And in the evening, I went to Akiba to see the Kotobukiya flagship shop. Exploring Radio City building, I have finally fulfilled a long cherished desire: my long search is now over… the first MegaHouse RAH.DX Lunamaria Hawke (via Hobby Figure Akiba) is finally mine!
Just opposite the entrance from the Akiba JR station exit but I’ve never really explored this building… I suppose I hadn’t pick up the interest in figurines during my last trip two years ago. Kotobukiya showroom is, of course, the first stop. Going upstairs, I found and bought Revy was from the Kotobukiya Radio City 2F shop for her RRP of JPY 4,800. There was a lovely 1/6 Revy, with her seated legs out while cleaning her guns, but it’s 1/6 and also cost a not inconsiderable JPY 14.490!
Treasure market place is probably the largest showcase rental shop in the area with three branches in the same building. Sellers rent the space, the goods are held on a consignment basis, shoppers take down the glass case number and ask for assistance from the shop keepers.
Rental rates were, for full shelf units, JPY 3,150 at the bottom, JPY 5,250 for the second level, JPY 5,750 for the third level which is at average eye level and JPY 5,250 at the top. JPY 1,575, JPY 2,625, JPY 3,650 and JPY 2,625 respectively for half units.
Huge variation in prices for the stuff on offer. MaxFac Yukis were going for JPY 9,000 to JPY 14,000 (I counted at least five). I saw two WonderFest Saber plushies going for JPY 4,980 and JPY 6,800 (vs her cost of JPY 2,500). The blue limited edition Princess with the axe was going for JPY 11,500 and JPY 18,900!
The find of the evening was at Hobby Figure. The second floor is the Bishoujo Figure floor (pic) and I finally found the first MegaHouse RAH.DX Lunamaria figure which I had missed out on almost two years ago! Luna was a steal for JPY 3,654. I am so happy! As this completes my collection with the second and third MegaHouse RAH.DX Lunamarias.
But also a reality check - figures are light on the luggage weight allowance but are so bulky in their boxes. And there’s no more space in my luggage to pack more goodies in. orz
Nice,the Alter Revy. Too bad there isn’t any of them sold in Singapore yet.
And your photos are so tempting. I want to go to Akiba LOL
That’s the dream of every otaku, my good friend.
You know what you’re going to have to do right Zyl? Just take the figures out of their boxes, unless the box art is nice, and just pad them in your luggage so they don’t break. You’ll save a lot of space and can get more figures that way!
Would it make sense to mail them back?
double, I actually saw two Singaporeans at the Treasure Market Place. And then again, a group of four outside the Kotobukiya! Maybe JTB should pay me a commission. ;)
Zeroblade, Akiba - where dreams and reality collide - with your wallet!
moyism, doh! Why didn’t I think of that? Many thanks for the great suggestion! I can’t unpack Sumino because she’s not mine. Will leave MaxFac Yuki in box too because quite fragile, esp the accessories. Luna’s box doesn’t take up much space but Revy’s box is a killer so that works a treat! Everything’s finally able to fit in finally!!!
Kabitzin,
Another idea! But I’m not entirely confident of the handling over at the Singapore (or even London) side. Plus it seems quite costly here in Tokyo too.
I think I’ll limitbreak if I visit these places. Gratz on completing your Luna collection! Those prices on MaxFac Yuki and Megahouse blue Yumil are insane. Maybe I’ll get a 2nd Yuki just for playing in the secondary market XD
Those rental units are what we need for the figure market to grow at home now.
I don’t recall ever stepping into hobby figure, but I’m sure I did. Still, good to see you finally got something that you wanted for such a long time.
Bro, actually I think - as with any market - there needs to be a critical mass of consumers who will spend the amount of money to sustain a primary market and then stay in the market long enough for secondary markets to emerge. They’re depending on you!! ;)
Adun, Funnily enough, I did regret missing out on this Lunamaria figurine but it wasn’t a burning regret or even a dull ache - more like a mental note. And the best was how serenpiditious the discovery was. :)