Only in Tokyo, Part 1: Gadget Heaven in Tokyu Hands

Shibuya isn't the first area you'd think of to hunt down the latest high-tech gizmos in Tokyo, Japan. In fact, Akihabara is the district that's better-known for its endless streets (and floors) of electronics outlets. Shibuya is an area that's lively, buzzing and popular with young people.


Shibuya is also home to the famous Tokyu Hands department store, which is a must-see if you're in the neighbourhood. The building itself is crazy; it's spread over seven floors, which are in turn split into three levels each with staircases all over the place.


The store is packed with original and sometimes crazy products, including several marvels of technological craftsmanship that you'll almost certainly only find in Tokyo. One of my favourites is these in-ear earphones, which I'm sure Tristan François (our audio guy) would just love!


Here you can see them being modelled by William Audureau of French technology magazine, SVM. What's more, these fantastic earphones are available in several different designs, so you can have everything from bananas to bolts sticking out of your ears.


Plus, these little beauties will set you back a mere 2,000 yen, that's £14, or even less if you take them to the duty free counter.
Next stop the peripherals department.


Here, you'll find loads of totally useless peripherals which do very little else other than raise a smile. There are loads of characters to choose from, and once hooked up to a USB port they'll make all kinds of different movements, like do sit ups, for example. They'll run down your computer's battery, make you laugh (or at least smile) and they're wonderfully tacky. Typically Tokyo!


Here's another must-have. Ultraman (right) and his chum can be placed in front of your computer or clipped to your laptop. They react to sound, turning their head to face the source, and, well, that's it ... no wait, their eyes light up too!


Stay tuned for more news from Tokyo soon.

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