Mangafé is a venue that blends Italian culture with the Japanese world. It is a meeting place for all ages where customers can relax, read a comic and enjoy a drink. In addition, customers can treat themselves by watching anime, listening to music, buying a few gadgets or comics, and savouring a good iced or hot coffee, depending on the season and their personal taste. Themed days for all enthusiasts, sales of board games and trading cards, as well as organised tournaments and events.

There is an obvious growth that is visible to everyone, both in trends, fashions and the curiosity among young people to engage with Japan. Whereas terms such as ‘nerd’ and ‘manga’ were once niche, they are now accessible to everyone and there is a constant interest. TV series, introduced mainly on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, have been a great help. The AIE (Italian Publishers Association) has recorded an increase from €11.2 million in 2019 to €58.3 million in 2021. In recent years, according to the AIE, there has also been a rise in comics for children and young people. Major online bookshops have played a key role. 

The world of comics and manga in Italy is experiencing an exciting renaissance. Demand is constantly growing and the market is continually evolving. This sector not only offers new opportunities to local authors and illustrators, but also promotes the spread of comic book culture internationally. The extraordinary sales figures and the growing popularity of these media point to a positive trend set to continue over time. In conclusion, the Italian manga and comic book market has experienced extraordinary growth, with a significant increase in sales and public interest. 

As for coffee in Italy, according to the latest market studies by Area Studi Mediobanca, our country ranks seventh in the world for coffee consumption. My proposal would be a fusion of these two worlds of comics and coffee, particularly iced coffee and thus Anime and Manga-themed Frappuccinos, where the cups will be branded and decorated with customers’ favourite anime characters.

 The question we asked ourselves is why open a comic book shop in Italy. Any business must have a purpose and create a need for the customer. Our target audience is young people, aged 10 to 18, extending into adulthood, because, as mentioned earlier, this type of activity and interest is affecting everyone. A fan usually buys their comic or collectable gadget either at their trusted comic book shop, which they have been visiting for years, or online and has it delivered to their home. I want to give the customer a reason to enter a modern venue, but one that is already familiar to them and puts them at ease. 

An Italian young person aims to relax after studies, after work or after a busy day, and perhaps socialise in an environment that relates to their hobbies but where they can also enjoy an aperitif and pursue their Japanese hobby within an Italian comfort zone. The winning formula is the blend of these two cultures, which perfectly aligns with the needs of today’s young people. 

 The choice of iced coffee is not just for its high ‘Instagrammability’; beyond that, it is a simple product that requires no large machinery and on which a profit margin can be made. Young people will be able to read comics whilst having a drink, or by taking out a subscription. In this way, those who come in and choose coffee will have access to reading material and then the option to purchase, whilst those who choose comics will have access to benefits in the coffee area. In this way, the two systems will sustain themselves. There will be numerous events, and customers will also have the chance to book a seat to watch a film or a comic book presentation if the opportunity arises.

You’ll be able to pre-order action figures arriving from Japan, which will incur an additional cost both for the booking and because these items are limited edition. Prize games to encourage customers to come, but above all to stay, as this is not a place where you simply buy and leave, but where you enter, stay and grow attached. It must become the meeting place for all enthusiasts. This will be the initial focus: making the venue a meeting place that customers will then automatically return to, developing the habit of treating it as a regular spot for gatherings.

IDEAS AND PROPOSALS

• Karaoke
• Sale of cosplay costumes
• Maid Café event
• Card tournaments
• Board game tournaments
• Coffee of the Month
• Morning events (COFFEE & FOOD)
• Afternoon Events (COSPLAY AND TOURNAMENTS)
• Evening events (FILMS AND GAMES)
• Background music inside the venue
• Italian comics and comic artists
• and much more...