Welcome to the fascinating world of Animate Retail, Japan’s leading company in the anime and manga industry. Dive into this captivating journey as we explore Animate’s rich history, global presence, and the unique experiences it offers fans around the world.
Table of Contents
Short Summary
Animate Retail is a globally-renowned retailer of anime, video games and manga products with over 123 stores worldwide.
Animate offers exclusive merchandise and experiences such as pop-up shops, cafes, online shopping experience and collaborations to bring the Japanese anime scene to fans around the world.
Animate supports creators while fostering community engagement through unique experiences for fans to connect with others in creating a vibrant global community.
An Overview of Animate Retail
Animate Retail has been a cornerstone of the Japanese anime scene since its inception in 1983. As the largest retailer of anime, video games, and manga in Japan, Animate has played a significant role in shaping the industry and providing fans with a one-stop-shop for all their anime and manga needs. Animate’s expansion from a single store in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, to a global presence with stores in Japan, the United States, Europe, and Asia showcases its dedication to bringing the best of anime and manga to fans worldwide.
In addition to their wide selection of merchandise, Animate is known for its cutting-edge online shopping experience, exclusive pop-up shops, and the beloved Animate Cafe. By supporting creators and fostering community engagement, Animate has become a cultural hub for fans and a driving force behind the growing popularity of anime and manga around the world.
The First Animate Store
The journey began in 1983 when Animate opened its first store in Ikebukuro, a bustling district in Tokyo, Japan. This inaugural store marked the beginning of a remarkable story that would span over 40 years and propel Animate to the forefront of the global anime and manga community.
Today, Animate remains committed to its vision of providing authentic products and experiences that delight fans and celebrate the rich history and creativity of Japanese animation and storytelling.
Animate’s Expansion
As the demand for anime, manga, and video games continued to grow, so too did Animate. From its humble beginnings in Ikebukuro, the company has expanded to over 123 stores worldwide, offering fans a diverse range of authentic products and experiences.
While Animate’s primary focus has been on expanding its stores in Japan, the company has also extended its reach to countries such as:
Estonia
Greece
Portugal
South Africa
This global presence has solidified Animate’s reputation as a leader in the industry and a trusted source for fans worldwide.
Animate Shop Locations
With approximately 120 shops throughout Japan, no prefecture is without an Animate store, ensuring that fans across the country have access to their favorite anime and manga merchandise. From major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya to smaller towns, Animate’s presence is a testament to its dedication to serving the needs of fans everywhere.
In addition to its extensive network of stores in Japan, Animate has also established an international presence with stores in mainland China, Taiwan, and the newly renovated Animate Ikebukuro, which is one of the world’s largest anime stores. Animate USA, a recently established division of the company, brings the brand’s offerings to fans in the United States, further demonstrating Animate’s commitment to global expansion and community engagement.
Japan Animate Locations
Animate’s 117 stores in Japan cater to fans from all walks of life, providing a selection of services, such as:
Anime merchandise
Manga
CDs
DVDs
And more
Additionally, they organize events and feature a cafe, ensuring that fans have access to a wide range of experiences and products that cater to their diverse interests.
Whether it’s a bustling city center or a quiet suburban neighborhood, Animate’s presence in Japan brings the magic of anime and manga to fans across the country. With each animate location, fans can immerse themselves in the world of their favorite stories and characters.
Animate International & Animate USA
Launched in 2017, Animate International is a platform that provides authentic licensed anime products and limited editions to fans around the world. This global platform, combined with the recently established Animate USA, brings the excitement and passion of the Japanese anime scene to fans in other countries, offering a diverse range of merchandise and experiences to cater to their unique interests.
One such example is the upcoming Animate store in the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, California. Spanning 3,843 sq. ft. and featuring a 313 sq. ft. event space, this new store is set to provide a variety of anime-related items, including figures, keychains, accessories, books, apparel, and more. The event space will be used for pop-up shops and promotional events, providing fans with an immersive and engaging experience that transcends borders and unites the global anime and manga community.
Exclusive Pop-Up Shops
For those seeking a more personalized and unique experience, Animate’s “Only Shops” offer a treasure trove of exclusive merchandise centered around specific anime series. These pop-up shops provide fans with:
Limited-edition items
Themed decor
An opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite series
A chance to connect with like-minded enthusiasts
Visiting an Only Shop is an experience not to be missed, as fans can:
Find merchandise from their preferred anime series
Take photos with decorative panels
Create lasting memories and a sense of belonging within the anime and manga community
With new Only Shops continually being introduced, there’s always something fresh and exciting to look forward to.
Popular Anime Series Featured
Over the years, Animate has featured numerous popular anime series in its Only Shops, including Jujutsu Kaisen, Moriarty the Patriot, Shaman King, The Misfit of Demon King Academy, and Tokyo Revengers. These events offer fans the chance to purchase exclusive merchandise, partake in themed activities, and engage with fellow fans in a unique and immersive environment.
By showcasing fan-favorite series in their Only Shops, Animate has created unforgettable experiences that bring the magic of anime and manga to life.
Check out The 40 Most Popular Anime Series for Beginners to Watch
Upcoming Only Shops
As the world of anime and manga continues to evolve, so too does Animate’s lineup of Only Shops. Fans can expect future Only Shops to showcase even more fan-favorite series, providing exclusive merchandise and experiences that cater to their diverse interests.
With each new Only Shop, Animate further solidifies its commitment to bringing fans closer to the worlds and characters they love, fostering a thriving and passionate community that spans the globe.
Animate Cafe: A Cultural Hub for Fans
A visit to Animate wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Animate Cafe, a pop-up cafe venue that offers fans a unique cultural experience through collaborations with popular anime and game titles. Each cafe collaboration features themed decor, menu items, and exclusive merchandise, providing fans with an immersive and memorable experience that goes beyond traditional retail offerings.
From casual fans to die-hard enthusiasts, Animate Cafe caters to all levels of fandom, ensuring that everyone who visits feels a sense of belonging within the anime and manga community. With partnerships that change frequently, there’s always something new and exciting to discover at the Animate Cafe, making it a must-visit destination for fans everywhere.
Past Collaborations
Animate Cafe has a rich history of collaborations with various anime series and game titles, including:
A3!
Hunter x Hunter
Attack on Titan
Cowboy Bebop
These past collaborations have offered fans the opportunity to indulge in themed menu items and exclusive merchandise, all while being immersed in the world of their favorite series.
By engaging with fans through these unique collaborations, Animate has solidified its role as a cultural hub within the anime and manga community.
Current and Upcoming Collaborations
Currently, Animate Cafe is engaged in collaborations with the following series:
Hunter x Hunter
Card Captor Sakura
A3!
World’s End Club
Each collaboration offers a unique menu of food and drinks themed on the characters, performances, and events of the respective series, providing fans with a one-of-a-kind dining experience that celebrates their passion for anime and manga.
As Animate continues to grow and evolve, fans can look forward to an ever-expanding roster of collaborations that will bring their favorite series to life in new and exciting ways. Some examples of these collaborations include:
Themed cafes that feature menu items inspired by popular anime series
Immersive events where fans can interact with characters and participate in themed activities
Limited edition merchandise collaborations with popular anime franchises
Exclusive screenings of new anime releases
Special guest appearances by voice actors and creators
Animate, Japan’s leading company in the animation industry, is committed to providing fans with unparalleled experiences that celebrate the rich history and creativity of Japanese animation and storytelling.
Cutting-Edge Online Shopping Experience
In addition to their physical stores, Animate offers a cutting-edge online shopping platform that brings the excitement and passion of the anime and manga world right to your fingertips. With a wide selection of products available, including anime, manga, and game merchandise, fans can shop from the comfort of their own homes, knowing they’re purchasing authentic and exclusive items.
However, it’s important to note that Animate’s online store is limited to providing shipping services to addresses within Japan. While international fans may not have direct access to Animate’s online store, the company is considering the possibility of extending shipping to other countries in the future, further demonstrating their ongoing commitment to making anime and manga accessible to fans worldwide.
Daily Updates
One of the standout features of Animate’s online shopping experience is their commitment to daily updates, ensuring that customers always have access to a fresh selection of items. From the latest merchandise to sought-after collectibles, Animate’s online store is constantly adding new products that cater to the diverse interests of fans.
This dedication to providing an ever-evolving selection not only keeps customers engaged but also encourages them to return to the website’s anime and manga page regularly, further fostering a sense of community and connection within the world of anime and manga.
Shipping Information
For those shopping within Japan, Animate’s online shopping experience offers shipping to addresses within the country, with a shipping fee of 594 yen for TA-Q-BIN and 894 yen for certain areas. While there are currently some shipping restrictions for international customers, Animate is actively considering the possibility of extending shipping to other countries in the future.
This commitment to expanding their reach and making anime and manga accessible to fans worldwide further solidifies Animate’s role as a leader in the industry.
Animate’s Role in the Anime and Manga Community
Animate’s role in the anime and manga community goes far beyond simply providing a platform for fans to purchase merchandise. As a leading retailer and cultural hub, Animate plays a significant role in supporting creators and fostering community engagement. Through initiatives such as exclusive pop-up shops, collaborations, and online shopping experiences, Animate is able to bring fans closer to the worlds and characters they love, while also providing a space for creators to showcase their work and expand their reach.
By offering fans access to a diverse selection of products and experiences, Animate has become an integral part of the anime and manga community, contributing to its ongoing growth and success. Through its dedication to supporting creators and engaging with fans, Animate has truly become a driving force behind the popularity of anime and manga around the world.
Support for Creators
Animate’s commitment to supporting creators can be seen in the various ways they promote and showcase their work. Through their online store, exclusive pop-up shops, and partnerships with other anime and manga companies, Animate provides creators with a platform to exhibit their work and extend their reach to a broader audience.
By championing the talents and creativity of these individuals, Animate helps to ensure that the anime and manga community continues to thrive and evolve, with character development playing a crucial role.
Community Engagement
Animate’s dedication to community engagement is evident in the diverse range of initiatives they undertake to interact with fans and foster a sense of belonging. Some of these initiatives include:
Collaborations with high schools for Animation Skills Mentorship Programs
Talks with younger students about the importance of animation
Community-wide cartoon and video spots projection events
Through these efforts, Animate actively works to engage and inspire the next generation of anime and manga enthusiasts.
By providing fans with unique experiences and opportunities to connect with others who share their passion, Animate plays a crucial role in creating a vibrant and thriving community. As the popularity of anime and manga continues to grow, Animate’s commitment to community engagement ensures that fans around the world have a place to celebrate their love for this captivating art form.
Summary
In conclusion, Animate Retail has established itself as a leading force in the anime and manga industry, providing fans with a diverse range of products, experiences, and opportunities to engage with their favorite series and characters. Through its extensive network of stores, cutting-edge online shopping platform, exclusive pop-up shops, and collaborations, Animate has proven its dedication to supporting creators and fostering a thriving community of fans across the globe. As we continue to explore the captivating world of anime and manga, there’s no doubt that Animate will remain at the forefront, guiding us along this exciting journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an animate store in the US?
Yes, Animate plans to open a store in the US in 2023.
What is the biggest anime shop in the world?
Animate Ikebukoro, Japan’s largest anime chain, is the world’s largest anime store. Its flagship complex in Ikebukuro includes nine storeys plus a basement, making it the biggest anime shop in the world.
The store offers a wide range of anime merchandise, from figures and toys to books and DVDs. It also has a cafe and a theater, making it a great place to spend the day.
What is the mascot of the animate store?
Meito Anisawa is the mascot of the animate store, depicted as a wild anime character wearing Animate’s uniform. He is affectionately known as the Anime Tench, going to extreme measures to promote Animate’s goods.
He is often seen in Animate’s commercials, and is a popular figure in the anime community. He is also featured in many of Animate’s products, such as t-shirts, keychains, and more.
What types of merchandise can I find at Animate stores?
At Animate stores, you can find a variety of anime, manga, and game related merchandise, such as figures, keychains, accessories, books, apparel, and more.
Are there any shipping restrictions for international customers when shopping on Animate’s online store?
Yes, there are shipping restrictions for international customers when shopping on Animate’s online store as they only provide shipping services to addresses within Japan.
