When OH and I travel for Seed Talks, we love to look for comic shops and other places that sell Japanese items.
There are loads of places that sell the latest gacha toys and other current stuff, and that buy secondhand comics and toys for resale. There are not so many that buy tempting older toys, records and books direct from Japan, and still fewer that combine Japanese cool with local zines, old and new Western albums, tickets for local gigs, occasional exhibitions and a laid-back welcoming atmosphere. And we’ve never found another shop with such a range that ALSO sells tea, coffee and soft drinks, or that provides a retro turntable set-up for you to listen. before you buy and retro seats for you to relax in while you listen.
Welcome to Wow and Flutter on Trinity Street in Hastings.
Storm Chandra drove us through their doors, great craic with custodian Gareth kept us there for a very happy hour, and we both highly recommend that you visit whenever you’re in the area. They don’t do mail order, although if you buy something and want it posted they’re happy to help. But that’s entirely in tune with the store’s vibe: face to face, hands on, personal. It’s rare these days. Something to cherish.