The history of Manga comics in Japan is so long that it can be traced back to scrolls in the 12th century. Since then, it has evolved into many genres and styles, has been animated, and is now available internationally.
Manga and Anime are such significant parts of Japan that one cannot visit this country without encountering some sort of Manga or Anime character along the way. Manga and Anime are literally everywhere in Japan.
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The Culture of Manga and Anime in Nagoya
Since most Manga, Anime, and “Otaku” (Manga and Anime fans) stores are established in Nagoya, it has nothing to envy compared to other cities in Japan.
Additionally, while shopping for your favorite merchandise in Nagoya, you can engage in some Anime tourism and visit places that inspired both popular and lesser-known Anime series. Take a look at the Top Anime Locations in Nagoya and Its Surroundings post to find out more!
Whether you are curious to understand this culture better or are already a fan seeking places to enjoy your hobby, we’ve got you covered!
To make it easier to navigate this post and Nagoya, we have grouped the stores into three major areas: Nagoya Station, Osu, and Sakae. This will help you find the stores based on their location.
Shopping in Nagoya Station Area
Nagoya Station, the central hub connecting Nagoya to the rest of the country, offers you plenty of shopping and dining spots. Whithin this area, you can find some interesting Manga comics and merchandise.
Animate
Animate can be considered one of the most international shops on this list, with stores not only in Japan but also in other countries. At Animate, you can discover a variety of comics, illustrated books, popular anime videos, and a wide range of anime character goods. The latest editions of current manga and magazines are located at the front of the store, while the older editions are at the back, organized by content.
There is a dedicated floor for merchandise, making it one of the best places to find mementos from your favorite series, ranging from the newest releases to some old-time favorites!
There are three shops in the city: Animate Nagoya (main store), Animate Nagoya Parco (Sakae), and Animate Kanayama.
Animate Nagoya (アニメイト名古屋)
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00 – 20:00; weekends 10:00 – 20:00
Address: 18−4 Tsubakicho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0015
Website | Google Maps
Ghibli Shop (Donguri Republic)
Donguri Republic is the official seller of Ghibli products, offering a diverse variety of products that change with each season. If you’re looking to decorate your home with Ghibli charm, they sell quality mugs and towels that are quite a hit in Japan. Additionally, you can find cute stationery, hand cream, artbooks, puzzles, and even toys for the little ones!
We particularly recommend visiting the Nagoya Station store, as it features a large Catbus replica and a life-sized Totoro, making it the perfect backdrop for some amazing pictures!
There are three stores in Nagoya: Donguri Republic Nagoya Station, Donguri Republic Oasis 21 in Sakae, and Donguri Republic Mozo Wonder City.
Donguri Republic Nagoya Station (どんぐり共和国名古屋 タカシマヤゲートタワーモール店)
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Address: 1−1−3, Nakamura Ward, Meieki, Nagoya, 450-0002, JR Gate Tower, 1F
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
One Piece Store (MUGIWARA STORE)
Being one of the most beloved and notorious Manga series of all time, One Piece deserved its own store!
The Mugiwara Store specializes exclusively in One Piece official merchandising. They offer seasonal products that are only sold in their stores, along with a variety of general merchandise and figurines.
We highly recommend a visit to this store for One Piece fans. In addition to the enjoyable shopping experience, they have life-sized character figures available for photo opportunities. These figures are periodically changed, so your favorite character might be waiting for you!
MUGIWARA STORE (ONE PIECE 麦わらストア 名古屋店)
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Address: 1-2-2 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Website | Google Maps
Shopping in Osu Area
The main Manga and Anime area in Nagoya is the Osu Shopping District, a network of roofed-over shopping streets where you will find many places of interest, such as Osu Kannon Temple, and the latest trends in street food.
Mandarake
Opened in the 80s, Mandarake is one of the oldest and most established Manga and Anime stores in the country. Its stores can be found all over the country, offering a vast collection of retro and nostalgic products.
Mandarake Nagoya store has four floors full of Otaku-related treasures. We recommend visiting the 1st, 2nd and 4th floors, which are packed with figures from the good old days, including Astro Boy, Mazinger Z, and other second-hand relics. The 3rd floor is primarily dedicated to manga, featuring a ‘steamy’ doujinshi manga section.
Mandarake (まんだらけ 名古屋店)
Opening Hours: 12:00 – 20:00
Address: 3-18-21 Ōsu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011
Website | Google Maps
Super Potato
Do you like Nintendo? If you do, then you can’t miss this store!
Super Potato is a store dedicated exclusively to Nintendo retro products, featuring games, and consoles you probably played in your childhood! They also offer official Nintendo merchandise rom popular games like Mario Bros, Zelda, Kirby, and others.
NOTE: Old games are region blocked and only in Japanese, hence you will need to buy a Japanese console set and know some Japanese to enjoy them! |
Super Potato – Nagoya Store (スーパーポテト 名古屋店)
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 20:00
Address: 3-11-30 Ōsu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Jungle Nagoya
This second-hand store specializes in Anime, Manga, and game figurines. Their first floor is full of merchandise from popular series, while the second floor features more nostalgic figurines and action figures from series such as Kamen Rider and Mazinger Z.
This store is a good place to find some interesting gifts for your friends or (why not?) for yourself!
Jungle Nagoya (ジャングル 名古屋店)
Opening Hours: Weekdays 12:00 – 20:00; weekends 11:00 – 20:00
Address: 3-19-1 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011
Website | Google Maps
Gee! Store Nagoya
This shop features four floors featuring all kinds of goodies, brand-new figurines, Manga, Anime DVDs, CDs, Cosplay (costumes based on Manga and Anime characters), and dolls.
Even though this shop is not on the cheap side, it’s worth a visit because of its great variety of items, including cosplay or clothing for dolls. They even offer order-made services for people with longer stays in Japan.
Gee! Store Nagoya (ジーストア 名古屋)
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00 – 20:00; weekends 10:00 – 20:00
Address: 3-11-34 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Capsule House
For just a few hundred yen, this store offers a great variety of capsule machines selling capsule toys and other small collectibles. From Manga and Anime figurines to keychains, pouches, and an incredible variety of small items, capsule toys are a font of entertainment in Japan.
If you like collectibles, and cute characters, or just want to buy some affordable souvenirs, give this tiny store a visit.
Capsule House (カプセルハウス)
Opening Hours: 11:30 – 20:30, Closed on Wednesdays
Address: 3-31-18 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya 460-0011
Google Maps
While in Osu shopping street, how about joining our exclusive Street Food Tour of Osu? Book your tour today!
Shopping in the Sakae Area
Sakae is the entertainment district of Nagoya and the place to go if you are looking to do some shopping. From goods and products of the characters featured in the Weekly Jump magazine to Pokémon plushies, video games, and other cute items. You will be surprised at the diverse lineup of themed products and lovely items that you can find in Sakae.
Jump Shop
Shonen Jump is a weekly Manga magazine that has been home to some of the most popular series in the world. One Piece, Naruto, Rurouni Kenshin, Slam Dunk… all these worldwide known titles had been published in Shonen Jump. You can find official merchandise for all these classics in this store, along with products from newer series such as Kimetsu no Yaiba or My Hero Academia.
JUMP SHOP (ジャンプショップ名古屋店)
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Address: Nagoya ZERO GATE 1F, 3 −28−11 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, 460-0008
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Pokémon Center Nagoya
For all Pokémon lovers out there, Nagoya has its own Pokémon Center in Sakae. In this Pokémon paradise, you will find all sorts of exclusive items, from cute plushies to stationary, as well as time-limited special products such as towels or bags portraying your favorite childhood monsters! They have a seasonal catalog that changes quite frequently, in addition to a Nagoya-exclusive collection.
Pokémon Center Nagoya (ポケモンセンターナゴヤ)
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 19:00
Address: Matsuzakaya Nagoya Main Building 5F 3-16-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8430
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Village Vanguard
Self-proclaimed “Exciting Book Store” Village Vanguard is much more than a simple book store. In fact, its book section is quite small compared to the variety of goods they sell. They sell peculiar items, from Bonsai to weird sweets. The best part of this store is their classic Manga and Anime products which are hard to find in other places.
If you want to experience the “Exciting Book Store” and have some fun, take a look at their weird exclusive products while browsing for some Otaku jewels.
There are several stores in Nagoya but we recommend the Parco Store in Sakae because of its convenient location.
Village Vanguard Parco Store (ヴィレッジヴァンガード パルコ店)
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Address: Nagoya Parco 4F, 3-29-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Book Off
Do you want to buy Manga in Japanese for an incredibly cheap price? Well, Book Off is your place!
This second-hand book store has an incredibly huge collection of Manga. Their prices for regular Manga books are 200 to 300 yen. But they have an even cheaper 100 yen section for older series!
Apart from Manga, you will find second-hand Anime DVDs and CDs. If you like Japanese music, they also sell second-hand music CDs. Most of their items are in optimal condition.
BOOK OFF SUPER BAZAAR Sakae Skyle Store (BOOK OFF SUPER BAZAAR 栄スカイル店)
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Address: Skyle 8F 3-4-5, Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Bonus: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse Shop
Although technically not in Nagoya City, we couldn’t fail to mention the options for souvenir shopping at the newly opened Ghibli Park.
Each area of the park has its own small souvenir shop, but the most exciting one is, hands down, Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse “Adventure Squadron” shop. They carry goods related to all Ghibli films, as well as original Ghibli Park products that will make every Ghibli fan feel as if their dreams just came true.
Please note that only Ghibli Grand Warehouse ticket holders can enter this store. Curious to know more about Ghibli Park? Read our in-depth article here.
Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse Shop “Adventure Squadron” (冒険飛行団)
Opening Hours: weekdays 10:00 – 17:00, weekends and school holidays 9:00 – 17:00, closed Tuesdays
Address: 1533-1 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi
Website | Google Maps
This post was last updated in December 2023. Although we strive to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, please note that changes may occur nonetheless. We recommend you confirm any relevant information such as event cancelations or changes, opening hours, or possible restrictions using a direct source. Please keep in mind that these sources might be in Japanese only.
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Wow! I really want to visit that place in Japan! It’s like a manga wonderland! Right now though, the closest I can get to that in AZ are manga Stores near me in AZ like where I got my first Manga from, and I’ve been a regular customer ever since! I just got so hooked on it!