FamilyMart, one of Japan’s major convenience stores (commonly known as “Konbini”), has become the first in the retail and distribution industry to join the “Anime Tourism Association.” This marks the launch of a project to turn stores across Japan into hubs for “Seichi Junrei” (Anime Pilgrimage—the act of visiting real-life locations that served as the setting for anime works).
While Konbini have traditionally been “places that support daily life,” this project proposes a new concept: the “Asoberu Konbini” (Playable Convenience Store), which integrates elements of “play” and entertainment. As the first installment, a collaboration “wrapping store” recreating the world of the popular anime Durarara!! will debut at a location in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, starting March 17, 2026.
Hubs for Anime Fans! Strong Partnership with the Anime Tourism Association
FamilyMart has joined the Anime Tourism Association 🇯🇵 , an organization that selects the “88 Japanese Anime Pilgrimage Sites to Visit” based on votes from anime fans worldwide and promotes their appeal. The association bridges the world of anime with real-world regions to drive tourism and regional revitalization.
Through this partnership, there are plans to develop “wrapping stores” across Japan—focusing on FamilyMart locations that actually appear within anime works—decorating both the exterior and interior entirely in the theme of the series.
This is not merely a limited-time collaboration. It is an evolution where actual stores become “hubs” for fans to immerse themselves in the world of anime. For both domestic fans and tourists from overseas, this represents a new style of tourism symbolizing Japanese pop culture.
First Up: Ikebukuro’s Masterpiece “Durarara!!”! The Opening Scene Becomes a Real Store
The chosen title for the first phase of this landmark project is Durarara!!, a popular anime set in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. This series is well-known for its highly realistic depiction of the Ikebukuro cityscape.
The wrapping will be implemented at the “FamilyMart Sunshine Nishi Store,” which famously appeared in the opening sequence of the anime’s second season. A true “holy land” of the work will be transformed into a space where fans can experience the atmosphere of the story.
Ikebukuro is a district where anime and manga culture are deeply rooted, and this store is in a prime location right near Sunshine City.
[Wrapping Store Details]
- Store: FamilyMart Sunshine Nishi Store
- Address: 3-3-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Period: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – Late May 2026 (Scheduled)
Special decorations will be applied to help fans feel the world of the work. However, please be mindful of other customers and avoid taking photos inside the store that might cause a disturbance. Let’s enjoy the experience while following proper etiquette during your Ikebukuro stroll.
Limited Goods and “Famima Print” Coming Soon! Nationwide Fun for Everyone
This project is not limited to just the wrapping store in Ikebukuro. Content will be available at FamilyMart stores across Japan.
[Upcoming Plans]
- Store-Exclusive Goods: Limited items available only at the wrapping store are planned for sale.
- Famima Print: A service to print anime visuals using the multi-copy machines located in FamilyMart stores nationwide is scheduled.
Details regarding release dates and product information will be announced sequentially as they are finalized. Whether you can visit the wrapping store or not, fans across Japan will have opportunities to feel a connection to the series.
Why not start your pilgrimage by visiting the FamilyMart in Ikebukuro and diving into the world of anime?
Post a Comment