Akihabara Weapons Shop, Armed Shop TARGET-1 [Akihabara News]

A corner introducing shops unique to Akihabara and unusual spots in Akihabara!
Thankfully, my previous article on "The Situation of Gachapon in Akihabara" was very well received.
Thank you very much to everyone who read this.

In this second installment, we will be introducing a weapon shop located in Akihabara, a familiar sight in modern RPGs, titled "A weapon shop that blends into the cityscape."

↓ Akibabura News Part 1: "The Akihabara Gachagacha Situation" can be found here

https://akihabara-bc.jp/akihabara-gatya-buraakiba01/

The gachapon video aired during the Passion Conference wasCLICK HERE

The archive of the Passion Conference's Gachagacha situation isCLICK HERE

What is the joint project "Akibabura News"?

"Passion Conference" is a 30-minute live broadcast by Ichigo Animation that delivers various information about Akihabara.
Akihabara Base Camp is a blog and video streaming service that provides information on Akihabara stores and Akihabara-related information.
A collaborative project between two people who love Akihabara and work daily to revitalize the city!
We bring you the latest happenings in Akihabara using blogs, videos, and live broadcasts!

It's packed with information on Akihabara, from the latest news to hot spots, and more to help you enjoy Akihabara to the fullest!
You might discover a new side of Akihabara that you didn't know existed?

What exactly is the Akihabara Weapon Shop?

What comes to mind when you hear the word "weapon shop"?
Is the owner at the counter and calling out to you something like, "Welcome! What would you like today?"
Weapons are displayed throughout the store, with customers staring at and examining them?
Whether it's a weapons shop selling swords or a weapons shop selling firearms, the basic scene would likely end up looking similar.

Did you know that there is a weapons shop in Akihabara that many otaku dream of?
No explanation is necessary for avid Akihabara otaku and weapon enthusiasts! However, this time we will introduce the weapon shop in Akihabara that has a particularly romantic feel.
"Armed Shop"

"TARGET-1"

I would like to introduce these two stores.

"Buso Shoten" sells swords that exude the romance of history

A long-established weapon shop with over 15 years of history along Chuo-dori

Since opening along Akihabara's Chuo Dori, there has been a store selling various weapon models, from Japanese swords and Western swords to muskets, for over 15 years.
The name is exactly "Armed Shop"!!

The lantern with the store name on it is the landmark.
I went up the stairs and it was on the third floor of the building...

There is a protrusion on the ceiling halfway up the stairs, so be careful not to hit your head.

Upon entering the store, you will be greeted by the dragon slayer from the popular manga "Berserk"!
Wow, it's huge!
This is an exhibition only, but it is definitely worth a look.

Inside the store, various weapons are lined up

The Armed Shop carries a wide variety of weapons, and today we will introduce some of them.

First, the Japanese sword.
Due to its beautiful appearance, this sword is popular not only in Japan but also overseas.
There were also many imitation swords with familiar names on display.

There were many cool Western swords, such as Excalibur and swords with secret society symbols, that would bring back the mind of an elementary school student.

There are also weapons suitable for vampire hunting, such as whips and axes.

You'll also be reunited with some very familiar weapons, such as rubber nunchucks and wooden swords.

The selection was to meet a variety of needs, including firearms such as muskets and weapons for technical characters such as chakrams.

Knowledgeable store staff will assist you

In front of the rows of weapons,

Wow~~~So cool~~~!!!!!

However, just because you're excited, don't just grab a weapon.
Even though it is a replica, it can still be dangerous if used incorrectly.

If you speak to the store staff, they will kindly and carefully explain how to handle the weapons and other related matters.
Listen carefully and take safety into consideration.

Let's go!

Draw your sword!!!

Find your favorite weapon!

Sudden trivia corner: Japanese swords

Since you've come all the way here to see the weapons, why not learn some more about swords as well?
This time, I'd like to introduce two pieces of trivia that the store owner taught me!

Here's the problem!
① Japanese swords are designed so that they cannot be drawn just by turning them upside down, but why is that?
② Why has the length of swords become shorter over time?

Tick ​​tock, tick tock...

answer!
①
In samurai society, the act of drawing one's sword meant "I will cut you down."
For example, even if you stumble over something and don't draw your sword of your own volition.
If you do this in front of a superior, it is rude and you should commit seppuku.
Therefore, to prevent the sword from coming out easily, a part called a habaki is attached between the sheath and the tsuba to make it difficult for the sword to come out.

②
As time went on, battles shifted from outdoor battles where players invaded enemy territory to indoor battles where players defended the shogun and lord.
Long weapons were not suitable for indoor fighting, so swords became shorter and easier to handle and swing.
Therefore, the length of swords became shorter as the period in which they were used progressed!

Give me a smug lecture using the trivia you learned today!

Can't I equip it here?

Once you get the weapon you want, you can equip it and head out into town...but you'll get arrested, so you can't ask, "Do you want to equip it here?", but you can take the item you purchased home with you.
Don't worry, our store staff will pack your items securely.
Please do not open it on your way home!!

Delivery is also available, so if you are coming from afar or planning to make other purchases, it may be safer to use this option.

For those who like cool weapons but don't want to carry a large bag, we also have a selection of small items that you can easily take home, such as key chains and bullets!
It might also make a great souvenir?

"TARGET-1" where you can rent or bring your own guns (air guns and electric guns)

Next up is "TARGET-1," a store located on Myojin Shimonaka Street.
Here you can experience shooting realistic air guns and electric guns!

The stairs leading underground make you feel like you're heading towards a secret base, which gets you excited.
The gunfire was so loud that it could be heard all the way up the stairs.

As soon as you open the door, you'll be faced with a wall full of geese!

Looking around further, I saw autographs from famous people...
Many people visit the venue, from comedians to popular voice actors.

TARGET-1 pricing system

The staff at the reception will explain the pricing plans in detail.
There were different pricing plans for those who brought their own guns and those who rented them.

Group discounts are available when it gets crowded.
It's great that you can still get a good deal even if you go on the weekend.

This is a great value option that allows you to choose and rent the gun you want to use.

We also have a weekday menu for those who want a thorough lecture!
It is also recommended for those who want to try using a variety of guns, not just one type.

There are many other great pricing plans available.
Menus are available in English and Chinese, so tourists can feel at ease.

Let us introduce you to rental air guns and electric guns

If you're wondering what gun to use, don't worry.
The staff at the rental gun counter will explain the various guns available.

First, the handgun.
The image shows only a portion of the items, and there are actually twice as many.

When I picked it up, I was surprised at how heavy it was.
It is said to be made with a weight close to the real thing.

It seems to be used by loading BB bullets into it, and the inside looks like this.
When you think about the fact that the loud gunshot was probably the sound of a BB gun, you realize how powerful it was.

Such a cute looking handgun!
However, contrary to its appearance, it also had a heavy weight to it.

Next time it'll be a little bigger.

This one comes with a scope so you can aim at things far away.
It's heavy and makes your arms tired, but just holding it makes you feel like a professional sniper!

This is an electrically powered submachine gun.
It can be launched using a battery and motor.

An assault rifle known for its durability.
Apparently it is modeled after the guns used by African boys.

This is a gas shotgun.

It can be loaded with multiple BB bullets and can fire about three bullets at a time.
There were lots of other guns available too.
Give it a try and find the one you like!

There are various other rental items available besides guns.
This is a great service for those who have already purchased a My Gun.

There are three types of shooting ranges available

This store is equipped with three different shooting ranges.

The rooms are divided into 5m, 10m and 15m sizes, with the 10m room being the most popular.
There are many benefits, such as the distance to the target being fairly far and the room itself being spacious and comfortable to use.
However, my personal recommendation is the combination of 15m range + sniper rifle.
Perhaps because it is difficult to own large items, they are a popular rental item.

Event information that can be enjoyed by both first-timers and veterans of air guns and electric guns

TARGET-1 also held events that beginners could participate in, as well as events for people interested in quick-draw shooting.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of participants is currently being limited.
If you're interested, make sure to make a reservation early.

Rentals aren't the only thing you can do. Items available for purchase at TARGET-1

TARGET-1 also sells guns and other accessories.

There is also a stepping customization that makes the handle of the handgun less slippery.

I wasn't very familiar with the world of shooting games, but I was surprised at how extensive the services and menu were.
I felt like a new world would open up to me just by stopping by out of curiosity.

Follow these three rules for shooting and enjoy it safely!

Akihabara's weapon-shop culture is expanding

In addition to the two stores introduced here, the number of stores selling weapons in Akihabara continues to increase.
As airsoft culture spreads, gun shops are also becoming a hotbed of competition!
You can also look for weapons used in your favorite movies and games.
You can actually pick it up and experience it for yourself.
Be sure to check out the "weapon shop that blends into the cityscape" in Akihabara.

https://akihabara-bc.jp/akihabara-buki/

https://akihabara-bc.jp/akihabara-collabocafe/

https://akihabara-bc.jp/akihabara-used-games-store/