Animate is a household name for anime fans in Japan, with stores in all 47 prefectures. But did you know the retailer also has a strong presence overseas? From East Asia to Southeast Asia and even North America, Animate has been bringing Japanese pop culture to fans around the world. In this article, we introduce the stores in each region, along with their unique characteristics.
East Asia
Store Locations
Animate Kaohsiung
Animate Jamsil Lotte
Animate Guangzhou
Animate Chengdu
Animate Hangzhou
Animate Xiamen
Regional Characteristics
In East Asia, the product range is remarkably broad, covering everything from major blockbuster titles to niche works. Idol-themed content is especially popular. A closer look at the shelves reveals a diverse selection that goes beyond just the latest trends.
For example, in Taiwan, major works have reached the general public. When a certain theatrical film (popular in Japan as well) released new merchandise, more than 1,000 people lined up in front of the store from 8 a.m. Japanese artists also enjoy high popularity; when they visit, fans crowd the airport, and live performances even make it into newspaper pages.
Recently, Korean idol content has also been gaining traction in the region.
Hot Topics
Animate Xiamen in China, which had been operating as a pop-up store, officially opened as a permanent location on June 24. On June 26, Animate Beijing reopened after relocating and renovating, and also began selling books at the new location. In Korea, Animate Suwon, previously a pop-up, reopened as a permanent store on July 16, becoming the fourth permanent Animate store in the country. On July 17, Animate Taichung in Taiwan reopened after relocation and renovation, with its sales floor area expanded to about 1.5 times its previous size.
Southeast Asia
Store Locations
Animate Manila (scheduled to open in 2026)
Regional Characteristics
In Thailand, Animate Bangkok serves as one of the country’s leading anime information hubs. The second Thai store, Animate Future Park Rangsit, is located inside a large shopping mall and carries a wide range of products, from anime and manga to VTuber and streamer goods. In Malaysia, Animate Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit for local fans, situated in the popular commercial complex LaLaport BBCC in the city center.
Hot Topics
The big news in this region is the upcoming Animate Manila, scheduled to open in 2026. It will be the third Animate location in Southeast Asia, following Thailand and Malaysia. The store will be located in One Ayala, a commercial facility in Makati City, the economic heart of Metro Manila. With direct access to a station and a bus terminal, it is expected to attract not only local anime fans but also commuters and shoppers.
North America
Store Locations
Regional Characteristics
In North America, fans tend to develop attachments to specific stories and series, more so than in East Asia. Animate Los Angeles operates inside the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, a massive shopping center with parking for 12,000 vehicles.
In North America, both classic and mainstream titles have remained beloved for a long time, not just because of the original manga but also because older anime are frequently broadcast on television. Additionally, with anime now airing earlier in the region, fans’ purchasing behavior has accelerated. Inquiries about products come in sooner than before.
As anime is increasingly simulcast worldwide, including on streaming services, fans’ opportunities and speed of discovering new works are becoming closer to those in Asia.
Future Outlook for Animate Overseas
Animate’s overseas expansion shows no signs of slowing down. In East Asia, the company aims to expand and renovate existing stores. In Southeast Asia, it plans to enter new regions and countries. In North America, new store openings and the establishment of a local subsidiary are under consideration. Keep an eye on Animate’s global journey.
— Nakase Koutarou
