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Officials discuss reopening Akihabara 'pedestrian paradise' after June rampage

11 Comments

Chiyoda Ward officials, retailers and residents of Akihabara met on Wednesday to discuss whether or not to reopen the so-called “pedestrian paradise” in the area, two months after a man went on a rampage, killing seven people and injuring 10 others on June 6.

Retailers pointed out that sales had decreased, while local residents reiterated their opposition to sexually explicit performances on the street. Others said such street performances gave Akihabara its uniqueness.

Chiyoda Mayor Masami Ishikawa said at the outset that the conference should not only discuss the pedestrian paradise but also look for ways to make the district more attractive for people.

Tourism professional and journalist Yoshinori Morino said, “Akihabara used to be a town where people came to buy gadgets to make something. Now, it's a center of subculture with offices.”

Many locals criticized the proliferation of shops selling sex goods and "off-color" services, as one man put it. "It's sad for locals. Akihabara has lost its dignity," he said.

A committee will research the situation and continue to discuss the revival of the area. The next conference is scheduled to be held in two months.

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11 Comments
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“off-color” services..

haha. that is just brilliant! nothing like not stating exactly what it is.. porn!

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this is so stupid! just re-open it. locals can shut the hell up and move out. create more room for shops!

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Retailers pointed out that sales had decreased

And so the no-cars time will be reinstated.

I wonder if the people in Akihabara think that if cars were cruising back during June's killing spree that the killer wouldn't go on his spree. 'Oh,' he'd think, 'too many cars, guess I'll go home.'

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But knifes are still availlable!

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Stop discussing and open it up. Giving into this kind of fear is idiocy. Add some barriers and have done with it.

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I don't know why they closed it in the first place. Lightening doesn't strike twice in the same place. However, they should take measures to clean out all the riff-raff. Unique culture my bum! It's become a center for sex freaks, which is a shame because was famous for being a technology hub. But, that's Japanese culture, I suppose. A nation of sex freaks who love little girls in school uniforms and manga costumes. That's something to be proud of,isn't it? Way to go!

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I think it was the taxi associations that lobbied to close the "pedestrian paradise"s. Much better to have their cabs clogging the streets then happy people.

And what is it with those parking ticket parasites in green ticketing everyone but taxis???? They don't even bother to ask them to move. Try parking on the street even when you are sitting in your car, those green parasites will scan your plate and start to prep a ticket.

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I don't think it will be reopened soon and that is not because of the stabbing either.

As was said in the article the residents want the area cleaned up, as for less sales I don't think it is due to closing of the road(1 day out of 7). I am sure certain businesses have booming sales, another gripe I hear are the tons of tourists too. Having seen some I can understand some of the complaints.

Example: Me and a friend went to a restaurant, standard one where you need to buy the ticket first. One tourist comes in sits down and calls a waitress over and starts ordering some stuff in english. Waitress seemed to be used to it as she got him the stuff(didn't seem to know much english) and never mentioned the ticket vending machine.

Another point that hurt the area too is the moving of the "Transportation Museum" with that gone and lots of "off-colour" stuff, increased crime-rate, etc many are reluctant to take their wifes and kids there.

And lets face it there is nothing in Akihabara now that you can't get anywhere else.

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"Now, it’s a center of subculture with offices.”

I think with the spread of the huge mass retailers like Yodobashi, BIC, Yamada, Kojima, etc., -- which also sell cheaply online -- the area has outlived its usefulness as a place to haggle for household appliance bargains. All it has going for it is an incredibly convenient location. Something like 7 lines converge there, making it like another Shinjuku. I suppose the area will continue to metamorphose. The number of foreign visitors is still increasing and they love the place, understandably. I remember one Japanese news commentator did mention how relieved he was that no foreigner was among the victims last June 8.

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And what is it with those parking ticket parasites in green ticketing everyone but taxis???? They don't even bother to ask them to move. Try parking on the street even when you are sitting in your car, those green parasites will scan your plate and start to prep a ticket.

dont know where you getting this. every time i see them near my car i tell them to sod of, which kingly they do. I always see them check for occupants in the car before they start doing their nasty stuff.

Having said that, I think they are the parasites of human existence. I want them in next GTA game so i can mow them down. Them and biker cops.

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And lets face it there is nothing in Akihabara now that you can't get anywhere else

yeah, there are off-colour places all across the country. so according to that old duffer the whole place must have lost its dignity or he just doesnt get out much.

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