Starting July 17, 2026, Animate will open its first standalone Gratte store, the Animate Gratte Animate-dori Store, in Ikebukuro. Located just a one-minute walk from the Animate Ikebukuro main store and five minutes from Ikebukuro Station, the new shop is set to become a convenient stop for fans in the middle of their oshi-katsu (favorite character activities). The Anime! Anime! editorial team attended a press preview to get an early look at the venue.
Convenient Location Near the Main Store
The Animate Gratte Animate-dori Store opens along the so-called “Animate-dori” street in Higashi-Ikebukuro 1-chome. As Animate’s first independent Gratte location, it offers a new option for fans visiting the main store for shopping or events, and can also serve as an alternative when the main store’s Gratte is crowded.
How to Order at Gratte
No reservation is needed. Orders are placed via in-store terminals. Customers first select a collaboration title, then choose from menu items such as Gratte (printed latte), icing cookies, or graphic ice, followed by the printed design and base drink or flavor. After paying at the register with the issued ticket, customers are called by number. The process is easy even for first-timers, and the time spent choosing a design is part of the fun. Depending on congestion, numbered entry tickets may be distributed.
Three Simultaneous BL Collaboration Menus
At opening, three BL label collaborations will run simultaneously: “.Bloom 10th Anniversary & Melo Kiss 8th Anniversary Commemorative Gratte,” “caramel Comics 8th Anniversary Commemorative Gratte,” and “Chara Birthday Fair 2026 × Gratte.” Each features a different lineup of works, giving BL fans plenty to choose from.
All three collaborations offer the same three menu types: Gratte, icing cookies, and graphic ice. The graphic ice is especially appealing for the hot summer season, offering a cool treat with high visual satisfaction.
Opening Commemorative Bonuses and Goods
To celebrate the store opening, each collaboration offers an exclusive 2L bromide photo for every 2,000 yen (tax included) spent on eligible food, drinks, or paid bonuses and related books. In addition, commemorative goods include clear mini photo cards for the caramel Comics collaboration, trading BIG clear cards for the Chara Birthday Fair, and trading CoLotta for each project. A grand lottery for autographed acrylic coasters is also available for the .Bloom/Melo Kiss and caramel Comics collaborations (see the Gratte website for entry details).
Photo Spots and Self-Decorations
Inside the store, photo spots with stands in multiple colors (yellow, purple, etc.) let fans match their oshi’s color. Placing acrylic stands or plushies makes for perfect oshi-katsu photos. A self-deco area with stickers like “My Oshi,” “Too Precious to Drink,” and “National Treasure Face” allows visitors to customize their shots.
Related books are also available, encouraging visitors to discover new titles after enjoying the collaboration drinks and sweets.
Opening-Exclusive Icing Cookies
As a special opening gift, limited-design icing cookies are being distributed. These make a memorable souvenir for early visitors.
Store Overview
Animate Gratte Animate-dori Store
Location: 7-Fukyu Building 2F, 1-20-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station / 1-minute walk from Animate Ikebukuro main store
Current collaborations: .Bloom 10th Anniversary & Melo Kiss 8th Anniversary Commemorative Gratte / caramel Comics 8th Anniversary Commemorative Gratte / Chara Birthday Fair 2026 × Gratte
*From July 17 to 20, numbered entry tickets will be distributed to ease congestion. Check the store’s website or X account for details.
《濱田果歩》
