In my two years here on deviantART, I have enjoyed meeting and commenting with other deviants who share my interest and enthusiasm for anime-related snacks and merchandise. Sure, many of us have tried (and fallen in love with) the infamous pocky, or spent too much of our money on goodies at an Anime Convention. But what about those who are looking to try new snacks or flavors of pocky, or are looking for new places to purchase anime merchandise outside of conventions?
I decided to write this article for these deviants, along with those who want to expand their experiences with anime, Japan, and Asia on their home turf. I wrote a bit about places I have been and sites I have ordered from, and included a bit on what I would recommend from each one in the “Yami Recommends” blurbs. So thanks to all of you who checked out this article, I hope you found it fun and informative! Happy shopping!


First up: Mitsuwa Marketplace
About it: If you can’t go to Japan but live in the US, Mitsuwa is probably the closest you can get. I think most of these markets are in the California area, with a few elsewhere in the country. I’ve been to the one in New Jersey, located just outside Manhattan. If you’re visiting NYC, you can get a shuttle to Mitsuwa from the Port Authority Bus Depot, about $3-5 each way (I think ), the ride’s about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. If you have to drive farther, it’s definitely worth it! Mitsuwa offers a large selection of Japanese foods and groceries, and their packaged sushi is made fresh on-the spot every day. There’s a food court offering sushi, tempura, ramen, and more – it’s all good! Also in the food court area are booths selling specific items – check out some of the gorgeous displays of sweets and desserts! Across the parking lot you’ll find a Japanese bookstore, pottery store, and toy/souvenir shop. These are great places to pick up chopsticks, origami paper, rice bowls, cute stationary, or a copy of your favorite magazine in Japanese!
Yami recommends: Everything! Ok I’ll narrow it down Obviously there’s pocky and ramune (Japanese soda), so look for that – you’ll probably find a flavor you haven’t tried before! Mitsuwa is a good place to get sushi, since you know it’s fresh. Also, if you’ve never had an onigiri (rice ball), Mitsuwa is the place to try one! Also made fresh daily, Mitsuwa offers several kinds of onigiri for about $1.50 each. I’d recommend the ume (plum) onigiri to those who don’t like fish or have never had onigiri – the salty, pickled plum in the center is easy to pick out if you don’t like it, just watch out for the plum pit! Also, while you’re in the food court, try some delicious and refreshing hand-dipped green tea ice cream! The color can be a bit off-putting, but the taste is great!
Website: [link] (button for English site in upper-right corner)

Second: Asian Food Grocer
About it: I am forever in debt to the person who told me about this site. If you don’t have an Asian grocery store near you, or don’t find what you’re looking for, this site is the place to go! They offer a wide selection of beverages, snacks, food, and household items from Asia. Again, this is a great place to get your pocky and ramune, especially if you’re looking for some different flavors. I think all the prices are reasonable, just keep in mind that ordering a lot of heavy items (such as ramune, which comes in a glass bottle) can increase the shipping cost. The inventory and flavors offered change often, so be sure to check this site regularly for new items (see the “New” tab in the column on the left). In addition to good prices, they also ship fast and send you an email to confirm your order was placed and shipped.
Yami recommends: If you know me, you probably know that I love melon bread (meron pan in Japanese). This soft, sweet bread actually tastes nothing like melon! It’s called melon bread because the outside supposedly looks like a melon. Melon bread comes in small, individually wrapped loaves that are the perfect size for breakfast, or an afternoon snack. If you’re up for something a bit different, try the Sapporo Melon Cream Soda – it’s bright green and tasty! The best way I can describe it is like a thin, melon-flavored carbonated milkshake.
Website: [link]

Third: Image Anime
About it: This store is also located in New York City – near Times Square if I remember correctly. The store itself wasn’t very big, but it had tons of anime merchandise – manga, dvds, figures, plushies, t-shirts, jewelry, keychains, etc! I found (but didn’t buy) a very cute Pocky purse
Yami recommends: Everyone likes different anime and different merchandise, but you’ll probably find something you like here! I got small adorable Totoro plushie.
Website: [link]

Fourth: Anime Stuff Store
About it: I purchased some anime pins from their eBay store, and got many more items at their Otakon booth. I have yet to order anything from their website – planning to do that soon – but they have a large selection of anime goodies! I got some great anime pins, keychains, and cell phone charms from them at Otakon, so check them out online or at an anime convention near you!
Website: [link]


And Last but not Least: Ebay
About it: We couldn’t forget good old ebay now could we? I’m sure I don’t need to explain what it is. But I’ve gotten a lot of my anime merchandise from sellers on ebay, such as posters, pins, and a wall scroll. Ebay is also a great place to get anime merchandise that may be less common, or to buy items directly from Japan and Asia. I brought a poster from Japan from an eBay seller. The shipping was a bit expensive but the poster arrived in a very short amount of time! Just search for your favorite series and go!
Website: [link]