Kadokawa Culture Museum

The concept of a “museum” is rapidly changing in today’s world. No longer merely sites for displaying historical items, modern museums represent dynamic centres of culture and creativity. The Kadokawa Culture Museum shows a new way of combining different art forms, literature and entertainment to create an engaging experience.

Kadokawa Culture Museum

Photo by: PIXTA/ mrc Crafted by noted architect Kengo Kuma

This remarkable venue opened in 2020 in Tokorozawa’s Sakura Town, Saitama Prefecture. It celebrates Japan’s anime and manga heritage. Crafted by noted architect Kengo Kuma, the museum offers a visually stunning environment alongside diverse activities for visitors of all ages. As you approach the museum, you’ll notice its striking structure made of thick black and white granite slabs. This design makes it look like it’s rising naturally from the ground, and the rough finishes give it a sense of lightness. Once inside, you’ll be welcomed by a futuristic labyrinth that blends old and new cultures.

Museum Highlight

Photo by: PIXTA/ yu_photo The ‘Manga & Light Novel Library’ has about 40,000 titles.

The Kadokawa Culture Museum offers a range of attractions across five floors, each providing a unique experience. The ‘Grand Gallery’ is an ample space of 1,000 square meters. It hosts changing exhibitions that cover science, history and art. The ‘Manga & Light Novel Library’ has about 40,000 titles, making it one of the largest collections in the world. This library is a great place for both children and adults to discover and enjoy Japanese entertainment. The EJ Anime Museum highlights anime as an essential part of Japanese culture. It features creative displays showcasing anime shows, information about their creators, and related entertainment products.

One highlight is the ‘ARAMATA Wunderkammer.’ This is an interactive “cabinet of curiosities” that showcases a range of amazing exhibits. It highlights human imagination and creativity through engaging displays. Finally, the ‘Bookshelf Theater’ features towering eight-meter-high shelves that cradle approximately 20,000 literary treasures. This unique venue doubles as an interactive space for captivating audio-visual events centered on the magic of books. With its stunning design, it’s also a perfect Instagram-worthy spot for capturing memorable moments amidst the shelves. Additionally, the Attic Step showcases Hiroshi Aramata’s collection of 3,000 rare books. The Musashino Corridor showcases interesting items, including Jomon pottery and folklorist Norio Akasaka’s work on the region.

Relax and Indulge

Photo by: PIXTA/ Photo_N Come cherry blossom season, check out the nearby stream.

After visiting the attractions, relax at Genyoshi Garden, created by Seijun Nishihata. Enjoy the peaceful beauty of the cherry trees and Southern Magnolia. Savor local flavors at KadoCafe or SACULA DINER and check out the Rock Museum Shop, where you can find unique crafts and foods showcasing the local culture.