During episode five of K-On! Mio used a pair of audiophile headphones (pictured above) the AKG K701 have begun to sell out at electronics stores all over Japan. Some stores are even using K-On! images and promotional material such as towel and tote bag pre-order tickets to get Otaku to notice the expensive AKGs.

Granted the AKG K701’s are supposed to be a very good set of headphones the fact that fans of Mio are rushing out to spend 79,800 yen ($790) on a pair of headphones because an anime character was using them in a scene that lasted a few seconds seems like an example of a mental disorder rather than fandom. I wouldn’t be surprised if this wasn’t a purposeful product placement either. The show never mentions the model of the headphones or the company name. They just appear casually. The stores probably got wind of the tie in and have used it to their great advantage.

I wonder if I can get a pair for review. I am a “journalist” after all. Hit the jump for pictures of in store promotions featuring K-On! and the AKG K701.

“Mio Headphone K701″
It was Taken from the 1F at Sofmap Main Branch

Displaying Mio Headphone (AKG K701)
“K-On! Bursts an Effect! This is the High-class Mio-phone”
Sofmap Main Branch 7F- Game/CD/DVD Floor

Source: Japanator

Pictures from: Akibablog