This fall, fans of the legendary anime and manga series Dragon Ball will finally get a place they can call their own. For the first time ever, the franchise is opening an official, permanent store in Tokyo. The announcement was made on July 13, 2025, as part of the celebration for Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary. The store is expected to open later this year, becoming a special destination for fans from Japan and around the world.
Dragon Ball began in 1984 as a manga created by Akira Toriyama. Over the years, it has grown into one of the biggest and most loved franchises in the world. It inspired several anime series, blockbuster movies, popular video games, and a massive range of toys and collectibles. Despite its global success and influence over four decades, there has never been an official standalone Dragon Ball store. This upcoming shop in Tokyo will be the first of its kind.
The store will be more than just a place to shop. It is being designed as a full experience for fans. It will feature a wide variety of exclusive Dragon Ball merchandise, including items that can’t be found anywhere else. Visitors can expect limited-edition goods, character-themed clothing, figures, keychains, posters, and possibly even collaborations with other brands. The goal is to create a space where both longtime followers and new fans can enjoy the world of Dragon Ball in a completely new way.
Dragon Ball Franchise (Credits: Akira Toriyama)
World’s First Dragon Ball Store Set to Open in Tokyo This Fall
The exact location of the store hasn’t been announced yet, but many believe it will be placed in one of Tokyo’s major anime hotspots, such as Shibuya or Akihabara. These neighborhoods are already home to several anime and gaming stores, making them perfect spots for a store like this. Whichever location is chosen, the Dragon Ball store is expected to become a popular stop for tourists and locals alike.
The store’s opening also follows a trend seen with other major anime franchises. In recent years, popular series such as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure have launched official brand stores in Tokyo, offering fans places to shop, interact, and take part in themed experiences. These stores often include special exhibits, seasonal events, and exclusive product releases that encourage repeat visits. The Dragon Ball store will likely follow a similar model, giving fans a reason to return often.
Tokyo has long been known as a center for anime culture, and this new Dragon Ball store will only strengthen that reputation. The city already has attractions like the Tokyo Anime Center and themed cafes that celebrate different anime series. A permanent Dragon Ball store adds another layer to this rich culture, turning Tokyo into an even more important destination for anime tourism.
More details about the store, such as its opening day, full product list, and possible grand opening events, are expected to be announced soon. The official Dragon Ball team has promised that the store will be filled with items and experiences fans won’t be able to find anywhere else. For collectors and devoted fans, that means exclusive goodies that could become instant favorites.
Dragon Ball Celebrates 40th Anniversary with First-Ever Official Tokyo Store
Even after four decades, Dragon Ball remains one of the most successful franchises in the world. The manga has sold hundreds of millions of copies, and its characters—like Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Frieza—are recognized by people of all ages across the globe. The launch of this official store is another way for the brand to stay connected to its fans and to introduce its world to new audiences.
Dragon Ball Franchise (Credits: Akira Toriyama)
As the opening draws near, fans are eagerly waiting for sneak peeks of what the store will look like and what products will be available. Many hope for unique displays, special areas for photos, and perhaps interactive exhibits. With its long history and loyal fanbase, there’s no doubt that the store will become a major attraction the moment it opens its doors.
Fans Rejoice as Dragon Ball Launches Its First Permanent Store in Japan
For now, Dragon Ball fans can look forward to more announcements in the coming months. Whether you live in Japan or are planning to visit, the store promises to be a must-see spot filled with energy, nostalgia, and brand-new adventures. It’s not just a store—it’s a celebration of one of the most important and beloved anime series in history.
The first official Dragon Ball store is finally becoming a reality. After 40 years of epic battles, powerful friendships, and unforgettable moments, fans will soon have a place where they can step directly into the world they’ve loved for so long. And in true Dragon Ball style, this new chapter is bound to be just as exciting as the ones before.
Young Goku, a strong boy with a monkey tail, teams up with teenage inventor Bulma on a quest to collect the seven Dragon Balls that summon Shenron (a wish‑granting dragon). Along the journey, they encounter allies and foes, including Master Roshi, Oolong, Yamcha, and the Pilaf Gang; Goku hones his skills through martial‑arts tournaments and battles against general‑purpose evil across the world.
A new anime adaptation is on the way, and fans of classic manga have a big reason to celebrate. Rumiko Takahashi, one of the most respected and beloved manga creators in Japan, is bringing her latest work, MAO, to the television screen. The announcement was officially made on July 13, 2025, and the anime will premiere on NHK General TV in Japan in spring 2026. This new project is being developed by Sunrise, the same studio that previously adapted Takahashi’s famous series Inuyasha, which makes the return even more exciting.
MAO is a supernatural adventure series that has captured the attention of readers since it began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Sunday back in May 2019. The story takes place across two time periods. It follows a modern-day schoolgirl named Nanoka Kiba who, after surviving a strange and mysterious accident, finds herself transported to Japan’s Taishō era.
There, she meets a mysterious man named Mao. Mao is not an ordinary person—he is an onmyoji, a kind of Japanese spiritual exorcist, and he’s been alive for nearly 900 years. Together, the two become partners in solving spiritual mysteries and facing off against powerful curses, including the one that has kept Mao alive for centuries.
MAO Franchise (Credits: Rumiko Takahashi)
Rumiko Takahashi’s MAO Manga Gets TV Anime Adaptation by Sunrise in Spring 2026
The manga has been a steady success for several years, and as of May 2025, it has reached 24 volumes in Japan. In North America, the manga is being published by Viz Media. The English translation has helped the story gain a worldwide audience, and the announcement of the anime has only increased its popularity.
The new anime marks an important milestone in Rumiko Takahashi’s long career. With MAO now being animated, every major series she published in Weekly Shōnen Sunday has received an anime adaptation. This includes earlier hits like Urusei Yatsura, Ranma ½, Inuyasha, and RIN-NE. Many fans see this as a crowning achievement in her creative journey, and it shows how her stories continue to resonate with both old and new audiences.
Sunrise, the studio behind the Inuyasha anime, is handling the animation of MAO. This has generated excitement, as the studio is known for its high-quality production and strong storytelling. The animation team is led by director Teruo Sato, who previously worked on Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, the sequel to Inuyasha. Other key members of the production staff include Yūko Kakihara, who is in charge of series composition, and Yoshihito Hishinuma, who is handling both character design and chief animation direction. The art direction is being handled by Hiroshi Katō and Izumi Hoki, while the music is being composed by Shū Kanematsu. This talented group promises to deliver an anime that will stay true to the spirit of the original manga.
All of Rumiko Takahashi’s Major Works Now Animated as MAO Joins the Lineup
In addition to the announcement, the main voice cast for the anime has also been revealed. Yūki Kaji will voice the lead character Mao. Kaji is well-known for his work in popular anime such as Attack on Titan, and fans are excited to hear his take on the powerful and mysterious exorcist. Natsumi Kawaida has been cast as Nanoka, the girl from the modern era who becomes Mao’s companion. The cast also includes Hiro Shimono as Hyakka, Mao’s former senior apprentice who has the ability to control fire, and Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Kamon, a wealthy onmyoji who uses wood-based powers.
With such a talented cast and production team, expectations are high for this anime adaptation. The story of MAO blends mystery, fantasy, and emotional depth. It explores the bond between Mao and Nanoka as they face dangers from both the past and the spirit world. The setting of early 20th-century Japan adds a unique atmosphere, and the supernatural elements keep the tension high. Fans of Takahashi’s earlier works will likely enjoy the mix of action and heartfelt storytelling that has become her signature style.
MAO Franchise (Credits: Rumiko Takahashi)
Rumiko Takahashi herself expressed her excitement for the anime. In a short message shared during the announcement, she thanked the staff and said the anime turned out exactly as she had hoped. She praised the cast and encouraged everyone to watch it when it airs. Her involvement and support give fans even more confidence that the adaptation will stay true to the heart of the original manga.
Supernatural Time-Travel Manga MAO Set for Anime Debut on NHK in 2026
The anime is set to begin airing in spring 2026, most likely around April, and it will be broadcast on NHK General TV in Japan. As of now, no streaming platforms or international releases have been announced, but given the popularity of Takahashi’s works, it is likely that global streaming services will pick it up soon after.
This new adaptation is also part of a larger wave of renewed interest in Takahashi’s work. Urusei Yatsura received a new anime reboot in 2022, and a new season of Ranma ½ is also scheduled to begin airing in October 2025. With MAO joining the list, fans can now enjoy fresh anime versions of all of her major series.
For fans of supernatural stories, time travel, and emotional character relationships, MAO is shaping up to be one of the most exciting anime to look forward to in 2026. With beautiful animation, a strong voice cast, and the creative touch of one of Japan’s greatest manga artists, it promises to be a memorable experience for both longtime fans and new viewers alike.
