by Animate announced on the 3rd that it will renew the “Animate Ikebukuro Main Store” and open its grand opening in the spring of 2023.
“Animate,” which was renewed in May 2020, is a store specializing in anime, comics, and games expanding in Japan and overseas, and became the first store in front of Ikebukuro Sunshine City in March 1983. Animate Ikebukuro” opened. The surrounding area attracted attention, where women who like anime and comics gathered. A milk carton-shaped building was also famous as a symbol of the so-called “Otome Road,” and many guests from Japan and abroad visited the store.
After that, since the store was relocated to a location 5 minutes on foot from the east exit of JR Ikebukuro Station in November 2012, the first renewal is planned for 2023, which is 40 years after the opening of “Animate Ikebukuro Main Store.” To contribute to the realization of “a theater city where everyone can play a leading role in the entire town,” set forth by Toshima Ward, the store will be reborn as a store that guests can enjoy.
In this renewal, it will be reborn as a building integrated with the current store by expanding it on the former Ikebukuro Public Health Center site. In addition, the exterior is designed to be continuous with the adjacent “Hareza Ikebukuro,” creating an ample entertainment space where the entire area is connected, inviting visitors and creating a lively atmosphere.
The store area will be significantly expanded. It will be a facility where you can experience the world of anime and comics in various ways and have more items, making it easier to spend and creating a calm space. Details will be announced one by one.
