Customer Reviews

Tokyo Underground: Toy and Design Culture in Tokyo

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a MUST have if you are a toy nut and/or visiting Tokyo. I can not begin to relate how difficult this city is to navigate. T-Under cuts throught the language and concrete barriers. Bravo!

Ed

I was just on a two week trip to Japan, with my main focus on buying toys. I picked this book up on a different trip to Toronto in 2007, with the hopes that one day I'd get to use it. Luckily I was able to make great use of it this past May. It was always in my backpack and I referred to it constantly, helping me to navigate the tricky layouts of the Tokyo neighborhoods where some of the vintage shops are located. It's got great advice on stuff besides toys, helping you along your way on your stay in Japan...I was hoping the 2nd version of the book would have been out when I was on my trip (it's still not published) as some of the stores listed in version 1 no longer exist, or have moved (such as Mandarake in Akihabara). Still, this is a total must-have book for any serious toy collector planning a trip to Japan.

If you're a toy nut, you must buy this very handy & interesting little book.
Having this book in your backpack while in Japan is mandatory if you want to make the most of your trip.
Very handy size also: 22cm x 16cm x 1cm & 380grams approx. Great!

amazing book. as someone who lives in tokyo and guides dozens of visitors, both personally and professionally, through this city every year, i promise you that this is one of the best guides i've ever come across. for anyone interested in the design, toy and misc subcultures in and around tokyo, this is a must-have.

Very nicely designed book and ideal to bring on a trip to Tokyo (I would have preferred it in soft cover though, like a lonely planet pocket).

If you love Tokyo and love toy culture this is a great resource. Old favourites like Tokyu Hands, Parco and Kiddy Land are in here, along with a whole bunch of lesser known beauties. Nice pics of shoppers and merchandise, as well as additional info explaining some of the strange mascots you encounter. Upfront basic information and clean maps means I'll definately be taking this with me next time I go exploring in Tokyo.