I Rebuilt JAPAN'S TINIEST SHOP!!

[@TokyoLens]

ORIGINAL VIDEO HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHKUhoGAnteCiqs *What else do you think I should put in the shop? Join the discussion in the comments!!* - Taking messages for Shimayama san in the comments and sharing with him!! Thank you SO MUCH to the people who made this possible (you know exactly who you are) And for those who want to come and see the shop, or get to know more... You can join our team (in the description box)

[@operativethisistheway6384]

It’s already filled with so much love! ❤️

[@sarahramos2919]

I also bought a tin of candy when I heard that there would be no more. I love that they’re in the shop!

[@chirpaguy]

If you want a very cheap way to get some electronic parts for the shop, take apart some junk electronics you don’t need to get some interesting stuff to put in the trays

[@gethroenteralastname2210]

OMG you're such a dork, this video is amazing!

[@kisaragistation5220]

​@@sarahramos2919 I was just going to say I'm shocked to hear this. Since when have they stopped being made? I only have one can left in my pantry should I save it?

[@mountieman18]

That man didn't pass on just "a shop". That's his life's work. A memento of his life's work and who he was, is now preserved within Norm's studio. This is a beautiful thing.

[@hexagon7063]

It's an amazing thing to see. It's way more than just a memory. you're right

[@Ucceah]

IKR! this was really touching to watch

[@TokyoLens]

The level of gratitude that I have to him is staggering. And imagine just HOW MANY lives he touched with his kindness over the years~

[@honey3762]

It belongs in a museum one dat

[@raw8814]

@@Chaxlotlits not in his home, plus he said the space cost thousands so it woulda been cheaper to just preserve it and let it retire with its owner

[@nullfi7148]

This is, in my opinion, the greatest thing you've done so far. You preserved a cherished part of Akihabara history, now you're the custodian of something truly special.

[@malitze]

absolutely agree. I love everything about this.

[@PhilHowe01]

❤️

[@Sperbs_9]

As a history nerd, this kind of preservation is so important. It not only shows the history and cultural changes of Akihabara, it keeps a piece of Shimayama-san’s history alive. I love this so much ❤

[@TokyoLens]

awww thanks eh!!

[@s70driver2005]

It's so cool!!! I didn't get to visit his shop while he was there but I did find the exact spot that it used to be in.

[@Gamer_Reviewz]

I won’t get to visit until next year but just seeing something like this makes my heart smile. I love this so much.

[@lorddouchbag3494]

Didn't know ppl were had access to history of properties in districts tho it sounds interesting

[@ChristopherCricketWallace]

It's a shame that you have to preserve that place. Tokyo city should care enough to do it. That shop represents a prosperous but bygone era of Japan's economic history. It's the Akihabara of old. The city should canonize that place in its permanent memory in a museum or something---somehow.

[@m3simpyl]

日本人としてとても嬉しいです。 今の秋葉原はこの様なお店がどんどん無くなっているのでこの様な形で残して頂きありがとうございます。

[@samuelweir5985]

The look of that tiny shop is so nostalgic. I'm a 60 year old retiree now, but when I was a young teen to my 20's I remember visiting the dark warren of narrow passageways lined with tiny electronics shops underneath the train tracks in Akihabara. I loved the atmosphere. But in a recent visit to Akihabara I sadly found that the Akihabara that I remembered as a youth was virtually all gone. In fact, when I stepped out of the Akihabara station and looked around I was completely dumbfounded. I had visited Akihabara so many times that I knew it like the back of my hand, but when I looked all around me after exiting the station I asked myself "Did I get off at the wrong station?". Then I across the street I saw a store with a set of large plexiglas tubes on its exterior which enclosed a set of escalators, which was a unique feature that I remembered one of the Akihabara stores had. So then I knew I was indeed in Akihabara. That was the only familiar sight that I saw in Akihabara that day.

[@spookyrobbie]

that's very interesting! can you tell us more about it?

[@samuelweir5985]

@@spookyrobbie I think that my first visit to Akihabara must have been as a teen Air Force brat in the late 70's. We lived at an AF housing annex called "Kanto Mura". Very few Americans in Japan in those days. Japanese would be fascinated by the sight of American kids when we went on field trips, and particularly by the sight of kids with blonde or red hair. Not so uncommon any more, at least in Tokyo. Heck, even many Japanese now have (dyed) blonde or red hair. Anyway, back then Akihabara was sort of a tech hobbyist playground back then, with lots of electronics shops, including the warren of electronics shops under the tracks. I remember looking through the bins of electronic items for sale and finding all sorts of interesting stuff like fluorescent digital display tubes and magnetic core memory computer cards. It was a fun place for young electronic hobbyists like myself. There was also a very nice transportation museum nearby with three floors dedicated to trains, ships, and aircraft, respectively. The model railroad track on the 1st floor of the museum was the best and largest of any model railroad track that I've ever seen. But that entire world is all gone now. The transportation museum is gone, old Akihabara is gone, the Kanto Mura housing annex is gone, and the old Japan is gone. Akihabara now seems to have transformed in character to a neighborhood filled with anime and manga and electronic gaming shops and J-Pop singing and dancing groups.

[@max_archer]

@@samuelweir5985 I've been shocked at how much it's changed even since my first visit in '08. Quite a bit of that old electronics hobbyist character was still there when I first visited, the main streets were somewhat slicked up and more devoted to anime/manga/gaming stuff but as soon as you got a block over it was all grungy little electronics and used PC parts shops, and stuff like that. When I last went there a few years ago I was stunned and hardly recognized the place, especially the area around the station, and everything feels so much more tourist-oriented than it used to.

[@Buggiy]

Thats the good and the bad. Many places and buildings in japan are for the moment. I visited a few times and Akihabara killed it for me. I even like manga and anime, and the "new" Akihabara has its charm too. But i found many places that i thought i knew, were totally different in the last years. Changing areas, renovated trainstations, small little places i loved became massive tourist attractions. Other places emerged which fascinate me. But it still makes me sad about the past "feeling" I will never get again on some places.

[@laylanahar]

I lived there from 87 - 89. Even just watching youtubes makes it clear to me that the place in my heart & memories is very different from what I would experience today.

[@Temereru]

It's always sad to see things like this being destroyed by time, so it's always great to see people like you who preserve it.

[@TokyoLens]

just fortunate that I had the help to be able to do it

[@Daphoid]

Agreed. Over time I think a lot of these small shops will erode into large online shops that bring things to your door (Amazon, walmart, best buy, etc). The challenge is, while going out and exploring these little shops is a fun activity - it's not as time convenient as online ordering. Plus finding deals and gems is harder as those shop owners have to pay increasing rents - so they raise their prices, or they research and try to sell something for more than would be worth the bargain. I think you've got to actively want to go out and explore shops like this on the regular; which in some larger cities may not be as safe (due to scammers / pick pockets / etc) or people just not liking crowds as much post covid. I know personally where I am there's a bunch of smaller shops; but they're selling either the same stuff I can find online, cheaply made nick nacks and things I don't really need - or have less selection than the general Internet. It's 100% a vibe, and 100% more genuine people interactions like Norm has wonderfully illustrated; I just worry that people who are just out to make money and not personal connections; and customers who just want to get the latest and greatest; will miss out on the good / history here.

[@IdentifiantE.S]

Its really sad 🥲

[@ossian108]

It's impermanence. Things come and go ;)

[@jacqueline4689]

There's something emotional about the organized chaos of small independent shops. It's like a snapshot of owners' minds and their years of dedication, and I love that you have preserved this piece of a man who is a friend to so many

[@VipersHeart]

Bassicly Studio Ghibli irl !

[@jacqueline4689]

@@VipersHeart yesss omg exactly!!

[@H8nji]

It’s refreshing to see something that’s not sterile, soul-crushingly plain, and littered with bureaucratic restrictions.

[@s70driver2005]

Wait till you see some of those little shops in real life. There is another shop that looks just like Shimayama sans shop in the same little area under the tracks.

[@jameswilliams3038]

Despite never meeting him, or going to the shop, seeing how much the shop meant to him and the people he served for 40+ years, it's so awesome to see the shop being "rebuilt" and "saved". You're a special kinda guy Norm, keep being you :)

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much for the kind words~ I only hope that this brought as much happiness to a few others as it did to me~

[@flekkzo]

I went to Akihabara in ‘99 and my friend walked me through those tiny shop spaces (or was it ever just one space?). It was absolutely crazy seeing it in person, I felt like it was in a different reality.

[@ShiSumisTube]

As a conservator and restorer of cultural heritage this video made me so incredibly happy. You put in so much effort and love for this project and the outcome is truly beautiful.

[@存在と時間と自由と秋の空]

宝物のような場所を残すための熱意に感動しました。 島山さんの優しさが日本を好きになってもらうきっかけになったのだと思うと見習わないといけないと思いました。 ありがとうございます。

[@jeremytome]

Norm, your storytelling skills and genuine enthusiasm for your subjects separate you from so many KZbinrs. Thanks for bringing us along and making our Sunday mornings entertaining. It’s great that you could preserve this piece of history as a thank you to the man who welcomed you into the country.

[@aMEWzed]

Perfectly stated!

[@confracto]

I told him something very similar in person in April. He knows. :D

[@IdentifiantE.S]

He’s the best ! 😮

[@Ozai75]

As a person who had to take care of his own mother through dementia, I really feel for Shimayama-san. It's very, VERY hard to do, and I can only hope that someone out there can help him. The stress and worry are the worst parts. Norm, thank you for being there for someone when they needed you. It's such a blessing for people that are struggling with things to have even someone to just talk, or listen to.

[@TokyoLens]

We talked at great length about that and just how much work was going into it. It broke my heart to hear how tough things were but my respect for him went up 100x Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and share your side~

[@flipflopsguy8868]

As much dedication I have in my soul and my duty to my late father I'm beginning to falter. I'm losing my ability to consider her inability to act reasonably. I might fail her.

[@maximilian3544]

You did a great service to Japan by preserving this shop. My first visit to Tokyo was in 2004 and in the years since I've seen many iconic showa and heisei relics just vanish and get replaced by faceless malls that could be everywhere on the planet. So every bit of preservation of what made Tokyo Tokyo over the 20th century counts. 👍

[@TheCyberMantis]

I agree!

[@TokyoLens]

It was the absolute least I could do for a man that has done so much for others~

[@yrobtsvt]

OMG I also first came to Japan in 2005 and you've said it perfectly. What a great video showing off the amount of thought that went into every little square of a tiny shop. I don't even go to Akihabara anymore but I'm so glad a little piece of it is being preserved

[@fatslimboy2903]

秋葉原のこういう個人商店が無くなってくのは本当に悲しい。（ラジ館は形を変えて残ってくれて良かった）今や大企業とコンカフェに完全に乗っ取られつつある。お台場にあった観覧車だけじゃなく、様々な施設もまるごと無くなってしまって辛かった。こんな風にまるごと保存するというのは予算やら場所の都合さえ許せば自分もやりたいなぁと憧れる。この動画は歴史へのリスペクトと希望、情熱に満ちていて非常に良かった。

[@maffil356]

I wish this man all the best, he grinded his heart out and has blessed his mother in her time of need. God bless him and you!

[@LaineeeTravels]

Shops like Shimayama san's are what I always pictured when anyone spoke about Akihabara - so amazing that you were given the privilege of keeping a little bit of history alive. And for telling the story so well :)

[@TokyoLens]

honestly thank you so much~

[@KirstenReusch]

The world's biggest jigsaw puzzle. And in perfect jigsaw fashion/kintsugi, some pieces are lost/broken, but remembered. I never visited it in Akihabara, but it's heartwarming seeing it put back together in the studio. All the love, time, excitement, and effort are obvious and appreciated. All the best to Shimayamasan and his mother and have an awesome birthday week, Norm 💜✌🐦

[@TokyoLens]

honestly thank you SO MUCH for making this possible~ Means the absolute world~

[@With_Me_JAPAN]

What I like the most about the rebuilding process is that Norm has not only put lots of efforts and time but also had so much love and respect toward Shimayama san and his tiniest shop that we can see from his excitements and conversation with Shimayama san. I hope the shop will be kept as long as possible and inspire many people😊✨

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much for the kind comment!! What's Yukas next video?

[@TheCyberMantis]

😇🙏🏼🐥

[@Blueeyedconcubine]

I can only imagine how honored he feels that his hard work meant something to you and other ppl. It's so sweet that you showed him that what he did mattered

[@Redbeard42069]

This video nearly made me cry. I spent 10 years working closely with Japanese tradesmen. They take their career much more seriously and personally than we do in the U.S., and seeing the friendship you've developed and now this preservation of his shop is truly wonderful because it's a way of him leaving a legacy. I hope you keep all that stuff forever, but I also really hope for the chance to own a piece from that shop one day! Great job!

[@jerkku1010]

I'm sure Shimayama-san is proud of you for taking care of his legacy! It is really cool that you decided to preserve this piece of history. Good work!

[@TokyoLens]

Im just lucky to have gotten to know him over the years~

[@FreelanceDev4life]

Thank you Norm for protecting a piece of Tokyo history. This sort of thing means more to me than anything. Knowing that such personal history won't die off with its people, who helped form the image of Japan I fell in love with, warms my heart.

[@TokyoLens]

so glad to have you along for the ride!! Thanks so mcueh eh~

[@waffles3782]

Love it. His shop was iconic.

[@TokyoLens]

a true legend~

[@prprblck_v2ab]

As a Japanese, I felt compelled to leave a comment on this project. I would like to express my greatest appreciation to you for recreating this scene. It must have been very hard work. These stores and specialty stores are closing year after year. Among them, there are fewer and fewer "old Japan" style stores like this one, mainly from the "Showa" era of the Japanese calendar. I remember these stores from 30 to 40 years ago, but there were many stores in this style in those days, and the store owner was often the selling point of the store rather than the products they sold. I would go to the store to talk with the owner rather than to shop. That is how I feel. So I feel the warmth of people. There is a connection between people. It stays strongly in my memory. It is very important. Thanks!

[@Shadowen925]

You can feel the sincerity of his conversation with Mr. Shimayama. The way he bows as he speaks even though he can't be seen over the phone. I love that this piece of history has been saved. I really wish I would have taken a chance to walk through the market when I was there in 2016.

[@PdZ2012]

Aw, man, I was there too in (September) 2016! I may have passed his shop. I second what you said about the phone conversation; I noticed that too. I actually brought happy tears to my eyes. 🥲

[@RunEscaqe3]

As someone that grew up knowing the shop and the area around the station, this really makes me happy and sad at the same time. It is so amazing that you are keeping the shop alive.

[@spazycat1790]

neat

[@everett-tnredsfan]

I honestly found this fascinating. I've watched a couple of your tiny apartment videos which I enjoyed but loved this. I am 48 and have always had a fondness for saving older places this idea was genius.

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much~ hope you enjoyed the whole vid

[@literallyalois2966]

It's so wholesome to think about just... HOW MUCH IMPACT CAN SOMEONE HAVE by being so kind and generous, by simply talking with a foreigner, aiding them and being welcoming to them, Shimayama-Sama is truly a legend and I'm sure he was the heart and soul of Akihabara! I wish him only the best! ❤❤❤

[@Vyselink]

As a historian this video makes me so happy! Even if it can't last forever, the fact that you preserved this amazing slice of history for even a few more months is truly awesome. Thanks for this! Made my day.

[@pauladavitt7554]

Norm you have done such a wonderful thing for not only history but for a man who spent his life making that wee shop a wonderful place. He must be so happy knowing that you have recreated his pride and joy. Mind and watch your head when you crawl in and out x

[@TokyoLens]

(^-^)

[@demijour1234]

Prayers, Love, and Hugs to Shimayama San while taking care of your mother. 🫂❤❤❤ Not easy to see a loved one dealing with Dementia, thinking of you.💗💗💗 Norm, your heart is Pure Gold. Rebuilding this tiny shop has put a smile on his face. You really know how to make someone feel Special and Happy. You can tell when you were talking to him how happy he was hearing what you did. 👍👍👍💕💕💕♥♥♥

[@JackieBright]

This is beautiful, not just the obvious life and work that went into the shop, but your care and efforts to keep it around when it was otherwise destined for the landfill. This definitely belongs in a Ghibli movie

[@vintageswiss9096]

I've thought about this shop quite a few times since your episode featuring it. Soooooo glad after all that happened, that it lives on with someone that truly loves it.

[@ericng7015]

This man just preserved an Akihabara heritage place, for people who considered Akihabara as a special place in Tokyo, this is a remarkable effort 👍

[@Theorof]

Wow, the shop looks great despite only being a portion of the original stock. I think a big part of it is just the visual density and overwhelming detail when you look at the whole of it. Great job, Norm. 👏👏👏

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you!

[@kevinholt2648]

Norm, this was probably one of my favorite videos that you have made. I felt the love he had for his shop. So glad you were able to keep it alive in some way. He seems like a great man with a kind heart. Thank you for sharing Mr. Shimayama's story and legacy.

[@etherdemon]

Norm, you're now a museum curator! It's awesome that you've been able to preserve the shop.

[@themexicanwolverine]

Idk how to say this....but this is one of the coolest keepsakes someone can have. What others have said explain it perfectly..but I feel as much as the excitement that you have to own a piece of history...I'm just so happy for the man because his legacy meant something to all of us watching and to you.

[@RealWeAreSatoshi]

It’s really a great way to honour this man that you have restored and preserved his life’s work.

[@eliadfop1]

While watching this my eyes filled with tears. I travelled Japan in 2019 and I met him, although I doubt he remembers me it was quite the sight in Tokyo, let alone Akihabara Preserving his store and helping him retires after he helped so many people got me right in the feels. Thank you, This is truly beautiful.

[@Del-Lebo]

same!!!

[@raquelhoffmann4]

Norm, you are a very precious person. Really. Your acts of friendship, of gratefulness, of kindness, your heart. I admire you very very much. And, as a historian, I really appreciate your preservation effort of Shimayama-san's shop. Never change, Norm! A hug from a Brazilian friend! ❤ 🇧🇷

[@TokyoLens]

That means so much coming from someone who has been with the channel as long as you have Honestly thank you so much!

[@raquelhoffmann4]

@@TokyoLens Awww! ❤ Thank you! Here's to many more years to come! 🥂

[@Rygoat]

This is touching in a way I dont know how to express, it's like you've managed to save a piece of time. There's something deeply sad about watching small businesses that you've formed a relationship with close down. It's nice you managed to preserve his booth

[@aisyann]

秋葉原を残してくれてありがとう。本当に嬉しく思います。

[@rookstah5544]

The shot of you talking in the shop right next to a photo of your friend with a great big smile in the same spot is such a heart warming image, you're the man.

[@FoNgThOnG]

That's not just a Shop. That's a piece of Japanese History! Thank you for keeping it alive.

[@JaytheP]

This is beautiful Norm, you've become a true documentarian and historian preserving an iconic part of 80s and 90s Akihabara

[@Shmooexe3440]

As some one who has always wanted to visit Japan, and see these iconic and amazing pieces of history. ts sad to see these slowly go one by one, I feel like time is running out. But, never the less. Its a great feeling to know that some of them, Like Koichi's little shop, are being saved. Thank you for an incredible heartfelt video.

[@rogertune6884]

I am particularly touched by your gesture to a friend that befriended you when you need it the most, I applaud you, my friend, and hope you do well in the future🎉

[@MECHADOTECHIN]

たまたまこの動画を見つけて拝見して物凄く感動しました。　僕は今、沖縄県に移住しましたが、以前は東京の築地で生まれ秋葉原にはよく行き、秋葉原の秋葉館と言うお店で働いていました。 貴方のような海外の方が、秋葉原の一番美しい部分を保存してくれている事に感謝します。　いつかスタジオに伺わせていただき、実物を拝見したいです。　　素敵な動画をありがとうございました！

[@leopholdoishibashi5690]

This was one of most heartwarming video that I've ever seen. Congrats, Norm. You have a massive kind heart.

[@levlion1412]

Thank you so much for this. My family ran a music shop in the UK for 50 years which I had to close just before COVID. On top of this a close friend who worked in electronics for 60 years and whose workshop looked very similar passed away. When I saw your original videos I was so happy to see similar things all the way across the world. But now seeing how much care and love you have for both him and the store has really moved me. Looking back on the videos I see things I grew up with and later worked in and to know people value that around the world makes me smile.

[@bb_lou]

it's such a niche and unique piece of history that I'm glad was able to be preserved in some way after Shimayama san's retirement, it would have truly been a shame if all that work were to just be scrapped. He is so clearly passionate about his work too, it's very touching to see it live on.

[@minniemingo2350]

Seeing the marks on the empty walls fill me with melancholy and nostalgia for something I have not experienced directly, but definitely can relate to. Kudos to you for preserving a part of history.

[@SmilingQuokka]

Wow! That was like putting together a life-sized jigsaw puzzle. It looks amazing and I bet Shimayama-san must be so happy to see his shop preserved for a while longer. Hopefully he gets to come see it someday. Thank you for sharing his and the shops story, Norm. We can really hear the love and respect you have for this lovely man. He sounds like a beautiful soul, and we wish he and his family all the best. ❤

[@DividedZone]

Seeing Shimayama san's rebuilt shop and hearing his excitement to see pictures of it was so heartwarming. Especially after hearing about why you went on this journey to honor him and the shop that helped you so much when you first arrived in Japan. I can't wait for him to be able to see it in person when he can make it to Tokyo ❤

[@shoitu1350]

It's crazy how much of an impact Shimayama has done to a number of people In half a decade. It's amazing knowing that he impacted a foreigner who had no money and sub-par Japanese from 15+ years ago and that very same person managed to preserve Shimayama's shop after he retired. I honestly love stories like these.

[@roruelas]

You my man, just earned my whole respect. Lots of love.

[@ADHDWOOHOO]

This is one of the most uplifting things I've ever seen. Shimayama-san must be so proud that you've preserved his legacy. What a beautiful way to thank him for his kindness and friendship! Glad to have seen a sequel to the initial shop episode - please keep us updated on what happens with the shop and with Shimayama-san himself!

[@bc_views]

Japan is literally changing before our eyes and its sad to see a place that one put so much love and dedication to have to shut down. I'll say a prayer for Shimayama-san and his situation. Its crazy to know you (Norm) literally have a piece of Japanese history in your space, but if anyone deserves it, then its you, Norm. You are literally the blueprint to how people should come to Japan and how to make it your home. Thanks for sharing and saving this awesome piece of Japanese history.

[@NakaTheSpoopy]

Super hard not to sob violently watching this 😭😭 One thing I love about this channel is how you preserve all these little things that might be lost to time but you never do it from a disconnected place. Hearing how you still talk to Shimayama and the significance he had on your life in japan is so touching. I think it's really powerful how you put these feelings to words. It inspires me to cherish the connections in my own life too so thank you for everything you do 💙

[@michaelwoods7770]

You preserving history like this is incredible. The world needs more people to do this.

[@TokyoLens]

I was just fortunate enough to be backed by an amazing team of people who helped me make this happen~

[@siderealrose]

That shop is honestly priceless and the respect you show that man is as well. Thinking back to everything that shop has seen and done for people is incredible thank you for preserving it.

[@E-N-A-R-D-L-A-V]

Back in the late 90's I was stationed in Okinawa. A few times I was able to get up to the Mainland. One of those times, the group of Marines I was with decided to head to that shopping area just to get a look at it, it's pretty infamous. We did stop at this shop, and we got to meet him during his hayday.. One of us was Japanese fluent, and I wasn't too shabby at the language back then either, so we all had a decent conversation. Consider yourself lucky that you get to carry on this man's legacy.

[@molamolalaaa2968]

I have tears in my eyes watching this. I’m so glad you decided to preserve his shop.

[@skibunny402]

I watched your first video about Mr. Shimayama's shop and was saddened at the end to learn it was disappearing. Imagine my surprise months later when I learned you were attempting a rebuild. And the amount of surprise seeing this finished! Tears were definitely falling as your storytelling is beautiful and I'm so happy you were able to preserve a part of history and repay the kindness of such a lovely man.

[@ChadLuciano]

These are the kind of people that make our world a better place to live...love, honor, respect...great things to surround yourself and a great way to live and share life.

[@TheHonest50s]

This is so lovely. Thank you for doing this for him, for making this video and preserving this iconic and amazing shop. Am I the only one crying? You are too sweet, we need more humans like you both ❤❤❤❤❤

[@K268H]

Back when i lived abroad for a few years, the kindness of the locals really did make a difference for me and made me appreciate and thankful for being accepted into the community. Hearing you and Shimayama-san still staying in touch and nurturing that bond made me wish i had been able to stay in better touch with some of the great people I've befriended during my time in Taipei.

[@becks5867]

Congratulations on preserving a part of Tokyo’s history and culture. It’s been a please to watch this journey, and heartwarming to hear from the owner 💜

[@valerieclark7441]

What an endearing and heartwarming project. 43 years of his life went into running that shop, and you’ve managed to honor his work and it’s a tangible piece of history, frozen in time❤️

[@Hiltomatt]

A historical snapshot of a tiny shop with a man who dwarfed the shop with his compassion and time, for yourself at the time a broke young man with poor Japanese his store created a new home in a country that felt homeless. The joy you share when talking about this is a very honourable way to thank him and show the strength of friendship that has formed.

[@TastesGoodYo]

Norm, this is amazing. I really appreciate you doing this as Im sure many in your community or otherwise do. This is museum work, archival, you're allowing something that is near and dear to many people (whether that be the shop itself or just the soul of older interesting japanese stores/sights) live on and be cared for. This tugged on the heart strings a lot and I'm so glad this is how it all turned out. Keep making fantastic videos man.

[@Kortexual]

Shimayama-san's story is truly something special. It's a shame that I'll never get the chance to visit the legendary location in person, but knowing that you've preserved it is just amazing. Thanks for sharing everything with us and preserving that unique bit of history Norm.

[@ScoutsIX3]

This is INCREDIBLE! Please tell him the story of your first year(s) in Japan! Let him know exactly how much it meant to you!

[@TokyoLens]

100% some day I will!! When his life calms a bit Him and I will someday sit down for coffee and toast and I'll share it all!

[@ValenteEspinosa]

Oh my, I purchased some switches there years ago, now all is at your studio, I almost cry of sad and happines! Thank you

[@天城戒]

長く通ったお店が生き続けているのが見れて本当に嬉しく思います。

[@darthalpaca]

Looks amazing Norm! Thanks for preserving a part of Tokyo’s history. The passion and dedication that went into meticulously documenting each part to rebuild it as close to the same as possible shows the amount of love and respect you had for the man behind the shop. Always look forward to your content and hope to see how you fill out the space more over time. Thanks!

[@Thehonestruth]

What an absolutely heartfelt gesture. How lovely, so moving. I bet you have made his day knowing you’ve kept his shop alive. It’s so wonderful you keep in touch. I bet that’s a real life line for him. Enjoy ❤

[@KatherineDon]

I love this so much. I get that you don’t want to sell Shimayama’s original stuff, but maybe you could ask him who some of his parts suppliers were, order some parts, and put those in your gacha.❤

[@EyeCanShootFL]

This is one of the best if not the best tributes to someone I’ve seen. I’m half Japanese and never been to Japan and want to go so bad. Before all of the genuine older folks are gone. Hearing the story( hearing him talk, just gave me smiles and also a tear or two. I hate to see someone have to end something, especially their lives work. What you did was / is amazing. I hope if I get the funds to come to Japan I can look you up to see this in person. Thanks for sharing this and the conversation.again, such a lovely man.

[@Boozybean]

Your first video of this tiny shop was actually how I found your channel and is still one of my favorites. I'm not embarrassed to admit I got a little emotional watching this video and seeing the empty spot where the shop once was.

[@theartofdankelly]

This is so awesome and humbling, Norm. Great to see you preserving the legacy of Shimayama-san. He seems like such a happy-go-lucky guy who loved the job that he done. Great work dude!

[@lindsaycordova91]

I really love that you did this. I imagine it means a lot to him as well. It’s really cool that you wanted to persevere his shop as much as possible. You’re awesome Norm!!

[@karremania]

It is kinda hard to comprehend how unique this moment became, a 40 years journey of life in this tiny shop, found by a another man start his new life, only to become the most unique thing i've seen in quite a while. Imaging that very shop in the center of a videoclip fastforwarding through 40 years, buildings built, shops dissapearing, yet this tiny shop remained. The ammount of people Shimayama san has spoken to that now maybe span even 3 generations wide, inspired, helped out, or just a social talk, i wonder if there maybe old pictures or video's out there from say the 80s or 90s where his shop already visible. You not only preserved a shop, a legacy or even your own 'stepping stones', but also share it with the world. Absolute amazing to watch.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much for this kindness!

[@FeiYenKnDna]

Hi Norm. Long time viewer but first time poster. I just wanted to say that what you've done for Shimayama-san's shop is amazing. You've preserved a little bit of history there. A lovely little, but very personal museum. I would love to see it in person one day.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you very much!

[@solidkingcobra]

You are the absolutely the right person to preserve this tiny shop. keep it preserved.

[@griffrafff]

One of my hopes when I finally made it to Japan was to see his shop and I was pretty bummed when I heard he closed it down. But then being able to come see it rebuilt in the studio was awesome. Such a cool story, such a great video! Thanks Norm

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much~

[@John_Manning]

Things like this are important pieces of history. It sure is a museum worthy piece that I feel privileged to have seen in person. There's no doubt I will have stopped by the original in my many visits to Akiba over the years. Good on you Norm for doing this.

[@pingandkvam]

*As someone who is extremely interested in preservation of all historical things, and I have been watching your program Tokyo Lens now for quite a few years now, this has got to be your best video ever. I was blown away by your idea. The time, the energy, and the thinking put into the project is mind-bending. To want to hold on to something like that, and to move it into your studio space, there are just absolutely no words to describe what I'm feeling right now. I feel so warm inside that you that even had the idea to do save the shop. The idea was absolutely off the wall, and what you had done is applaudable, honorable, and totally amazing. If I had a wish to fly to Japan because I live here in Korea (for the last 21 years) and I'm just across the pond, I would LOVE to see that tiny shop in your studio. Again, I just want to praise you for what you have done, and on top of that, give thanks to all the people on Patreons who gave funding to save this iconic piece of Japanese history. I am quite sure you probably meant the world to him as a foreigner and outsider, your interest in his life, and who he was, also being an iconography figure to the Tokyo landscape, not just welcoming you to Japan many years ago, but how your relationship with Mr Shimayama was so important. To his life and yours. I am still utterly amazed at what you preserved and put back together exactly as it was, now own in your studio. Sincerely, Christopher in Korea.*

[@Shizuka965]

Thank you for keeping his shop in the studio, so it can be preserved and never get lost in time. Koichi Shimayama is really a nice person, to give all he had to you and then go to his mother in the mountains to take care of her, He is definitly the type of man that wanted to help everyone around him as much as he could, and he did it his own way. Respect Mr Shimayama, many respects to you. May you have many great years still after all that work

[@OtakuAnime01]

Norm, your dedication to preserving Shimayama's san store is truly admirable. I'm going to visit Japan for the first time in September. I would love to visit those shops in Akihabara, see Shimayama's old shop location, and also visit your set if possible. You are a great content creator. Thanks for posting this video updating your viewers about Shimaya san and his store.

[@AAAADRIAAAAAN]

I spent all of July in Japan, First thing I did was visit this set of shops knowing Shimayama's shop was no longer there, but it still made me sad seeing the space where it once was, Shimayama was a HUGE part of Aki's soul, I'm so happy the shop has been preserved :D

[@apaleguy]

I was really sad when I heard about the news of his store closing it was on my bucket list to go visit it one day. His story was really touching, heck, whenever your video comes up with his smiling face I can't help but click and watch it. You really did a service to him and showed the appreciation of keeping his store alive albeit in a studio but maybe one day Japan will want to preserve it and possibly put it in a museum.

[@sachsach9305]

Your explanation and his kindness to you made me emotional and touched my heart

[@B3ASTM0D3.]

Wow. I have to give you props for returning the kindness he showed you way back when. Starting fresh in a new country is no easy feat. Thank you for being you. Also subbed.

[@Ravenna_Black]

This is such an amazing thing. You are so lucky to have made such a kind friend. I hope he and his mother are doing well. And I hope that the shop can be preserved in some fashion. Perhaps it can be 3d scanned and uploaded into a VR experience for others who cannot get out to Japan to see and experience or perhaps a museum might see fit to take it in. It's really a beautiful space with such an interesting story behind it. The original video is actually what led me to your channel in the first place.

[@blue9678]

Thank you for preserving such a great part of Japanese history! This is amazing!

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you too!

[@sheilaellvira5198]

The shop looks great! I'm expecting it to be in the studio for quite a long time! Also, I wish Shimayama san and his mother all the best. I hope he gets to see the rebuilt shop in person one day. 😊

[@TokyoLens]

You and me both!

[@greggory5156]

I'm so glad the little shop has a bit more life left in it. I was thinking about it a few weeks ago and it made me sad how such long standing things can just go away but preserving this little store really makes me happy.