They used to say watching anime, reading manga, or gaming were just hobbies for kids and nerds.
But now that fantasy world has blown up big time, ACG is making real-world money moves.
How is it affecting the way we shop, socialize, and spend?
So, is your wallet ready for your inner U-Taku?
Coming to you live from Beijing, this is Roundtable.
I'm He Young.
For today's program, I'm joined by Steve Hatherly and Yushen in the studio.
First on today's show.
From billion-yuan game launches to anime-inspired fashion lines and epic street cosplay, ACG,
the shorthand for anime, comics, and gaming is bursting out of the screen and into real life.
And it's not just the die-hard fans fueling this trend.
Wallets are opening wide, from nerds to normies alike.
Take Daxue Road, for example.
Once a quiet street near college campuses and stadiums is now Shanghai's playground for ACG fans.
Pop-up installations, cosplay parades, and IP collaborations have transformed it into a real-life anime set,
where cafe culture meets fantasy worlds and Gen Z simply can't get enough.
So what's buzzing on Daxue Road?
Just a quick background, in case you don't know what Daxue Road or University Road is.
It's actually a street located in Yangpu District in Shanghai.
And it's a place that connects several universities.