Song Shuang, founder and owner of Ciyuan Jihua. Zou Hong/China Daily
Not just for kids
Yuuyu, 20, loves idol anime, which tells the story of the main characters training, rehearsing, competing, and honing themselves to be successful. The genre combines well-animated choreography with memorable songs. The first idol anime Yuuyu read was “Aikatsu!” when she was about 10 years old.
She travels to Japan to visit Furuko’s shop, an experience she describes as “like a mouse falling into a jar full of grain.”
“I spend the whole day in the store looking for ancient characters with my favorite characters,” said You You, who spends 2,000 to 3,000 yuan a month on buying ancient characters.
Yuyu’s mother, who was born in 1981, is just as passionate about anime as her daughter.
“My mother loved reading comics as a child, just like me, so I’m very lucky that she supports my hobby and shares the things I love,” she added.
Song Shuang, owner of the Guzi store at Huaxi Live Mall in Beijing’s Wukesong district, said having physical products gives enthusiasts an opportunity to communicate with others who share the same interests. He said it not only provides emotional support for young people who grew up with the internet and anime culture, but also a place to socialize. His store has a space where customers can sit, chat and play games.
Song, 37, was born in Beijing and grew up reading manga and watching anime. He said not only are there a lot of guko enthusiasts, but that a wide range of age groups, including himself, enjoy the hobby. But he isn’t worried about being seen as immature.
“Adults my age didn’t have as many old-fashioned products as young people do today, but we have our favorite anime characters,” she says. “Now we’re financially independent and can buy what we want.”
In August 2023, Song opened his first store, Ciyuan Jihua, in the Gulou area, an old district of Beijing famous for its hutongs, or courtyards.
She also helps organize events for anime fans: In March, about 500 people gathered at her store to celebrate the birthday of their favorite character, Wu Xie, from “Tomb Robbers Chronicle,” a popular Chinese animated series based on a famous novel.
“For an independent owner, running a koji store is akin to managing a community centered around a common interest,” she says. “Store owners must have a deep passion for anime culture to effectively navigate the complex issues of sourcing, distribution, and community engagement.”
