Formation of and change in commercial accumulation in the Akihabara district, chiyodaward, Tokyo

Abstract

This study analyzes the processes of formation and change in commercial accumulation in the urban central region of Tokyo's Akihabara district. In addition, it analyzes location changes of various business firms in 1954. 1973, 1989, 2000, and 2006. The data are from fieldwork, large-scale maps, and guidebooks. Electrical shops accumulated in the Akihabara district after World War II because of comparatively low land prices in this area Thereafter, the main goods sold in the area changed to home electrical appliances, personal computers, and animation products. Long-established stores were the first to sell personal computers and animation products. Subsequently, the number of new shops increased near Akihabara Station. The number of animation shops was particularly remarkable. However, animation goods represent unnecessary technical knowledge. As a result, the accumulation advantage was reduced, and sales volumes decreased in the 2000s. However, small shops accumulated, maintaining the specificity of commercial accumulation. They moved into zakkyo buildings (multiuse buildings containing offices, shops, and restaurants), which had low rents, and these small shops are important in the Akihabara district.