Mandarake

Basic Information

Stock Code
2652
Industry
Retail
Category Detail
Specialty Stores & Drugstores
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
February 1987
Listing Year
July 2000
Official Website
https://www.mandarake.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
ASJ, Arigatou Service, Lynette Japan Group, Nippon Shikizai, AKIBA, Taito, Bookoff Group Holdings

Overview

Mandarake is a manga specialty used bookstore chain founded in 1987, with locations in major cities across the country, established as a specialty store symbolizing otaku culture.

Current Situation

Mandarake recorded net sales of 14.455 billion yen and operating profit of 2.078 billion yen for the fiscal year ending September 2024, maintaining a solid financial foundation. Its core business is the sale of used books centered on manga and doujinshi, building a unique market through the provision of high-priced collector items. It operates physical stores and online mail-order services centered in major cities nationwide, featuring a highly specialized product lineup. In recent years, it has focused on toys and anime merchandise, capturing a broad fan base. Learning from past incidents, it emphasizes legal compliance and sound store management while strengthening sustainability and community contribution initiatives. Toward 2030, it is advancing a growth strategy centered on digitalization of customer services, diversification of product offerings, and enhancement of brand value.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Mandarake boasts one of Japan's largest scales as a manga specialty used bookstore
  • Unearthed the rare Fujiko Fujio work 'UTOPIA: The Last World War,' sparking buzz
  • Transformed Nakano Broadway into one of Japan's premier otaku culture landmarks
  • Unique customer service style with staff in constant cosplay has garnered attention
  • Mail-order photo catalog 'Mandarake Manga Catalog' serves as industry price benchmark
  • Has overseas store experience but currently focuses on domestic stores
  • Founder Masami Furukawa leverages cultural background for media appearances
  • Publicizing photos of shoplifters sparked media controversy
  • History of police crackdown for operating adult shops
  • Deeply involved in doujin events like Comiket, contributing to market formation
  • Rare used bookstore with its own reprint comic publishing division
  • Track record of establishing transaction standards as price indicators among collectors
  • Possesses vast inventory of used books and toys from long-term operations
  • Company with court precedents on illegal labor and unpaid overtime issues
  • Pioneering presence with its own internet broadcast 'Mandaray'

Hidden Connections

  • Founder Masami Furukawa is a manga artist with strong influence in culture and arts
  • Contributed to raising Nakano Broadway's profile, leading to local economic revitalization
  • Mandarake's mail-order catalogs play a key role in price formation in Japan's used manga market
  • Continuity from early manga lending library forms the foundation of its high specialization
  • Established employee stock ownership plan to boost employee engagement
  • Closely linked to the development of doujin and cosplay markets
  • Contributes to preservation and dissemination of classic manga works through publishing
  • Influences toy market circulation pricing through handling high-priced toys

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Market expansion from mainstreaming of otaku culture
  • Growth in internet mail-order and customer expansion
  • Increasing overseas demand for figures and toys
  • Stable growth in doujinshi and reprint publishing markets
  • Expansion of digital content distribution
  • Ongoing overseas market development
  • Strengthening sustainability management initiatives
  • Customer base diversification and new customer acquisition
  • Promotion of collaborations with other industries
  • Improved corporate credibility through legal compliance
  • Brand strengthening via event collaborations
  • Steady growth in cosplay market

Strategic Goals

  • Expansion of store base in major cities nationwide
  • Achieve over 50% ratio of online sales
  • Expansion of sales for reprints and in-house publications
  • New development in toys and figures business
  • Full introduction of sustainability standards
  • Business expansion in digital streaming services
  • Advanced marketing utilizing customer database
  • Risk reduction through thorough compliance
  • Strengthened collaboration with local communities and expanded social contributions
  • Enhanced recognition in global markets

Business Segments

Publishers & Manga Artists

Overview
Provides publishing and sales support for reprint editions targeted at manga artists and publishers.
Competitiveness
Expert knowledge based on doujin culture and manga history
Customers
  • Doujin creators
  • Publishers
  • Editing productions
  • Manga publishers
  • Manga artist agencies
  • Production companies
  • E-book distributors
  • Manga research institutions
  • Cultural event organizers
  • Animation production companies
Products
  • Reprint publishing projects
  • Doujinshi editing
  • Work storage & management
  • Sales of published books
  • Copyright management support
  • Book editing services
  • Special edition production
  • External publishing collaboration
  • Digital distribution support
  • Market trend reports

Collectors & Specialty Shops

Overview
Provides high-rarity manga-related products to specialty shops and individual collectors.
Competitiveness
Position as the benchmark for transaction prices in the rare item market
Customers
  • Collectors
  • Figure shops
  • Used toy stores
  • Maniac specialty stores
  • Auction operators
  • Doujin shops
  • Vintage sellers
  • Collectors
  • Toy Collectors Club
  • Dealers
Products
  • Vintage manga books
  • Limited figures
  • Out-of-print editions
  • Subculture-related goods
  • Limited toys
  • Rare doujinshi
  • Collector goods
  • Premium items
  • Vintage products
  • Rare item appraisal services

Event Planning & Exhibitions

Overview
Provides planning and operational support for otaku-related events.
Competitiveness
Strong network within the industry
Customers
  • Comic Market operators
  • Anime event organizers
  • Doujin event planners
  • Cultural festival operators
  • Fan event planning companies
  • Exhibition organizers
  • Local event groups
  • Corporate event staff
  • Sales event organizers
  • Fan meeting operators
Products
  • Event space rental
  • Related goods sales support
  • Planning & operations support
  • Goods sales booth operations
  • Event production
  • Live event planning
  • Fan exchange events
  • Promotion & advertising support
  • Visitor services
  • Exhibition planning

Corporate Sales Channels

Overview
Provides bulk purchasing and product selection services to corporations.
Competitiveness
Abundant inventory management and distribution expertise
Customers
  • Retail chains
  • E-commerce operators
  • Exporters
  • Wholesalers
  • Distributors
  • Large specialty stores
  • Corporate office purchasing
  • Corporate gifting
  • Event sellers
  • Procurement agents
Products
  • Bulk purchase sales
  • Selected product provision
  • Limited goods supply
  • Inventory management services
  • Special order handling
  • Legal compliance support
  • Pricing adjustment services
  • Shipping management services
  • Promotion support
  • Market analysis data provision

Overseas Market Expansion

Overview
Promotes product sales and market development overseas.
Competitiveness
Global channels via internet mail-order
Customers
  • Overseas dealers
  • Import retailers
  • Maniac groups
  • Overseas doujin shops
  • Export agents
  • Foreign collectors
  • Overseas event operators
  • Overseas mail-order
  • International cultural exchange groups
  • Export logistics
Products
  • Rare goods for export
  • Overseas doujinshi
  • Limited edition toys
  • Overseas manga comics
  • International shipping services
  • Translation publishing support
  • Overseas copyright transaction support
  • Global marketing
  • Cultural exchange support
  • Online overseas sales

Online Sales Platform

Overview
E-commerce channels for specialty books and goods.
Competitiveness
Specialized product database and customer service
Customers
  • General consumers
  • Collectors
  • Internet sellers
  • Overseas buyers
  • Fan communities
  • Mail-order users
  • Net auction operators
  • E-commerce businesses
  • Digital content users
  • Membership users
Products
  • Online used book sales
  • Auction services
  • Membership exclusive deals
  • Digital catalogs
  • E-book sales
  • Online payment services
  • Shipping management
  • Customer support
  • Digital marketing
  • Membership benefits

Publishing & Editing Services

Overview
Conducts editing and publishing for in-house and external media.
Competitiveness
Editing prowess specialized in manga culture
Customers
  • Manga artists
  • Specialty magazine editors
  • Doujin creators
  • Copyright managers
  • Book publishers
  • Bookstores
  • Research institutions
  • Cultural heritage preservation groups
  • Media production companies
  • Editing productions
Products
  • Editing & publishing
  • Copyright management support
  • Reprint projects
  • Special printing
  • Digital copyright services
  • Editing production support
  • Project planning
  • Document preservation
  • Book distribution support
  • Translation services

Toy Manufacturers & Retailers

Overview
Functions as a circulation and sales channel for toys.
Competitiveness
Experience handling rare toys
Customers
  • Toy manufacturers
  • Dealers
  • Retail stores
  • Wholesalers
  • Collector shops
  • Sales agents
  • Toy event organizers
  • Promotion staff
  • Planning companies
  • Hobby groups
Products
  • Toy procurement sales
  • Limited item sales promotion
  • Rare item circulation management
  • Promotion support
  • Customer analysis
  • Product evaluation
  • Inventory management
  • Export support
  • Exhibition services
  • Sales channel development

Media & Digital Services

Overview
Deploys media services linked with self-streaming.
Competitiveness
Differentiation through proprietary content
Customers
  • Viewers
  • Advertisers
  • Video production companies
  • Broadcasters
  • Event organizers
  • Net streamers
  • Digital marketing companies
  • Content providers
  • Creators
  • Online event participants
Products
  • Net streaming
  • Digital promotion
  • Video content production
  • Sponsorships
  • Live event broadcasts
  • Viewer participation programs
  • Content distribution management
  • Ad distribution
  • Online promotion campaigns
  • Digital rights management

Cosplay Related Services

Overview
Supports cosplay culture through event collaborations.
Competitiveness
Close relationships with a broad fan base
Customers
  • Cosplayers
  • Event organizers
  • Cosplay costume manufacturers
  • Photographers
  • Goods producers
  • Fan clubs
  • Event operators
  • Shop staff
  • Costume rental companies
  • Convention staff
Products
  • Costume sales
  • Event operation support
  • Rental services
  • Costume production
  • Cosplay supply provision
  • Promotion production
  • Community operations
  • Exchange event planning
  • Related goods sales
  • Photo services

Used Item Appraisal & Valuation Services

Overview
Appraisal of used manga and toys, and proposals for market value.
Competitiveness
Long years of specialized knowledge and track record
Customers
  • Collectors
  • Used bookstores
  • Auction operators
  • Doujin shops
  • Collectors
  • Museums
  • Cultural promotion groups
  • Individual sellers
  • Estate liquidation companies
  • Investors
Products
  • Item authenticity appraisal
  • Value assessment
  • Appraisal certificate issuance
  • Market price research
  • Assessment report creation
  • Rare item registration
  • Value preservation support
  • Expert knowledge provision
  • Appraisal consulting
  • Counterfeit detection

Buyback Services

Overview
Buys items from individuals and corporations to stock inventory.
Competitiveness
High appraisals and customer trust
Customers
  • Individual sellers
  • Collectors
  • Corporate owners
  • Liquidators
  • Used book dealers
  • Event participants
  • Estate liquidators
  • Doujin creators
  • Used goods sellers
  • Collection sellers
Products
  • Manga & toy buybacks
  • Doujinshi buybacks
  • Vintage item buybacks
  • Bulk buyback services
  • On-site buybacks
  • Store drop-off buybacks
  • Online assessments
  • Appraisal-included buybacks
  • Quick cash conversion
  • Limited item buybacks

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Overwhelming brand recognition as a manga specialty used bookstore
  • Abundant rare item lineup
  • Store network spanning major cities nationwide
  • Strong position in the otaku culture market
  • Long-cultivated expertise in product appraisal and valuation
  • Brand strengthening through in-house publications
  • Utilization of diverse sales channels
  • Specialized customer service system
  • Integrated operation of online mail-order and physical stores
  • Close collaboration with communities
  • Proprietary pricing benchmark setting
  • Multifaceted media deployment capabilities
  • High staff expertise
  • Event planning prowess
  • High customer repeat rate

Competitive Advantages

  • Leadership in the specialized field of manga and doujinshi
  • Unique market formation ability handling high-priced rare goods
  • Sales expansion through fusion of multi-store operations and e-commerce
  • Product procurement strength from robust networks inside and outside the industry
  • Provision of appraisal services based on thorough product knowledge
  • Brand value promoted by founder Masami Furukawa's cultural background
  • Breadth covering diverse product genres
  • Unique store presentation with constant cosplay staff
  • Customer touchpoint strategies like mail-order catalog issuance
  • Flexible product strategies quickly reflecting market trends
  • Stable sales secured by strong customer base
  • Overwhelming experience and track record in the niche specialty used book market
  • Deep roots in local culture and its utilization
  • Revenue source diversification through multifaceted business
  • Information dissemination adapted to the digital age

Threats

  • Legal risks and compliance challenges associated with used goods transactions
  • Market shrinkage due to rapid expansion of digital publishing and e-books
  • Intensified competition from new entrants
  • Increase in crime risks such as shoplifting and theft
  • Decline in physical store usage due to changes in customer buying behavior
  • Potential risks of copyright issues and licensing disputes
  • Decline in consumer purchasing power due to economic fluctuations
  • Demand changes from shifts in subculture trends
  • Increase in competing online platforms
  • Strengthened buyback and sales regulations from legal amendments
  • Political and economic risks in overseas markets
  • Decline in store visitors due to social disruptions like COVID-19

Innovations

2024: Online Enhancement and Digital Catalog Renewal

Overview
Promoting digitalization of mail-order site and catalogs to improve customer convenience.
Impact
Achieved 30% year-on-year increase in online sales.

2023: Opening and Expansion of New Toy Specialty Stores

Overview
Opened sofubi specialty store in Akihabara and toy specialty store in Ikebukuro to develop the market.
Impact
Toy division sales grew 15% year-on-year.

2022: Strengthening Constant Cosplay Staff in Stores

Overview
Expanded cosplay services by staff to enhance customer experience in stores.
Impact
Increased young customer attraction and improved word-of-mouth ratings.

2022: Expansion of In-House Publication 'Mandarake ZENBU' Series

Overview
Continuously issuing reprint editions of manga artist works edited in-house.
Impact
Contributed to strengthening the publishing division's brand.

2021: Initiation of Sustainability Management

Overview
Explicitly defined environmental load reduction and compliance strengthening as corporate policy.
Impact
Gained trust from stakeholders.

Sustainability

  • Efforts to reduce energy consumption in store operations
  • Continuous improvement of legal compliance systems
  • Support for cultural promotion through collaboration with local communities
  • Expansion of handling environmentally considerate recycled products
  • Strengthening customer information protection
  • Promotion of work-style reforms
  • Implementation of educational support programs
  • Activation of CSR activities
  • Active participation in local events
  • Participation in waste reduction campaigns