Need help with cel/game shops in Tokyo

I would email Mandarake's International division, and ask someone to show your friend around Nakano Broadway. They are on the 4th floor, opposite hall of their cel store.

You can probably contact them through email ahead of time to schedule something. Mandarake carries both production artwork and video games.

Video games would be Akihabara. It would make things complicated to find if they do not understand Japanese.

Thank you both for all the information and suggestions.

I will encourage him to get in touch with Mandarake, too.

One other thing, get there early to pick through stuff. Anime freaks abound in Japan. Early is noon, btw for Mandarake. By 12:30 a lot of stuff has gotten scooped up. You can also ask, when they put stuff out as well. They stock pile stuff in back rooms and on other floors. I used to make friends with the Otaku staff to try and weasle out stuff from the back, because I was there so often. .. back in the day...

I agree with E's suggestions. Another thing to consider is bring a sample of how the series title you want is written in Japanese. Do not expect them to be able to effectively communicate or even be willing to communicate with you in English.

If you are polite enough definitely try to ask some of sellers if they have more stock for the specific series you are interested in, but expect opposition. Good luck.

And lastly, do not bother to ask for a "tour" for Mandarake in Nakano, you won't get one. Instead you can get a free floor map for all o the notable anime stores in the Nakano mall when you get in it is located at the main entrances and the stairs and it is in English. Another thing, if you need information on the specific Mandarake stores in English then make sure to pick up the flyer/leaflet things that almost ALL of the Mandarake cashiers have at Nakano.

You didn't get the tour? That sucks.

I got the tour, and they called over the cel guy from his cel room, and he brought out a bunch of stuff...far better than the stuff displayed. I later saw one of the cels in a future BWA.