If you’re an anime or manga fan visiting Bangkok, one of the most important stops on your map should be ANIMATE Bangkok, the city’s official branch of the famous Japanese anime retailer. Located inside MBK Center, this store is a genuine haven for fans craving authentic, licensed anime goods.
Animate is a well-known Japanese retailer that specializes in anime, manga, character goods, CDs, artbooks, and more. The Bangkok branch is part of a joint venture – Japan Manga Alliance (JMA) – between Animate and major Japanese publishers like Kadokawa, Shueisha, Kodansha, and Shogakukan. Their goal: to bring real anime culture to Thailand while offering officially licensed products.
Where to Find It
Animate Bangkok is located on the 7th floor of MBK Center, a huge and iconic shopping mall in central Bangkok. The MBK Center is easily accessible, just walk from BTS National Stadium Station (Exit 4).
Store Hours:
Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00.
Contact: +66 99-782-0064
What Can You Buy There?
Animate Bangkok carries a wide selection of genuine, Japanese-imported anime merchandise:
- Manga & Artbooks — Popular volumes, limited editions, and special art collections.
- Figures & Collectibles — High-quality figurines, Nendoroids, and character models.
- CDs, Games & DVDs — Soundtracks, anime series, and related media.
- Character Goods — Keychains, plushies, stationery, accessories, and more.
- Pre-Orders & Special Orders — You can reserve items directly through Animate.
Why Anime Fans Love It
- Licensed Goods Only: Unlike some stalls in MBK that may sell bootleg merchandise, Animate offers 100% officially licensed items.
- Community Hub: It’s not just a store — it’s become a cultural hub for anime lovers in Thailand, bringing Japanese anime and manga closer to local fans.
- Events & Campaigns: Animate Bangkok often runs special campaigns and events that mirror those in Japan, making it a hotspot for collectors and fans.
- Trusted Source: Customers often praise it for being one of the few reliable sources for licensed merchandise in Bangkok.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Bring your own bag — Animate items like figures or books can be fragile or bulky.
- Check their latest product list or online shop for exclusives or pre-orders.
- Go on a weekday or early on weekends — MBK Center can get very crowded, and Animate is especially popular.
- If you’re looking for rare manga volumes or limited-edition goods, ask the staff — they can help with special orders.
If you want authentic anime gear in Bangkok, Animate Bangkok at MBK Center is your destination. It’s not just a shop — it’s a shrine for otaku culture, a bridge between Japan and Thailand, and a must-visit for any serious fan. Whether you’re hunting for manga, figures, soundtracks, or just want to browse a huge selection of anime merch, Animate Bangkok delivers.
SOURCES
- Animate Bangkok Official Page
https://www.animate.co.jp/en/shop/bangkok/ - Animate Bangkok Access & Directions
https://www.animate.co.jp/en/shop/bangkok/access/ - Animate Bangkok Contact Information (JMA Website)
https://www.animatejma.co.th/contact-us - Animate Bangkok Online Shop
https://animatebkk-online.com/contact-us - Wikipedia — Animate (Retailer)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animate_(retailer) - Japan Manga Alliance Official Release (Partnership Announcement PDF)
https://japanmanga.co.jp/pdf/20151109plessrelease.pdf - Animate Bangkok Overview — AroiMakMak Travel Site
https://aroimakmak.com/animate-bangkok/ - Reddit Discussion — Licensed Anime Merch in Bangkok
https://www.reddit.com/r/Bangkok/comments/1aloth7
