Hidden Gems: Meet Judy Lu of Anime Station

Today we’d like to introduce you to Judy Lu

Hi judy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Judy Lu，After graduating from university, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey and previously operated a Japanese snack and beauty supermarket. Since my sister has lived in Japan for a long time, I gradually became exposed to various Japanese products and developed a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and the market.

Eight years ago, I opened my first store in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Initially, my idea was to try selling Japanese products. However, to my surprise, many customers who visited the store expressed their desire to find more anime-related products. This sparked my interest, and I began to explore Japanese anime culture and related merchandise.

Gradually, I adjusted my business strategy and transformed my first Little Tokyo store into a specialty shop dedicated to Japanese anime products. This decision received positive feedback from customers and opened up a new direction for my brand’s growth. Today, Anime Station has evolved into a chain brand, focusing on providing anime enthusiasts with a diverse selection of Japanese anime products and an immersive shopping experience.

My goal is to allow customers in the U.S. to enjoy the experience of purchasing anime merchandise as if they were in Japan, without having to travel abroad I hope to bring high-quality Japanese anime products to fans worldwide through Anime Station, allowing everyone to experience the charm of anime culture.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening an anime store is not an easy journey, with the supply chain being the biggest challenge. Additionally, selecting the right products is another major hurdle due to the vast number of anime characters. To succeed, one must have a deep understanding of anime, ensuring that the store carries the characters customers are looking for.

It is also crucial to stay informed about market trends and anticipate which anime and characters will become popular in the future. Since anime merchandise needs to be pre-ordered in advance, making the right predictions is essential. Knowing which anime and characters are likely to gain popularity in the coming year allows for strategic stocking. Keeping the warehouse well-stocked ensures that customers can always find their favorite characters without disappointment.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Anime Station is a specialty retail brand dedicated to bringing Japanese anime culture to fans in the U.S. and worldwide. We specialize in offering a wide range of authentic anime merchandise, including collectible figures, plush toys, Ichiban Kuji games, and exclusive capsule toy (Gachapon) machines.

More than just a retail store, Anime Station serves as a community hub for anime enthusiasts. Through special events, themed product launches, and collaborations with influencers and cosplayers, we continuously bridge the gap between anime culture and its fans. Every visit to Anime Station is an exciting anime journey filled with surprises and fun!

We also collaborate with the latest anime movie releases, hosting special events where we give away movie tickets and exclusive gifts. Additionally, we invite renowned anime voice actors for autograph sessions, giving fans the rare opportunity to meet their favorite talents in person.

At Anime Station, we strive to create an environment where every anime fan can feel a sense of belonging, explore their favorite characters, and stay up to date with the latest anime trends.

Any big plans?
Anime Station currently has a store in Japan and four directly operated stores in Los Angeles. This year, we have officially opened franchise opportunities across the United States. Our goal for the future is to establish Anime Station locations in every state, ensuring that anime fans nationwide have easy access to their favorite anime merchandise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.animestation.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animestation_LA/

Image Credits
judy LU