The Deep Connection Between TIGER & BUNNY and Tokyo
“TIGER & BUNNY” (タイガー・アンド・バニー) is an original television anime work produced by Sunrise that aired from April to September 2011. Known by the abbreviations “T&B” and “Taibani,” Tokyo holds special significance 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 a significant response centered in the Kanto region including Tokyo, laying the foundation for subsequent media mix developments. The fictional city “Sternbild,” which is the setting of the work, while modeled after New York, has established Tokyo as a “real sacred place” for fans through numerous promotional activities carried out within Tokyo.
Why Tokyo Was Chosen
Tokyo is Japan’s largest city and an international metropolis where diverse races, ethnicities, and cultures coexist. This characteristic overlaps with the concept of Sternbild depicted in the work: “a city where various races, ethnicities, and special ability users called ‘NEXT’ coexist.” The innovative setting of real companies appearing as sponsors also gained credibility precisely because Tokyo is the center of the economy.
Complete Guide to Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Tokyo
Ikebukuro Area: A Fan’s Sacred Ground
Sunshine City World Import Mart Building is one of the most important sacred sites for TIGER & BUNNY fans. Located at 3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, this facility hosted “The Museum of TIGER & BUNNY 2” exhibition in 2023, attracting many fans.
Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo is located on the 3rd floor and functions as a sales hub for TIGER & BUNNY-related merchandise. From November 30, 2024, a limited-time official TIGER & BUNNY store opened, selling exclusive products and collaboration goods through January 2025.
Shinjuku and Akasaka Area: Collaboration with Luxury Hotels
Hotel New Otani Tokyo, located at Kioicho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, is known for its ongoing collaboration with TIGER & BUNNY. The third installment of “TIGER & BUNNY HOTEL” runs from August 9 to November 11, 2025, offering special accommodation plans where guests can experience the world of the work.
This collaboration includes room designs themed around Wild Tiger (Kaburagi T. Kotetsu) and Barnaby Brooks Jr., limited amenities, original menus, and more, providing Tokyo’s most luxurious TIGER & BUNNY experience.
Akihabara Area: Animate and Merchandise Development
Akihabara in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, is known as a sacred ground for anime fans, and TIGER & BUNNY is no exception. Animate Akihabara store implements up to 12% point rebate on bulk purchases of books (comics and novels) and carries over 84 related products at all times.
Hotel New Otani Tokyo Collaboration Details
Third Installment “TIGER & BUNNY HOTEL” Contents
The third installment collaboration at Hotel New Otani Tokyo is a culminating project based on the success of the previous two collaborations. From August 9 to November 11, 2025, the following benefits are provided.
Accommodation Plan Features:
- Original room design themed around characters
- Limited design amenity sets
- Original welcome drinks
- Special room key cards (can be taken home)
- Limited merchandise gifts
- Photo spot installations
Past Collaboration Achievements
The first and second collaborations also generated significant responses, with reservations selling out shortly after booking opened. As a pioneering attempt at collaboration between luxury hotels and anime works in Tokyo, the hotel side has received high praise for its careful direction that respects the world of the work.
TIGER & BUNNY Development 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 anime season 2. Held on the 3rd floor of Sunshine City’s World Import Mart Building, this event was structured with the following contents:
Exhibition Contents:
- Display of original paintings and design materials
- Life-size character panels
- Photo spots recreating the work’s world
- Interview videos with production staff
- Limited merchandise sales corner
- Display of signed color papers from voice actors
This exhibition was planned as a touring exhibition, with Tokyo being the first venue. Thanks to Ikebukuro’s convenient location, many fans visited regardless of weekday or weekend, and with the spread through SNS, it became a major topic of conversation.
Role of Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo
As a permanent store located in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo serves as a major sales hub for TIGER & BUNNY-related merchandise. It stocks a wide range of items including limited figures, apparel, stationery, and accessories, with advance sales of new products also held.
History of Events and Exhibitions Held in Tokyo
10th Anniversary Event (2021)
In 2021, TIGER & BUNNY celebrated its 10th anniversary since broadcast began. Multiple commemorative events were held in Tokyo, with a special page set up on the official portal site. The 10th anniversary site included fan message solicitation, commemorative merchandise sales, and announcements of special projects.
Theatrical Release Commemorative Events
Two theatrical versions of TIGER & BUNNY were produced, both released at major movie theaters in Tokyo. Upon release, stage greetings, talk shows, collaboration cafes, and other related events were held throughout Tokyo.
Theatrical Version 1 “The Beginning” (2012):
A summary-style work of the TV series with new cuts added, released at major cineplexes in Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya.
Theatrical Version 2 “The Rising” (2014):
Produced as a completely original story, screened at over 20 venues across Tokyo. During the opening week, stage greetings by major cast members were held at multiple movie theaters in Tokyo.
Pop-up Store Development
From November 2024 to January 2025, a limited-time official store opened in Ikebukuro. This pop-up store featured:
- Limited design apparel products
- Event-exclusive merchandise
- Reproduction original paintings and design material collections
- Advance sales of character merchandise
- Photo spot installations
- Purchase bonus distribution
and attracted many fans from within and outside Tokyo.
Real Company Sponsorship Partnerships: An Attempt Set in Tokyo
Innovative Sponsorship System
One of the greatest features of TIGER & BUNNY is that real companies appear in the work as sponsors. In the work’s world, heroes are sponsored by companies and display their logos on their costumes. This setting was realized through the cooperation of many companies headquartered in Tokyo.
Examples of Participating Companies
The following real companies participated in the work (partial list):
- Bandai (Taito Ward, Tokyo): As a toy and hobby company, played a central role in merchandise development
- SoftBank (Minato Ward, Tokyo): As a telecommunications company, appeared as a sponsor in the work
- PEPSI (Japanese branch in Tokyo): Collaborated with characters as a beverage brand
- Amazon.co.jp (Japan headquarters in Tokyo): Coordinated as a distribution and sales platform
This initiative received attention as a new business model in the anime industry, becoming a symbolic example of cooperation between Tokyo-based companies and production companies.
Effects of Corporate Collaboration
Real company participation not only brought realism to the work but also created mutual promotional effects. Within Tokyo, diverse developments were realized including collaboration cafes, limited product sales, and character use at corporate events.
Theatrical Version Release and Movie Theater Information in Tokyo
Theatrical Version Release Record
The theatrical versions of TIGER & BUNNY 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 Event Screenings
During theatrical releases, stage greetings by major cast members were held multiple times at movie theaters in Tokyo. Voice actors including Hiroshi Tsuchida (Wild Tiger) and Sheiichi Morita (Barnaby Brooks Jr.) took the stage to discuss the work and share episodes.
Additionally, special screenings such as audience participation screenings were held at movie theaters in Tokyo, establishing a new viewing style where fans could enjoy the work together as one.
Work Overview and Model City of Sternbild
The World of TIGER & BUNNY
“TIGER & BUNNY” is a hero action work set in the city of Sternbild, where various races, ethnicities, and special ability users called “NEXT” coexist. In this city, “heroes” who use NEXT powers to protect the city’s peace exist, and their activities are broadcast on the television program “HERO TV.”
Main Characters
Wild Tiger (Kaburagi T. Kotetsu):
A veteran hero whose work and personal life are at cliff’s edge. Strong sense of justice but somewhat outdated. His ability is “Hundred Power,” which enhances physical abilities 100-fold.
Barnaby Brooks Jr.:
An elite rookie hero. Cool and calculating, initially at odds with Wild Tiger but gradually builds trust. Also possesses the Hundred Power ability.
These two suddenly become partners, and their opposition while confronting evil forms the center of the work.
Sternbild and Tokyo
Sternbild is a fictional city modeled after New York, but many points in common with Tokyo can be seen. The respect for diversity, the development of corporate culture, and the status as a center of media industry are precisely characteristic of Tokyo. Production staff have also conducted location scouting and research in Tokyo, with Tokyo-like elements reflected throughout the atmosphere and details of the city.
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” 3rd 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 can stream the TIGER & BUNNY series.
Major Distribution Platforms:
- Netflix: Season 1 and 2 currently streaming
- dAnime Store: All 25 episodes of Season 1 available
- Other VOD services: Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, etc.
Merchandise Purchase Guide
Major stores where TIGER & BUNNY-related 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 over 84 products, up to 12% point rebate on bulk purchases)
- Official online store
- Amazon.co.jp
Methods for Obtaining Official Information
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 usually announced 1-2 months before the event, so regular checking is recommended.
Fan Community and Interaction
In Tokyo, there are communities and events where TIGER & BUNNY fans gather. Cosplay events, off-meetings, and screening parties are held regularly, serving as places for interaction among people who love the same work.
At anime cafes in Ikebukuro and Akihabara, fans naturally interact with an atmosphere conducive to communication, creating opportunities to make new friends.
Access and Tour Plans
A model plan for efficiently visiting TIGER & BUNNY sacred sites in Tokyo is introduced below.
Example 1-Day Tour Plan:
- Morning: Ikebukuro Area
- Visit Sunshine City and Bandai Namco Cross Store
- Purchase merchandise at Animate Ikebukuro Main Store
- Lunch at collaboration cafes in the Ikebukuro area
- 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 period)
- Watch related works at Shinjuku movie theaters
- Conclude at anime bars in Shinjuku
Since Tokyo has a well-developed public transportation system, you can efficiently visit multiple spots in one day.
Summary: The Future of TIGER & BUNNY and Tokyo
Since its broadcast debut in 2011, TIGER & BUNNY has built a deep relationship with Tokyo. Continuous developments in major areas including Ikebukuro, Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Akasaka demonstrate that the work has become part of Tokyo’s culture beyond being merely an anime.
The innovative attempt at real company sponsorship partnerships could not have been realized without cooperation from companies based in Tokyo. This success became a model case for a new cooperative relationship between the anime industry and general companies, influencing subsequent works.
Ongoing long-term collaboration with Hotel New Otani Tokyo, exhibitions and pop-up store openings in Ikebukuro, merchandise development in Akihabara, and various other activities throughout Tokyo continue to provide fans with opportunities to experience the world of the work.
From 2025 onward, new theatrical film announcements, production of season 3, and new collaboration project developments are anticipated. Tokyo will continue to be the central hub of TIGER & BUNNY activities.
For fans, Tokyo is a special place where they can experience the work’s world in reality. Sacred site pilgrimages, event participation, merchandise purchases, and use of collaboration facilities are diverse ways to enjoy TIGER & BUNNY in Tokyo, which become valuable opportunities to deepen love for the work.
As the work approaches its 15th anniversary since broadcast began, the relationship between Tokyo and TIGER & BUNNY will continue to be noted as a success story where anime culture and urban culture have fused.
