Japan’s anime and manga culture has captivated audiences worldwide. For enthusiasts visiting Japan or those curious about the physical spaces dedicated to this art form, this guide explores key stores and libraries that showcase the best of anime and manga.
Animate
Overview and Characteristics
Animate is Japan’s largest chain store specializing in anime and manga-related merchandise. Founded in 1983 in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, it has since expanded to all 47 prefectures in Japan and several locations overseas, particularly in Asia.Animate’s main appeal lies in its diverse product range, including:
- Manga books and anime DVDs/Blu-rays
- Character goods and figurines
- Music CDs and games
- Cosplay items
Key Locations
Ikebukuro Main Store
The flagship store, relocated in 2012, boasts nine floors above ground and two basement levels. Each floor is themed, offering a comprehensive shopping experience for fans.
Regional Stores
Large Animate stores in cities like Nagoya and Osaka serve as cultural hubs for local anime and manga communities, often hosting region-specific events and collaborations.
Services and Benefits
- Animate Card: A membership program offering points on purchases and access to exclusive sales and events.
- Limited Edition Items: Animate often sells exclusive versions of products and original merchandise.
- Fan Events: Regular autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with voice actors and artists.
Mandarake
History and Growth
Mandarake, founded in 1980 in Nakano, Tokyo, began as a specialized second-hand manga store. Its founder, Masuzo Furukawa, pioneered the concept of valuing manga as collectible items, setting new standards for the second-hand manga market.Initially focusing on manga books, Mandarake expanded its inventory to include anime goods, figurines, doujinshi (fan-made comics), and cosplay costumes, establishing itself as a comprehensive hub for otaku culture.
Store Locations
Nakano Broadway Main Store
Located in the Nakano Broadway shopping complex, this store has transformed the area into a “subculture mecca.” The multi-floor layout offers a maze-like exploration experience for visitors.
Nationwide Stores
Mandarake has expanded beyond Tokyo, with notable locations like the Akihabara store “Mandarake Complex,” an eight-story building dedicated entirely to otaku merchandise.
Unique Services
- Buying System: Mandarake is known for its generous buying prices, attracting rare items and out-of-print books.
- Rare Item Specialization: The store is a treasure trove for collectors, offering items that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Facility Overview
Established in 2006 as a joint project between Kyoto City and Kyoto Seika University, this museum is a unique institution dedicated to manga. It serves not only as a museum but also as a research center for manga culture.The museum aims to preserve, research, and showcase manga culture, while also promoting international exchange and nurturing future creators.
Collection Scale
The museum houses approximately 300,000 manga-related items, including:
- Edo-period caricatures and ukiyo-e
- Magazines from the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods
- Post-war rental books
- Contemporary popular works
- International comics
Main Exhibits
“Wall of Manga” and Browsable Works
The museum’s highlight is the “Wall of Manga,” a 200-meter-long bookshelf containing about 50,000 manga volumes that visitors can freely browse and read.
Permanent Exhibitions
These explore various aspects of manga, from its basic definition to its history, creation process, and social impact. Original manuscripts and tools used by famous manga artists are also on display.
Events and Activities
- Special Exhibitions: Regular themed exhibitions focusing on specific manga artists, works, or social aspects of manga.
- Research and Education: The museum conducts manga studies in collaboration with Kyoto Seika University and hosts workshops for aspiring manga artists.
Finding Rare Manga and Out-of-Print Books
Online Search
- Specialized Websites: Use sites like “Nihon no Furuhon’ya” or “Super Genji” to search inventories of second-hand bookstores across Japan.
- Auction Sites: Check Yahoo! Auctions Japan or Mercari for rare listings from individual sellers.
Physical Store Search
- Book Town Exploration: Visit areas like Kanda-Jinbocho (Tokyo) or Nipponbashi (Osaka) known for their concentration of used bookstores.
- Specialized Stores: Mandarake and some Animate stores offer sections for rare or out-of-print items.
Library Resources
- Library Catalogs: Utilize public and university library search systems to locate rare materials.
- Inter-Library Loan: Access books from other libraries through inter-library loan services.
Collector and Fan Community
- Social Media and Forums: Engage with collector communities on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or specialized forums for information exchange.
- Doujinshi Events: Attend events like Comiket or smaller fan conventions to find limited edition or self-published works.
This guide offers a comprehensive look at the physical spaces dedicated to anime and manga in Japan, from major retail chains to specialized museums and libraries. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated collector, these locations provide unique opportunities to explore and experience Japan’s rich manga and anime culture firsthand.
