In a vibrant celebration of all things anime, "Anime Tokyo Station" officially raised its curtains on October 31st in the bustling heart of Ikebukuro, Tokyo. With a mission to become the epicenter for the transmission of Japanese anime, this new hub has set its sights on captivating not just the local audience but also anime enthusiasts from around the globe.
"Anime Tokyo Station" is a visionary collaboration between the Tokyo metropolitan government and the Japan Animation Association. Nestled near the iconic JR Ikebukuro Station, this haven is designed to dazzle and inspire tourists from all corners of the world.
On the inaugural day, a buzz of excitement filled the air as around 20 eager visitors lined up well before the 11 a.m. opening time. As the clock struck 11, they streamed in, one after the other, like pilgrims to a sacred shrine of anime.
Inside, the facility houses a treasure trove of approximately 50,000 items, including cherished cell drawings and original scripts from beloved anime classics. It also hosts regular exhibitions, showcasing iconic scenes from fan favorites like "Naruto." Visitors are left enchanted and spellbound, many pausing to snap photos of the anime wonders.
One young French anime aficionado in his twenties summed up the collective sentiment, "I couldn't miss the opening day. Japanese anime is simply incredible, and it made me fall in love with Japan."
Takuya Sato, Planning Division Manager in the Tourism Department of the Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, shared his enthusiasm, "We are thrilled to open our doors to anime enthusiasts. We hope that fans from Japan and across the world will come to discover the enchantment of anime."
The facility welcomes visitors between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., with Mondays being the only rest day.
Ikebukuro Emerges as a "New Anime Town"
When we hear "anime town," Akihabara often springs to mind as the uncontested champion. However, Ikebukuro has emerged in recent years as a spirited "new anime town." It has seen a surge in anime and manga-related stores and venues.
This anime renaissance began around a decade ago when Animate, a renowned anime and manga goods retailer, strategically relocated its main store close to Ikebukuro Station. Today, it stands tall as the world's largest anime shop.
As a result, Ikebukuro has been steadily transforming into a playground for anime enthusiasts and aficionados of pop culture. The private sector has played a significant role, with large-scale cosplay events coinciding with Halloween, and the number of anime-related establishments now exceeding 50.
The Toshima Ward responded by appointing a "Manga and Anime Utilization Manager" five years ago and restoring the historic Tokiwaso apartment building, which once housed legendary manga artists like Osamu Tezuka, into a vibrant center for manga culture.
Collaboration with the private sector has led to the creation of a comprehensive map of anime-related outlets and an animated video aimed at promoting Ikebukuro to the world. These efforts culminated in establishing "Anime Tokyo Station" in Ikebukuro.
A teenage visitor to Ikebukuro shared her thoughts, "Akihabara is often associated with a predominantly male crowd, but Ikebukuro feels incredibly welcoming to young women. With its abundance of anime-related stores, Ikebukuro has truly embraced its identity as an anime haven, and I hope it continues to enchant and attract."
Takayuki Kumagai, the manager of Manga and Anime Utilization in Toshima Ward, expressed his vision for the future, saying, "With a slew of anime and manga-related events on the horizon, we aim to harness Ikebukuro's unique essence to reinvigorate the city and its charm."
Source: NHK
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