As a platform for disseminating Japanese anime culture to the world, the “Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA” underwent a renewal and reopened in April 2021 within Shibuya MODI. This facility, which provides innovative animation experiences where the real and virtual converge, has garnered attention as an indispensable sacred site pilgrimage destination for anime fans. This article comprehensively explains everything you should know before visiting, from the facility’s attractions and planning exhibition information to access methods and how to enjoy sacred site pilgrimages.
Tokyo Anime Center | Core Facility for Disseminating Japanese Anime Culture
The Tokyo Anime Center is a facility jointly operated by the Japan Animation Association (AJA) and Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), designed for information dissemination and human resource development in Japanese anime culture. With the concept “Everyone’s favorites connect at the anime center,” it functions as a place where creators and fans interact, and where people can learn about, study, and experience anime and manga content.
History and Evolution of the Facility
The history of Tokyo Anime Center began on March 15, 2006, with its opening inside Akihabara UDX in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. It started as an exchange hub for anime fans and creators in Akihabara, known as a sacred site for anime.
In July 2017, it relocated to the DNP Plaza in Ichigaya and continued operations as “Tokyo Anime Center in DNP Plaza.” Then in April 2021, it relocated to Shibuya, which continues to evolve as an international city, marking a fresh start as the current “Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA.” Each relocation represents a strategic deployment to bring anime culture to more people and symbolizes the facility’s evolution.
New Experience Value Where Real and Virtual Converge
The greatest feature of the current Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA is its innovative approach of parallel real and virtual development. In addition to hosting planning exhibitions and events in physical display spaces, it simultaneously offers online streaming and virtual exhibitions, providing animation experiences that transcend location and time constraints.
Through these efforts, distant fans unable to visit the venue and anime fans worldwide can enjoy the same content. Furthermore, the interaction between real and virtual creates deeper fan experiences and new forms of communication.
Facility Overview and Access Information
Basic Information
Facility Name: Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA
Location: 2F Shibuya MODI, 1-21-3 Shinan, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 20:30 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Following Shibuya MODI’s closure dates
Admission: Varies by planning exhibition (some free areas available)
Operated by: Japan Animation Association, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
Access
Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA is conveniently located within walking distance from Shibuya Station.
By Train:
- 5 minutes walk from Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit (JR)
- 3 minutes walk from Shibuya Station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin, Hanzomon, and Ginza Lines)
- 3 minutes walk from Shibuya Station (Tokyu Toyoko and Denentoshi Lines)
- 5 minutes walk from Shibuya Station (Keio Inokashira Line)
From Shibuya Scramble Crossing, proceed along Meiji-dori and the facility is located on the 2nd floor of Shibuya MODI. Multiple train lines serve Shibuya Station, and the excellent accessibility is a major advantage.
By Car:
Shibuya MODI does not have a dedicated parking lot, but there are several coin parking spaces in the surrounding area. However, Shibuya experiences heavy traffic and parking fees are high, so using public transportation is recommended.
Planning Exhibitions | Encounters with Latest Animation Works
At the core of Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA are regularly held planning exhibitions. These feature a diverse range of exhibitions including original art exhibitions from popular anime, displays of production materials, and interactive exhibitions utilizing the latest technology.
Characteristics of Planning Exhibitions
Planning exhibitions feature various forms of animation content, including TV anime, theatrical anime, and web anime. You can view production materials such as original paintings, character design sheets, and storyboards up close, offering a valuable opportunity to experience the skills and passion of creators.
The facility also features abundant experience-based exhibitions utilizing digital technology, with staging that allows immersion in the world of anime. Interactive displays using AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) enable experiences such as taking photos with characters or experiencing the setting of a work in 360 degrees.
Major Past Planning Exhibitions
Since opening, numerous planning exhibitions featuring talked-about works have been held. The lineup is characterized by variety, including anniversary exhibitions of popular series, promotional displays for new anime, and special features on renowned creators.
Planning exhibition information is updated regularly on the official website and social media. Some exhibitions require advance reservations, so it’s recommended to check the latest information before visiting.
How to Enjoy Planning Exhibitions
Here are tips for maximizing your enjoyment of planning exhibitions.
1. Check information beforehand: Verify exhibition content, dates, admission fees, and reservation requirements on the official site. Popular exhibitions tend to be crowded on weekends and closing days.
2. Utilize audio guides: Some planning exhibitions provide audio guides that offer detailed information about the exhibition background and production stories.
3. Confirm photography rules: Photography rules vary by exhibition. As many photo spots are designed to be social media-friendly, confirm permitted areas and enjoy commemorative photos.
4. Check related merchandise: Planning exhibition limited original goods often sell out, so purchasing items you like early is recommended.
Store | Original Goods Available Nowhere Else
The store at Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA sells planning exhibition-related goods and official merchandise from various anime works.
Appeal of Original Goods
The store’s greatest appeal is its Tokyo Anime Center exclusive original merchandise. Limited items of featured planning exhibition works become valuable collection items for fans. Available products include acrylic stands, badge pins, clear files, T-shirts, and tapestries.
The high-quality merchandise utilizing DNP’s printing technology is another distinguishing feature. With refined printing quality that faithfully reproduces the charm of original artworks, art prints and postcards receive high praise not only from anime fans but also from art enthusiasts.
Popular Product Categories
Character Goods: Figurines, plushies, keychains of popular characters, and more
Stationery and Life Goods: Anime-designed notebooks, pens, mugs, tote bags, and other everyday items
Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, caps, and fashion items for subtly expressing anime love
Collectors’ Items: Limited edition Blu-ray/DVD, autographed merchandise, reproduction paintings, and more
Shopping Tips
The store can be accessed without purchasing a planning exhibition ticket, making merchandise-only visits possible. However, popular items often sell out early, so visiting soon after opening is recommended if you have specific items in mind.
As new merchandise is regularly restocked, there’s enjoyment in multiple visits. New product information and restock updates are shared through official social media, so following these accounts is convenient.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Hub | Anime Tourism Association Certified Spot
Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA serves as a seal stamp location for “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting,” as selected by the Anime Tourism Association.
What is Anime Sacred Sites 88?
The Anime Tourism Association has annually selected “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting” since 2018, actively promoting information domestically and internationally through official designation. This initiative recognizes locations that served as settings in anime works and anime culture dissemination bases as “sacred sites,” supporting anime fans’ travel experiences.
Tokyo Anime Center is recognized as a comprehensive dissemination base for anime culture and as an anime sacred site in Shibuya, an international city.
How to Obtain Seals
Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA offers seal stamps for the Anime Sacred Sites 88. Seals are displayed at designated locations within the facility and can be collected as souvenirs of your visit.
Collecting seals is one of the pleasures of visiting anime sacred sites nationwide. As dedicated seal stamp booklets are sold, visiting is also recommended for those newly beginning sacred site pilgrimages.
Anime Sacred Site Pilgrimages in the Shibuya Area
Starting from Tokyo Anime Center, visiting anime sacred sites in the Shibuya area is also recommended. Shibuya has served as the setting for numerous anime works, and you can visit real locations featured in works such as Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Center-gai, and Dogenzaka.
Using popular work sacred site maps as reference and experiencing works’ worldviews through city walks provides deeper anime experiences. Tokyo Anime Center also provides information related to sacred site pilgrimages, so consulting staff is advisable.
Events and Workshops | Spaces for Creator-Fan Exchange
Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA regularly hosts various events and workshops coordinated with planning exhibitions.
Talk Events and Autograph Sessions
Talk events and autograph sessions featuring popular voice actors, directors, animators, and manga artists provide valuable exchange opportunities for fans. You can directly hear production stories, thoughts about works, and the industry’s latest developments—information available nowhere else.
Most events operate on a pre-registration basis, with lottery selections for high-demand events. Announcements appear on the official website and social media, so frequent checking is recommended.
Experience-Type Workshops
Workshops allowing participants to experience anime production are popular. Through painting experience, voice acting experience, and animation production introductions, people can learn aspects of anime production under professional guidance.
These workshops provide valuable learning opportunities for students pursuing anime industry careers and the general public interested in anime production.
Online Events
In addition to real events, virtual space online events are actively conducted. Unaffected by geographic constraints, these events allow fans nationwide and worldwide to enjoy content simultaneously, representing new event forms receiving attention.
Live-streamed talk shows, online tours of virtual exhibitions, and fan-participation projects utilizing social media represent diverse events utilizing digital technology.
Human Resource Development and Contribution to the Anime Industry
One important role of Tokyo Anime Center is human resource development for the anime industry. With cooperation from the Japan Animation Association and DNP, various initiatives promoting next-generation creator development are underway.
Young Creator Support
By providing venues for new animators and young directors to present their works, the facility supports discovery and development of talented personnel. As part of planning exhibitions, screenings and exhibitions of young creators’ works create opportunities for interaction with industry professionals and fans.
Educational Programs
Through student-oriented anime production courses and industry seminars, opportunities to deepen understanding of the anime industry are provided. The chance to learn directly from working professionals becomes valuable experience for young people aspiring to anime industry careers.
Promotion of Industry-Academic Collaboration
Through partnerships with anime-related educational institutions and companies, practical learning venues are created. Student artwork exhibitions and presentations of industry-academic joint project results fulfill the role of connecting education and industry.
Global Information Dissemination | Worldwide Anime Culture Hub
Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA also functions as an important base for disseminating Japanese anime culture worldwide.
Multilingual Support
Facility signage and exhibition explanations are provided in multiple languages including English and Chinese in addition to Japanese. Foreign tourists can comfortably visit, and an environment enabling anime culture enjoyment transcending language barriers is established.
Overseas Expansion Base
With the opening of Tokyo Anime Center’s first permanent overseas location in San Francisco in 2024, global expansion progresses. The Shibuya facility serves as the core for such overseas expansion, delivering Japanese anime culture to the world.
Contribution to Inbound Tourism
For international visitors, Tokyo Anime Center represents an important spot to experience Japanese pop culture. Positioned in Shibuya, an international tourist destination, it welcomes visits not only from anime fans but from a broad audience interested in Japanese culture.
Collaboration with DNP | Fusion of Technology and Content
Through joint operation with Dai Nippon Printing (DNP), Tokyo Anime Center provides unique experience value fusing advanced technology with content.
Application of Printing Technology
DNP’s advanced printing technology enables high-quality reproduction of original paintings and design materials for exhibition and merchandise production use. Prints emphasizing color reproduction and precision detail enable delivering original artwork’s appeal to many people without loss.
Digital Technology Integration
Leveraging DNP’s digital technology and media production expertise, exhibition direction utilizing the latest technology including AR/VR displays, digital signage, and interactive content is realized.
Content Business Development
Through collaboration with DNP’s content distribution platform, seamless content development spanning real and virtual becomes possible. Experiences from exhibitions can continue online, and digital content can be purchased as physical merchandise, providing seamless fan experiences.
Information to Know Before Visiting
Congestion Levels and Optimal Visiting Times
Congestion levels at Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA vary significantly based on planning exhibition content and timing.
High-congestion periods:
- Featured popular work planning exhibition periods
- Weekends and holidays
- Long vacation periods like summer, winter, and spring breaks
- Final weeks and final days of planning exhibitions
Relatively uncrowded periods:
- Early on weekdays (11:00-12:00)
- Weekday evenings (18:00 onward)
- Early planning exhibition periods
For those wanting leisurely exhibition viewing, weekday visits are recommended.
Ticket Purchase Methods
Planning exhibition tickets can be purchased through the following methods:
Same-day tickets: Available at facility reception (entry restrictions possible during crowding)
Advance tickets: Available through online ticketing sites (eliminates sellout concerns and enables smooth entry)
Special benefit tickets: Special merchandise bundle tickets are sometimes available
For popular exhibitions, advance ticket purchase is recommended.
Facility Rules and Etiquette
Maintain comfortable viewing environments by following these rules:
- Touching exhibits is prohibited
- Photography only in permitted areas
- Eating and drinking only in designated areas
- Keep conversations at normal volume
- Remember consideration for other visitors
Combining with Nearby Facilities
Shibuya MODI houses numerous fashion, merchandise, and dining establishments. Enjoy shopping and dining alongside Tokyo Anime Center visits.
Additionally, the Shibuya area contains numerous commercial facilities including Shibuya Hikarie, Shibuya Parco, and Shibuya 109, making it enjoyable for a full day. Anime and manga-related shops and cafes are scattered throughout, making these worth visiting alongside sacred site pilgrimages.
How to Obtain Latest Information
Latest information about Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA can be obtained through these methods.
Official Website
The official site (https://tokyoanimecenter.jp/) is regularly updated with current and upcoming planning exhibition information, event details, and operational hour changes. Always check before visiting.
Official Social Media
Official social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and others timely share exhibition photos, new product information, event announcements, and more. Following ensures early access to latest information.
Email Newsletter
Email newsletter registration available through the official site distributes advance planning exhibition information and ticket presale announcements.
Japan Animation Association Information
The Japan Animation Association’s website (https://aja.gr.jp/), the operating entity, also publishes Tokyo Anime Center-related information.
Conclusion | Ever-Evolving Anime Culture Dissemination Base
Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA transcends a simple exhibition facility to provide innovative animation experiences where real and virtual converge. Since relocating from Akihabara and Ichigaya to Shibuya, it functions as an important dissemination base delivering Japanese anime culture to the world from the center of an international city.
With its multifaceted appeal—including fulfilling planning exhibitions, stores stocked with original merchandise, creator-fan exchange events, and sacred site pilgrimage hub roles—this facility represents an indispensable spot for anime fans.
Furthermore, with significant contributions to Japanese anime industry as a whole through human resource development and global expansion, it bears important responsibility as a space creating anime culture’s future.
Not only anime enthusiasts but those interested in Japanese pop culture and seeking creative experiences will find Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA unmissable. When visiting Shibuya, be sure to stop by. The latest animation experiences await you.
