In Real Life

Welcome To Your Retro Gaming Dreams

Super Potato. I’ve been to the Akihabara branch a whole lot, and I’ve been to the Osaka branches of this gaming retail chain even more. I’ve seen lots of Super Potato photos, and I’ve taken plenty more.


March 5, 2012
In Real Life

The Horror Of Custom Figurines

While the idea of a customised action figure seems badass, a Japanese television programmed inadvertently depicted the horrifying reality. Eek!


March 1, 2012
In Real Life

The Weekend Xbox Japan Conquered Akihabara

On a chilly afternoon this past weekend, well over 100 people waited in line in Akihabara to see Microsoft’s “Xbox 360 Kansyasai in Akiba” (Xbox 360 Festival of Thanks in Akihabara). The event was a joint effort between Microsoft and Capcom, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Japanese release of the original Xbox (February 22nd, 2002), and to promote some of the upcoming titles to the Xbox 360.


February 29, 2012
In Real Life

Japanese Cops Crack Down On Darth Vader

When Darth Vader showed up in Osaka to march about and promote the 3D Star Wars flicks, it was glorious. When he did the same in Tokyo, it was glorious, too. That is, until the cops showed up.


February 16, 2012
In Real Life

Girls Plus Hardware Equals Hardware Girls

Photographer and pin-up model Julie Watai, whom Kotaku has featured before, is releasing a magazine version of her Hardware Girls photos.


February 7, 2012
In Real Life

It’s Cold. Time For Hot Panties.

February is always so cold in Japan. This winter has seen record snowfall across the country. Akihabara, Tokyo’s geek mecca, has a way to warm up: hot underpants.


January 31, 2012
In Real Life

The Waitress Uniform That Started It All

For a generation, Anna Miller’s was more than a coffee shop. For a generation, it inspired video games, anime and countless cosplay. For a generation, it’s quickly becoming a memory.


January 19, 2012
In Real Life

Will The Death Blog Lady Kill This Noodle Restaurant?

Noodol Cafe isn’t your typical ramen joint. You could buy the noodles at any old supermarket. You could even make them at home, within minutes.


January 18, 2012
In Real Life

Akihabara, Shop Till You Drop?

Spotted at Tokyo’s Akihabara Station, this fellow is apparently passed out on the railing near the escalators. Never have metal rails looked so comfy.


In Real Life

Japanese Maids Busting Nintendo Blocks In This Digital Wonderland

Most maid cafes aren’t exactly visually striking. The decor lacks pizzazz. Japanese maid cafe chain Maidreamin has pizzazz out the wahzoo. The cafe is Mario meets maids, while guzzling electric Kool-Aid. It’s a trip.