshi Sisters Nakano Otaku 0 Comments
05.05.2009 · by Patrick W. Galbraith
Nakano Broadway opening up
I went to check out Nakano Broadway after hearing it has been hopping. And it was. It’s so bright, crowded and open that a lot of the privacy and basement-like atmosphere is gone. One young couple standing next to me in Mandarake said it was like an “otaku zoo.” For better or worse, the place has blossomed this year. A lot of stores are closed on the fourth floor, but as I hear it this is a move by Mandarake to consolidate its many holdings on the second and third floors. The third, the one at the top of the escalator and the first stop for most otaku, has always been a hot spot, but the second floor has really benefitted from the new attention. In addition to favorites such as the Galaxy retro game store, there are also tons of military, cosplay (and fashion) and idol stores. It is worth checking out the several Trio locations, but a different idol store caught my eye: Utahime Doomu [Singing Princess Pure Dream]. It is not one of the new stores, but an old school offering the likes of Marubell in Asakusa. They have lots of rare older bromides, and newer stuff like the Nakano Fujoshi Sisters.
Next door there is a rad old cafe dedicated to auto racing. It has been in the mall since it opened over 30 years ago. Great for theme, not so much for food (though the cinnamon toast is good).
