Severe Graphics Card Shortage in Japan’s Akihabara Market

• Japan’s Akihabara computer market is grappling with a significant shortage of mid-to-high-end graphics cards.
• Strict purchasing restrictions have been implemented by retailers due to soaring demand and limited supply.
• High-end models, particularly the RTX 5060 Ti and above, are selling out almost instantly upon arrival.

As of January 11, the Akihabara computer market in Japan is experiencing a critical shortage of graphics cards, particularly in the mid-to-high-end segments. A recent survey highlights that the inventory levels are alarmingly low, leading retailers to cover display cabinets with curtains due to the stark emptiness. The situation has escalated to a point where demand vastly outstrips supply, creating an environment of tension in local electronics stores.

Notably, graphics cards such as the RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB of memory are disappearing from shelves almost immediately upon arrival. Retailers reveal that they are struggling to maintain adequate inventory levels, and restocking timelines remain uncertain.

While consumer demand appears stable, with only a few instances of panic buying reported, the scarcity of products has left customers in a difficult position. Stores like the PC Studio Akihabara Parts Museum are witnessing rapid sell-outs of available graphics cards, further exacerbating the situation.

In response to the severe shortage, retailers are enforcing stricter purchasing guidelines. Notable stores like Dospara Akihabara Main Store and PC SHOP Ark have implemented measures to regulate the sale of graphics cards, ensuring that the limited supply is distributed more evenly among customers. These restrictions have been in effect since late 2025, primarily impacting high-end graphics processing units (GPUs).

Industry reports indicate that the availability of RTX 5060 Ti and higher models is significantly more constrained than that of entry-level graphics cards. This development was anticipated as the year closed, but the disparity has become strikingly pronounced in recent weeks.

At retailers like TSUKUMO eX., the shortage has reached a critical level, resulting in approximately half of the display space being unoccupied due to a lack of stock. While Radeon graphics cards retain a relatively better supply, store representatives warn that this could change shortly, as overall inventory issues persist.

Rumors surrounding upstream pricing and distribution challenges have also surfaced, indicating that shipments of high-end graphics cards may have been temporarily halted or delayed. As a result, retailers find themselves unable to predict when new stock will arrive, compounding customer frustration.

The current graphics card crisis in Akihabara serves as a significant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the tech industry, particularly in maintaining production and supply chains amid fluctuating demands. As consumers await the arrival of new cards, the push for solutions to stabilize supply continues.

In conclusion, the Akihabara market’s current predicament paints a sobering picture of the tech landscape in Japan. Retailers and consumers alike are facing hurdles as the search for high-end graphics cards continues. In the face of such adversity, it remains to be seen when the market will stabilize and when consumers can expect to see replenished inventories.