The newly opened animate cafe is part of the brand’s first simultaneous launch of a main store, cafe and pop-up space outside Japan. — Photos: KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
Japanese anime retail chain opens first Malaysian store, bringing authentic ACG culture closer to local fans
BRIGHT-haired heroes, elaborate worlds and unforgettable stories – Japan’s pop culture has a way of pulling people in, no matter where they are from.
Once considered an underground subculture, anime, comics and games (ACG) have become a major part of mainstream entertainment, from global streaming hits to international conventions that draw thousands of fans.
Fans can find a wide selection of official merchandise at the animate store on Level 2, from stationery and figures to comics, music and audio goods.
In Malaysia, this enthusiasm has long been evident in passionate fan communities, vibrant cosplay events and art markets celebrating every corner of the medium.
Now, that world is coming closer to home. Animate Co Ltd, one of Japan’s largest anime retail chains, is opening its first permanent Malaysian store at LaLaport BBCC’s ACG Base, a new zone dedicated entirely to anime, comics and games.
Malaysia’s new ACG playground
Located on Level 2 of the 82,600 sqm retail destination, the ACG Base will open in phases from Oct 10, with a handful of other stores situated on different floors.
As of mid-October, about half the planned stores are occupied, with more launches to follow in the coming months.
Rather than a simple retail space, the ACG Base is set to a pop-culture playground that blends shopping, dining and immersive experiences.
The highlight is the flagship animate store, which opened on Oct 10, offering a full range of official anime, manga and VTuber merchandise, from figures and keychains to apparel and collectables. Nearby, the animate cafe will bring themed dining to LaLaport, starting with a Detective Conan collaboration running until Nov 16.
Visitors can enjoy character-inspired drinks, pastries and graphic lattes and even purchase mystery “blind boxes” containing limited-edition coasters and merchandise, bringing the stories and characters fans love to life.
Sotokawa at the Animate Café in LaLaport BBCC, where themed menus and exclusive merchandise bring anime stories to life.
Meanwhile, the animate Only Shop will host short-term themed pop-ups, rotating every few months to spotlight different titles and franchises.
Look out for other stores like K+ by Kadokawa Gempak Starz, which adds a local touch to the mix, showcasing collaborations between Malaysian and Japanese creators through art, stories and exclusive merchandise.
Other interesting outlets include Doko Koko Café, Doko Koko Goods and Doko Koko Pick Up, which offer themed menus and exclusive anime merchandise for devoted fans and Nullset Goods, which features designer collaborations and limited-edition collectables for those with a taste for the rare.
From sawadee to selamat datang
Before stepping into the Malaysian market, animate had already built a strong foothold in Thailand, maintaining a steady presence for over a decade, a rare and noteworthy achievement in a market where retail trends shift rapidly and tenant turnover is common.
“After Thailand, we were considering where to go next. LaLaport approached us with great enthusiasm, and that gave us the motivation to open in Malaysia,” said animate Co Ltd chief executive officer Akihiro Sotokawa.
“Last year’s pop-up store in LaLaport was very well received. That encouraged us to think more seriously about establishing a permanent presence here.”
Inside K+ by Kadokawa Gempak Starz, fans can discover cross-cultural works from local and Japanese creators.
Malaysia also marks a first for the company, as it launches its main store, café and pop-up space all at once.
“This is the first time we are opening a main store, a pop-up and a café at the same time,” said Sotokawa. “It’s a new challenge for us, and we’ll do our best to make it a success.”
Building connections through shared passions
Beyond merchandise, animate, and the wider ACG Base zone, aim to create a sense of belonging among fans.
More than just retail outlets, the themed spaces and pop-up zones are designed as social hubs where enthusiasts can gather, celebrate favourite titles and connect with others who share their passion.
“By offering a variety of titles, we hope to attract many kinds of fans and create a community space where they can gather and connect,” Sotokawa said.
For many, spaces like these are where online fandoms come to life, turning shared interests into real-world friendships and experiences.
Themed treats and limited-edition Detective Conan collectibles are now available at the Animate Cafe.
Sotokawa added that animate also supports Japanese creators by offering officially licensed merchandise, ensuring that proceeds go back to the artists and studios behind each title.
All products sold in-store are 100% genuine, giving fans peace of mind when purchasing their favourite items.
“Through our efforts here, we hope Japanese creators and anime companies will start to look more closely at Malaysia,” he said.
“It would make me very happy if this became a bridge that connects both sides.”
Looking ahead, Sotokawa hopes the Malaysian store will become a platform for collaborations, special events and guest appearances by Japanese creators, idols, voice actors, game producers and manga artists.
“We want to grow together with our fans in Malaysia and make this a place where everyone can enjoy and celebrate anime culture.”
With animate’s arrival, Malaysia’s love for Japanese pop culture has found a new home, and it is only the beginning.
