BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
A Walk Through Tokyo’s “Electric City”: LUJ Students Explore Akihabara
On Friday, June 20, students from Lakeland University Japan joined Professor Edgar Pelaez on an exciting field trip to one of Tokyo’s most iconic areas: Akihabara, also known as Akiba to frequent-visitors. Famous for its electric, almost cyberpunk feel, with towering billboards displaying cute characters; anime megastores, and eccentric maid café; Akiba has become a major spot for both pop-culture “otaku” and visitors from around the world.
During the visit, Professor Pelaez guided students through the busy streets, stopping at various historic buildings (including keystone stores, like Radio Kaikan, central to the area’s development into what it is today). He offered insights into Akihabara’s post-WWII transformation from an electronics hub to the modern-day epicenter of otaku culture. Along the way, he explained the roots and evolution of Japan’s anime and gaming subcultures, helping students see beyond the surface and appreciate the deeper cultural and historical threads woven throughout the city.
Professor Pelaez’s field trip into Tokyo’s “electric city” was a fascinating day filled with history-rich buildings, cultural highlights, and a look into the origins of what has made the area famous for its nerdy, but fun, identity. If you’re curious about Japanese subcultures, or just looking for a new way to explore Tokyo, don’t miss the next field trip with Professor Pelaez. You may just find yourself picking up a new hobby and learning something new!
