[Traveling with Art 01] Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki

Noborito Station is on the Odakyu Line and JR Nambu Line. Urban redevelopment work in front of the station will begin in 2025, transforming the area into a more convenient and attractive place. This time, we visited the Kawasaki City Fujiko F. Fujio Museum. This is a report on a weekend trip for parents and children that will take you from Noborito Station into the exciting world of manga, a magical experience that will delight both adults and children.
(Top image: Kawasaki City Fujiko F. Fujio Museum Harappa ©Fujiko-Pro)

"Dreams," "Mystery," and "Playfulness"

Fujiko F. Fujio (real name: Fujimoto Hiroshi) is a manga artist who created many works, including "Doraemon," "Perman," and "Kiteretsu Encyclopedia." He lived with his family in Tama Ward, Kawasaki City, for 35 years, and continued to draw manga for children. His works, filled with dreams, hopes, friendship, courage, curiosity, and kind feelings of love for others, continue to captivate fans around the world.

Plans for the Kawasaki City Fujiko F. Fujio Museum began in 1999 when Fujimoto's wife, Masako Fujimoto, conveyed her intention to make his original drawings public to Kawasaki City. The museum has a valuable collection of approximately 50,000 pieces, and has become a popular spot with over 5 million visitors since its opening on September 3, 2011.

Take the direct shuttle bus to the museum

To get to the museum, we recommend taking the direct shuttle bus (fee required) from Noborito Station. It runs every 10 to 15 minutes and the ride takes about 9 minutes. There are four vehicles with different wrapping and coloring, and the license plate reads 2112, the year Doraemon was born. The interior of the vehicle is also packed with attention to detail, including the seats and exit buzzers.

Once you get off the bus, the museum entrance is right there. It's a time-specific system, so when your reserved time arrives, you present the QR code issued after your advance purchase as your admission ticket to enter. Although we visited on the last day of the long holiday, this system allowed us to enjoy the exhibits at a leisurely pace without encountering the unexpected crowds.

▶ Purchase tickets here

A collaboration between the original drawings of "Doraemon" and the latest technology

The museum is divided into three floors, with Exhibition I and the museum shop located on the first floor.
Exhibition Room I is filled with color original drawings and valuable materials, including original drawings for comic covers. The walls are filled with excitement, with a special feature on color original drawings and a device that allows you to enjoy almost an entire manga chapter in original drawings. Particularly wonderful was the corner where Doraemon and his friends teach you how to draw manga in a mysterious way. You can learn about the steps and intricate work that go into completing a manga.

On the second floor, there is Exhibition Room II, where special exhibitions are held, and a well-equipped experience area.
There is the "F Theater" where original short movies are screened, and the "Everyone's Square" where you can find a miniature of the Nobi family home where Doraemon lives and a photo spot. There is also a manga corner and a kids' space for preschoolers, so children can spend their time freely.

The interactive exhibit "Lumberjack's Fountain" is also popular, allowing visitors to experience the world of manga. By slowly moving the lever up and down, a "beautiful" Gian appears refreshingly from Doraemon's secret gadget, the Lumberjack's Fountain, bringing smiles to the faces of visitors.

Enjoy "SF - A Little Mystery"

In Exhibition Room II on the second floor, the "Fujiko F. Fujio's Chichinpui! Science and Magic Manga Exhibition" will be held from October 30, 2024 to October 26, 2025. A second half of the exhibition, featuring a rotating selection of original drawings, began on May 21. This limited-time exhibition explores Fujiko F. Fujio's unique approach to making dreams come true, showcasing works with a scientific and magical motif, such as Doraemon's secret gadgets of the future and the science of planet Marl in Chimpui.

I was especially moved by this visit after seeing Fujiko F. Fujio's favorite desk, the huge bookshelves lining his vast collection of books and documents, and his treasured collection on the first floor. It was a truly impressive exhibit that conveyed Fujiko F. Fujio's passion for his work.

After viewing the exhibits, head to the museum cafe and gift corner "Fujikoya" on the third floor, or to the rooftop space "Harappa" adjacent to Ikuta Ryokuchi Park, where you can enjoy nature to the fullest. You can take photos with the Anywhere Door, the familiar clay pipe, and various characters. Why not take a leisurely artistic trip on your next day off?

Text by Mai Shimura (editor/writer)