Akihabara: The Curious Heart of Tokyo

Akihabara Electric Town

(Chiyoda City, Tokyo)

【Kōkishin（好奇心）】is curiosity, the desire to know, see, or experience something. It is an instinctive behavior in both humans and animals to understand their surroundings in order to survive. In daily life, curiosity becomes a driving force behind our actions, such as seeking new knowledge or experiences. When you feel like exploring a place you’ve never been, reading an interesting book, or understanding how a new machine works, it is curiosity (kōkishin) that motivates you.

Akihabara in Tokyo is a city that has continued to evolve, driven by the curiosity. In the past, small shops in Akihabara sold radio parts, and electricians and students roamed the streets in search of components such as tools, copper wires, transistors, and more.

As Japan entered its period of rapid economic growth, people’s curiosity turned toward a modern lifestyle symbolized by the so-called “Three Sacred Treasures”: black-and-white TVs, washing machines, and refrigerators. Riding the wave of this economic boom, Akihabara transformed into a hub for home electronics.

Later, as the home appliance boom subsided, the city evolved once again―this time into a center for computers and video games, and later further into subcultures such as anime and idol fandoms.

Akihabara has continued to be a haven for people who are passionate about their interests. They come to this town in search of something special―whether it’s rare electronic components, hard-to-find computer parts, or anime merchandise and figures of beloved characters. The city is full of joy for those seeking one-of-a-kind treasures that satisfy their curiosity.

On Sundays, Akihabara opens up with a unique sense of space. The six-lane main road through the district is closed to cars and transformed into a pedestrian paradise. Families and tourists freely walk down the center of the street, capturing photos with the iconic scenery of Akihabara’s buildings and colorful billboards in the background.

As evening falls, colorful lights begin to illuminate the streets. Giant billboards featuring anime characters and the dazzling lights of computer shops bring vibrant energy to Akihabara’s nighttime scene. The towering signs on the buildings create a big-city atmosphere, while the warm, mosaic-like glow of small shops selling electronic parts adds a unique charm. Together, they create a futuristic ambiance that sparks the imagination of visitors.

Even today, with the rise of cafes, art spaces, and startup offices, Akihabara continues to grow―not only as a holy ground for “otaku” culture, but as a crossroads for a wide range of cultures. It is a city constantly evolving alongside human curiosity (kōkishin), always offering something new and exciting to discover.

Please visit the official website of Akihabara Electric Town.