【TIGER & BUNNY】Chaya Nitta, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
Table of Contents
- TIGER & BUNNY and Tokyo’s Deep Connection
- Complete Guide to Sacred Sites in Tokyo
- Hotel New Otani Tokyo Collaboration Details
- TIGER & BUNNY Developments in Ikebukuro and Toshima Ward
- History of Events and Exhibitions Held in Tokyo
- Sponsorship Collaborations with Real Companies: Initiatives Set in Tokyo
- Theatrical Film Releases and Theater Information in Tokyo
- Work Overview and Model City of Sternbild
- Latest Information for Enjoying TIGER & BUNNY in Tokyo
TIGER & BUNNY and Tokyo’s Deep Connection
“TIGER & BUNNY” (Tiger and Bunny) is an original television anime produced by Sunrise that aired from April to September 2011. Commonly abbreviated as “T&B” or “Taibani,” Tokyo holds special significance as the setting for this work.
Broadcast Start and Development in Tokyo
The series began broadcasting on April 3, 2011, starting with Tokyo MX. The first season, consisting of 25 episodes, generated significant responses in the Kanto region centered on Tokyo and became the foundation for subsequent multimedia expansion. The fictional city of “Sternbild,” which serves as the work’s setting, became established as a “real sacred site” for fans through numerous promotional activities conducted in Tokyo, despite being modeled after New York.
Why Tokyo Was Chosen
Tokyo is Japan’s largest city where diverse races, ethnicities, and cultures coexist. This characteristic overlaps with the concept of “Sternbild,” a city depicted in the work where various races, ethnicities, and people with special abilities called “NEXT” coexist. The innovative setting in which real companies appear as sponsors gained credibility precisely because Tokyo is the center of the economy.
Complete Guide to Sacred Sites in Tokyo
Ikebukuro Area: A Sacred Site for Fans
Sunshine City World Import Mart Building is one of the most important sacred sites for TIGER & BUNNY fans. Located at 3-1-3 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, an exhibition titled “The Museum of TIGER & BUNNY 2” was held at this facility in 2023, attracting many fans.
Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo, located on the 3rd floor, functions as a sales hub for TIGER & BUNNY-related goods. From November 30, 2024, an official TIGER & BUNNY store opened for a limited period, selling limited edition merchandise and collaboration goods until January 2025.
Shinjuku and Akasaka Areas: Collaborations with Luxury Hotels
Hotel New Otani Tokyo, located at Kioicho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, is known for its ongoing collaborations with TIGER & BUNNY. The third installment, “TIGER & BUNNY HOTEL,” runs from August 9, 2025, to November 11, 2025, offering special accommodation plans where guests can experience the work’s worldview.
This collaboration features room designs themed around Wild Tiger (Kotetsu T. Kaburagi) and Barnaby Brooks Jr., limited amenities, and original menu items, providing the most luxurious TIGER & BUNNY experience available in Tokyo.
Akihabara Area: Animate and Merchandise Development
Akihabara, located in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, is known as a sacred site for anime fans, and TIGER & BUNNY is no exception. At Animate Akihabara, up to 12% point rewards are offered for bulk purchases of books (comics and novels), and more than 84 related products are regularly stocked.
Hotel New Otani Tokyo Collaboration Details
Third Installment “TIGER & BUNNY HOTEL” Content
The third collaboration at Hotel New Otani Tokyo is a comprehensive project based on the success of the previous two installments. From August 9 to November 11, 2025, the following benefits are offered during this limited period:
Accommodation Plan Features:
- Original room designs themed around characters
- Limited design amenity sets
- Original welcome drink
- Exclusive room key cards (available to take home)
- Limited merchandise gifts
- Photo spot installations
Past Collaboration Track Record
The first and second collaborations also received significant responses, selling out shortly after reservations opened. As a pioneering collaboration between a luxury hotel in Tokyo and an anime work, the hotel side has earned high evaluations for careful presentations that respect the work’s worldview.
TIGER & BUNNY Developments in Ikebukuro and Toshima Ward
Details of The Museum of TIGER & BUNNY 2
“The Museum of TIGER & BUNNY 2,” held in Toshima Ward, Tokyo in 2023, was a large-scale exhibition commemorating the broadcast of the anime’s second season. Held on the 3rd floor of Sunshine City’s World Import Mart Building, this event was composed of the following content:
Exhibition Content:
- Display of original artwork and setting materials
- Full-scale character panels
- Photo spots recreating the work’s world
- Interview footage from production staff
- Limited merchandise sales corner
- Display of signed autographs from voice actors
This exhibition was planned as a traveling show, with Tokyo serving as the first venue. Thanks to Ikebukuro’s convenient location, many fans visited on weekdays and holidays alike, and with the help of social media sharing, it became a major topic of interest.
Role of Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo
As a permanent store located in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo serves as the main sales hub for TIGER & BUNNY-related merchandise. It stocks a wide lineup including limited edition figures, apparel, stationery, and accessories, with advance sales of new products also conducted.
History of Events and Exhibitions Held in Tokyo
10th Anniversary Event (2021)
In 2021, TIGER & BUNNY celebrated its 10th anniversary since the broadcast began. Multiple commemorative events were held in Tokyo, and a special page was set up on the official portal site. The 10th anniversary site included fan message collection, commemoration merchandise sales, and special project announcements.
Theatrical Release Commemoration Events
Two theatrical versions of TIGER & BUNNY were produced, both released at major movie theaters in Tokyo. At the time of release, promotional events such as stage greetings, talk shows, and collaboration cafes were conducted throughout Tokyo.
First Theatrical Version “The Beginning” (2012):
A work that added new cuts to a compilation of the television series, released at major cinema chains in Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya.
Second Theatrical Version “The Rising” (2014):
Produced as a completely original story, it was screened at more than 20 theaters in Tokyo. During the opening week, main cast members gave stage greetings at multiple movie theaters throughout the city.
Pop-Up Store Development
From November 2024 to January 2025, a limited-time official store opened in Ikebukuro. This pop-up store offered:
- Limited design apparel products
- Event-exclusive merchandise
- Reproduction artwork and setting materials collections
- Advance sales of character goods
- Photo spot installations
- Purchase incentives
Many fans from within and outside Tokyo visited.
Sponsorship Collaborations with Real Companies: Initiatives Set in Tokyo
Innovative Sponsorship System
One of the defining features of TIGER & BUNNY is its setting where real companies appear as sponsors. In the work’s world, heroes operate with corporate sponsorship and display company logos on their costumes. This setting was realized through cooperation with numerous companies headquartered in Tokyo.
Examples of Participating Companies
The work included the following real companies (partial list):
- Bandai (Taito Ward, Tokyo): As a toy and hobby company, playing a central role in merchandise development
- SoftBank (Minato Ward, Tokyo): As a telecommunications company appearing as a sponsor within the work
- PEPSI (Japanese headquarters in Tokyo): As a beverage brand collaborating with characters
- Amazon.co.jp (Japanese headquarters in Tokyo): As a distribution and sales platform for collaboration
This initiative attracted attention as a new business model in the anime industry, becoming a symbol of cooperation between companies based in Tokyo and production companies.
Effects of Corporate Collaboration
The participation of real companies brought realism to the work while also creating mutual promotional effects. In Tokyo, various developments were realized including collaboration cafes, limited product sales, and character utilization in corporate events.
Theatrical Film Releases and Theater Information in Tokyo
Theatrical Release Track Record
TIGER & BUNNY theatrical versions were widely screened at major movie theater chains in Tokyo.
Major Screening Venues (Past Record):
- Shinjuku Picadilly (Shinjuku Ward)
- TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku (Shinjuku Ward)
- TOHO Cinemas Ikebukuro (Toshima Ward)
- Ikebukuro HUMAX Cinemas (Toshima Ward)
- TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills (Minato Ward)
- Marunouchi Picadilly (Chiyoda Ward)
- TOHO Cinemas Shibuya (Shibuya Ward)
Stage Greetings and Special Screenings
During theatrical releases, stage greetings by main cast members were conducted at multiple movie theaters in Tokyo. Voice actors including Hirata Hiroki (Wild Tiger role) and Morita Shoji (Barnaby Brooks Jr. role) took the stage, discussing their thoughts about and episodes from the work.
Special screenings such as fan support screenings were also conducted at Tokyo movie theaters first, establishing a new viewing style where fans could enjoy the work together.
Work Overview and Model City of Sternbild
TIGER & BUNNY’s Worldview
“TIGER & BUNNY” is a hero action work set in “Sternbild,” a city where various races, ethnicities, and people with special abilities called “NEXT” coexist. In this city, “heroes” using NEXT abilities protect the city’s peace, and their activities are broadcast on the television program “HERO TV.”
Main Characters
Wild Tiger (Kotetsu T. Kaburagi):
A veteran hero whose work and private life are on the brink. Strong sense of justice but somewhat outdated. His ability is “Hundred Power,” which enhances physical abilities a hundredfold.
Barnaby Brooks Jr.:
An elite rookie hero. Cool and calculating, initially opposing Wild Tiger but gradually building trust. Also possesses the Hundred Power ability.
These two suddenly form a partnership and the center of the work revolves around their contention while facing evil.
Sternbild and Tokyo
While Sternbild is a fictional city modeled on New York, many similarities with Tokyo are evident. Respect for diversity, advanced corporate culture, and status as a media industry center are characteristics that match Tokyo itself. Production staff also conducted numerous location scouting and research in Tokyo, with Tokyo elements reflected throughout the city’s atmosphere and details.
Latest Information for Enjoying TIGER & BUNNY in Tokyo
2025 Development Plans
Various TIGER & BUNNY-related projects are planned in Tokyo in 2025.
Confirmed Major Events:
- Hotel New Otani Tokyo “TIGER & BUNNY HOTEL” Third Installment (August 9 – November 11)
- Permanent display and sales at Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo
- Various collaboration cafe developments (details announced on official site)
Distribution and Viewing Information
Streaming services accessible from Tokyo offer TIGER & BUNNY series viewing.
Major Distribution Platforms:
- Netflix: First and second seasons currently being streamed
- d-anime Store: All 25 episodes of the first season available
- Other VOD Services: Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, etc.
Merchandise Purchase Guide
Main stores where TIGER & BUNNY merchandise can be purchased in Tokyo:
Permanent Stores:
- Animate Ikebukuro Main Store and Akihabara Store (Toshima Ward, Chiyoda Ward)
- Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo (Toshima Ward)
- Toranoana Akihabara Store (Chiyoda Ward)
- Gamers Ikebukuro Store and Akihabara Store (Toshima Ward, Chiyoda Ward)
Online Stores:
- Animate Online Shop (handles more than 84 products, up to 12% point rewards on bulk purchases)
- Official merchandise site
- Amazon.co.jp
Official Information Access
Latest information can be confirmed through the following official channels:
- TIGER & BUNNY Portal Site (official portal site)
- Official Twitter (@TIGERandBUNNY)
- Official pages of each event and collaboration facility
Event information in Tokyo is typically announced 1-2 months before the event, so regular checking is recommended.
Fan Community and Exchange
Within Tokyo, there are communities and events where TIGER & BUNNY fans gather. Cosplay events, meetups, and screening parties are regularly held, serving as venues for interaction among people who love the same work.
At anime cafes in Ikebukuro and Akihabara, fans naturally interact with each other, becoming opportunities to make new friends.
Access and Touring Plans
A model plan for efficiently touring TIGER & BUNNY sacred sites throughout Tokyo is introduced.
One-Day Touring Plan Example:
- Morning: Ikebukuro Area
- Visit Sunshine City Bandai Namco Cross Store
- Purchase merchandise at Animate Ikebukuro Main Store
- Lunch at a collaboration cafe near Ikebukuro
- Afternoon: Akihabara Area
- Visit Animate Akihabara Store and Toranoana
- Browse anime shops in Akihabara
- Rest at maid cafes or anime cafes
- Evening to Night: Akasaka and Shinjuku Area
- Hotel New Otani Tokyo (during collaboration periods)
- View related works at Shinjuku movie theaters
- Finish at an anime bar in Shinjuku
Tokyo has well-developed public transportation, making it possible to efficiently tour multiple spots in a day.
Conclusion: TIGER & BUNNY and Tokyo’s Future
Since its broadcast debut in 2011, TIGER & BUNNY has built a deep relationship with Tokyo. Continuous development in major areas such as Ikebukuro, Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Akasaka demonstrates that the work has established itself as part of Tokyo’s culture, transcending its status as mere anime.
The innovative sponsorship collaboration with real companies could not have been realized without cooperation from companies based in Tokyo. This success story has become a model for new cooperative relationships between the anime industry and general companies, influencing subsequent works.
Ongoing collaborations with Hotel New Otani Tokyo, exhibitions and pop-up stores held in Ikebukuro, and merchandise development in Akihabara continue to provide fans opportunities to experience the work’s world.
Beyond 2025, various developments are anticipated including new theatrical film announcements, third season production, and new collaboration projects. Tokyo will continue to serve as a central hub of TIGER & BUNNY activities.
For fans, Tokyo is a special place where they can experience the work’s worldview in reality. Experiencing TIGER & BUNNY in Tokyo through sacred site pilgrimages, event participation, merchandise purchases, and collaboration facility use is a valuable opportunity to deepen love for the work.
Now that the work approaches its 15th anniversary since broadcast began, the relationship between Tokyo and TIGER & BUNNY will likely continue to receive attention as a success story of anime culture and urban culture fusion.
