Anime

A customer at a Japanese shop counter beside shelves of character figures, mugs, and soft toys.

Anime Lottery Culture in Japan

Explore Japan’s anime prize lottery culture, from Ichiban Kuji’s ticket reveals and lettered awards to Last One prizes, online draws, and collecting after the reveal.

Anime Lottery Culture in Japan

Explore Japan’s anime prize lottery culture, from Ichiban Kuji’s ticket reveals and lettered awards to Last One prizes, online draws, and collecting after the reveal.

Shoppers browse glass-fronted hobby shops along an indoor shopping corridor.

Nakano Broadway and Japanese Collector Culture

Explore how Nakano Broadway became a hub for manga, vintage toys, and specialist secondhand shopping, and what it reveals about collecting in Japan.

Nakano Broadway and Japanese Collector Culture

Explore how Nakano Broadway became a hub for manga, vintage toys, and specialist secondhand shopping, and what it reveals about collecting in Japan.

Shoppers walk along a tree-lined Tokyo shopping avenue beneath commercial buildings and a tall tower.

Ikebukuro and Female Otaku Culture

Explore Ikebukuro’s female otaku culture through Otome Road, specialist shops, character collecting, display bags, cosplay, and fan gatherings.

Ikebukuro and Female Otaku Culture

Explore Ikebukuro’s female otaku culture through Otome Road, specialist shops, character collecting, display bags, cosplay, and fan gatherings.

A commuter train passes above illuminated hobby shops and evening shoppers.

Akihabara and the Rise of Otaku Shopping Culture

How Akihabara grew from Electric Town into an otaku shopping destination, connecting radio parts, computers, anime, games, and collectible culture.

Akihabara and the Rise of Otaku Shopping Culture

How Akihabara grew from Electric Town into an otaku shopping destination, connecting radio parts, computers, anime, games, and collectible culture.