The Complete Guide To J-Shops; Main Post
Store Information:
Tokyo Harajuku
〒150-0001
渋谷区神宮前1-14-21 イルサリチェビル1F (Il Salice Building, 1F, 1-14-21 Jingu-mae, Shibuya Ward)
Hours: 10:00am～7:00pm
( Directions )
Osaka
〒542-0086
大阪市中央区西心斎橋1-12-8 大美建築ビル1F (Omi Architecture Building, 1 Floor, 1-12-8 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka)
Hours:
Weekdays: 10:30am～6:30pm
Weekends and National Holidays: 10:00am～7:00pm
( Directions )
Nagoya
〒460-0002
名古屋市中区丸の内3-17-6 ナカトウ丸の内ビル1F (Nakatou Marunouchi Building, 1st Floor, 3-17-6 Marunouchi, Naka Ward, Nagoya)
Hours: 10:30am～6:30pm
( Directions )
I haven't been to the one in Nagoya since it was moved, so the directions post still refers to the old location. I will update it if I go to Nagoya again.
Fukuoka
〒810-0001
福岡市中央区天神3-15-17 三天第2ビル2F (3-15-17 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka)
Directions: Since I haven't been to the Fukuoka J-Shop, I will not not be doing a full guide for it, but if someone has, feel free to write up your own post and drop me a link/fill me in on the details so I could write up a guide.
Buying Photos/Merchandise:
So now you're inside the J-shop, and there are troves of pictures of your favorite group(s) on the wall. But how to actually get your hands on those? There will be order forms and pens somewhere near the entry, take one for each group. However, do pay attention to the numbering of the forms (there are separate ones for 1-800 and 800-) and depending on the amount of pictures for each group and the numbering method, you might have to take one of each for your group. When it's less crowded, you might do well to check the walls for the pictures you want and their numbers before taking a sheet. But when there are a lot of people, I'd imagine you'd be doing yourself a service if you know going in exactly how many groups for whom you'll be buying pictures and the numbering range (or just take one or two of each just in case). Also, it might help to bring something harder to write on for convenience's sake. Alternatively, you can go around the store and check out each section before you get the forms.
Once you have the order forms, be sure to write the name of the group of your choice in the box for group name on top. There are multiple pictures allotted the same number and the only way to tell them apart is by the group name. Also, if you're getting pictures for multiple groups/from multiple sections (you might be getting pictures of your favorite group from their own section and the section for Year-end Countdowns, for example), it's a good idea to keep track of which form is for whom before actually putting down numbers.
Now that the forms are in order, go to the section for your group, gawk at the wall full of photos, and try to narrow down to a reasonable number to take home. Usually they will have a sign for each section telling you the number ranges for each member and each event (single, album, concert, possibly solo works). And if you want to take home all that they have of your favorite idol/group, there's a section above the individual numbers where you can write in the name of the person you're requesting the full set for. If there happens to be merchandise on sale for your group (those will be posted on top of the picture wall for your group), there's a box for merchandise on the bottom of the sheet. But, please, PLEASE double check the numbers you mark down before you make your way to the register, you'll save yourself the trouble and embarrassment of having put down the wrong thing and getting some other photo altogether. And also, they should give you time to double check your purchase at the counter but even if they don't (because you got a lot of stuff and it's a busy day, for example), make sure you got all of the ones you wanted and that each one correspond to the ones you marked down on your order form, no matter how troublesome it may seem to go through the hundreds of pictures you get standing there in the store. It will always be more problematic if you go home and realize something's wrong.
Now that you're all filled in and ready to march to the J-SHOP for your purchase: Have fun!