A new hub of Japan’s anime culture opens in Ikebukuro!

Photo of of the first-floor entrance

“Anime Tokyo Station” (abbreviation: Anime Tokyo) opens in Ikebukuro on October 31, 2023. This new hub where the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will showcase Japanese anime culture will exhibit anime-related materials and feature popular anime works as well as open pop-up shops.

The Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government have signed an agreement to open a new anime exhibition facility in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, on October 31, 2023.

Anime Tokyo Station (abbreviated as Anime Tokyo) was revealed at a pre-opening ceremony held at the Animate Ikebukuro main store on August 31. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the name is meant to be a starting point for visitors from around the world to gather in Tokyo and discover past masterpieces and the latest popular works in anime.

The AJA explains that the facility's purpose is to recognize and promote anime culture and the industry through exhibitions and events related to anime, and to promote the storage and maintenance of archival materials. The facility's first floor will be used as a workshop venue and will have a symbolic monument composed of famous anime scenes. On the second floor, an exhibition and pop-up store will feature popular anime. In the basement floor, anime materials stored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will be displayed.

The ceremony was attended by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, Japan Animation Association President Kazuko Ishikawa, Toshima Ward Mayor Miyuki Takagai, voice actor Koichi Yamadera (Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop) and Miina Tominaga (Noa Izumi in Mobile Police Patlabor). TOKYO MX News' official YouTube channel also posted a news clip of the event below.

Sources: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, The Association of Japanese Animations, Tokyo MX News official YouTube channel
* Tokyo Tourism Representative Office - Australia, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau c/o Tourism Garden Pty Ltd