I co-wrote a book.
Tokyo Underground: Toy and Design Culture in Tokyo (128 pp, hc, $19.99)
Probably the #1 subject for emails to CollectionDX is "Where can I find good toy shops in Tokyo?". I had a small guide I created after my 2003 trip, and that was really popular, but not comprehensive. When I went back to Tokyo in 2006, I took notes and pictures. With my good friend Dave's help, I had the start of the ultimate Japanese toy guide.
Originally this was meant to be an e-book - a pdf that you could print and bring with you. But I lacked the time to compile it and format it properly. I pitched the idea to Brian Flynn of Super7, and he thought why not take it further, and make it a real book?
Brian put his design house, Hybrid-Design, on the job of making the book look great. Brian combined his maps of the vinyl scene with my maps of the vintage scene and added extra information. The end result is what you see here, a real, honest-to-good actual book.
The book is published by Super7 and distributed by Ginko Press. The book should be available in funkier book shops around the country.
TOKYO UNDERGROUND digs deep and unearths Toy and design culture in the land of the rising sun.
September 24, 2007 - Buried deep down back alleys of Tokyo’s hippest neighborhoods are the secret places. For years, toy collectors would keep maps of these stores to themselves, lest another collector find out one of his hunting spots. As toy and design culture collide and become mainstream, these locations can no longer be kept secret!
Tokyo Underground: Toy and Design Culture in Tokyo (128 pp, hc, $19.99) is the ultimate guide to Otaku nirvana. From the trendy Harajuku shops to the Mecca of Japanese nerd culture - Akihabara, Tokyo Underground tells you how to get there, what you’ll find, and what to do when you get bored of the toys (if that is even possible).
Each neighborhood in Tokyo is mapped out in detail, with the locations of each store, what you can find there, and even the contact information! Not only the shops, but find out what to do from the time you step into the Narita Airport. This book covers everything from currency exchange, train rides, toy shops, and how to figure out how to say “How much?” in Japanese.
Meet the characters that inhabit this world, from the designers to the eclectic toy shop owners. Find out where to eat and how to round out your toy purchases with the coolest in books, magazines, designer t-shirts, sneakers, music and more.
This guidebook includes stunning photography, well thought out maps, and a specialized lexicon of terms and phrases to help you along on your tour of this fun and fascinating culture.
Tokyo Underground: Toy and Design Culture in Tokyo is a collaboration between Brian Flynn (Super7 Magazine) and Joshua Bernard (CollectionDX) with photography by Jeff Dey.
ISBN: 0-9796678-0-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-9796678-0-0
Amazon
Also available at:
Kinokuniya (Japanese)
Comments
34 comments posted*cough*comment*cough*
^_^
------------------------------
CollectionDX Staff
This book is absolutely a must-have for anyone considering a trip to Tokyo and toy hunting. A friend of mine field tested it during his first trip to The Holy Land and found it invaluable.
Nice Godzilla, where'd you get it?
CollectionDX staff/writers should probably not be eligible for the prize. :P
-Jeremy
Staff will get complimentary copies ;-)
------------------------------
CollectionDX Admin
(*scoffs*)
That was fast. Someone *cough*DAPDX*cough* had to go and ruin my little bit of fun... :P
------------------------------
CollectionDX Staff
I agree. Ginrai should probably not be eligible for the prize. :p
Looks like a nice resource if I ever get a chance to make it across the pacific pond.
This will certainly help with the trip I am planning. Thanks to you and Brian Flynn for this great resource!
But who knows... I might get a free signed one... :)
count me entered.
Looks great guys.
...though I'm not sure why you keep insisting I helped somehow. I don't remember doing a damn thing other than saying "Hey, wanna go to Tokyo?". LOL
"This must be settled the way nature intended....with a vicious, bloody fight!"
Onyx Blackman
Principal, Flatpoint High
GIMME GIMME GIMME!!!
will this being coming out in Europe by any chance? id love to get a copy *fingers crossed that i win*
Theres a bookseller in sweden that carries it, so yes, I believe it will be available in europe.
------------------------------
CollectionDX Admin
Now ya see, Josh- this is how you get people to respond to posts and reviews... give away free stuff! ;)
------------------------------
CollectionDX Staff
I saw this at my local Comic Shop! Put it on the list of "to buy" when I get closer to the planned Japan trip. I actually reference the part about the wealth of coolness at Toys 'r' Us's in Japan to my friends...makes me giddy just thinking about it.
I actually thought this was old news, or I would have posted something earlier. I didn't realize it was just out. Very cool, guys.
Oh, and Josh got me involved with the forums by doing the same thing a while back with a review of the MS in Pocket Sazabi. I'm a sucker for swag. ;-)
-----
"Hey, uh...let's volt in."
Looks like a cool book. I wanna win!
... to pick this one up! can't miss!
ObComment: Hi. I'm currently broke and would just like to win something so that I can have something new. =)
...That's what I remember thinking when I was looking over the prototype I(is that the right word for books?) for this at the last summit. Would love to snag a signed copy but either way I'm definetily gonna pick up a copy of this asap.
"I had a choice, buy a new car or buy a Jumbo Machinder Green Ghost C3...it really wasn't a hard choice to make."
It looks awesome. It's a shame that the odds of my going to Japan in the next decade are so small.
Very impressive.
If you want to do one on Hong Kong, I can help.
If one is flying to other parts of Asia, such as Thailand, its possible to arrange a change of planes in Tokyo, up to 8 hours. With a book like this, you could get in and out, without having to spend the night.
Having street maps is pretty critical in Japan, once you leave the station it can be confusing to figure out where you are.
Atamaii Anime Toys
Toys You Want!
I just got back from japan a couple months ago & I absolutely loved it. FANTASTIC country.. I loved it so much i've been looking for an excuse to go back..
I think I have just found it..
I remember way back when Josh and I were new to all this stuff and neither of us thought we would ever get to Japan. I very much doubt I will but I might just get this book as a substitute for going.
Hi all...
The book looks fantastic. I am currently on holidays in Europe but am coming home via Tokyo in December. I am planning on buyıng up big on toys..
I was wonderıng if you guys could help me find out where to get the book in Englısh whilst I am away...will ıt be available in Englısh in Kinokuniya when I am in Japan?
Thanks for your help.
looks fine!
After years coming to this site, this finally made me create an account. Where was this book 8 months ago, while I cluelessly wondered the streets of Tokyo? Thanks for making this, you just solved a lot of Christmas shopping for me.
Finaly, I had the motivation to create an account here! ^_^
Actually, I visit your site in a daily basis, but this book is to yummy to pass on. And, if I won't win it, I will probably still get it, because my greatest dream to travel to Tokyo, and shop in only the most finest toyshops there available!
Looks good if I do not win I will buy!
Commenting... hopefully I can get a free signed copy, that would be neat.
Looks very useful especially for those that are traveling in Japan looking for great new stuff to add to their collection.
Great job, JoshB. Keep it up.
...Is there even any reason anyone would NOT want to pick this up?
The obvious answer is:
- NO -
:-P
I will be in Tokyo and Kyoto next month (as well as Hong Kong, Phuket & Bangkok)
I am a longtime dice collecter who is hoping to find some things of interest during the trip.
Any recomendations as to stores the sell dice are greatly appreciated. The wider the variety sold the better.
Thanks in advance