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When people think of anime shops and events in Tokyo, Akihabara is the first neighborhood that comes to mind. It’s not the only otaku gathering spot in the city, though, as the Ikebukuro district, particularly the area east of Ikebukuro Station, is also a popular destination for anime and video game fans.
As a matter of fact, Animate, Japan’s largest chain of anime specialty shops, got its start in Ikebukuro, opening its very first branch there in 1983. Since Animate’s 40th birthday is drawing near the chain is planning something special to celebrate, and Ikebukuro is where it’s going to happen, with the opening of what the company says will be among the largest anime shops in the world.
Animate’s current Ikebukuro branch is a nine-floor complex about a five-minute walk from the station. But with otaku culture more popular than ever before, even that’s not big enough, and it just so happens the Ikebukuro Public Health Center, which used to be next door, has relocated, leaving behind a vacant lot. So Animate has decided to snatch the space up and use it to build a large expansion that will be attached and integrated into Animate Ikebukuro’s current form.
The new facility, to be called the Animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2023.
Source: PR Times
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4 Comments
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u_s__reamer
The proposed Animate megastore is the next logical step of the conglomerate to earn megayen, but while anime is a valid art form, but it's also true that visual addiction to anime kills literacy (reading), promotes history illiteracy and encourages escapism, all of which play into the hands of anti-democratic politicians who depend on a tame, apolitical citizenry addicted to circuses in order to feather their own nests. In short, anime is the latest "opium of the people" product, a "perfect fit" to entertain and distract millions of minds from the series of looming crises of the 21st century. Educators will continue to have their work cut out for them steering their pupils in the direction of reality.
descendent
I don't mind a good story in anime form. But the genre has long been usurped by infantilized "men" and closet pedos who only desire sexualized images and stories of underage girls. It brings the format, and Japan as a whole for promoting it, into disrepute. Is this the cultural image you want to promote to the world, Japan?
1glenn
There is an anime store in a nearby mall. Overall, most of the stores in the mall have closed down, but there is always a line of customers waiting to get into that store. I wonder what the fascination is.
Iron Lad
Very good, very good, Japan!
Keep supporting anime and manga, the best modern artform next to video games!