Japanimation Japanese Recycle Shop

Japanimation is a second hand Japanese toys, furniture, and sundries store located in Quezon City — although it is more of a warehouse than an actual store. Buyers are required to dig through racks, boxes, and stands of randomly put-together display shelves to score finds. Items on sale can run the gamut from J-pop CDs and gashapon toys to crockery and clothing to cameras and PLAYSTATION units.

Collectors in-the-know have always refused to divulge the secret location of the store. The store has also made itself difficult to find when it would suddenly close shop and move to a different location. However, since they started participating in local anime conventions and events, Japanimation has become more widely-known, so the owners ended their nomadic existence and put up a permanent store in one of their old storage facilities.

The easiest way to get to Japanimation is by taking a jeep from Munoz, on the corner of EDSA and Congressional Avenue where McDonald’s Munoz branch stands. Just ask from the barkers which one of the many routes available will take you to Shorthorn and Road 20. Board the jeep and ask the driver to drop you off at the corner of Shorthorn and Road 20; you know you’re in the right spot if there is another McDonald’s store on the corner.

From the corner just hail one of the waiting tricycles and ask them to take you there — they should be familiar with Japanimation when you ask for it by name. If not, then simply asked to be dropped off at Sto. Cristo Church, which is right next door to the toy shop (MAP).

As I mentioned earlier, you have to dig through their stuff to find something you’d like to buy, so try to have a rough idea of what you’re looking for. Don’t go to the other extreme however and have something really specific, as they might not know if they have it or where they put it if they did. Try to have some expectations but keep an open mind. In my case, we went to the store once to try to find some 1/6th scale items for use with dolls; instead, I ended up walking away with an almost-new, in-box PEPTOBISMOL pink POLAROID camera for just PhP 150.

Buying in bulk is encouraged, since you can haggle for discounts if you purchase more. Don’t be a miser however and try to milk every last cent out of the deal. The ladies in charge of the store will dislike you, and you need them to be on your side — especially if you want information on shipment schedules or if you want them to set aside stuff for you for purchase at a later date.

Now for the rest of the reminders: if you are allergic or sensitive to dust, it’s advisable to bring a mask. Bring wet wipes or a bottle of alcohol and some tissues for quick, on-the-spot clean up. If you wear your hair long it would be better for you to tie it back as the warehouse is not air-conditioned. If you like, you can also bring a bottle of water and another shirt — digging for treasure is hard work! :D

Have fun, and see you soon at Japanimation!

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