Characteristics and Change in Commercial Accumulation in the Akihabara District, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo: Based on the Fieldworks in 2006 and 2013

Abstract

This study considers Characteristics and change of commercial accumulation of Tokyo's Akihabara district from 2006 to 2013. It specifically focuses on small shops. The data was acquired through fieldwork.Maid cafs (cafs with employees in cosplay or costume play) accumulated remarkably large amounts of zakkyo buildings (multiuse buildings containing offices, shops, and restaurants) on back streets in Akihabara district. These shops would repeatedly open and close down. Long-established stores had to close down due to the electric industry reorganization. Thereafter, chain stores of amusement and restaurants opened. Consequently, the street in Akihabara district progressively became a homogenized commercial space. In addition, Akihabara district reduced the resemblance of shopping as a category of business.