Baka Store, Zurich-Oerlikon
Manga, anime, figures and statues, trading cards and merchandise: Baka Store celebrates what could well be the most colorful side of Japan – and it fascinates far more than just children. Quite the contrary, in fact.
A paradise for fans of manga and anime
The name says it all: "Baka" means "crazy" in Japanese. And the clientele of one of the most colorful stores in the Oerlikon district of Zurich are indeed a little crazy – or to put it more politely, passionately obsessed. For fans of Japanese comics (manga) and animated films (anime), the store is far more than just a place to buy things: It is a meeting place, a source of inspiration, and a place where like-minded people share their enthusiasm. To the surprise of many outsiders, the clientele are primarily adults – and their numbers are constantly growing.
A long tradition
The roots of Japanese comics reach back to the Middle Ages. In their current form, however, they are heavily influenced by Western styles of the 19th and 20th centuries and are an integral part of Japanese literary and media culture. Since the 1990s, alongside anime and video games, they have also become one of Japan’s most successful cultural exports. Today, manga is a global cultural phenomenon with an impressive range of genres, themes and artistic styles. Examples familiar to a wider audience include Akira, Dragon Ball, and, of course, Pokémon.
