Animate Shinjuku: A Must-Visit for Anime Fans!

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Animate Shinjuku, and I'm excited to share my experience with you.

Animate stands out as one of Japan's premier destinations for anime merchandise. Unlike some stores, Animate doesn't sell second-hand items; instead, it boasts an extensive selection of brand-new goods. From manga and anime to games and Vtuber merchandise, along with a variety of other books, there's something for every fan.

Don't forget to check out their website!
You'll find an array of merchandise to browse. Visit Animate's Online Shop.

The store's location is simply unbeatable. It's just a short walk from Shinjuku Sanchome station, situated on the 7th floor of a shopping mall. This location offers a comfortable shopping experience, free from overcrowding, and is accessible in any weather.

The surrounding area is a haven for anime enthusiasts, featuring additional shopping malls, a range of restaurants, and, of course, Surugaya - another spot you won't want to miss.

Who should visit?
Anyone looking for the latest in anime content. Animate often hosts collaborations with currently airing anime series and newly released games. During my visit, there was even a special booth dedicated to Final Fantasy.

Kyle’s score
・Shop Size : ★★★★☆
・Number of items : ★★★★☆
・Crowdedness : ★★★★☆
・Rare items : ★★★☆☆
・Uniqueness : ★★★☆☆

Shop Size: ★★★★☆
Animate occupies nearly an entire floor, offering a spacious and pristine shopping environment.

The store features an extensive range of anime merchandise, games, manga, music, gacha, and Vtubers. Each booth has its unique flair, showcasing items from currently airing anime based on manga. Notably, there was a celebration for "Goto Hitori of Bocchi the Rock," truly highlighting the store's passion for anime.

Number of Items: ★★★★☆
The store prominently displays popular series in large booths, such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Haikyuu, BLUE ROCK, and Tokyo Revengers, along with a vast selection of games like Ensemble Stars and Project Sekai.

The manga section is impressively large, with a particularly well-stocked BL section, setting it apart from other stores.

Crowdedness: ★★★★☆
Despite its popularity, Animate's location on the 7th floor of a shopping mall ensures it's less crowded than its counterparts in Akihabara and Ikebukuro. It's ideal for those wishing to browse at their leisure.

Rare Items: ★★★☆☆
While the store mainly stocks mass-market items, there are still some rare finds to be discovered. These items might be pricey on platforms like eBay, but Animate offers them at significantly lower prices.

Uniqueness: ★★★☆☆
Animate's selection heavily favors popular series, with a large variety of animated works. Fans of Jujutsu Kaisen, Haikyuu, Demon Slayer, and others will find much to enjoy here. The store's manga selection, especially BL titles, is noteworthy. Each Animate store has its unique focus, making each visit a new adventure.

Language:
Most items are available only in Japanese.

International Shipping:
Currently, the store does not offer international shipping.

Discover Treasures at Animate Shinjuku!!!

Exclusive Animate Benefits (アニメイト特典):
When purchasing items like the "Jujutsu Kaisen Shibuya Incident DVD" from Animate, you get the chance to acquire rare collectibles. Isn't this shikishi artwork amazing?

For more unique finds, be sure to explore the link.

Haikyuu x Tobu Zoo Acrylic Stand Figure - Tetsuro Kuroo Nekoma:
Available for pre-order on the Animate website, even highly sought-after items are offered at reasonable prices. Take, for instance, the Kuroo and Tobu Zoo collaboration, priced at 1980 JPY in-store. In contrast, the same item costs about $36 (5292 JPY) on eBay – more than double the price!

Bocchi the Rock! (Aki Hamaji) TV Anime Official Guide Book 'Complex' JAPAN:
Animate also features hard-to-find books. The Hitori’s birthday board caught my eye, but there’s more, like the "Complex" guide book, available for 3300 JPY. On eBay, however, the price skyrockets to $91 (13395 JPY), nearly four times as much.

Animate offers merchandise at fair prices, making it a must-visit for fans. If you're coming to Japan, remember to bring a large shopping bag; your shopping experience is bound to be extraordinary.

Access

Animate Shinjuku(アニメイト新宿)

It's very close to Shinjuku sanchoume station.

Patreon Members Gacha Experience:
During my visit, I participated in a Jujutsu Kaisen gacha draw with Patreon members, attempting 16 draws at 300 JPY each.

The outcome was…

Haibara/4 
Shoko/4
Geto/2
Nanami/6
Gojo/0

This raises questions like "Where is Gojo?" and "Why so many Nanami?"

Joining our Patreon could add an exciting dimension to your merch collecting and event participation, connecting you with the joy experienced by Japanese fans.

Don't miss out on our Patreon benefits.

I put more info and photos for Patreon members!

Animate Shinjuku more Review

I also wrote "PERFECT DAYS" review too.

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