Hundreds of gamers are still queuing through a town centre hours after a new shop opened its doors – with lines snaking back along the High Street.
Some die-hard fans had arrived as early as 6am to be among the first inside Tokyo Toys in Sittingbourne, which launched at 10am.
By then, the queue had stretched out of the Forum Shopping Centre and all the way back to Net Church – the former Wilko building in the High Street.
The surge in demand comes just two months after boss Hideki Nguyen, who lives in Bexley, took over the unit – previously home to mobility aid specialists Ability Plus – and transformed it into a destination for gamers.
Inside, customers will find an arcade featuring six motion mixers connected to PlayStation 5s, alongside a Nintendo Switch, foosball and air hockey tables, plus dedicated areas for card games.
The store also sells Japanese anime and manga products, trading cards, video game merchandise and Warhammer tabletop gaming miniature figures.
The 52-year-old owner and his team of seven staff officially opened the shop today – and were stunned by the turnout.
Hundreds of people have queued in Sittingbourne High Street for the opening of Tokyo Toys in the Fourm Shopping Centre. Picture: Joe CrossleySamantha Nguyen was giving raffle tickets out to people waiting in the queue. Picture: Joe Crossley
His wife, Samatha Nguyen, 32, said the crowds far exceeded expectations as she handed out raffle tickets to those waiting in line.
The optician, who is currently on maternity leave after giving birth to their second child just five months ago, told KentOnline: “It’s amazing. I thought there would be lots of people, but this is just incredible.
“Thank you to everyone who has turned out.”
Hideki added: “I had a nightmare that [only] one showed up, so it’s a relief and amazing to see all these people here.”
Among those near the front of the queue was James Martin, 32, who had been waiting since 7am.
Casiey and Kathy Stone with James Martin, who waited outside Tokyo Toys in the Forum Shopping Centre from 7am. Picture: Joe CrossleyOwner of Tokyo Toys, Hideki Nguyen, with fans queuing in Sittingbourne High Street as his Forum Shopping Centre store opened. Picture: Joe Crossley
The Morrisons assistant worker said: “I mainly came for Pokémon, but in Sittingbourne we don’t have things like this usually.
“So it’s nice to see what else they have in the shop.
“I came early to beat the queues because I thought there to be some people here.
“But I wasn’t expecting it to be this busy, not in Sittingbourne for a million years.”
Further back in the queue, Sid Adio, 18, had arrived at about 8.45am.
Sid Adio started waiting outside Tokyo Toys in Sittingbourne at 8.45am. Picture: Joe Crossley
He said: “A shop like this opening in Sittingbourne hasn’t happened in a while.
“We have The Light, and now we have this. It’s a big thing for us who live in Sittingbourne.”
This is Tokyo Toys’ fourth location, with the closest in Sidcup and others in Glasgow and Birmingham.
Hideki has invested between £70,000 and £80,000 transforming the unit since taking it on in February.
When KentOnline visited in March, contractors were still taking down the ceiling.
Since then, the shop has been completely revamped, with new flooring, redecorated walls and soundboard-style features installed.
Tokyo Toys owner Hideki Nguyen with a gaming fan who was among the first people in his new shop. Picture: Joe CrossleyInside the newly opened Tokyo Toys shop in the Forum Shopping Centre, Sittingbourne. Picture: Joe CrossleyThe gaming arcade inside Tokyo Toys shop in the Forum Shopping Centre, Sittingbourne. Picture: Joe Crossley
The store is managed by Henry Bancroft, from Bromley, a European-level trading card player who has been promoted from the Sidcup branch.
An after-party event will take place tomorrow (Sunday) from 4pm to 7pm, with entry via the rear of the Forum Shopping Centre after it closes.
Visitors will be able to enjoy pizza and refreshments, with the arcade and board games free to play. Tickets are available via the Tokyo Toys website.
The opening marks the latest addition to the shopping centre since it was bought by Vanguard Properties UK Ltd for £2.4 million in December 2024.
Director Kamal Farid previously told KentOnline he planned to bring more food and drink outlets to the site.
Director Kamal Farid previously told KentOnline about his plans to bring more food and beverage shops to the outlet.
Since then, Julian’s Pie and Mash opened in September, Brew & Bagel in January, and Weigh to Wear in February, with Black Pepper English & Mediterranean Cafe Bistro and Cloud Nine Children’s Boutique launching this month.