Our Mission
Founded in 2020 by lifelong anime enthusiasts Yumiko Takahashi and Akira Matsumoto, Rare Anime Treasures was born from a shared passion for preserving Japan's rich animation heritage through its most treasured collectibles.
We specialize in authenticating, appraising, and curating collections of rare manga, limited edition figurines, animation cels, and other anime memorabilia. Our mission extends beyond commerce—we're dedicated to documenting and preserving the history of these artistic works for future generations.
What began as a small online community has grown into a trusted authority in the anime collectibles market, connecting serious collectors worldwide with museum-quality pieces and providing expert guidance on building meaningful collections.
Our Values
Authenticity
We uphold the highest standards in authentication, using rigorous methods to verify the legitimacy of every item we evaluate.
Preservation
We're committed to maintaining proper conservation practices for historical anime artifacts to ensure their longevity.
Community
We foster connections between collectors, fostering a global network of enthusiasts who share our passion for anime history.
Education
We believe in sharing knowledge about the cultural and historical significance of anime collectibles with the wider world.
Meet Our Team
Our specialized team brings decades of combined experience in anime collectibles, art preservation, and authentication.
Yumiko Takahashi
Founder & Lead Curator
Former manga editor with 15+ years of experience in rare collectibles authentication and a specialized focus on pre-2000s manga publications.
Emily Wong
Manga Preservation Expert
Art conservator with specialized training in paper preservation and restoration. Emily has developed custom preservation methods for vintage manga and anime publications.
Akira Matsumoto
Co-Founder & Authentication Specialist
Former production assistant at major anime studios, Akira brings insider knowledge of production materials and limited promotional items to our authentication process.
Sophia Chen
International Acquisitions Manager
Multilingual collectibles specialist who has cultivated relationships with private collectors and auction houses across Asia, Europe, and North America to source rare items.
Hiroshi Tanaka
Figurine Collection Specialist
Former product designer for major Japanese toy manufacturers who specializes in identifying rare production variants and manufacturing details in collectible figurines.
Our Journey
2020
Foundation
Rare Anime Treasures was founded in Tokyo by Yumiko Takahashi and Akira Matsumoto, initially focusing on authentication services for private collectors.
2020
First Major Acquisition
Acquired and authenticated a complete collection of original Akira production materials, establishing our reputation in the collector community.
2021
Expansion
Expanded our team to include specialists in manga preservation, figurine authentication, and international acquisitions.
2022
Educational Initiative
Launched our blog and educational resources to help collectors understand the history and value of their anime treasures.
2023
Global Recognition
Recognized as a leading authority in anime collectibles authentication by major auction houses and museums worldwide.
Our Credentials
At Rare Anime Treasures, we take pride in our rigorous authentication methods and commitment to accuracy. Our team includes graduates from prestigious conservation programs, former industry professionals, and certified appraisers.
We are active members of the International Society of Appraisers, the American Institute for Conservation, and the Japan Animation Preservation Association. Our authentication procedures follow established protocols while incorporating specialized techniques for anime collectibles.
We continuously update our methodologies through ongoing education and collaboration with museums, archives, and studios to ensure we remain at the forefront of collectible authentication and preservation.
