The Ad Museum Tokyo is a unique museum that offers a fascinating peek into the world and history of advertising in Japan. As the only advertising museum in the country, it boasts an impressive collection of materials and data related to advertising communication and marketing, including posters, movies, and other items from all corners of the advertising sector.
The museum is run by the Yoshida Hideo Memorial Foundation, which aims to enhance people’s understanding of the social and economic value of advertising beyond its inherent function of promoting products and basically trying to make people buy things.
The Ad Museum Tokyo is in the Caretta Shiodome building which also has a great observation deck. You can explore the museum’s diverse exhibits at your own pace, learning about the history of Japanese advertising and the creative processes behind some of the country’s most iconic ad campaigns.
The museum also offers a range of resources for those interested in delving deeper into the world of advertising, including a library and collections of materials that are available for research purposes.
History of the Ad Museum Tokyo
The Ad Museum Tokyo was founded in December 2002 by the Yoshida Hideo Memorial Foundation to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yoshida Hideo, the fourth President of the massive Japanese Ad company Dentsu Inc.
The museum is the only one of its kind in Japan, dedicated to the promotion of studies in, and popular understanding of, advertising and marketing.
Since its establishment, the museum has been collecting and preserving a wide range of materials related to advertising communication and marketing. The museum’s collection includes over 320,000 posters, movies, and other items from all corners of the advertising sector and also gives you an overview of Japanese advertising history going back to the Edo era.
Over the years, the museum has become a popular destination for advertising professionals, students, and researchers.
Exhibitions at the Ad Museum Tokyo
The museum has a rich collection of materials and data related to advertising from the past and present. It aims to enhance people’s understanding of the social and economic value of advertising beyond its inherent function of promoting products and companies. The museum is divided into two floors, and each floor has its own unique exhibitions.
Permanent Exhibitions
The first floor of the museum is dedicated to permanent exhibitions that showcase the history of Japanese advertising. You can explore the development of advertising in Japan from the Meiji period to the present day. The exhibitions are divided into different themes, such as “Advertising and Society,Advertising and Culture,” and “Advertising and Technology.” The permanent exhibitions also feature a collection of vintage posters, billboards, and other advertising materials.
Special Exhibitions
The second floor of the museum is dedicated to special exhibitions that change periodically. These exhibitions showcase the latest trends and innovations in advertising from Japan and around the world. The special exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, such as advertising in the digital age, advertising and social issues, and advertising and design. The museum also hosts events and workshops related to advertising and marketing.
Library
The museum also has a library that houses a collection of books, magazines, and other materials related to advertising and marketing. The library is open to the public, and you can browse and read the materials on site. The library is a great resource for students, researchers, and professionals who are interested in advertising and marketing.
Interactive Displays at the Ad Museum Tokyo
One of the highlights of the museum is the interactive displays that engage visitors and provide a hands-on experience of the world of advertising.
The museum features 50 interactive displays spread over five different zones, each with its own theme. The exhibits are designed to blend into one another, creating a seamless and immersive experience for visitors.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Borderless World, which features digital displays that interact with visitors as they move through the exhibit. The displays use sensors to detect the presence of visitors and change their colors and patterns accordingly. You can also interact with the displays by touching them, creating a unique and personalized experience.
The museum also features exhibits that showcase the creative process behind advertising, including displays that allow visitors to create their own advertisements. These exhibits provide a behind-the-scenes look at the advertising industry and offer insights into the creative process that goes into making an effective advertisement.
Visiting the Ad Museum Tokyo
If you are interested in the history of advertising and want to explore the diverse exhibits of the Ad Museum Tokyo, there are a few things to keep in mind before you visit.
First, online advance reservations (date and time) are required in order to visit the museum. Reservations can be made up through the Ad Museum Tokyo website. Reservations must be made online, and the details of your reservation cannot be changed once it is completed. This is due to the Covid 19 measures and may be relaxed in the future.
Second, the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Third, the Ad Museum Tokyo is in the Caretta Shiodome building in the Higashi-Shimbashi district of Minato-ku, Tokyo. It is directly connected to Shiodome Station on the Toei Oedo line.
