Consider Nintendo spots to go to in Japan and a few of the following in all probability come to thoughts: Shibuya’s colourful Nintendo Retailer, Common Studios Japan’s joyful Tremendous Nintendo World, and even the unassuming firm headquarters in Kyoto (no excursions, sadly!).
However if you wish to go even deeper, the right expertise is ready for you in Shibuya. Titled 84tour, it’s going to convey you to 84 (pronounced ha-shi), a mysterious hideout – and cafe – run by former Nintendo worker Toru Hashimoto. Also called Chokan, Hashimoto has curated a long time price of Nintendo-related objects with the utmost love and respect.
You might ask, why the thriller? Effectively, the deal with has by no means been publicly revealed, and it solely opens its doorways to members (usually present or former Nintendo workers) and those that have booked the 84tour, which grants entry with a cute passport. Naturally, we couldn’t move up the chance to test it out.
First, we head to a set location in Shibuya, the place Chokan meets us. Subsequent cease, 84. Stepping inside, we hear one thing acquainted – a sound impact from The Legend of Zelda. It is clear that we’re in good firm. The subsequent factor that hits us is, effectively… Nintendo. In all places. There are the autographs held on the partitions, plushies chilling on the couch, and so forth. Then we understand there’s additionally a Famicom actually caught to the ceiling!
Not solely is that this place a heaven for players, nevertheless it’s additionally considered an unofficial museum by some, on account of how uncommon a variety of the objects and content material are. We received’t provide you with all the small print, however one instance is an advert that may’t be seen anyplace else, regardless of how scarily good Web historians may be at discovering obscure movies!
One other particular a part of the tour is getting the prospect to talk with the person himself, Chokan. As a former Nintendo worker, he labored on and have become significantly keen on video games like EarthBound, Yoshi’s Island, and Kirby’s Dream Course.
His friends included Mario and Zelda composer Koji Kondo, in addition to recreation designer Takashi Tezuka, who labored on numerous titles for a similar franchises.
Chokan additionally admits that growing video games for abroad gamers meant that they needed to increase the problem degree by a big diploma – even when it meant that he might not beat the extent himself…!
The cafe could also be bursting with Nintendo memorabilia, however to Chokan, it’s a spot for anybody (so long as you don’t actively detest video games!). Even followers of different corporations are positive to understand his best treasures: the autographs and drawings left by Nintendo’s nice creators, only for 84.
If you happen to’re in Japan or planning a visit, be sure you make a reservation for the 84tour. Particulars may be present in English on the official website.
If you happen to’re unsure when you can also make it over right here otherwise you simply wish to see extra, try our full photograph gallery beneath!
It is a Tokyo Otaku Mode authentic article with reporting by Y. Shibazuka, images by T. Hara, and writing by S. Lin.
