ACG BASE at LaLaport BBCC is rolling out an anime-inspired wonderland for fans to shop, dine, gather and party. Photo: The Star/Azhar Mahfof
As Malaysia’s anime wave surges higher than ever, fans have been craving a true home base – a place where passions collide, communities gather, and entire worlds come alive.
ACG BASE (Anime, Comics, Games) at LaLaport BBCC in Kuala Lumpur finally delivers that long-awaited meeting ground.
LaLaport BBCC, already known as a hub for Japanese pop culture, has officially launched ACG BASE, a new precinct on Level 2 that transforms the mall into Malaysia’s most immersive destination for anime, comics, games and urban pop culture.
Designed as a space where fans can explore, shop, dine, and connect, this pop-culture zone features over 20 stores packed with interactive experiences, themed concepts and exclusive merchandise brought in from Japan and across the region.
One of the biggest highlights is “animate”, Japan’s leading anime retailer, now operating a permanent store that offers shelves of official anime, manga, and game merchandise.
Fans can now visit animate, Japan’s leading anime retailer, in its permanent LaLaport BBCC store, offering authentic collectibles and exclusive anime, manga, and game merchandise. Photo: The Star/Azhar Mahfof
From collectibles and apparel to limited-edition drops, the store gives fans direct access to the kind of products previously found only overseas.
Complementing it is the animate: “Only Shop,” a specialty pop-up spotlighting one anime or manga title at a time, refreshed monthly with rare and exclusive releases that keep collectors coming back.
Visitors – young and old – can also refuel at the themed cafe on LG1, which features rotating concepts inspired by popular anime, manga, games, and VTubers.
With each new theme comes a fresh menu of collaboration drinks, making it a go-to destination for fandom meet-ups.
Across the precinct, stores such as Bad Egg Club, Nullset Goods, The Pink Room, and Q Pocket offer everything from blind boxes and plushies to lifestyle goods and character merch.
KOBO 7 caters to Gunpla builders with tools, paints, and workstations, while Doko Koko and Dimension Poptown create hangout-ready spaces where fans can dine, browse, and immerse themselves in character-themed zones.
K+ by Kadokawa Gempak Starz brings Malaysia’s leading manga publisher to retail. Photo: The Star/Azhar Mahfof
For book lovers and collectors, K+ by Kadokawa Gempak Starz brings Malaysia’s leading manga publisher to retail, offering not only imported Japanese titles but also locally produced comics, novels, and artbooks that celebrate homegrown works.
With fan-centric events and a curated selection of merchandise, it serves as a cultural bridge connecting readers, creators, and the region’s thriving manga community.
But the true showstopper is the KLP48 Theatre.
As the sister group of Japan’s iconic AKB48, KLP48 (a Malaysian idol girl group) offers more than just performances – it brings the pulse of idol culture to life, with daily live shows in its own dedicated venue.
For fans, it’s an intimate, immersive experience where music, choreography, and fan interaction converge, creating a slice of Japan’s legendary idol phenomenon right in the heart of Malaysia.
Beyond the stage, KLP48 offers young Malaysians a chance to learn about the pop world firsthand, all while staying firmly rooted in the anime and J-culture fandom that inspires them.
To celebrate the launch, LaLaport BBCC is rolling out promotions until Nov 30.
Shoppers spending RM300 in a single receipt receive a RM20 cash voucher, while those spending RM100 across two receipts on the same day can redeem a complimentary box of Beryl’s chocolates or cookies. Fans can also join the Sticker Rally, collecting stamps from participating ACG BASE tenants to earn an additional RM20 cash voucher.
