What can Little Akihabara do for YOU?
A Letter from our Founder Tetsu Shiota
The reality is…
Although a company could be well known in Japan, it could be completely unheard of in the U.S. And so previously, many Japanese companies have been forced to withdraw from their ventures into U.S markets.
The main cause for this is because they started in the wrong location. A store’s location is critical in the determination of how well products are received and plays a key role in a company’s success.
People all over the world know that Akihabara is a sacred place for anime and gaming fans.
But is there such a rich area in the United States?
Online communities allow fans to share their passion, but nothing beats being able to experience hobbies together. This need to meet, to see, to gather as a community is the driving force behind events like anime conventions.
While conducting our own research at one of the world's largest anime conventions here in Los Angeles, we asked attendees, “If a Japanese anime store was planning on opening here in the United States, where would you like it to be?”
Nearly 70% of those surveyed answered “Little Tokyo.”
When asked “Why Little Tokyo?” they responded “Because in Little Tokyo there are stores that sell manga, ramen, and Pocky! It has all the types of things we’re looking for.”
“It’s a place where you can feel like you’re in Japan just by walking its streets!”
For these fans, Little Tokyo brings them many of the things conventions offer but more than once a year.
But it’s not just about the variety of Japanese shops and restaurants.
Little Tokyo provides outdoor space where friends can meet, the rare third place that young consumers crave in today’s tech-dominated society.
The Little Tokyo Mall pop-up retail space is ideal for themed cafes and pop-ups that bring fans together and allow them to live in their favorite fandoms.
Previous successful events include the Akiba Maid War Café, a pop-up shop celebrating Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Nier in collaboration with Square Enix, a Tamashii Nations collectible store, and Akiba Live concerts featuring the rapidly rising VTuber scene.
Our careful market research and innovative social media team keep Little Akihabara on trend with the latest in pop culture, just like its counterpart in Japan!
When you invest in Little Akihabara, you're connecting directly to a new sacred place for fans of anime, gaming, and idols.
A new wave of subculture is coming to Little Akihabara, and we’d love you to ride it with us!
Have Your Own Idea for our Space?
Reach out to us in the form to discuss hosting your own business
at our location!