J-World Tokyo Has Officially Opened

Fans of Japanese manga and anime just got their own – what should we call this place? – indoor theme amusement center and arcade.  The creators of Tokyo's newest entertainment facility call it J-World Tokyo, and so far the buzz about this emporium is traveling far beyond Japan’s borders.  Located on the third floor of Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City World Import Mart Building, J-World Tokyo is sponsored by Namco Corporation and inspired by manga characters featured in Shonen Jump (and sister Jump publications). Here is a brief FAQ for those of you who are curious.

Q.  Does this place feature any famous manga or anime characters I would know?

A.  You’re in luck if you are familiar with Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Naruto, Gintama, Toriko, Bleach, Hunter x Hunter, and Kochikame, for example. 

Q.  Who will J-World Tokyo attract? 

A. Kids, manga readers, anime watchers, and cosplayers, mostly. 

If you only look at publicity photos showing boys and girls riding rides and playing arcade games, you might think this center is just for kids. 

Cosplay photos hint at a different story, and also give you an idea what of what the atmosphere in J-World Tokyo will be like. Judging by a small sample of potentially thousands of cosplayers who post photos on the internet of themselves engaging in "costume play" (dressing up as their favorite manga or anime characters), fan demographics cover a broad range, from children to teenagers to twenty somethings. Some are even older than that, so it seems fans of various ages may be compelled to visit this "otaku" oasis if they are in Tokyo. Take a look at the photos below. This facility should serve as a great venue for future cosplay events and parties.

Dragon Ball Z cosplayers

Bleach cosplayer

Naruto cosplayer

Young Naruto cosplayer

Bleach cosplayers

 

Bleach cosplayer

Bleach cosplayer

Q.  What is the entrance fee?

A.   An entrance ticket is 1300 yen and is good for the entire day. Food, rides and attractions are not included in this price. Once you’re inside, attending attractions incur additional fees. There are two Dragon Ball Z attractions, two One Piece attractions, and one Naruto attraction.

Q.  What are some things you get to do inside?

A.  You’ll get the chance to fight Freiza along side Goku, stow away on a haunted ship in One Piece’s Soldier Dock ride, go on the One Piece Shiro Mokuba ride, check out the Heroes Arena, and unlock ninja secrets with the Naruto “Shinobi War Picture Scroll.”

Q.  Do they have an arcade too?

A.  Yes.  There is an Amusement Arena which has arcade games, UFO catchers, and interactive games featuring the manga characters.

Q.  Is there a gift shop?

A.  Yes,  visitors can purchase action figures and other manga and anime collectables.

Q.  Can you get something to eat there?

A.  Yes.  J-World Tokyo has a food court with three restaurants that should draw in guests for a closer look.  Take your pick from J-World Kitchen, Café Mademoiselle, and J-Patisserie.  Here you can feast on Prince of Tennis, Gintama, and Bleach desserts, Majin Buu Buns, Tony Tony Chopper pasta with meatballs, Ichigo vs. Renji curry, or Blue Exorcist panna cotta. The desserts are especially eye-catching and creative.

You will see some cute and tasty looking baked goods for sale.

Q.  How do you find this place?

A.  Ikebukuro is a vicinity in the heart of Tokyo.  The Sunshine Tower is is a very well known landmark. 
 The address and directions are below.

Address:

Sunshine City World Import Mart, 3-1-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Transport:

Ikebukuro Station (Yamanote, Saikyo, Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Fukutoshin, Seibu lines) 

For more information:  Here is a website in Japanese.  Here is a website in English.

Editors' Note:  This post is the result of a combined effort shared by both authors.  Nagamimi came up with the post idea and performed initial  research. Barbara/LilyOmori wrote the content and gathered graphics.