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This time around we take a look at a new otaku shop district, “Tenjin Area.”

The first really surprising thing was the directional sign at the entrance to the store that looks just like a signpost you see on the road. The sign tells you which way to specific areas, so you make your way to the items you’re looking for with ease.

Upon entering the store, the first section I stopped by was the manga and books corner. The sheer volume of manga and books is incredible! They even have a display of titles recommended for people new to manga. It’s a great idea to have a shop where you can buy your favorite manga and the character goods from the series as well.


● From the picture it looks like just another bookstore.


● This is the section for recommended works.

At the back of the store I found manga manuscript-paper. Although not shown in the photos here, they have a whole range of items for illustrators, like dip pens (in Japan: “G Pen” or “Tsuke Pen”), and feather brushes used for clearing away eraser residue.


● Professional manuscript-paper for manga artists.


● “Copic” markers, used for coloring illustrations.

In the center of the store was a section devoted to “Attack on Titan.” The series is that popular that even visitors from overseas come to buy its affiliated goods. According to the store manager, “The Internet and SNS have developed that far that even customers from overseas see the series in almost real time. So popular character goods for them are about the same as those in Japan.”


● I couldn’t help but watch the trailer for the upcoming DVD.


● The quality of this replica mask is incredible! You might even get arrested for walking around the streets at night wearing this!..

As the store is located inside “VIVRE,” one of the fashion hubs in Tenjin, “Animate” also attracts a lot of female customers – perhaps a reason behind all the “ikemen” (cool guy) character displays around the store. One of the most popular of these series, though, is “Free!” a series developed by Kyoto Animation – the anime production company behind such hits as “K-ON!” and “Haruhi Suzumiya.” Animate branches around Japan hold regular events relating to the series and you could say it’s definitely one of the store’s hot series’ right now.


● Even to other guys, the characters in this series are “kakkoi” (cool).

The “K-ON!!” manju (steamed cake filled with sweet bean paste) come with a special “K-ON!!” coaster. Makes you want to collect the entire set, right?
I also found “Oreimo” sauce. Moe condiments are a first for me! It struck me that someone even thought to go as far as to bring moe to the dining table and incorporate it into daily life.


● I want to eat these as I’m watching the anime.