Anime has become an integral part of popular culture, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide. Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, is home to an incredible array of anime stores that cater to the passionate and discerning otaku community. From exclusive merchandise to limited-edition collectibles, these stores offer a treasure trove of anime-themed delights.
1. Anime Jungle
Established in 1996, Anime Jungle is a legendary anime store that has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles anime scene for over two decades. The store boasts an extensive collection of DVDs, Blu-rays, mangas, and collectible figures, spanning both classic and contemporary anime series. Anime Jungle also hosts regular events, such as signings, artist workshops, and cosplay competitions.
2. Kinokuniya Bookstore
Kinokuniya Bookstore is a Japanese-owned bookstore chain with a branch in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. While not exclusively dedicated to anime, Kinokuniya offers an impressive selection of anime-related books, mangas, and artbooks. The store also carries a wide variety of Japanese language learning materials, making it a popular destination for both anime enthusiasts and language learners alike.
3. Otaku USA
Otaku USA is a relatively new anime store that has quickly become a favorite among the anime community. The store specializes in anime merchandise, including figures, plush toys, keychains, and clothing. Otaku USA also hosts frequent events, such as anime screenings, cosplay gatherings, and meet-and-greets with voice actors.
4. Anime Expo
Anime Expo is the largest anime convention in North America and is held annually in Los Angeles. While not a permanent store, Anime Expo is a must-visit destination for any anime fan. The convention features a wide variety of exhibitors selling anime merchandise, as well as panels, workshops, and autograph sessions with industry professionals.
5. Tokyopop
Tokyopop is a leading publisher of anime and manga in the United States. The company also operates a retail store in Los Angeles, which sells a wide variety of anime-related merchandise, including books, DVDs, Blu-rays, and figures. Tokyopop also hosts regular events, such as book signings and anime screenings.
6. Animate Beverly Hills
Animate Beverly Hills is a branch of the popular Japanese anime store chain Animate. The store offers a curated selection of anime merchandise, including figures, plush toys, keychains, and clothing. Animate Beverly Hills also hosts regular events, such as anime screenings and cosplay gatherings.
7. HobbyLink Japan
HobbyLink Japan is an online anime and hobby retailer that also operates a physical store in Los Angeles. The store specializes in scale models, figures, and other hobby-related products. HobbyLink Japan also carries a wide variety of anime-related merchandise, such as DVDs, Blu-rays, and mangas.
8. AmiAmi
AmiAmi is a Japanese online anime and hobby retailer that also operates a physical store in Los Angeles. The store specializes in figures, scale models, and other hobby-related products. AmiAmi also carries a wide variety of anime-related merchandise, such as DVDs, Blu-rays, and mangas.
9. Right Stuf Anime
Right Stuf Anime is an online anime and hobby retailer that also operates a physical store in Los Angeles. The store specializes in DVDs, Blu-rays, and mangas. Right Stuf Anime also carries a wide variety of anime-related merchandise, such as figures, plush toys, and keychains.
10. Nippon Yasan
Nippon Yasan is a Japanese online retailer that also operates a physical store in Los Angeles. The store specializes in anime and hobby-related merchandise, such as figures, scale models, and DVDs. Nippon Yasan also carries a wide variety of Japanese food and snacks.