It’s a treasure trove for exclusive anime merch you won’t find anywhere else. Here are 5 of my favorite anime merch items I bought from Japan!
1. Capsule Corp. Jacket (DBZ)
The Capsule Corporation jacket worn by my all-time favorite Dragon Ball Z character, Future Trunks, easily takes the top spot as my best purchase. In the world of anime merch, it’s rare to find a piece of clothing that represents your favorite show or character without looking like some kind of cosplay. I like how fans of DBZ and non-fans alike can appreciate this varsity jacket as simply a cool design with great material. I purchased this jacket for around 6,000 yen (40 USD) back in 2018 in Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, and it’s still in great condition!
2. Rurouni Kenshin Phone Case
While the first item was purchased in Harajuku, where you’ll actually find most of your favorite anime merch goods will be in the city of Akihabara, otherwise known as Tokyo’s “geek town.” I found this Rurouni Kenshin phone case for the measly price of 1,000 yen (6.50 USD) at one of the many merch stores in Akihabara. For such a small price, I’m immensely impressed by the artistic design and material quality of the phone case. It not only looks amazing but also keeps my phone well-protected.
3. Goku Wallet (DBZ)
Circling back to Dragon Ball Z, another amazing bargain I snatched up at Akihabara was this flashy Goku wallet. Complete with the main character’s iconic stance and the big King Kai kanji symbol, it has a brilliant aesthetic with the contrast of bright orange and dark black colors. If my memory serves me well (I bought this back in 2014, so it’s been a while!) it cost me less than 1,000 yen (6.50 USD), again, an amazing deal! In addition to its beautiful design that any fan of DBZ would appreciate, it’s also one of the strongest and most durable wallets I’ve ever owned, having served me well for over a decade with minimal damage!
4. Luffy’s Straw Hat (One Piece)
It wouldn’t be a complete list without touching on Japan’s phenomena of One Piece merch. Arguably the most popular anime in the country with over 1,000 episodes and going strong, the series has become so iconic and a much-beloved show by people of all ages. Of course, Luffy’s iconic straw hat is the most potent item from One Piece, and wearing this hat around Japan is sure to give you plenty of attention and nods of approval from the fans! I purchased this straw hat from Universal Studios Japan back in 2014, and it cost less than 2,000 yen (13 USD).
5. Vegeta Trading Card (DBZ)
Yes, I had to add one more piece of anime merch from my favorite series Dragon Ball Z. Anime trading cards are plentiful all over Japan, but I haven’t seen any that are quite as cool and majestic as this Vegeta card that I bought from my local FamilyMart for just 165 yen (1 USD). The design is simply magnificent and exhibits something of a 3D effect with captivating colors and mesmerizing use of shadows. Oh yeah, you also get a tasty rice cracker with the purchase!
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