Are you into secondhand manga or vintage games? Whether you’re into collectible figurines and cards or fan-drawn manga, there’s something for everyone at the 8-floor Mandarake Complex in Akihabara. If nothing else, it’s worth going just to gawk at the goods on display.
Mandarake Complex - image © Florentyna Leow
Collecting manga can get expensive quickly. But if you're buying secondhand, your comic book budget will go that much further. To stock up on manga during your trip to Tokyo, head over to Mandarake in Akihabara, a secondhand bookstore carrying - you guessed it - manga.
Mandarake Complex - image © Florentyna Leow
Of course, this is Akihabara, so Mandarake is an 8-floor complex that isn't just a secondhand manga bookstore. Each floor has its own theme and dedicated fanbase. For instance, the sixth floor stocks only CDs, DVDs, and games; while the 7th and 8th floors stock collectible figurines and cards. Many of the games stocked are from the 80s, and prices can go into the hundreds of dollars.
Mandarake Complex - image © Florentyna Leow
Mandarake is also a great place to find doujinshi - fan comics based on other manga or anime. Doujinshi are a great showcase of fan creativity, and make good souvenirs for that one otaku friend of yours. These aren't sold in regular bookstores, and you’ll only find them in stores like Mandarake or at fan conventions. If you’re unfamiliar with the world of doujinshi, just know that a great proportion of the titles sold in these stores are basically rated 18+ or R and above, and can be extremely graphic. The fourth floor is dedicated to doujinshi marketed to male fans, while the fifth floor has doujinshi aimed at female fans.
Mandarake Complex - image © Florentyna Leow
Mandarake also carries a whole range of related goods, such as idol merchandise and voice actor CDs. Serious anime fans will have fun browsing the aisles, as will casual fans or total newbies. Even if you’re unfamiliar with otaku culture, a visit to Mandarake can provide some fascinating insights, so it’s worth popping by if you’re in Akihabara.
English name:
Mandarake Complex
Japanese name:
まんだらけ コンプレックス
English address:
3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021
Japanese address:
〒101-0021 東京都千代田区外神田3-11-12
Opening hours:
noon-8pm
Price:
Nearest Transport:
Train: 5-minute walk from the Electric Town exit of Akihabara Station on the JR Yamanote and Sobu lines.
Subway: 5-minute walk from exit 3 of Suehirocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line.
Telephone:
+81-3-3252-7007
Website:
Official website (English of the machine translation)
Near To Here:
Mandarake Complex is located in Tokyo's Akihabara, Kanda And Jimbocho districts. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo's Akihabara, Kanda And Jimbocho districts, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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