Giant Robot Store, Los Angeles

As a hub of Asian-American youth culture in L.A.’s Little Osaka neighborhood, the Giant Robot store is the brick-and-mortar representation of the now-defunct Giant Robot magazine, which focused on pop culture from the Far East. The walls of the tiny Sawtelle Boulevard storefront are loaded with dolls, plush toys and other knick-knacks pertaining to characters and franchises like Hello Kitty, Star Wars and Spirited Away. An island in the middle features graphic novels and other books and ‘zines, while a clothing collection heavy on hooded sweatshirts and t-shirts hang on the store’s back wall. In addition to the cutesy, pop-heavy kitsch, the store’s sister location, across the street on the east side of Sawtelle Boulevard, hosts occasional gaming tournaments and art exhibits.