Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama is one of the most globally recognisable creative works in human history — a franchise that has defined anime for four decades. In memory of Toriyama Akira (1955–2024), who passed away in March 2024, visiting the places connected to Dragon Ball in Japan carries additional emotional weight for fans. This guide covers the best spots to find Dragon Ball merchandise and experience the franchise in Japan.
Quick Facts
| Series | Dragon Ball (1984–1995) · Dragon Ball Z/Super/GT |
| Creator | Akira Toriyama (1955–2024, Aichi Prefecture) |
| Publisher | Shueisha (Shonen Jump) |
| Best Merch Cities | Tokyo · Osaka · Nagoya (Aichi) |
| Price Range | ¥300 (keychain) – ¥100,000+ (premium statue) |
A Note on Toriyama Akira
Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68. His impact on global popular culture — through Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump, and his character design work on Dragon Quest — is immeasurable. Many fans visiting Japan in the months and years following his passing are doing so partly as tribute. Fans in Nagoya (Aichi) have created informal memorial spots; we recommend visiting with this in mind.
1. Akihabara — Dragon Ball Merch Capital
Akihabara has more Dragon Ball merchandise per square metre than anywhere else on earth.
Animate Akihabara (アニメイト秋葉原)
Animate carries a large Dragon Ball section with:
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero era figures
- Ichiban Kuji lottery items (Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo premium prizes)
- Artbooks and official guide books
- Soundtrack CDs and Blu-ray collections
Mandarake Akihabara — Vintage Dragon Ball
The holy grail for Dragon Ball collectors. Mandarake Akihabara stocks:
- Original Shonen Jump magazine issues from Dragon Ball’s 1984–1995 serialisation
- First-edition Weekly Jump volumes (DB Vol. 1 can fetch ¥50,000+)
- Early-run Bandai carddass (trading cards from the original era)
- Vintage Banpresto prize figures from the 1990s–2000s
Yellow Submarine Akihabara
Specialist card game shop — excellent for the Dragon Ball Super Card Game, Japan’s most popular CCG. Single cards, sealed product, and accessories.
2. Ikebukuro — The Premium Figure Scene
Animate Ikebukuro
The flagship Animate reliably stocks Dragon Ball’s full range. During anniversary events (Dragon Ball’s anniversary is in 2024–2025), the store runs collaboration floors with exclusive merch and limited items.
Kotobukiya Ikebukuro
Kotobukiya’s Dragon Ball ARTFX figures — including the detailed Goku Ultra Instinct and the God of Destruction Beerus — are available at their flagship store. These are display-grade collectibles.
P’Parco / Sunshine City
Bandai Namco’s presence in Ikebukuro means regular Dragon Ball arcade prize figure drops and exclusive prize-game items not found in shops.
3. Bandai Namco Cross Store (バンダイナムコクロスストア)
Bandai Namco — Dragon Ball’s primary toy and figure manufacturer — operates Bandai Namco Cross Store locations in Tokyo and Osaka. These stock the complete Bandai Dragon Ball lineup:
- S.H.Figuarts Dragon Ball line (Goku, Vegeta, Broly, Cell, Frieza)
- Dragon Stars series
- Ichibansho (Ichiban Kuji prize figures)
- Capsule toy machines
| Location | Access |
|---|---|
| Akihabara store | 2-min from Akihabara Station |
| Ikebukuro store | Inside Sunshine City |
| Osaka Namba store | Near Namba Station |
4. Nagoya (Aichi) — Toriyama’s Hometown
Akira Toriyama was born in Kiyosu, Aichi and lived much of his life in the Nagoya area. While he was a private person who rarely participated in public events, the Nagoya fan community has deep ties to the Dragon Ball legacy.
Nagoya Dragon Ball Merch
- Animate Nagoya (Sakae district): Full Dragon Ball range; special events during anniversary periods
- Mandarake Nagoya: Vintage finds in Osu shopping district
- Osu Kannon shopping arcade: Multiple anime shops with competitive pricing on Dragon Ball goods
Kiyosu City
Toriyama’s birthplace — a small city near Nagoya. The city has acknowledged its connection to the creator; local tourism offices may have information on tribute locations.
5. Osaka — The Kansai Dragon Ball Scene
| Location | Best For |
|---|---|
| Animate Namba | Full Dragon Ball range, collab events |
| Den Den Town (Nipponbashi) | Price competition between multiple shops |
| Jump Shop Umeda | Official Shonen Jump Dragon Ball merch |
| Bandai Namco Cross Store Osaka | Complete Bandai figure lineup |
Dragon Ball Card Game
The Dragon Ball Super Card Game (DBSCG) is Japan’s most popular trading card game by revenue. For collectors and players:
- Card shops: Yellow Submarine (Akihabara), Hareruya (nationwide)
- Sealed product: Animate stores, Yodobashi Camera (electronics stores)
- Singles: Surugaya Akihabara for competitive prices
Ichiban Kuji — Dragon Ball Lottery
Ichiban Kuji Dragon Ball editions are among the most popular lottery runs in Japan. A tickets typically costs ¥800 and every ticket wins. A-prizes feature:
- 20cm+ scale figures (Goku Super Saiyan God, Ultra Instinct)
- Limited coloured variants
Available at 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, and Animate during active runs. Check Bandai Spirits’ website for current Dragon Ball Ichiban Kuji schedules.
Dragon Ball Shopping Priority List
- Mandarake Akihabara — vintage and rare first
- Bandai Namco Cross Store Akihabara — complete official lineup
- Animate Ikebukuro — best all-round selection
- Yellow Submarine — card game needs
- Don Quijote (any branch) — budget prize figures under ¥2,000
FAQ
Q: Where can I find the most valuable Dragon Ball collectibles in Japan? Mandarake Akihabara for vintage items. For premium modern figures, Kotobukiya Akihabara and Bandai Namco Cross Store are the best sources.
Q: Is there a Dragon Ball museum or permanent exhibition in Japan? There is no permanent dedicated Dragon Ball museum. However, Jump Festa (December, Makuhari Messe) regularly features major Dragon Ball exhibitions with exclusive merchandise.
Q: Is Dragon Ball merchandise at Akihabara cheaper than buying overseas? Significantly cheaper for prize figures and standard retail items. Ichiban Kuji runs and collaboration goods are Japan-only releases entirely. Vintage items at Mandarake can be cheaper than overseas if you know current market prices.
Q: Are there Dragon Ball themed cafes in Japan? Animate Cafe runs Dragon Ball collaboration events regularly, particularly around Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and major anniversary releases. Sweets Paradise has also hosted Dragon Ball events.