News
Japan embraces anime geek chic
02 March 2007
Geek chic is taking Japan by storm and tourists are flocking to Tokyo to get a taste of it.
Traditionally the Japanese were rather coy about the otakus (nerds) who invested huge amounts of time and money in anime cartoon culture.
Visitors were normally kept far away from the backstreet shops in the city which are filled with anime paraphernalia, reports Reuters.
However, times have changed and now the government-sponsored tourism authority Visit Japan is actively promoting tours in anime's hub Akihabara.
Hundreds of tourists are now flocking to the region with guides helping them through the mazy streets which are adorned with anime shops.
Visitors can be seen spending their holiday money on models of anime characters, famous stills from films and even costumes.
'A lot of airline companies and travel agencies now are making tour packages to bring you to Japan and take you to Akihabara for the day to just let you go out and buy whatever your want,' said Adrian Lozano, a volunteer tour guide.
© Adfero Ltd
Traditionally the Japanese were rather coy about the otakus (nerds) who invested huge amounts of time and money in anime cartoon culture.
Visitors were normally kept far away from the backstreet shops in the city which are filled with anime paraphernalia, reports Reuters.
However, times have changed and now the government-sponsored tourism authority Visit Japan is actively promoting tours in anime's hub Akihabara.
Hundreds of tourists are now flocking to the region with guides helping them through the mazy streets which are adorned with anime shops.
Visitors can be seen spending their holiday money on models of anime characters, famous stills from films and even costumes.
'A lot of airline companies and travel agencies now are making tour packages to bring you to Japan and take you to Akihabara for the day to just let you go out and buy whatever your want,' said Adrian Lozano, a volunteer tour guide.
© Adfero Ltd
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