In a megalopolis such as Tokyo, a city whose greater region has a population of over 37 million people, each neighborhood has a distinct character. But none are as intense as Akihabara, the city’s tech, gaming and anime capital. On this walking tour with Context tour guide and journalist Manami Okazaki, you’ll discover the myriad of shops and entertainment complexes that make up this fascinating suburb. Starting in front of Kenele Stand Akihabara Station, you’ll visit several locations that are representative of entire subcultures like Hello Kitty and military-themed manga. Manami will tell you all about the latest in cutting-edge tech trends, and the fantastical worlds portrayed in anime. You’ll also take a deep dive into the ways Japanese youth interact with technology. Manami will point out stores selling figurines like Mandarake CoCoo which specializes in vintage and contemporary collectables, and Tamashii Nations Store where you’ll find sci-fi and robotic figurines. From the Namco Gaming Center to cosplay stores like COSPA and Hobby Square, this tour will put all these fascinating cultures in context and give you a glimpse of what it is like to be entertained in one of the world’s largest and densest cities. As you make your way to Cafe MoCHA, a cat café where the tour ends, you’ll get a chance to: • Play a Rhythm game, a genre of video game that is focused on music-based activities such as dancing and playing instruments, like taiko no tatsujin and find out more about this particular gaming sub-genre • Step into K-Books, a store dedicated to virtual YouTubers and idols, on the 3rd floor of Radio Kaikan • Take in the economy of intimacy at Maidreamin, a popular maid café known for its playful companionship, and hear how it differs from sex work • Explore the difference between Otaku and Oshikatsu subcultures – the former being defined as geeks with intense passions for specific interests and the latter as being idol culture • Delve into the world of Doll Culture, which includes customizable and realistic cosplay dolls By the end of this 75-minute tour, you’ll have a deeper appreciation of one of the most futuristic districts in Japan, and appreciate the latest in technology and pop culture trends.