In Japan, a severe GPU shortage has intensified, particularly affecting high-end models like the RTX 5060 Ti and above, with retailers in Akihabara reporting that graphics cards sell out almost immediately upon arrival. According to a January 10 report by ITmedia, multiple shops in the tech district are struggling to maintain inventory, with staff noting that even newly stocked GPUs vanish within hours. The situation has become so dire that one retailer resorted to covering empty shelves with curtains due to the lack of stock, and there is no clear timeline for restocking. While demand remains steady and largely rational—without widespread panic buying—availability has become a critical issue, especially for high-memory models like 16GB variants, which were already in short supply as of late December. At PC Studio Akihabara Parts Museum, employees confirm that any card reaching the sales floor is sold out almost instantly. The root of the problem lies in global supply chain constraints, particularly the rising cost and limited availability of high-capacity memory chips, which are essential for modern GPUs. This bottleneck is not unique to Japan but reflects a broader industry challenge, as manufacturers face increasing difficulty in securing the memory needed for high-end graphics cards. The shortage is expected to worsen throughout 2024, as demand for powerful GPUs in gaming, AI, and content creation continues to grow, while supply remains constrained. The situation underscores a growing mismatch between market demand and component availability, with no immediate relief in sight. Industry experts warn that the current crisis is a symptom of deeper structural issues in semiconductor supply chains, especially in memory production. Companies like Samsung and SK Hynix, which dominate DRAM and GDDR6 manufacturing, are operating at near full capacity, and new production expansions are still months or even years away. This has left GPU manufacturers like NVIDIA and AMD vulnerable to supply disruptions, particularly for high-memory models. The impact is not limited to Japan—retailers in the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia are also reporting similar shortages, though the situation in Akihabara is among the most visible. The scarcity of 16GB and 24GB cards is especially concerning for users in AI and machine learning, where high memory bandwidth is essential. As a result, prices for used and pre-owned high-end GPUs are surging, and some consumers are turning to alternative platforms like eBay or specialized forums to secure cards. Meanwhile, NVIDIA’s upcoming RTX 50-series launch is under increased scrutiny, with analysts questioning whether supply constraints will hinder its rollout. For now, retailers and consumers alike are bracing for a prolonged period of instability in the GPU market.