As AKB48 gets bigger and more popular, they face the challenge of providing for all of their fans. Where once a fan can win an average of 1 ticket per fortnight for AKB48 Theater performances, now it is down to as much as 1 per 6 months, or even longer! Even with applying for all available shows in the theater, Kenkyuusei and SDN48, chances are still very slim.
So in a bid to return more to their concept of "Idols you can meet", AKB48 is now opening the AKB48 CAFE & SHOP AKIHABARA. And today is the grand opening of the shop. Members attending the Grand Opening was the Janken Tournament winner Shinoda Mariko, as well as Miyazawa Sae, Itano Tomomi, Takahashi Minami, Watanabe Mayu and Yokoyama Yui.
Official Website: http://akb48cafeshops.com/wp/akihabara/
Official Blog: http://ameblo.jp/akb48cafe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/akb48cafe
Now that AKB48 has this much money the build an AKB48 Cafe & Shop, I hope they do build a new theater too. Currently, the chance to win a ticket to AKB48 Stage shows in the AKB48 Theater are almost next to impossible. With the Super Enpou for foreigner fans visiting Japan, your chances are higher but I've heard plenty of stories of foreigners applying for Super Enpou but still not getting a winning ticket
The newest AKB48 expansion after the AKB48 OFFICIAL SHOP HARAJUKU will be divided into 4 parts. The Cafe and Shop just like the name suggests, as well as a mini-theater and a private area. Here is the entire floor plan of the AKB48 CAFE & SHOP AKIHABARA.
Well on to each of the 4 areas of AKB48's newest Wota Trap.
CAFE AREA（カフェエリア）
The CAFE AREA is similar to the many maid cafes that populate Akihabara, although you have to book a timeslot since the cafe will have an incredibly long queue if entrance is not regulated. The booking fee cost 2,000yen and includes the price of the meal, a free flow of drinks, a side dish and finally a commemorative photo. Customers aged above 3 years of age will need a ticket.
The menu includes dishes like Omelet Curry, Penne Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti with Double Tomato Sauce, Spaghetti Peperoncino with Bacon and Vegetables, Tako Rice with cheese, and probably the most delicious, the Hamburg Steak Loco Moco. Drinks include Banana Gold and Citrus Cranberry, and deserts include Cream puffs and Roll cakes.
The booking timeslots are 14:00 (14:00 - 15:30), and 18:30 (18:30 to 20:00).
SHOP（ショップ）
Next up is the SHOP. With this, there are now 3 official AKB48 shops in Japan. The one on the 5th floor of the Akihabara Don Quixote, The AKB48 OFFICIAL SHOP HARAJUKU (which I realized I haven't blogged about) and now the AKB48 OFFICIAL SHOP AKIHABARA. It is currently not known if the shop in the Don Quixote will close down and transfer to this one.
On sale at the SHOP are the usual souvenir-ish stuff. Keychains, fans, flags, notebooks, files, shirts, posters, more stuff with your oshimen's face printed on it, among others all priced much more than usual just because there is a pink logo printed on the item.
The SHOP is open from 11:00 to 22:30, with the last entrance at 22:00. You need to book in advance a timeslot that you
THEATER AREA（シアターエリア）
3rd in the list is the THEATER AREA. Featuring a 136 inch flatscreen, you can watch the latest LODs from the theater.
Whats more, a buffet meal is also included! On the menu are hamburgers, potato salads, takoyaki, a variety of fried food and sweets, just to name a few. Drink bar included. So now you can satisfy your stomach as well while watching the girls sing and dance.
All for the price of 2,700yen. And of course you have to make a reservation in advance
PRIVATE ROOM（プライベートルーム）
The last on the list is the PRIVATE ROOM. The official site uses the word "secret base" on their page. At just 10,000yen for 2 hours, you get to do whatever you want in here without other people disturbing you. View AKB LODs and DVDs, hold your birthday celebration, and more! Up to 16 people allowed per booking. Includes 1 drink per person.
And just like all the other areas of the AKB48 Official Cafe & Shop Akihabara, you will need to make a reservation for this.
An additional note, the signatures of all the members of AKB48 dot the CAFE & SHOP. If you do go there in the future, see if you can find your oshimen's signature!
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