Day 3: Nakano Broadway

Note: day 0-3 were written at the same time, so forgive me if there is accidental foreshadowing etc.

In an attempt to reign in my step count, I decided to go to Nakano Broadway, probably the 3rd most recommended otaku shopping destination in Tokyo after Akiba and Ikebukuro. I think a lot of what I would say about it, I already said last time I went.

I agree with past me's sentiment that it seems run down. It seemed even less busy than last time I visited but I think that was on the weekend. Additionally, it felt like most of the stores were just Mandarake or Mandarake in disguise, which isn't bad per se but the variety anecdotally seemed less than when I last visited.

That being said, there is still stuff to look at and charm to find in the various nooks and crannies of the building. Although I had had hoped to do other things in the area and get get back home before rush hour train traffic started, I ended up spending 3 full hours just exploring the various floors of Nakano Broadway. I bought one thing (feel free to guess now and I will reveal at the end!). By the time I left, it was already about 5, so I promptly jumped on the train to head back to my place so that I wouldn't get stuck in the rush hour sardine situation.

I actually didn't take any pictures in Nakano Broadway, so here is the adjacent Sun Mall

One thing I hadn't had a chance to mention yet was that a couple days back I had watched a few videos related to etiquette in Japan (e.g. "What not to do in Japan") and they had got me thinking a little bit (I know, strange for me).

The one that I was thinking about the most is basically around clothing. Basically something like "don't wear shorts" (although not said that directly). Anecdotally, it is true that I don't often see Japanese men wearing shorts. Like in the 3 days I've been out and about, the vast majority of shorts-wearers have been foreigners. I think I saw 2 Japanese guys wearing shorts in the past couple of days, and 1 of them looked like they were coming from the gym or something. My first day I was a little self-conscious about it, and was even wondering what I had worn last time since I basically only wear shorts until it actually starts getting cold out.

Anyway, there's not like a clear-cut resolution here or anything, but I will say that I don't think I've ever been shunned or anything because I was wearing shorts or underdressed. I specifically remember some time last year walking through Minato or Roppongi or one of the other expensive neighborhoods where everyone was dressed up and probably the most anyone cared about it or worried about it was me directly. I think that it may be a cultural thing to dress more modestly (and more fashionably tbh) here but that they aren't going to particularly care if a foreigner is wearing shorts or not.

As a side note, I did also notice that sleeves on shirts seem longer in Japan? Like they go down to the elbow? Most of the shirts I brought only cover like half my bicep and they are size L (in US sizes). I don't know if that means anything, just something I noticed lol

I do think some of the other 'rules' make sense to follow though. Like definitely don't just block the escalator because you are being inconsiderate. I personally like how I never hear music blasting on the train lol

IDK what I'm even talking about any more. Without further ado I will reveal the only thing I bought.

Are you ready??

Did you guess an anime figure? An anime figure of Bocchi from Bocchi the Rock?? An A prize Ichibankuji anime figure of Bocchi from Bocchi the Rock??? The Last One prize Ichibankuji anime figure of Bocchi from Bocchi the Rock?!?!?!

Wow if you really guessed that, you're pretty good!

From Ichibankuji's promotional materials

The 'Last One' version of the figure has darker pants and hat than in the image above (they are more grey/black) and bocchi is wearing a pink shirt. I think when the A prize is a figure, Ichibankuji usually has the Last One be a color variation on that figure.

Anyway, time for me to get to work. I don't know what I'm doing tomorrow yet, so hopefully I can come up with a plan by tomorrow morning!