My all-time favourite classic manga has to be Black Jack (the doctor, not the game), so how can I pass up visiting the museum dedicated to its creator, Osamu Tezuka, the "father of manga", the "god of comics" and the "kamisama of manga"?
To get to the Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum, I used the Kansai Thru Pass to get from Osaka to Takarazuka, in Hyogo, and threw in a short stopover in Kobe City to complete the day trip. The Pass also offers 10% off for museum admission.
From jnto: The Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum is in Takarazuka, where the world famous manga creator lived for 20 years from the age of 5. Based on concept that Tezuka Osamu advocated throughout his entire lifetime, love for nature and respect for the preciousness and sanctity of life, the Museum was inaugurated in 1994. Its permanent collection on his life and works includes 336 articles which are displayed under two categories; "Takarazuka & Tezuka Osamu" and "Tezuka Osamu, Writer." Three thematic exhibitions are held annually in the special exhibition hall. There is also a hall where his original animated films are shown and a library where visitors can read his books.
It's a pretty scenic and guided walk from the station. (I almost forgot to mention that Tezuka-sama is also the creator of Astroboy!)
He also has a street named in his honor (which literally means, 'In front of Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum').
The Exterior:
An interesting spoof by fictitious characters - How many can you identify?
Tezuka sama's numerous manga creations are celebrated and brought to life in a myriad of forms: emblems, stain-glass, full-sized cutouts, sculptures and wall murals both outside, and inside, the museum - it's truly every Tezuka fan-girl's (and boy) dream-come-true! The staff do not speak fluent English, but like everywhere else in this part of Japan, put in effort to understand and be understood, so thumbs up for that!
A machine dispenses tickets (but do go directly to the counter to purchase discounted tickets).
I spy... a stamp station!
Step inside for more Tezuka madness:
The sensei himself by himself - Tezuka-sama's self-portrait
Detailed, even in the washrooms
The Exhibits
Show Timings - 'Biography of Osamu Tezuka (manga)'
Very prolific indeed - Osamu Tezuka sama's works may come across as very similar (with an immense amount of heart and heartbreaks), but I rather think of it as him being true to and consistent in his art.
The Anime Studio or Workshop - A chance to work behind Tezuka sama!
My Works
Time to create my own anime (guided by very helpful (both animated and human) assistants)
View of the Top
This has definitely got to be my favourite part of the museum - an extensive manga collection and.. wait there's more - computer stations to watch Tezuka sama's anime! The downside is that the resources come only in Japanese -thankfully, the manga drawings and anime are so good at conveying intentions and emotions, you rarely need words to get a gist of the story line.
I so want to watch this movie (or stage play?)!
In sum, I would definitely recommend you to read up on Tezuka's amazing manga repertoire. Manga scans are available for starters but do support Vertical Inc. - the books are great collector's items for you to savour again, and again. Apart from Black Jack and Astroboy, Buddha's another good read (albeit heavier). The museum is great for fans (unlimited access to manga and anime, need I say more?) and for non-fans, visit the museum and you might just become one! Osamu Tezuka is, and continues to be, a timeless inspiration!
Cost: ¥700 (excludes 10% off, as mentioned above)
Access: Hankyu Takarazuka Station / Hankyu Takarazuka Minamiguchi Station (8 min walk)
NB: I think the ticketing lady mentioned something like a free visit after 3 visits, so do enquire more if you are interested. It will take more than a few visits to complete reading or watching the manga and anime collection.
Related Posts:
- Using the Kansai 3-day Pass
- Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
- Takarazuka Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum
- Kobe Kitano Houses
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