ANIMERCHIVE CATALOG FOUNDATION
One structure for Japan’s media works.
Anime and manga are only the starting point. AniMerchive now separates source records, media formats, editorial discovery, franchises, people, companies, characters, and merchandise so the catalog can grow without rebuilding its foundation.
PRIMARY MEDIA AREAS
Start with the work’s medium.
The upper level follows the Media Arts Database ontology used by Japan’s National Center for Art Research.
Animation
Television programs and series, specials, theatrical films, and video-package works including OVA releases.
6 record classes ↗02マンガManga
Book series, individual volumes, magazines, magazine issues, and recorded publication histories.
6 record classes ↗03ゲームGames
Japanese game works, releases, platform variations, and physical game packages connected to media franchises.
3 record classes ↗04メディアアートMedia art
Media-art works, exhibitions, performances, and events that connect Japan’s animation, manga, and digital culture.
2 record classes ↗JAPAN-WIDE INDEX
Search the national media-arts record.
Queries the Media Arts Database operated by Japan’s National Center for Art Research. Results are source records, separate from AniMerchive’s curated shopping pages.
EDITORIAL DISCOVERY LAYER
Browse without confusing format and genre.
These facets sit above the source records. A title can belong to several genres and themes while remaining one identifiable work or franchise.
Audience
Themes
Release periods
Status
Work relationships
DATA MODEL
Source record → Work → Franchise → People & companies → Characters → Merchandise.
This order prevents duplicate pages for television seasons, films, manga volumes, remakes, reissues, and store listings. Source records remain traceable while editorial and commercial pages stay clean.
Browse the curated title layer →