Guides
Everything you need to know about anime events, shopping, and merch in Japan.
11 guides
The Complete Gachapon Guide for Japan (2026): Where to Find, How to Play, What to Collect
Last updated: April 2026\. Written from weekly Tokyo visits — not from a travel blog\. Japan has over 600,000 capsule toy machines generating ¥610 billion a…
15 Apr 2026Read guide →
Latest Guides
- Buying Guide
The Apothecary Diaries Official Cookbook: Complete Guide for Overseas Fans
Published May 2026\. The first official cookbook for The Apothecary Diaries — titled "Maomao's Recipe Book" \(猫猫の調合書, Maomao no Chōgōsho\) — releases in Japan…
6 May 2026Read guide →
Buying GuideIchiban Kuji Guide Japan 2026: The No-Lose Anime Lottery Explained
Last updated: April 2026\. You're in a Lawson at 11 PM\. Next to the register there's a poster showing a 20cm One Piece figure — gorgeous, exclusive, available…
15 Apr 2026Read guide →
Buying GuideHow to Book an Anime Collab Cafe in Japan (2026): Step-by-Step for Every Major Platform
Last updated: April 2026\. You've found the collab cafe\. The menu looks incredible\. The exclusive merch is exactly what you want\. You tap the booking link…
15 Apr 2026Read guide →
- Buying Guide
How to Enter Anime Collab Cafe Lotteries from Overseas — Complete 2026 Guide
How to Enter Anime Collab Cafe Lotteries from Overseas — Complete 2026 Guide As someone who's been navigating Tokyo's anime collaboration cafe scene for years…
13 Apr 2026Read guide →
- Guide
Japan IC Card Guide for Anime Fans — Suica, Pasmo & ICOCA Setup
What IC Cards Actually Are and Why You Need Them IC cards are rechargeable transit passes that work on trains, subways, buses, and at thousands of stores…
13 Apr 2026Read guide →
- Buying Guide
How to Ship Anime Merch Home from Japan — DIY vs Buy For Me Compared
The Reality of Shipping Anime Merch from Japan Living in Tokyo for eight years, I've shipped thousands of anime figures, manga, and random character goods back…
13 Apr 2026Read guide →
Buying GuideHow to Buy from Animate Online Shop — Step-by-Step Guide for Overseas Fans
Getting Started with Animate Online Shop As someone who's been ordering from Animate for years and helping friends navigate their first purchases, I can tell…
13 Apr 2026Read guide →
- Buying Guide
How to Use Lawson Loppi Machines for Anime Cafe Reservations & Event Tickets in Japan
What Is Lawson Loppi and Why You Need It If you're an anime fan in Japan, Lawson convenience stores are your best friend\. The Loppi machine \(L\-OPPI\) sits…
13 Apr 2026Read guide →
GuideWhat are Trading Goods?
What are Trading Goods? Trading goods \(trading merch\) are character merchandise sold in random\-packed blind packaging\. You buy one item, but you don't know…
8 Apr 2026Read guide →
NewsOuran Host Club: Why This Anime Deserves a Second Look
A few years ago, during an interview at a Japanese entertainment company, I was asked the question every anime fan secretly hopes for: What's your all\-time…
15 Mar 2026Read guide →
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- Coming SoonGuide
How to Buy from Japan — Beginner's Guide
Shops, proxy payment, shipping, and customs — the full primer for overseas merch haulers.
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- Coming SoonGuide
Collab Cafe Guide for Tourists
Booking from overseas, day-of etiquette, photo rules, and the merch run strategy.
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- Coming SoonGuide
Figure Collecting 101
Scales, manufacturers, pre-order cycles, and display — everything a new collector needs.
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