Ikebukuro is a hub for anime and character goods stores and related facilities. In this place, which could be called a sacred site for anime, you'll find "Anime Tokyo Station," which disseminates Japanese anime culture and history to a wide range of generations.

A hub for connecting anime to the future.

"Anime Tokyo Station" opened in October 2023 as a museum that conveys the charm, history, and production process of anime, which Japan proudly presents to the world. Established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, it serves as a hub connecting anime and entertainment facilities scattered throughout Tokyo, aiming to allow visitors to enjoy Japanese anime even more by using this location as a starting point to explore related spots.

"In the Minami-Nagasaki area, west of Ikebukuro, there was once Tokiwa-so, where some of the most representative manga artists of Japanese history lived. The works nurtured there form the foundation of current Japanese manga and anime culture, and the area around Ikebukuro in Toshima Ward is a very significant place for conveying that history," says Kenta Fujito, the project manager.

An exhibition where you can immerse yourself in the world of the artwork.

The main attraction is the special exhibition area on the second floor. It features exhibits and photo spots that recreate the world of anime works, captivating not only fans of the series but also many people interested in anime. The exhibits change approximately every three months, so each visit offers a chance to experience the charm of new works.

In the past, the facility has also hosted exhibitions featuring popular works such as "Pokémon" and "Naruto." Because these are globally popular series, many fans from overseas have visited. Apparently, some people even stopped in after seeing posters of the exhibits while passing by the facility.

Learn about what goes on behind the scenes of production

On the first basement floor, there is a permanent exhibition corner where you can learn about the behind-the-scenes aspects of anime production. From planning to storyboards, original drawings, animation, coloring, filming, and completion, the process of creating an anime is introduced with actual production materials and editing equipment. You can experience the flow of how an anime is made in an immersive exhibition space that feels just like being in a production studio.

"I hope that by learning about the behind-the-scenes aspects of anime production, people will be able to enjoy the works they normally watch from a different perspective. We also have approximately 50,000 anime production materials preserved here, making it a valuable archive for passing on anime culture to the future," says Fujinobu.

Spreading Japanese anime culture to the world

The symbolic object located right at the entrance is another highlight that Mr. Fujinobu pointed out. Over 120 anime images from the past to the present are displayed in a spiral pattern, allowing visitors to find their favorite works and nostalgic characters. He says that recalling memories of the anime you were once engrossed in before proceeding to the exhibition area can also be an opportunity to discover new charms of the works.

"We plan to continue experimenting with new exhibition methods and collaborating with local governments to develop various events. We want to further enliven Ikebukuro as a hub for showcasing Japanese anime to the world."

"Anime Tokyo Station" tells the story of the anime culture that has been nurtured in the Ikebukuro area. While delivering the charm of works that have been loved across generations to many people, it continues to transmit Japan's proud anime culture to the world.

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Anime Tokyo Station
Address: B1F-2F, Fujikyu Building East No. 5, 2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Access: 4-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station
HP: https://animetokyo.jp
SNS: https://www.instagram.com/animetokyostation/ 
           https://x.com/animetokyo_info 
*For details regarding business hours and regular closing days, please check the link above.