2012 Volume 33 Pages 39-46
The purpose of this paper is to examine the developmental process of diversification of commercial accumulation in Akihabara area. This area is cradles of innovation in commerce. In the Edo period, Akihabara is residential area for samurai class(feudal Japanese military aristocracy). After 1912, it became a transportation hub when tramcars and trains was opened. Then, number of electronic parts stores have remarkably increased. In World War II, These goods were in great demand in Japan’s military. After World War II, the area was destroyed by the air raid. All products and foods were traded mainly in the black market after that. In this area, stores of assembly of the radio were being attempted. In 1951, GHQ cleared a lot of the black markets in kanto region. This initiative led to the virtualization of the commercial buildings. In1955, number of stores of home appliances, personal computers, ham radio equipments, Audio and Visual equipments have remarkably increased. The number of tourists has increased greatly. In 1985, number of stores of game softwares, Comics and other contents have remarkably increased.
Based on there historical background, various industry types in akihabara area are thriving. they survive the extinction by many years, making commercial accumulation. For example, electric parts merchandise business transitioned to radio store, personal computer, audio & visual equipment, game and music software and cosplay cafe(include maid cafe).Thus, goods became extremely diverse in Akihabara. All in all, This does not mean that increase of one category stores are disappearance of other category stores. As a result, many stores on Akihabara diversified.
