HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Tokyo Ikebukuro Animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store Set to Become Among World's Biggest Anime Stores

Animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store Set to Become Among World's Biggest Anime Stores

• Written by: Kei Suzuki

Date published: 9 January 2022

If you're an anime fan who's ever lived or visited anywhere near the Tokyo area, chances are you've also paid a visit to the popular anime shop, Animate Ikebukuro.

Animate Ikebukuro recently announced an upcoming renewal of its location for the spring of 2023. This also happens to mark the store's 40th anniversary since its opening. As one of the soon-to-be world's largest anime shops, this is sure to be exciting news to anime fans worldwide!

Animate is a popular hobby shop specializing in anime, manga, and game merchandise with branches both in Japan and overseas. However, being the flagship location, visitors from both Japan and abroad flock every day to Animate Ikebukuro to stock up on goods from their favorite series.

The first Animate shop opened in March of 1983 in front of popular entertainment center, Ikebukuro Sunshine City. Even today, the surrounding area is an anime paradise of sorts, especially amongst female fans. Many visitors refer to the area by its nickname, "Otome Road" (a term that means 'young girl' and sometimes refers to female anime fans).

The store relocated from its original location to its current spot 5 minutes away from JR Ikebukuro Station's East Exit in November 2012. And now, for 2023, they are planning another big move in line with their 40th anniversary.

And by 'big move,' we mean REALLY big. This expansion will make Animate Ikebukuro among the biggest anime stores in the entire world!

This renewal will integrate the current Animate with the former Ikebukuro Public Health Center, expanding it into one of the largest anime shops not only in Japan, but in the entire world. It will also connect with the neighboring entertainment facility, Hareza Ikebukuro, for an even more spacious, convenient, and exciting environment.

And more space means more room for more anime - and of course, more guests!

*Information subject to change, postponement, or cancellation. More details to be announced as they become available. Please see the official website for updates.

Shop Information
Animate Ikebukuro Main Store
Address: 1-20-7 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
Renewal Opening Date: Scheduled for Spring 2023
Official Website: https://www.animate.co.jp/ex/ikebukuro2023/

Source: PR Times
All images in this article are ©animate.

Written by:

Kei Suzuki

Kei is a 2023 MEXT Research Scholar currently residing in Kyoto, Japan. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Japanese Translation and Interpretation via the CUNY Baccalaureate Program from Hunter College in New York City. After working as an ALT with the JET Program from 2013-2015, she transitioned to freelance writing and translation in 2016. Since then, Kei has cumulatively translated and/or written about over 200 cities, towns, shrines, shops, and restaurants in various parts of Japan. She also has experience translating articles, manga, and light novels.

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