First new Japanese Apple Store opened in eight years, Apple fans celebrate best way they know how
Master Blaster
Jun 17, 2014
On 13 June, the Omotesando Apple Store opened in Tokyo. It was a rare occasion, being the first of its kind to open in Japan since the Sapporo Apple store in 2006. Although no new product was released, an estimated 1,000 Apple fans came out to show their support in true Apple fashion by making a huge line.
We sent our local Apple line-up correspondent Mr. Sato to report from the frontline.
Mr. Sato, thank you for joining us tonight. Can you please describe the scene at the Omotesando Apple Store?
The feeling here is electric, Peter…
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My name’s not Peter.
Whatever, I’m too excited to care. It’s nearly time for the Omotesando store to open and I estimate about 1,000 people are lined up for this once in an eighth of a decade event. The line up from the front door stretches back to highway 246. From the it breaks left and continues for a total length of between 400 and 500 meters.
That’s quite a line. How long have the front-runners been waiting?
Actually, last night there were very few people standing around. This continued until around five or six AM when the first trains started running. From then the numbers in line swelled rapidly, Peter.
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I… Um, how is the mood inside the store?
It’s equally intense. Through the glass walls we can see a huge team getting geared up to open for the first time. It’s an amazing sight. From time to time the staff are let out to greet those waiting in line and disperse high-fives. You’d think that only those lucky enough to be at the front would get a high-five from an Apple Store employee, but they actually took the time to cheer on even those who were at the end of the line.
Wow that’s great.
Yes it is, Peter. From inside we can see the Apple Store staff cheering us on. The enthusiasm is almost enough to make this battle-hardened reporter blush. Oh, wait… Yes… it appears that they’re now handing out T-shirts to those in line!
That’s great, Mr. Sato. By the way, I notice that those in line are already holding iPhones and other Apple products. Could you tell us what exactly these people are lining up to buy?
Of course, Peter…
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Pfft, ksss…
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The peop…
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Here… Age…
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And then…
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That’s why…
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Kkkkksssskksss…
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Well, it looks like our feed has dropped, but it appears this was a truly monumental chapter in the history of Apple in Japan. May we look forward to waiting in front of this majestic building for new products for many years to come.
