The Tokiwaso Manga Museum is another great destination for anime and manga fans visiting Tokyo. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of the legendary Osamu Tezuka, the creator of Astro Boy and one of the most influential figures in the history of manga.
The museum is in Toshima City, Tokyo, and is housed in the same building where Tezuka and other manga pioneers lived and worked in the 1950s.
It even features a replica of the apartment where Tezuka and his colleagues lived and worked, as well as exhibits showcasing their works and the history of manga.
It is a fascinating look into the life and times of the pioneers of manga, and gives you a unique insight into the creative process behind some of the most beloved manga of all time.
You can also purchase souvenirs and manga-related merchandise at the museum gift shop.
History of Tokiwaso Manga Museum
The museum is housed in a two-story wooden shared house that was built in 1952. The building was originally called “Tokiwa-so” and was an ordinary apartment building that housed many artists and writers. However, it gained fame in the 1950s when famous manga artists lived and worked there.
One of the most famous artists who lived in Tokiwa-so was Osamu Tezuka, who is known as the “Godfather of Manga.” Tezuka lived in Tokiwa-so from 1951 until 1953 and created many of his most famous works there, including “Astro Boy” and “Kimba the White Lion.”
Another famous artist who lived in Tokiwa-so was Fujiko F. Fujio, who created the popular manga and anime series “Doraemon.” Fujiko lived in Tokiwa-so from 1961 until 1969 and created many of the early “Doraemon” stories there.
After the building was dismantled in December 1982, it was rebuilt and opened as a manga museum in July 2020.
The museum plays an important role in passing on the history and culture of manga and anime to future generations.
Collections and Exhibitions
The museum is home to a vast collection of manga-related materials, including original manuscripts, sketches, and artworks. The museum also features a replica of the apartment where famous manga artists, including Osamu Tezuka, lived and worked.
The exhibitions are curated thematically, focusing on specific genres, artists, or time periods. The museum’s permanent collection includes rare and valuable manga-related artifacts, such as original drawings, scripts, and publications.
One of the museum’s most popular exhibitions is the Doraemon Room, which showcases the popular manga series created by Fujiko F. Fujio. The exhibition features original artwork, sketches, and memorabilia related to the beloved character.
Visiting Information
The Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum is in Minami-Nagasaki Hanasaki Koen, Minami-Nagasaki 3-9-22, Toshima-ku, Tokyo. The museum can be reached by train or bus. The nearest station is Shin-Okubo Station on the JR Yamanote Line. From the station, it is a 15-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, you can take the bus from the station to the museum.
The museum is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the last entrance at 5:30 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays, except when it falls on a national holiday. In that case, the museum will be closed on the following day. The museum is also closed during exhibit rotation and year-end/New Year’s holidays.
Admission fees are 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for high school and college students, and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Children under 6 years old are admitted free of charge. Group discounts are available for groups of 20 or more people.
The museum offers audio guides in English, Chinese, and Korean, which can be rented for 500 yen. You can also download a free app for audio guides in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. The app can be downloaded from the museum’s website.
There is also a gift shop that sells manga-related merchandise, including books, DVDs, and toys. The museum also has a café that serves snacks and drinks.
The Sum Up
The Tokiwaso Manga Museum is a unique museum that lets you glimpse into the lives of some of Japan’s most famous manga artists. The museum is a replica of the apartment building where artists such as Osamu Tezuka and Fujiko F. Fujio lived and worked in the 1950s and 1960s.
Overall, the Tokiwaso Manga Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in manga, Japanese culture, or the history of art. It is a great option for manga fans who want to learn more about the lives and work of some of Japan’s most famous manga artists.
