Tokyo Anime Center in DNP Plaza Shibuya

The Tokyo Anime Center originally opened in 2006 in Akihabara's UDX building, establishing itself as a promotional hub for Japanese animation culture. After temporarily closing in 2011, the center ended its Akihabara operations in July 2017 when its tenant contract expired. Management transferred to Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), and the facility reopened in October 2017 at DNP Plaza in Ichigaya. In April 2021, the center relocated to its current location on the second floor of Shibuya MODI, where it is jointly operated by The Association of Japanese Animations and DNP.

The center serves as a showcase for Japanese anime culture, bridging traditional animation heritage with cutting-edge digital technology. Unlike venues with permanent collections, the facility features rotating exhibitions that change every month or two, focusing on specific anime series, production studios, and manga content. The special exhibition area includes a seven-meter-wide screen with stage lighting effects that create a concert-like atmosphere. DNP combines real and virtual experiences through VR and AR technology, creating innovative content presentations unique to the facility. The center also functions as a business showcase, demonstrating how virtual technologies can be integrated into exhibitions and entertainment spaces.

Visitors encounter three distinct zones within the center. The special exhibition area requires timed tickets and presents themed displays featuring popular anime, manga, and games. The store area sells merchandise related to current exhibitions alongside DNP's original products, including high-definition reproductions. A pop-up store area rotates its featured characters approximately every three weeks, with many items also available through DNP's online FUN'S PROJECT MALL. Interactive displays, life-size character stand-ups, and original artwork immerse visitors in the creative processes behind Japanese animation. The facility regularly hosts special events, including live interviews with voice actors, creators, and industry professionals.

From Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit, the facility is a three-minute walk. The station is served by multiple lines: Fukutoshin Line (C16), Ginza Line (G1), Hanzomon Line (Z1), Yamanote Line (JY20), Keio Inokashira Line (IN1), Tōkyū Den-en-toshi Line (DT1), and Tōkyū Tōyoko Line (TY1). Parking is available at Shibuya Marui or Shibuya MODI, though fees apply and bicycle parking is not provided. Admission to the special exhibition area requires tickets sold for specific time slots with limited capacity. Exhibition admission typically ranges from 0 to 1,000 yen depending on the featured content, while entry to the store areas remains free.