Anime and manga fans in the Philippines are set to welcome a major global retailer as Animate prepares to establish its first local branch this year. The move marks the brand’s official entry into the country after years of anticipation from the local fan community.
The upcoming store will be located at One Ayala, with the mall’s official page confirming the development. The announcement signals a significant expansion for the Japan-based retailer, bringing its wide selection of anime-related merchandise closer to Filipino consumers.
“From Japan to you. Coming soon,” the mall page shared.
Expanding Animate’s footprint in Asia
The Philippine branch will become the 14th Animate store in Asia and the fourth in the Southeast Asian region, joining existing locations in Bangkok, Rangsit, and Kuala Lumpur. This expansion reflects the company’s continued push into international markets where demand for anime and manga products remains strong.
Animate operates under Movic Co Ltd. and is known for offering a broad range of items tied to popular Japanese entertainment. Its inventory includes character goods, books, magazines, games, and art materials, alongside themed collaboration cafes and event booths that cater to fans.
Globally, the company maintains a network of 129 stores across several countries, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, United States and the United Kingdom. This wide presence underscores its position as one of the leading retailers in the anime merchandise space.
Long-Awaited Debut in the Philippines
Plans to bring Animate to the Philippines date back to 2015, when Hallo Hallo Inc. announced intentions to include the retailer in a proposed “Cool Japan Mall.” However, the project did not materialize, delaying the brand’s entry into the local market for several years.
The upcoming opening at One Ayala finally fulfills those earlier plans, offering Filipino fans direct access to official merchandise without needing to rely on overseas purchases. It also reflects the growing influence of anime culture in the country, which continues to attract a strong and dedicated audience.
The arrival of Animate represents more than just a new retail store. It highlights the country’s increasing relevance in global pop culture markets while creating new opportunities for local fans to engage with the content they love, support official products, and participate in a broader creative community.
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