Bandai Namco has launched new stores in the UK in Brighton, Ealing and Sheffield, with more launches planned in the new year.

Following the successful launch of the first ever Bandai Namco Cross Store outside of Japan, and the recent Victoria Place brand store opening, a continued expansion of Bandai Namco brand stores will launch nationally in December 2023. This will include popular collectibles Gashapon, Ichibankuji, Sun-Star stationery, arcade experiences and more.

London’s Camden Bandai Namco Cross Store opened in the summer, followed by the Victoria Place brand store in November 2023. The upcoming stores will open in December, with Ealing opening on the 7th of December, featuring Gashapon, Ichibankuji and Sun-Star Stationery, Brighton’s North Street on the 12th of December, featuring arcade games and Gashapon, and Meadowhall Sheffield, featuring Gashapon and Sun-Star Stationery.

The appearance of stores in the UK has strengthened the love of Bandai Namco’s brands in the physical space. Expansion will continue into 2024, with plans for larger stores, tours and other brand appearances reaching out to fans nationally.

Bandai’s three main popular collectible collections are:

• Gashapon – Bandai’s miniature capsule collectibles and vending machines. The name is a combination of the ‘clunk’ (gasha) sound made when the handle is turned and how the capsule ‘pops’ (pon) out of the machine. Gashapon Bandai’s official shop is a Gashapon dedicated capsule collectible shop, featuring many of Bandai’s products. Visitors will be introduced to some of their favourite Japanese characters and an array of on-trend miniature collectibles.
• Ichibankuji – the unique Japanese experience where every player is a winner. Meaning ‘number one lottery’ in Japanese, the Kuji combines high-quality, exclusive Anime collectibles with a lucky-dip style draw, with prizes ranging from detailed statues, character plush and much more. Players simply peel and reveal a ticket to claim their prize, with every draw being a guaranteed win.
• Sun-Star Stationery – a Japanese company that is part of the Bandai Namco Group. They create cute (kawaii) and practical stationery and everyday items, including products featuring popular Japanese characters. Consumers can enter the world of Practi-Kawaii at the Sun-Star Stationery Shop.