Love anime, manga, or retro Japanese games? You’re in for a treat. As Manchester celebrates Japan Week - a citywide festival of Japanese culture, creativity, and community - the Northern Quarter and beyond are buzzing with pop culture hotspots that any fan will appreciate.
Whether you're hunting for your next manga series, looking to pick up collectible merch, or just want to challenge your friends to a few rounds of Street Fighter, Manchester has plenty of spots to keep your fandom fired up. Here's a list of the best places to explore Japanese pop culture across the city during Japan Week.
1. Travelling Man
This comic book store is a go‑to for rare manga titles light novels and themed merchandise. It makes a perfect stop during Japan Week as you seek unique fandom items after enjoying festival performances or workshops at Home or Aviva Studios. A must-visit for manga lovers. Expect shelves full of classics like Death Note and Naruto, alongside new hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. They also stock anime art books, Japanese tabletop games, and kawaii stationery.
2. Forbidden Planet
With its extensive range of manga collectible merchandise and figurines this store complements Japan Week’s anime panels and cosplay events. Pick up souvenirs after attending stage performances at Home as part of the festival programme. This store is packed with anime figurines, posters, plushies, and collectibles from Studio Ghibli, Pokémon, Demon Slayer, and more.
This alternative shopping hub features indie stalls selling fan art manga inspired clothing and occasional pop‑ups. In Manchester’s legendary alternative shopping space, you’ll find everything from indie manga zines, Japanese streetwear, handmade fan art and even a Animaid Café – a Japanese style café with an authentic anime theme.
A neon-lit underground bar filled with retro arcade games and consoles, including Japanese hits like Street Fighter, Dance Dance Revolution, and Tekken. Great for after-hours fandom fun with themed cocktails and nostalgic tunes.
5. Fan Boy Three
A hub for card and tabletop gaming. They host regular Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon TCG nights, with friendly tournaments and plenty of merch to browse. Ideal for fans of anime-based games. It’s one of the UK’s most respected community gaming hubs and a welcoming space for newcomers and seasoned players alike
Japan Week is all about celebrating the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and that includes the bold, colourful, and creative world of anime, manga, and gaming. Manchester’s indie shops, arcades, and fan hangouts offer the perfect places to extend that experience beyond the official programme.
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