One-time unchallenged holy land of otaku, Tokyo's Akihabara was a heaven for anime, manga, video game, maid café, and collector's items. But today. it is different. So what happened to Akihabara?
We chart the past from Akihabara's early days as an electronics district to its growth in the 1990s–2010s as a thriving subculture hub during the golden era of otaku culture. We'll then look at which anime, doujinshi, figure fever, and maid cafés transformed the district into a fans' pilgrimage site from all over the world.
Now, as Japan's economic downturn-chasing weak yen and pandemic tourism bonanza coinciding with it, Akihabara is evolving — welcoming more tourists than hardcores.
Is it otaku heaven anymore? Or has it become a theme park version of what once was? We split it all up — past, present, and future.

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Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

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Why is Japan so obsessed with all things small, fluffy, and irresistibly kawaii? From adorable mascots to tiny replicas of food and robot puppies, Japanese cuteness is everywhere — but how did it all begin?
We explore the deeper psychological and cultural roots of kawaii, how postwar society, youth culture rebellion, and femininity changed kawaii as a national sentiment — influencing everything from fashion and media to urban landscapes. This is your definitive in-depth exploration of kawaii land.

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Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

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Who exactly were the Japanese ninjas? Forget the legends in the films, we delve into the true history of the mythic spies and shadow warriors.
Discover where ninjas first emerged, what they actually did (hint: it doesn't involve throwing stars!), and how they shaped Japan's history through espionage, sabotage, and survival.
We'll also look at how the ninja legacy lives on to this day — from ninja schools and ninja tourism in Japan, to anime, cosplay, and Hollywood.

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Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

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We dive into the emotional world of Japanese street fashion — from the pastel-meets-pain aesthetic of Yami Kawaii, to the mental health expression of Menhera, and the dramatic, heartbroken elegance of Jirai Kei. Discover how these styles use fashion to speak the unspeakable — blending cuteness with vulnerability, and self-expression with emotional depth.

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Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

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We explore the eerie world of Japanese folklore through two of its most chilling concepts: Onryo; the vengeful spirits who return from the grave seeking retribution, and Tatari; the terrifying curses born from deep resentment or divine wrath.

What happens when a soul cannot rest? How do ancient beliefs shape the way misfortune is understood in Japan? We'll dive into ghostly tales, historical legends, and the cultural impact of these supernatural forces.

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Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

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Welcome to the quirky world of Japan’s gachapon—capsule toy machines that are popping up everywhere from street corners to tourist hotspots. From adorable collectibles and anime figures to the downright bizarre, these little surprises have become a pop culture obsession. We dive into why gachapon are so addictive and why dropping a few spare coins into one of these machines has become a must-do for visitors and locals alike.

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Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

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What happens when anime, manga, and games hit the stage? We dive into the world of 2.5D theater—where fan-favorite characters come to life through musicals, plays, and mind-blowing stagecraft. It’s where fantasy meets reality, and the results are pure magic.

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Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

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Dealing with Japan’s rainy season? You’re not the only one battling mold, dampness, and nonstop humidity. We share easy tips and tricks on how to deal with this infamous season —think dehumidifier hacks, moisture control, and staying sane when the rain won’t quit!

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Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.