Had to play secret agent doing this post for these confidential pics as Mandarake had prohibited photo-taking within their premises. Mandarake is one biggest players when it come to toy trading in Japan both retails and online. They do buy in old toys beside selling so if you a collector of vintage toys, look for Mandarake. During my otaku, Agent S and I had managed to cover 3 Mandarake stores like Akihabara which is within walking distance from our inn. We had also took train to visit Mandarake Shibuya and Nakano.
Mandarake Akihabara - This tower of power is an institution. Housing eight floors of anime merchandise, toys, collectibles and manga, the place offers enough pop-culture goodies to make any fan beam with joy and go bankrupt. The lift is usually packed so warm up by taking the stairs. This store is most frequent by tourists but communication is ease as I was greeted by Caucasian staff.
Mandarake Shibuya - Many say Shibuya has probably the biggest single Mandarake store. Locating the store can be a bit challenging if you walk from the train station and the store is hidden underground. A more open concept for shoppers to feel and touch the items on the shelves. With some patience going through the shelves, you will find rare gems.Shibuya area is know as a place for young people in Tokyo. New pop culture has been developed from this town. Mandarake Shibuya is located in underground floor of Shibuya BEAM.
All manga and anime goods are place in one large floor, it is like treasure hunting.
Mandarake Nakano - Their goodies are segregated into many smaller stores within the building. You will see a single store with all the Transformers toys, store solely on Sentai rangers/ Kamen riders and store entirely on western imported toys.Mandarake Nakano is the main shop of Mandarake. Mandarake was established in 1987 as a pre-owned comic dealer in Nakano Broadway buiding. Mandarake currently has 16 different stores separated as a kind of items selling. We always have staff who can help you in English here in Nakano, please let our staff know that you need help to seach whatever you are looking for.
12 comments:
Someday when i go to Tokyo i definitely will give Mandarake a visit. I remembered i ordered my Volks A3 from Nakano and Shibuya
Oh yes, I had also ever made a few orders from them too. I saw these Muv Luv Volks A3. They are quite difficult to reach outside Japan. For my case, I settle with Kotobukiya kits instead...
Bro, I will be in the shop for the whole day if I were there..
risky but quite successful mission, agent K !!!... that must be the heart of the otaku world, because there a tons of vintage stuff i hardly have seen anywhere else... this is the paradise for the japanese pop-art fandom... so much, you’ll be broke, no matter the size of your budget LOL... exciting place, but it’s just too much for my willpower, that’s when i bless GOD, Japan is so far, far away from here LOLOLOL !!!... =D
Excellent guide, I am always reading from TF collectors about where to buy Transformers in Japan, this will definitely help those who use google. Nakano Mandrake brings tears to my eyes, the goods there on a good day are absolutely amazing.
>> Desmond
True! True! I'm trapped within event horizon upon entering. It's just mesmerizing!
>> chrismandesign
Thank you sir and announcing the mission completed. Mandarake definitely is the deal for vintage and out-of-production toys. I got myself a vintage Samurai Troopers figure ^_^
>> burntrolls
My favourite is also Nakano Mandarake. It's a gathering of many toy shops as well as and really for the first time, my eyes got so tired looking at toys there that it actually teared. Lol..
I didn't manage to go such places when I was in Japan as more of the family trip. Should have join you.
True, my first trip with wifee to central Japan is more of sightseeing but this round really cover lotz of otaku sites.
Death to your wallets. Lol
Your casualties are definitely higher bro... Lol
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