My first foray into anime was an exhibition in a small French town that I stumbled upon. After investigation, I discovered anime means animation in Japanese and that the beautifully created scenes, full of drama and a touch of magic, are synonymous with Japanese culture.
It is often associated with manga, the print version of anime, such as comic books and graphic novels, generally published in black and white. Anime is visual, with motion, sound, and colour. It can be cartoon-like or realistic. Anime is vibrant, with positive tones and relatable characters. If you’re keen to know more or are an anime fan, here is a guide to eight of the best anime shops in London.
The Best Anime Shops in London
Japan Craft – Camden Market
Japan Craft features in our Japanese Shops in London, and with two stalls in the iconic Camden Market. The popular anime shop is worth mentioning again.
You can find Japan Craft in Camden Lock Place, one of London’s earliest arts and crafts markets. Here, Japan Craft fits well among the eclectic mix of international stores.
The second stall is in Camden Market Stables, a melting pot of cultures dazzling visitors with its displays of local and global wares. It is a perfect setting for Japan Craft to showcase a significant part of Japanese culture.
Japan Craft claim to be the largest UK store specialising in manga and anime. They sell an extensive range direct from Japan.
For anime fans, the two shops are brimming from floor to ceiling with shelves packed with manga and anime goods. You can find games, posters, sweets, figurines, t-shirts, model kits, and mugs. Anything you can think of with an anime design is in these treasure troves.
Incredibly friendly staff are quick to help with any questions. If you’re in the market for anime merchandise or in the local area and want a browse, the Camden anime shops, Japan Craft, are a must-visit.
Addresses:
Camden Lock: Unit 2, Market Hall, Camden Lock Pl, Chalk Farm Road, London
NW1 8AL
Telephone: 020 7018 2882
The Stables: Unit 835, The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AH
Telephone: 020 7018 7172
Plugy – Everything Anime in Camden Market
Camden Market is world-famous for its choice of worldwide crafts, food, fashion and knick-knacks. The market has six areas, all individually named. Plugy has a well-established spot in the Hawley Wharf area of the market.
Plugy’s owner is passionate about all things anime. The shop holds many characters from all the best-loved movies and cartoons. They also sell some of the lesser-known characters for the more specialised collectors.
Plugy focus on kawaii, or cute, anime merchandise and gifts, from key rings to phone accessories. They stock Manga, Chinese and Thai fashion.
Regulars who visit Plugy say that the stock moves quickly, so when new deliveries arrive, it is wise to act swiftly.
Address: Camden Market, Floor 1, Waterside Halls West, Hawley Wharf, London, NW1 8AA
Forbidden Planet London Megastore
Forbidden Planet says they are the world’s largest and most recognised retailer in science fiction, fantasy, and cult. They specialise in comics, books, action figures, toys, and games. Anime merchandise and the latest manga titles, which have been translated and published to read from left to right, are available.
They have three stores in the UK, one in Bristol and another in Southampton. However, their London branch near Covent Garden is their most well-known.
The store is well laid out and organised over different levels. The figures and toys are on the main floor, and the ground floor is books galore, where you will find the manga display.
The shop has earned a reputation as the ultimate destination for nerds. Forbidden Planet sends regular newsletters, so there’s no need to miss out on the latest releases.
Address: 179 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8JR
Telephone: 020 7420 3666
Estatic Anime – A Huge Range of Anime in Stock or to Preorder
Estatic Anime specialise in collectable anime figures. They concentrate on Comic Con exhibitions, with several held in London, the wider UK, and Europe. However, they have private appointments at the London warehouse on request.
The Estatic Anime online shop is comprehensive if you cannot attend exhibitions or book a private appointment.
If you are one of the growing numbers of anime fans in the UK, Estatic Anime will surely have something for you. Their range includes,
- Kawaii or cute and cuddly
- Plushies
- The Ghibli Studios’ fantasy pieces
- Figures from more sinister storylines.
To get in touch with Estatic Anime, use their online Contact Form.
Address: Staples Corner Business Park, Unit 1, 1000, A406, London, NW2 7JP
Gosh! Comics – A 34-Year Track Record
Gosh! Comics have been in the comic industry for an incredible 34 years. They have an extensive range of graphic novels and are always searching for something new and entertaining. Gosh, are convinced they have something for everyone, and their customers agree.
Their Soho store spreads over two floors. The anime selection includes movies and guides. There is a small display of manga on the main floor, and in the basement, they hold a more extensive range, along with back issues, new comics and superhero graphic novels.
The comic store holds regular events, such as signings and new releases.
Gosh! Comics is a real gem of a comic bookstore in the heart of Soho. You can find big, well-known titles as well as less familiar ones. In stock are the latest films and comics, including past issues.
Address: 1 Berwick St, London W1F 0DR
Telephone: 020 7437 0187
Mega City Comics – Served by Fellow Enthusiasts
A long-standing comic store, Mega City Comics has been around since 1981. They traded as a mail-order business for six years before establishing their anime shop in Camden Town.
They aimed to provide one of the most extensive ranges of comics and graphic novels in the UK, supported by a friendly and knowledgeable team. They successfully achieved their goal, as people love to visit the store and enjoy engaging in conversations with staff who are fellow enthusiasts.
The shop’s relaxed vibe allows you to browse without pressure to buy. The anime shop is a short walk from Camden Town Tube Station.
Address: 18 Inverness St, London NW1 7HJ
Telephone: 020 7485 9320
Foyles – Among Friends
Foyles has sold books since 1903. Two brothers, William and Gilbert Foyle, turned a failure into a success. After failing their civil service exams, they decided to sell their study books from their kitchen table.
After 115 years, they sold the award-winning, internationally-recognised bookstore to Waterstones. The proviso was they continued to trade under the Foyles name. There are seven Folyes bookshops across London, Birmingham, Chelmsford, and Bristol.
Foyles have always had a branch at Charing Cross, and their newest flag store is six floors built around a central skylit atrium.
The bookstore offers an extensive range of anime and manga, including the highly-acclaimed Studio Ghibli. There is a selection of gifts and stationery, such as figurines, plush toys, and postcards.
Foyles Charing Cross is a big store with a cafe, so spending a few hours perusing the books is easy.
Set on the River Thames, the Foyles bookshop at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, is another popular store with over 15,000 titles. It is an inviting atmosphere, with enticing book displays. They sell books at the Southbank Centre’s world-class literary events, where there is the fabulous food heaven, Southbank Centre Food Market.
Address:
Charing Cross
107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DT
Telephone: 020 7437 5660
The Royal Festival Hall
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Telephone: 020 3859 9255
Japan Centre – Bookstore Roots
The Japan Centre started 1976 as a bookstore on Warwick Street, serving the Japanese community. In 2011, it expanded into the grocery business and today boasts Europe’s largest Japanese food hall.
They haven’t abandoned their roots and recognise the importance of anime and manga to Japanese culture. They stock the latest manga comics and many original Japanese manga favourites. The Japan Centre offer a subscription service, so there’s no need to miss a comic.
The Japanese Centre is a fantastic place to explore if you’re missing the comforts of your home country or are fascinated by Japanese culture, language, manga, and stationery.
Address: 35b Panton St, London SW1Y 4EA
Telephone: 0870 820 0055
Understanding Anime Selection: Tips for Visitors of Anime Shops in London
- Anime year of release. The release date of an anime will affect the quality. Older anime series will have poorer-quality sound and pictures.
- Dubbed or subtitles. Not all anime has undergone dubbing. Companies want to know if an anime series will be a hit with Western audiences before going to the expense of dubbing. They will experiment with the reception of subtitled versions.
- Time. Some anime are long-running, with hundreds of episodes. You might not have the time to invest in that length of series.
- Genre. Choosing a genre will help to narrow your options from the vast range of anime available. There is action, comedy, drama, horror, and fantasy.
