Otaku Mode! Five Must-visit Novelty Stores in Singapore If You Love Anime

It’s no secret that anime has become one of the most influential aspects of Japanese culture to spread throughout various Asian regions and even Western countries.

The success of anime across the world gave birth to different adaptations including, but not limited to, live-action films or series, video games, music, and of course -- merchandise.

Certified otakus or anime lovers are fascinated in collecting figures of their favourite characters or flaunting anime-themed clothes and accessories as part of their fashion style. There are countless novelty shops where you can find your favourite anime merch in Singapore, and we’ve listed a few of them that will transport you back to your childhood.

La Tendo

La Tendo is an anime and games retail store in Singapore that specialises in almost all types of Japanese-inspired collectibles like toys, books, apparel, accessories, and the like.

La Tendo’s toy figures come in a set of pre-painted statues, are very easy to assemble, and contain removable parts to customise the look of the character. They also sell fashion dolls in various shapes and sizes, complete with clothes, body parts, and accessories, so you can create your own style and add some personal touches.

Aside from plushies and figures, the shop also has calendars featuring your favourite anime series such as “Haikyu!”, “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Black Clover,” “Demon Slayer,” and more. For fans of “Genshin Impact,” you should check out their collection of character badges, keychains, plush charms, and smartphone stands.

Location: La Tendo, 3 Temasek Blvd, #03-354

Otaku House @ Suntec City

One of the novelty stores that anime fans and enthusiasts in Singapore frequently visit is the Otaku House. With three Otaku House branches across the city-state, you can shop for cosplay costumes and accessories, Japanese novelty items, and anime memorabilia in Bugis Junction, Plaza Singapura, and Suntec City.

Founded in 2006, Otaku House started as a small pushcart kiosk at Orchard Cineleisure. This anime store in Singapore is one of the first shops to supply ready-to-wear cosplay clothes for cosplayers in the city-state. They began their business at a time when cosplay outfits were not quite as popular as they are now.

Aside from cosplay costumes, other exciting items you can score from Otaku House are action figures, jigsaw puzzles, posters, stationery, phone cases, shirts, pillows, plushies, Lego-inspired bricks, and more.

Location: Otaku House, 3 Temasek Blvd, #02-475

Asobi!

“Asobi” is a Japanese term that means “play.” As its name would suggest, this store in Singapore is home to anime-themed toys and games.

Summon your favourite anime creatures through trading card games and novelty toys from Asobi! Some products featured in their collections are Nendoroid, Pop Up Parade figures, Beyblade, and Cardfight!! Vanguard, among others. You can browse the complete list of products via their Shopee account. Prices range from S$5.50 to S$656.

Location: Asobi!, 2 02-02 "Suite P, Arumugam Rd, B LTC Building

Seimon-Cho

Founded in 2007, Seimon-Cho is known for selling authentic Sanrio characters from Japan like Hello Kitty, Gudetama, My Melody, and Rilakkuma among others.

Aside from their kawaii items, this shop in Singapore also has anime merchandise featuring famous characters from “Demon Slayer,” “Pokemon,” “Dragonball,” “One Piece," “Studio Ghibli,” “Doraemon,” and more. Other gift items you can find at Seimon-Cho are stationery, towel, bags, kitchenware, figures, and socks.

Seimon-Cho can be found in the IMM Building and Plaza Singapura.

Location: Seimon-Cho, 68 Orchard Rd, #03-03 Plaza Singapura

Pikku Play

Pikku Play offers affordable yet quality toys for customers who love to collect anime merchandise as their hobby.

This store in Singapore is a small home-based business that has partnered with some of the leading anime distributors including Good Smile Company, Ichiban Kuji, Gachapon, Furyu Corporation, MegaHouse, and Medialink.

Just like other anime stores in the city-state, Pikku Play has action figures, trading cards, convertible deck boxes, candy toys, and more in-stock items to offer.

Location: Pikku Play, 1 Sophia Road (Peace Centre) #01-30