Find the hottest manga series, anime action figures, palm-size stickers, buttons and pins for your inner weeaboo at the Sino Centre
Other than graphic novels and satirical cartoons, it seems that Japanese manga has slowly but surely conquered the world (France actually represents approximately 40% of the European manga market!) If you’re looking to get your hands on the latest anime and manga merchandise in Hong Kong, the magnificent Sino Centre in Mong Kok is the place to go. Don’t get overwhelmed by the number of quality manga, toys, apparel and J-pop CDs in there. (Or head direct to the source and visit Japan’s closest island to HK with our guide to Okinawa!)
Our favourite shops at the Sino Centre
1. Holyfab
Holyfab is one of the loveliest toy stores in Hong Kong meant for fans of American cartoons and comic strips, especially followers of The Simpsons and Peanuts. From Bart Simpson stuffed talking toys to Pokémon socks and Tweety Bird key covers, this delightfully quirky store will surely satisfy your inner child. Not to mention the friendly shop owner makes the shop a really welcoming environment, and his uncontainable enthusiasm for toys is definitely contagious.
Holyfab, Shop 215, 2/F, Sino Centre, 582-592 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 3188 2552, 旺角彌敦道582-592號信和中心2樓215號舖
2. Rainbow Box
Other than toys and anime knick-knacks, Rainbow Box actually sells a selection of cat wine, such as The Catbernet and Pinot Meow – original “wine” produced by the American brand Apollo Peak for cats, brewed uniquely with 100% natural ingredients such as organic catnip and red beets. This place is wonderfully diverse, and you’re guaranteed a good time even just browsing the shelves.
Rainbow Box, Shop 102-103, 1/F, Sino Centre, 582-592 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 3481 8860, 旺角彌敦道582-592號信和中心1樓102-103號舖
3. 收藏家漫畫精品店 (The Collector’s Manga Store)
It’s difficult to scout out vintage anime and manga series’ in Hong Kong. Fortunately, The Collector’s Manga Store is one of the few awesome hidden gems that still sells local and Japanese comic strips from the 80s and 90s, both second-hand and new. Entering this store is basically like a trip down memory lane.
收藏家漫畫精品店 (The Collector’s Manga Store), Shop 222, 2/F, Sino Centre, 582-592 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 9155 0248, 旺角彌敦道582-592號信和中心2樓222號舖
4. B+c Mix
B+c Mix is a cozy store with an enticing collection of manga and comics – themes range from adventure and comedy to post-apocalyptic and dystopian – so there’s always something new to find and explore. Plus, they always have all the latest manga releases – that’s why this place is my personal favourite for buying comics.
B+c Mix, Shop 120, 1/F, Sino Centre, 582-592 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, 旺角彌敦道582-592號信和中心1樓120號舖
5. Power Comic
Have you seen people whose backpacks are covered with a billion anime pins? They probably get those adorable badges and brooches at Power Comic. Including the legendary Dragon Ball and Detective Conan series’, I love gifting my friends matching pins – of the same anime series but with different characters – because who doesn’t love seeing their favourite anime character on a jacket or bag?
Power Comic, Shop B2, B/F, Sino Centre, 582-592 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 3481 8860, 旺角彌敦道582-592號信和中心地庫B2號舖
6. Yokohama.co
Yokohama.co is a haven for all Japanese music enthusiasts. They stock a wide selection of Japanese CDs and magazines. From CDs of Japanese heavy metal band X-Japan with exclusive content and bonus tracks to fashion magazines like Popteen and Vivi, they’ve got it all. Plus the pastel, pearly white interior will have you transported to the streets of Akhibahara in no time!
Yokohama.co, Shop B13-14, B/F, Sino Centre, 582-592 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2388 7618, 旺角彌敦道582-592號信和中心地庫B13-14號舖
