So, I recently took a trip to Japan– more general info/pictures on that to follow in its own post!– and I just had to share this unexpected discovery:
Japan loves Venom. Like. LOVES Venom.
I’d go into pop culture stores, and yeah Marvel and Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts, etc., would have their own robust little sections alongside popular Japanese properties, that’s totally understandable, but– that doesn’t explain entire store sections just. OVERFLOWING with Venom paraphernalia
My favorite thing I found was the display at a Kotobukiya which included a little glass box, a bunch of black goo splatted inside, and a little speech bubble that says “Where is Eddie?” on it. What. Adorable?? I can’t imagine a store employee would do that without feeling some genuine love and creativity for the IP.
The latter photos are all taken at a store called Yamishiroya, where our pal ヴェノム (“Benomu”) had taken up a big chunk of the stairwell and ‘international characters’ floor. I also saw a lot of Venom tees prominently displayed at thrift stores and stuff like that, but felt bad enough for coming to Japan and getting Venom merch without also coming home with a bunch of Venom pj shirts x’D
It makes me wonder how the Japanese localization of the movie was handled, and whether the Japanese fanbase also loves it because they interpret it as a monster rom com? Certainly, there were a lot more ‘cute’ Venom things over there (though that’s pretty typical for the market) and a lot of stuff featuring spiderman even though obviously Parker’s not involved in the most currently-relevant movie.
Anyway, just thought I’d share! Peace out, kids
Oh no the “where is Eddie?” box is too cute ;w;
A Force Sensitive Phasesixer 