Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2009

What with Google Earth and its ilk, the idea of having a scale-model globe on your desk seems hopelessly archaic these days—and, we’ve got to admit, curiously appealing. Certainly, our first reaction on browsing through the listings at Globe Shop’s online store was: damn, those things are cool. Take your pick from models by Watanabe, Stellanova, Atmosphere Globemakers and Replogle (whose “The Diplomat” retails for a cool ¥1,780,000). Memorial plates are also available, and the shop ships internationally. Alternatively, swing by the Globe Shop store in Nihombashi, which has over 100 models in stock at any one time.

1-12-10 Nihombashi-Muromachi, Chuo-ku. Open Thu-Tue 10am-6pm (until 5pm on Sun & hols), closed Wed. www.globe-shop.net/english-globe