Manny, Co - CEO
Hi my names Manny. I oversee the Retail, Sales and Expansion side of the business. I grew up watching anime in Italy when I was younger and have had a passion for it ever since.
Mayumi, Co - CEO
Hi! My names Mayumi. I oversee the Financial and Purchasing side of the business. I grew up in Takahama, Japan before traveling to America and finally Britian. I have loved Manga since I was a child and continue to read it today.
Natasha, Store Manager
Hi! My names Natasha. I am the store manager in charge of the day to day running of the shop and of the people who the store employees. I have been watching anime for over 10 years and absolutely love Naruto and one piece.
Rhys, Marketing & Design Manager
Hi! My names Rhys and I am the head of marketing. I have been watching anime consistently for around 8 years. My favourite anime is a tie between One Piece and Death Note.
Reece, Photographer and Social Media Officer
Hi, my name’s Reece, and am the R&D officer at otaku world. I was introduced to anime by a friend when I was at college, and have enjoyed it ever since, A couple of my favourites are my hero acadamia and Gurren Laggan
Our Story
Otaku World was born from two synergies coming together for the love of anime and the animation community, Manny Giacone and Mayumi Ito.Manny, born in the UK, lived in Italy as a child, traveling Europe with his father, buying and selling British and Japanese collectable toys. He was introduced to anime in Italy, watching early series from the 1960s to the 1980s like Astro Boy, Tiger Mask, Mazinger Z, and Kamen Rider.
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Mayumi, born in Japan to business owners, developed a deep knowledge of manga from an early age, reading up to 100 titles a month. She worked in her family business as a stylist and became active in the Japanese cosplay scene, shaping trends in hairstyling and makeup.
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In 2021, they brought their dream to life by opening Otaku World in Derby’s Eagle Market. Their vision continues to grow with new team members who share their passion for anime and community.
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In July 2022, Manny and Mayumi, with help from Natasha and Rhys took the next step in the Otaku World venture: Japan Fest! Manny and Mayumi realized that whilst there are many anime conventions throughout the UK, there were only a handful of events that were focused around celebrating all aspects of Japan. So, with this thought in mind Japan Fest was created!
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Otaku World's aim with Japan Fest was one, cater to the Japanese community and two, create an environment where the average person, no matter the age, can enjoy a day immersed in a culture which otherwise would be near impossible to engage with.