Anime Robots Evolved Hand-in-Hand with Toys
The history of Japanese robot anime is one reason for Japan’s global reputation for being “robot country.” Anime and film critic Ryusuke Hikawa explains.
Get Schooled in Anime and Idols
Interested in learning the ropes of managing a maid cafe or producing your own anime? Then perhaps you should enroll in Akiba Business World at Tokyo School of Anime.
Hello Kitty Mini Cruisers
We couldn't imagine a better Hello Kitty souvenir from Japan than these tiny cars—except maybe a life-sized one.
Anime Characters & Aircraft Get Lego-ized
The students at Tokyo University prove that Legos aren't just for kids and that the sky's the limit!
Throwback to the '80s & '90s
For those who lived through the '80s and '90s, get ready to feel nostalgic as we turn back the clock and dive into toys that were a hit in Japan and around the world during the late 20th century.
All About Gachapon
Get all the info you need to understand Japan's popular capsule toy machines.
The 5 Best Japanese Toys of All Time
Japan has long been synonymous with anime, computer games and every kind of tech imaginable—and of course when it comes to toys, Japan has created some of the best you can find!
Train Photographer Hirota Naotaka
Discover one of Japan's pioneering 'tori-tetsu'—a.k.a. train photography otaku!
An Otaku's Dream Home
Let your geek flag fly in an affordable boarding house in Tokyo that welcomes anime, manga and video game fanatics.
Makoto Shinkai's 'She & Her Cat' Coming to TV
Get ready to have your heart melt as a new anime series from Makoto Shinkai dives into the relationship between a girl and her feline companion.
Model Train Playground in Nakano
Big Yard is a well-known shop in Nakano that both buys and sells essentially every kind of model train.
Cooking in the Kitchen with Kitty Appliances
These tiny toy kitchen appliances are purrrfect for any feline fan—just try not to bake anything using these toys!
Leggo My Sushi Roll!
More than just a Lego sushi restaurant, this dining establishment has a wild bunch of patrons and even a fully functioning conveyor belt!
Top 10 Coolest Toys at Tokyo Otaku Mode
There's lots of fun stuff over at Tokyo Otaku Mode that keeps us hovering over the 'add to cart' button. Here are 10 of our most tempting favorites!
Catch Some Zs On Your Very Own Snorlax!
This sleeping Snorlax cushion is the best sleeping buddy/bed any Pokémon fan could ask for!
36 Japanese Words to Describe Train Otaku
Are you into collecting train stamps, or is taking pictures of trains more your thing? No matter what your passion for trains may be, the Japanese language has a word for it!
The Dark Side Goes Old School
We can't imagine a better role for Darth Vader than that of a shogun with Stormtrooper samurai.
The Nintendo Revolution in the Good Old Days
Most of us probably had at least one product from Nintendo, and it’s time to travel back in time and visit the most popular ones.
Buy a Giant Robot for ¥120 Million on Amazon!
Ever wanted to pilot 3.8-meter (12½-ft), 5-ton robot? Why not just buy one online!
