Guide
The Kitakyushu Manga Museum, located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, opened in 2012 to promote the charm of manga culture both domestically and internationally. Kitakyushu has a history of cultural exchange driven by industrial development since the Meiji era, which has produced many world-famous manga artists such as Leiji Matsumoto, Seizo Watase, and Tsukasa Hojo. The museum plays a vital role in collecting, preserving, and passing down these precious original drawings and materials to future generations.
The museum is organized around three core themes: "See," "Read," and "Draw." It is designed not just for viewing exhibits, but for truly understanding the mechanics and expression of manga through hands-on interaction. With over 1 million cumulative visitors, it is a highly respected cultural landmark.
The history of Kitakyushu is rooted in the international trade and industrial growth of Moji Port, which fostered a melting pot of diverse cultures. This rich cultural soil provided the perfect environment for many great manga artists to emerge. Since its opening on August 3, 2012, the museum has been led by honorary directors like Leiji Matsumoto and later Seizo Watase, deeply connecting the facility to the local community. Manga is more than just entertainment; it is a medium that fosters imagination and expression through the combination of art and text, and this museum serves as a place to research and preserve that value.
The heart of the museum is the exhibition of precious original drawings by artists from the Kitakyushu area. The permanent exhibition allows visitors to learn about the history of manga, unique expression techniques, and the "mechanics of manga"—how stories are distributed and delivered to readers. Additionally, the "Reading Zone" houses approximately 70,000 manga volumes, where you can freely browse everything from classic masterpieces to modern hits (Note: Books cannot be checked out/taken home).
You should also not miss the special exhibitions held periodically. These often focus on specific artists or the latest trends, ensuring that every visit offers new discoveries.
The museum is open from 11:00 to 19:00, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon visit. Certain periods feature special events like "Manga Experiences" or