Across town in Akihabara-Tokyo's largest electronics and gaming district-the scene wasn't quite so pretty. Several stores opened up early with promotional events planned, but the initial turnout was grim. Only 21 people were lined up outside the enormous Yodobashi Akiba superstore before the doors opened at 7:00AM, while Asobit City, up the street, played host to an astoundingly small group of five. The press and event staff on the scene at Yodobashi well outnumbered the waiting customers. Still, the crew watched over playable kiosks, handed out warm canned coffee to those waiting, and set off party favors at 7:00AM. Fortunately, by the time we headed out 20 minutes later, the scene was beginning to pick up a bit, but it was still a bit unsettling to see such a lethargic kickoff in one of Tokyo's most symbolic gaming hotspots.
