Featured Spotlight: ZenPlus

▼ Say goodbye to “Japan-only”

How many times have you encountered the anime figure of your dreams, only to painfully find out that it’s sold in Japan only? And worse yet, for a limited time only to boot?

For otaku overseas, the privilege of simple availability is an eternal struggle. Never mind how quickly all that epic anime, manga, and gaming merch flies off store shelves within Japan – what about for the rest of us around the world who can’t even get to Japan in the first place?

The solution is simple: bring Japan to you, with help from ZenPlus!

▼ ZenPlus: Shop direct from Japan

ZenPlus is an online marketplace connecting Japan and its products with anime, manga, and gaming fans overseas, wherever they may be. Our specially curated platform of 1,900 trusted sellers and the 7 million authentic products they offer ensures you’ll find exactly what it is you’re after — with a simple tap or click of a button.

We’re located right in the heart of Osaka, Japan, so if it’s something Japanese you’re after, rest assured you’ll find it on ZenPlus!

▼ 2,000 yen off for Otaku USA readers!

Use the special coupon code OTAKU2000 at checkout and get an instant discount on your purchase. But hurry – it’s for a limited time only!

Discount: 2,000 yen off 1 order
Period: May 30 (12:01 AM EDT) – June 5, 2022 (11:59 PM EDT)

Check out our dedicated Otaku USA showcase for anime, manga, and gaming goodies to find out more!

▼ Why shop at ZenPlus?

So just what are the benefits of using ZenPlus to source your epic otaku merch?

Let’s take a look.

I. Availability: Ship Japan-only anime merch worldwide

The sellers on ZenPlus are all actual businesses operating in Japan with a valid Japanese business number. That region-centric approach means a lot of what you’ll find on our platform is exclusive to Japan. 

At the end of the day, we’re all about connecting Japan with the rest of the world, so with the help of our nationwide store network – and Osaka office and warehouses – you can bet you’ll always have Japan-only goodies at your fingertips!

II. Speed: Browse and buy as you like in real time

Stop waiting for your local mall to stock that very specific piece of otaku merch you’ve been craving! With ZenPlus you can shop what you want from Japan, whenever you want it.

Whether it be an anime figure that’s only hit Japan store shelves recently, or one that’s still in the pre-order stage, ZenPlus helps you secure merch for your collection in an efficient, timely manner.

III. Authenticity: Reputable stores and sellers

From renowned brands like R4G (anime apparel) and SNK (games) to actual brick-and-mortar stores around Japan, rest assured you’ll be able to find not just exclusive anime goods on ZenPlus but authentic ones too.

Our sellers’ agreement fully compels all stores to list only authentic products in their range.

IV. Communication: No language barriers

Our dedicated team of multilingual customer support managers help you effortlessly communicate with Japanese store owners, whether it be questions, requests, or other matters.

Want to learn more about that item you’ve been eyeing? Ask about it direct from the item page in seconds  –  we’ll translate your question into Japanese and forward it straight to the seller for clarification. No language barriers here!

V. Logistics: You shop, we ship!

We’ll take care of all the complicated logistics issues (like packing and international shipping) so that you can focus on what you really came to do: search and shop epic anime merch direct from Japan! With nearly 10 years’ experience in global ecommerce, we’ll make sure your otaku shopping spree is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

▼ Discover: Store spotlights

Here’s a small selection of storefronts dedicated to anime, manga, and gaming merch on ZenPlus. Visit our marketplace to discover many more stores and categories to feed your inner otaku!

Anime & game figures: Gufbb

Scale figures, Nendoroids, and other detailed renditions of all your favorite characters! From Re:Zero to Dragon Ball, Evangelion, One Piece, Monster Hunter, and more.

Guf is a brick-and-mortar character goods store located in Kyoto and Osaka’s Nipponbashi district, the home of otaku in western Japan. 

Manga in Japanese: Zenkan

Achieve master otaku levels by reading manga in their original Japanese language! From Attack on Titan to One Piece, Chainsaw Man, Tokyo Revengers, and other franchises, both classic and contemporary alike.

With its focus on box sets and complete collections, Zenkan is a collector’s paradise.   

Rare gachapon capsule toys: ToySanta

Every month brings with it a new set of gachapon capsule toys in Japan, and with ToySanta you can make sure you catch the wave. Check out a huge variety of figurines, replicas, and other collectibles from all your favorite otaku franchises, including Demon Slayer, Gundam, Genshin, Pokémon, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Kirby!

ToySanta’s focus on gachapon and miniatures make it one unique store you definitely won’t want to miss.

Cosplay goods: Cosparfait

Become beloved characters from Demon Slayer, the Fate franchise, Final Fantasy, BanG Dream, Love Live, and other franchises! 

Parfait is a secondhand cosplay superstore located in Fukuoka (southwest Japan). Since opening in 2011, it has always been a firm believer in the happiness and strength that cosplay can give to those who practice it. Today, it also works towards achieving 3 of the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals): good health and well-being, gender equality, and responsible consumption and production.

Rare retro games: Nogatsu

Keep the spirit of Japanese retro gaming alive! Find cool hardware and physical copies of rare gems that never made it to the West. Dozens of systems covered, including the WonderSwan, Super Famicom (SNES), Sega Genesis, Game Boy, and the PC Engine (Turbo-Grafx 16).

Nogatsu has been in operation since 2015, and can even field search requests for Japanese games you’ve always wanted but have never been able to find!

Rare Japanese trading cards: Senyoudo

Get your game on with rare Japanese CCG trading cards from Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Duel Masters, and more. Add an extra dimension to your collection or simply wow your friends with exclusive cards they’ve never seen before!

Senyoudo operates card and capsule toy machines in Japan, meaning it’s all about putting smiles on the faces of otaku everywhere.

Licensed anime apparel: R4G

Gundam x Hello Kitty collab T-shirts, Code Geass sweaters, Tokyo Revengers masks – that’s the sort of otaku-oriented selection you’ll find at licensed anime apparel brand R4G (Respect For Geeks)!

R4G seeks to tap into the passion of all proud geeks everywhere, delivering anime, game, and entertainment-themed clothing across the globe. It targets not only core fans, but also fashionistas and Japan enthusiasts too.

Official Ghibli merch: Passerelle

Recreate the magical world of Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and other Studio Ghibli classics both at home and on the go.

Passerelle has hundreds of official Ghibli goodies in stock, including bags, tableware, stationery, homewares, and figurines.

Doujin merch: Grep-Kaigai

Support doujin culture and help local Japanese creators further their craft for otaku around the world. Find hundreds of goodies based on expansive franchises like Touhou Project, Fate (Type-Moon), and Sword Art Online!

Grep is heavily involved in the doujin community. It even has an open call on its website for doujin circles around Japan to offer their merch for sale at its brick-and-mortar store in Kanazawa Prefecture.

Shop all these and more and put your otaku discount to work today!

** This article was sponsored by ZenPlus **