Survival – Left to Die Another Day!
Military service is difficult, demanding and dangerous. But since returning to civilian life I have missed some of the military atmosphere and I know that there are ‘Mil-Sim’ (military simulation) communities around. Basically these are survival games with a strict military unit theme and ‘opfor’ (opposing forces).
What is a ‘survival’ game? Back home in the western side of the world, it’s commonly known as ‘airsoft,’ a type of game where everyone dresses up in some sort of mix-matched military gear and run around shooting each other with toy BB guns.
This has been my relief and a way for me to let off some steam and get some exercise as well. I tend to have a slight edge over most players since I have a tactical military background and understand the techniques needed to maneuver and evade contact.
If you like survival games or airsoft, then Asobiba is just the place for you! Come, test your skill!
In Akihabara you can play “survival games” at a shop right there in the city?
Survival games (サバゲー) are games of Japanese origin, where 2 sides wage war in team campaigns against each other using airsoft guns. Since the 80s and 90s, survival game culture grew gradually in Asia and throughout the world, and nowadays has enthusiasts all over the world.
Matches are normally held at fields which are located in the suburbs far from the city center, but recently the number of fields within the city have been increasing.
We went to check out the development of the city center indoor field “ASOBIBA” in Akihabara. It’s time to share with you what we found!
A Survival Game Field near Akihabara Station
ASOBIBA Akihabara Field (ASOBIBA 秋葉原フィールド) is a four minute walk from Akihabara Station. It doesn’t have a big billboard so it’s a little hard to find, but there is a sign put up in a back alley like the one in the above photo.
Let’s climb the stairs of the white building to the second floor.
A Vast Indoor Space for Survival Games
This area is called the “safety area” As you enter ASOBIBA, what will immediately catch your attention is the numerous long tables and chairs lined up. This space is called the “safety area”, and is used during rest time and by players who were struck out during the game and are now on standby.
The “shooting range” where you can practice shooting
Next to that is the “shooting range”. Here, you can check the strength of the airsoft guns and get some practice in.
Next, let’s take a look at the field where real matches are held!
Forest Zone
Abandoned Building Zone
Urban Zone
Akihabara Field, the appearance and attributes of the “Forest Zone”, “Abandoned Building Zone” and “Urban Zone” are different. The zones are connected to each other, and it’s a large indoor field.
No Experience in Survival Games? No Problem!
If you look at this kind of full blown survival game field, you might think “can I participate even without experience…?” But even if you are a survival game beginner you have nothing to worry about. It seems that in fact there are plenty of people who come to ASOBIBA with no experience at all. On top of that, there is also a regulation sheet prepared with the rules written in English, so even if you don’t know the rules or can’t speak Japanese there is no need to worry. You don’t need to bring items for the match either. You can borrow equipment for a fee, so you can participate even if you’ve arrived empty-handed.
So let’s change into our rental gear!
Suit up in Camouflage and Take Victory!
Are you prepared for battle?! When you put your camouflage battle uniform and mask on and grab your gun, you can look like this even if you’re a beginner. You truly look the part. Be careful of a surprise attack! Let’s snipe the enemies and expand our encampment!
Go for victory! There are several rules for survival games, but they’re very simple: one is Capture the Flag (フラッグ戦) wherein you split into 2 teams and try to steal the other’s flag, while another game is Team Death Match (殲滅戦), where you win by taking down all of the enemy team’s members. In the case of “Capture The Flag” and “Team Death Match”, if you are hit you move to the “safety area” and watch your teammates’ actions on the surveillance camera. In any case, as survival games are a team play game, you need at least 6 people to play. If you play with your friends your friendship will surely strengthen in battle! The cost is very simple: on weekdays it costs 4000 yen for five hours, or 3500 yen for four hours. On weekends and holidays it costs 4500 yen for five hours. If you split the cost between participants it’s quite reasonable. As for rental equipment, the “full rental” set (including air gun, mask, gloves and camouflage battle uniform) costs 2500 yen on a weekday and 3500 yen on a weekend. In the case of renting individual items, an air gun is 2000 yen, camouflage is 1000 yen, the mask is 500 yen, and a set of a hat, a scarf and gloves is 500 yen. If you’re visiting Japan with your friends, please check out the Japanese survival game at ASOBIBA!
Photos： Kazuyuki Sato Model：Tristan Junker
Information
ASOBIBA Akihabara Field
Address: 101-0021, Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Sotokanda, 3-1-16, Daidoh Limited Building 2F
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (24 hours use is possible if a reservation is made)
Phone: 03-3527-1743
Credit Card: Available
Average Cost: 4000-5000 yen per person (if you come without equipment)
Nearest Station: Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅) JR & Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Suehirochō Station (末広町駅) Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Access: 4 minute walk from JR Akihabara Station Electric Town Exit, 5 minute walk from Suehirochō Station, 6 minute walk from Akihabara Station
Website: ASOBIBA AKIHABARA
