ConnectLive 2025 Post Series. This post is a part of my series before, during, and after ConnectLive 2025 New York City showcasing unique attractions, activities, and facts about the city
Hey anime fans! 
Ever find yourself wandering the streets of Manhattan, dreaming of stumbling upon a treasure trove of manga, figures, and all things anime? Well, you’re in luck! This vibrant city has some fantastic spots to fuel your fandom. Let’s take a peek at a few must-visit locations.
Kinokuniya: A Japanese Culture Haven 
Okay, so Kinokuniya isn’t just an anime store, but it’s an absolute goldmine for manga lovers! Located in Midtown, this Japanese bookstore boasts an impressive selection of manga in both English and Japanese. You can easily spend hours browsing their shelves, discovering new series and picking up your favorites. They also have a great selection of art books, magazines, and some figures and merchandise tucked away. It’s a truly immersive experience for anyone interested in Japanese culture. Plus, they often host events and signings!
Midtown Comics: A Comic Book Kingdom with Anime Flair 
While primarily a comic book store, Midtown Comics, with its multiple Manhattan locations, definitely caters to anime and manga fans. You’ll find a solid selection of graphic novels, including a wide range of manga titles. They also stock various anime-related merchandise, like figures, collectibles, and apparel. It’s a great place to browse if you’re into both Western comics and Japanese animation. The staff are usually pretty knowledgeable and can help you track down what you’re looking for.
Bookoff: The Ultimate Treasure Hunt for Anime Goodies! 
Ah, Bookoff! This is where the real magic can happen. Located in Midtown, Bookoff is a Japanese chain that buys and sells used books, manga, CDs, DVDs, video games, and yes – anime figures and merchandise! Stepping into Bookoff is like embarking on a treasure hunt. You never know what gems you might find, and often at incredibly reasonable prices. I’ve personally snagged some amazing manga sets and even a few rare figures here for a fraction of their original cost. Their manga section is usually quite extensive, covering a wide variety of genres. They also have a decent selection of used anime DVDs and Blu-rays. The turnover of items can be pretty quick, so it’s always worth popping in regularly to see what’s new. You might just stumble upon your next prized possession! 
Forbidden Planet: A Sci-Fi and Fantasy Mecca with Anime Love 
Located near Union Square, Forbidden Planet is a legendary store that caters to all things sci-fi, fantasy, and of course, anime! While their focus isn’t exclusively anime, they have a dedicated section with a good selection of manga, graphic novels, and anime-related figures and merchandise. It’s a great place to explore if you’re a fan of various geeky genres. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, and you’re bound to find something that catches your eye. Plus, they often have new releases and popular items in stock.
So there you have it – a few awesome spots in Manhattan to get your anime fix! Happy hunting, fellow otaku! 
Have any favorite anime stores in Manhattan or in your hometown? Share 
below
. One Piece is my all time favorite! Have to represent the 90’s 
. I will try to check them out on my next trip to the Big Apple! 
