Tanuki’s Trading Post offers collectibles and community

When anime enthusiast Brandon Carlson became frustrated with the lack of Japan-centric hobby shops in Lansing, he saw an opportunity. In 2024, he left his 13-year position as a production worker at General Motors to begin work on Tanuki’s Trading Post with his wife, co-owner Onyx Bart.

After a few delays, the hobby and collectible shop, located at 1910 E. Michigan Ave., held its grand opening Tuesday (Feb. 11).

First-time customers might feel like they’ve stepped off Michigan Avenue and into a slice of an anime convention. Shelves of anime figures, model build kits and manga novels line the vivid purple walls, with merchandise from iconic franchises like “Demon Slayer,” “My Hero Academia,” “One Piece” and “Yu-Gi-Oh!” in abundant supply. A “Pokémon” shelf contains plushies, puzzles and backpacks.

But what separates Tanuki’s Trading Post from other hobby shops is what’s behind it: a screening room, complete with seating and a projector. Carlson intends to host anime screenings there and is focused on providing a welcoming environment for anime and manga fans.

“I want people to have someplace they feel included and fit in,” Carlson said. “Like a spot to hang out.”

Eventually, Bart said they want to use the space to host the types of events often found at anime conventions.

“A cosplay contest would be fun,” she said. “Trivia would be fun.” Since the shop offers model kits for franchises like “Gundam,” Carlson and Bart also hope to offer build days.

While these events aren’t set in stone yet, those interested can follow Tanuki’s Trading Post on Facebook or Instagram for updates on official plans.

The shop’s focus on the anime community stems from Carlson and Bart’s lifelong love for anime and manga. Carlson, 33, said his father unintentionally fostered the passion through VHS rentals: “When Blockbuster was still around, he’d always rent me the random anime they had in there, just because they looked like cool cartoons.”

Bart’s family passed down the hobby intentionally — her grandfather kept a repurposed sewing machine cabinet full of anime VHS tapes.

While their own fandom originated when analog media was standard, their shop offers both newer and legacy brands. Carlson said the offerings are informed by the community and will evolve over time. Rather than offering what’s popular online, Carlson wants Tanuki’s Trading Post to cater to local customers.

Looking forward, Carlson hopes to take Tanuki’s Trading Post to anime conventions. An online store is also in progress.

The business is open from noon to 9 p.m. daily, though Carlson and Bart may take some days off eventually — it’s just them, after all. For now, their focus is on getting as many people involved as possible.

Local anime fans would be wise to keep Tanuki’s Trading Post on their radar, both for its merchandise and for the community Carlson and Bart hope to grow through their event space.

“I don’t think you can go anywhere else and just watch anime,” Bart said.