#United States #pop culture #Various #MAG.NET #BoxLunch

MAG.NET and BoxLunch: A New Era for Manga Merchandise in the USA

In a significant development for the expansion of Japanese manga-inspired merchandise, MAG.NET has announced a strategic partnership with the prominent US retailer BoxLunch. This exciting collaboration seeks to bring a selection of carefully curated products to a wider audience starting in January 2026. With over 280 BoxLunch stores and an extensive online shop, fans across the country will soon be able to purchase a variety of items including T-shirts, caps, accessories, and English-translated manga volumes.

The first release will feature special collections from four beloved series published by Shogakukan: "Sousou no Frieren", "Inuyasha", "Ranma 1/2", and "Uzaki". These products not only celebrate the rich storytelling of these manga but also aim to deepen the appreciation of Japanese culture among fans in the US. The partnership will continue to evolve, as MAG.NET plans to broaden its offerings and enhance the merchandise lineup to reflect the vibrant culture of Japanese manga.

BoxLunch, under its parent company Hot Topic, Inc., has been a pioneer in introducing Japanese pop culture to the American market for over a decade. With an extensive array of anime merchandise and a solid track record, the partnership with MAG.NET promises to meet the growing demand for authentic, licensed products. This commitment to quality will resonate with a fan base that craves genuine engagement with their favorite titles.

In addition to expanding the product selection, this partnership will introduce immersive store experiences, including “shop-in-shop” concepts in ten selected locations throughout the country. These unique spaces will feature exclusive T-shirts, merchandise designed specifically for the collection, and official publications, designed to capture the essence of the manga’s world. This approach aims not only to cater to existing fans but also to attract new enthusiasts through engaging in-store experiences that make discovering manga fun.

Vision from Leadership

Takahiro Yokozawa, Executive Director of MAG.NET, expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration, saying, "Manga today transcends borders and languages, possessing the incredible power to connect hearts across the globe. At MAG.NET, we take pride in delivering this charm through high-quality, licensed products and experiences that resonate on a worldwide scale. Partnering with BoxLunch, a significant player in the US market, allows us to deliver the value of Japanese manga directly to fans. This is an opportunity we feel honored and excited about."

Rick Vargas, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BoxLunch, acknowledged the growing interest in manga by customers over the past year. He noted, "Our data shows that manga consistently ranks high in searches, and it is clear that US fans are seeking authentic manga experiences. We are thrilled to collaborate with MAG.NET to provide products that are both legitimate and enriching."

About the Companies

MAG.NET was established in June 2024 as a joint venture between Shogakukan and Marubeni Corporation. Its business areas span product planning and development, the construction of global retail and distribution channels, online and offline promotions, and the creation of immersive digital content experiences. The company’s mission is to connect creators and fans worldwide, delivering Japanese pop culture through official and legitimate channels.

BoxLunch is a pop culture specialty retailer with over 280 locations across the United States, offering a wide selection of officially licensed products from movies, anime, games, and more. Furthermore, part of BoxLunch's revenue supports hunger relief efforts in communities through Feeding America®, turning shopping into a force for good. For more details, visit their official website BoxLunch.