Christie’s Makes History with First-Ever Anime & Manga Auction in NYC!

Fellow otaku and manga enthusiasts, get ready to open your wallets wider than Goku opening the Dragon Balls! Christie’s is about to make history by hosting its first-ever auction dedicated entirely to anime and manga right in the heart of New York City. Running from March 18 through 31, this online auction titled “Anime Starts Here: Japanese Subculture Reimagines Tradition” is part of Christie’s Asian Art Week series, and it’s a massive acknowledgment of how Japanese pop culture has conquered the globe. With the recent record-breaking $16 million sale of a rare Pikachu Illustrator card, it’s clear we’re witnessing a golden era for anime and manga collectibles!

What’s absolutely mind-blowing is the lineup of treasures up for grabs! We’re talking original animation cels from Hayao Miyazaki’s 1984 classic Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – yes, the legendary Studio Ghibli founder’s early work! Plus, you can bid on original Doraemon cels, vintage Godzilla posters, and even original manga drawings by the God of Manga himself, Tezuka Osamu! The auction also bridges traditional and contemporary Japanese art, featuring works from ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai alongside modern art superstar Yoshitomo Nara. With most lots estimated under $10,000 (many under $3,000!), this might be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of Japanese animation history!

Takaaki Murakami, head of Christie’s Japanese and Korean art department, perfectly captured the moment when he noted that many collectors today grew up with manga and anime and are now “collecting what they know and love.” The strong interest from both younger buyers and established collectors shows this isn’t just a passing trend – it’s a cultural phenomenon gaining serious recognition in the fine art world. Whether you’re looking to expand your personal collection or just appreciate how far anime and manga have come from niche Japanese imports to global cultural powerhouses, this auction is monumental. It’s official, fellow fans – our beloved anime and manga have officially made it to the big leagues!