Samurai Theologian in Tokyo - Blue Parrot
Sunday, February 4th, 2007
Daniel here. Reporting for JapanesePod101.com.
In the Samurai Theologian in Tokyo series, I plan to give a behind-the-scenes look at JapanesePod101.com and to provide reviews of places and events in and around Tokyo. Some reviews, like the previous one on anpan, will look at more traditional Japanese topics. However, I also plan to review spots where foreigners can get a taste of home.
In this entry, I review the Blue Parrot, a used book store in Tokyo that caters to the needs of English-speakers. The Blue Parrot is located in Takadanobaba near the station. The station is on the Yamanote Line, the line that circles Tokyo. It is also served by the Seibu-Shinjuku Line as well as the Tozai Subway Line. From the train station, take the Waseda-dori exit and turn right as you leave the station. Cross the street and walk up the left side of Waseda-dori approximately 200 meters. From the subway line, take the #6 exit, turn right and walk about 100 meters. For a map, visit their website.
The Blue Parrot has a large selection of English books from a plethora of categories. There are also DVDs, CDs, video tapes, and more. Books are priced at a fraction of the list price, and single DVDs sell for 980 yen, while CDs sell for 2 for 500 yen.
You can sell you books for cash or store credit. If you opt for cash, the amount is fairly low, so most people go with the credit option. So as you clean out your apartment and bring in your old books, you can use your credit to obtain new books and DVDs. They also have a point card system where you receive a stamp for every 1000 yen spent, which you can save up for more store credit.
If you are also looking for a place to check your email or surf the internet, the Blue Parrot also has computers with internet access for 100 yen for 20 minutes. And now, they have an online bookstore. You can access the online store.
I have found the Blue Parrot to have a good selection at a fair price. In fact the DVDs may be underpriced, with the exception of some TV series on DVD. But, they are considering their policy on DVD sets, so this may change for the better as well.
For more information about the Blue Parrot, visit their main website at and their online store.
If you would like to download the enhanced version (podcast file with photos, urls and/or chapter marks) of this audio, visit my Samurai Theologian Podcast page. Consider subscribing to receive future enhanced podcasts. You can also the photos in an online slide show from my site. Look for the enhanced podcast and photo gallery in the next couple of days.
Posted by Daniel Beck in Samurai Theologian |
February 4th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
“ダニエルです！ Daniel here!
I hope you enjoyed this review of the Blue Parrot bookstore.
Please leave comments and suggestions for future reviews.
よろしくお願いします！
February 5th, 2007 at 9:05 am
If you are mentioning used English books stores in Tokyo, please don’t forget Good Day books, in Ebisu, literally just around the corner from the Ebisu JR station! One of the biggest selections I have seen, and very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Easily comparable to many used book stores I have known in the US (even superior in many ways).
http://www.gooddaybooks.com
Sean
February 5th, 2007 at 9:21 am
Daniel and Sean,
Thanks for the book shop hints. I used to work near Takadanobaba, and would occasionally go to a great, inexpensive Indian restaurant on the opposite side and a little futher down the street from the station. Now I know what I was missing. But not to worry. Good Day books is not far from the Subway sandwich shop I occasionally go to now. So there are two bookshops for me to visit.
February 5th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Daniel,
You’re making me all nostalgiac for Tokyo.
For English books, if there isn’t a particular book that you’re looking for, you can find better prices on Amazon.jp in their discount section. And, if you’re traveling in Japan, it’s best to make use of the book exchanges at hostels or to trade books with your friends.
Bob,
The Indian restaurant is Malabar and I love it there. I used to eat there 3 or 4 times a week when I was in Uni. And I go back every time I’m in Tokyo.
February 5th, 2007 at 11:30 am
Daniel-san, silly question…what’s SARABA(?) means the end??
February 5th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Seanさん、
Yes, I know Good Day Books. But, I can only review one place at a time.
Bob1さん、
It depends on when you worked in Takadanobaba. The Blue Parrot opened a year and a half ago.
annieさん、
I agree that amazon.co.jp often has better prices. But, there’s something about going into a book store. Plus, it’s nice to get store credit. I was able to buy Lost, season 1 on DVD without spending any cash!
And yes, Malabar rocks! That may be in a future review. Hmm…that or Moti. It depends on whether JP101 is willing to cover my costs!
Our Vickyちゃん,
It’s not a silly question. さらば means “farewell”. But, while Japanese get a kick out of hearing a foreigner say it, it’s not in common use. :wink:\™
さらば！
February 5th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Oh, I forgot to mention, the enhanced version of this audio is available on my Samurai Theologian podcast. Click on my name above to get to my blog. Also, you can see a photo page with more pics from the Blue Parrot.
And, check on my next blog post there and the next podcast for a special offer.
February 6th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Daniel-san,
The enhanced version on your blog is really awesome. I love the video that goes along with your review and I love the sound of the camera shutter!! Great job!
February 6th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Daniel-san,
I definitely agree that it’s enjoyable to browse through a bookstore. I really miss the comfy chairs and cafe that you find at most American bookstores.
One of the hardest things about being not-fluent in Japanese and living in Japan is the lack of things like bookstores, museums, libraries and theater. Sure, in Tokyo you have some access to those things, but it’s just not the same. I feel very culturally devoid.
When I was traveling in Indonesia I spent about a month in Ubud (on the island of Bali) just because they had an English library. I bought a membership to the library and spent every day browsing through the books and the going home to sit on the porch of my hut where I’d sit around and read all day. They had an awesome breakfast too…. green pancakes with coconut. I can’t remember what else was in the pancakes, but I remember the library.
February 7th, 2007 at 5:52 am
Lizさん、
I’m glad you enjoy the enhanced podcast.
I wouldn’t call it a video so much as a slideshow. 
I learned the camera shutter trick from another podcast: the Lost Podcast with Jay & Jack.
annieさん、
I agree with you about the comfy chairs. Unfortunately the Blue Parrot doesn’t have room for them. Maybe they should look for a larger place. The Bali library & breakfast sound great!
February 7th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Danielさん、
I can’t even imagine what they’re paying for rent in Tokyo.
I’d be happy enough if my local bookstore or library had comfy chairs. My library here does have about 20 English books… though, I’m not desperate enough to read them yet.
February 7th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
annieさん、
I don’t know how much they’re paying, but it can’t be cheap.
However, I’m sure it’s less than they have to pay at Good Day Books in Ebisu. And certainly no where near the price of places in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, or Aoyama.
BTW, where are you located now?
February 7th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Daniel-さん、
True, Takadanobaba does have some of the more reasonable rents in the city. Probably why it’s a lot more ethnically diverse too.
I’m about 20 minute bike ride, and then a 45 minute train ride away from Nagano City, at least until mid-March.
February 8th, 2007 at 4:26 am
Daniel-san, are you going to show me all of these when I go to Japan?
March 4th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Our Vickyちゃん！
I will try!
/;)™