Hyogo Prefecture, located in the Kansai region, is about an hour and a half train from Osaka, and about two hours from Kyoto Station. While international fans may be more familiar with the latter two, Hyogo has its own share of treasured history, being considered the hometown of one of Japan’s most legendary manga artists. Let us explore Hyogo’s anime sites!
The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum
The success and widespread appeal of anime and manga is heavily credited to the efforts of Mr. Osamu Tezuka, commonly known as the Godfather of manga. During his long career, Mr. Osamu produced many beloved manga and anime such as Astro Boy and Black Jack. A lot of his popular works have also been dubbed into the Arabic language.
Despite being born in Osaka, Mr. Tezuka lived a long time in Takarazuka, growing up in the city for around 20 years. In commemoration of his close ties, The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum opened its doors in 1994 to celebrate the works of this legendary author.
Outside the museum, you can see handprints of many famous characters from Mr. Tezuka's works, which really a fantasy element! These are the handprints of Leo, the protagonist of Leo the Lion, and the titular doctor Black Jack.
The entrance lobby of the museum is extremely magical and looks straight out of the colorful designs of Mr. Tezuka's works. In the center, a statue of Sapphire, the main character of the manga Princess Knight greets visitors.
The museum is a treasure trove for Mr. Tezuka lovers. Here, you will find many life-sized statues of his characters, as well as original notes written by Mr. Tezuka himself, all well preserved for your viewing.
Personally, I was extremely stunned at the talent Mr. Tezuka had since his youth, as the museum exhibited many of the mangaka’s artworks since elementary school.
Another section of the museum housed original drafts and artwork from manga and anime drawn by Mr. Tezuka. I thought it was interesting that some of his artwork was based on Arabian stories!
Mr. Tezuka was not only a manga author, but also involved in anime, where he founded his own studio called Mushi Production in 1977. The museum displayed some of the original cuts Mr. Tezuka drew for animation purposes.
Mr. Tezuka is also credited as being the pioneer of the modern day television anime format. It was under his guidance that anime began to air in weekly 20-minute format. The museum reflects this connection by offering lessons to visitors on the art of anime creation.
The statue of Mr. Tezuka depicted in his art style actually moves and draws along with viewers, providing an interactive fun experience!
The surrounding area is also extremely fun and reminiscent of Mr. Tezuka's style. You could even pilot a 3D Astro Boy, a very futuristic feature in line with the series' spirit.
The museum also celebrates many different manga artists with a rotating gallery. This really showcases the tight-knit community of anime and manga. When we visited, the manga artist Mr. Buichi Terasawa was featured, and many of his original works were on display. Mr. Terasawa is known for his hit sci fi manga “Cobra”.
One of the things that surprised me about Mr. Terasawa’s works is that he is one of the first manga authors to utilize digital art back in the late 90s-early 2000s. This is unprecedented, as most manga were produced entirely through traditional methods. In a way, just as Mr. Tezuka was a pioneer for his time, so was Mr. Terasawa.
The top floor of the museum has a library section where you can read Mr. Tezuka’s manga in many languages, including English. Seeing the amount of translations available really puts into perspective how influential Mr. Tezuka's works have been worldwide. You can also sit and watch episodes of the original Astro Boy series!
A merchandise store is closeby, offering museum-exclusive products, perfect for any fan of Mr. Tezuka.
Access Information The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum Address: 7-65 Mukogawacho, Takarazuka, Hyogo 665-0844, Japan Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM Website: https://www.city.takarazuka.hyogo.jp/tezuka/ |
Takarazuka, A City of Theater
Takarazuka is also famous for another cultural export: the Takarazuka Revue.
International fans may be familiar with the name of “kabuki”, and many are aware that kabuki tends to be exclusive to male actors, who portray both genders in their theatrical plays.
What makes Takarazuka theater extremely unique is the opposite: they are musicals where all the roles are played by women.
The Takarazuka Revue theater troupe performs all across Japan, but its main stage, the Takarazuka Grand Theater is located in the city of Takarazuka, of which its name is derived. Many plays, both original and those adapting traditional stories, are performed. In many instances, plays adapting anime and manga are also performed by the troupe!
Takarazuka attracts many female fans, and the building itself evokes this popularity. Collaborations with famous icons like Hello Kitty and Disney are common, and a lot of the merchandise sold will attract any fans of these fandoms.
The outside vicinity of the Takarazuka theater also evokes this vibe, with many cute cafes featuring an array of delicious western delicacies playing into the vibe.
The streets around Takarazuka theater continue to evoke the spirit of anime as well, as many light posts are adorned with images of Mr. Tezuka’s characters.
Access Information Takarazuka Grand Theater Address: 1 Chome-1-57 Sakaemachi, Takarazuka, Hyogo 665-8558, Japan Website: https://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/ |
The Takarazuka Hotel
A short 5 minute walk from the theater leads one to the Takarazuka Hotel, a gorgeous Western-style building that ushers you to step into a fantasy setting. The hotel itself really embodies the spirit of Takarazuka.
The breakfast provided at the hotel also lives up to the spirit, providing both delicious western-style food as well as Japanese options.
Downstairs, an elegant gift shop sells a variety of tie-up merchandise with anime and manga series. The Rose of Versailles by Ms. Riyoko Ikeda is a popular manga series that has been adapted to plays in Takarazuka many times across the years.
The city of Takarazuka clearly has many connections to anime and manga, and this was evident at the hotel lobby. Takarazuka is currently collaborating with famous artist Mr. Yusuke Nakamura, known for his eclectic art style characterized by bright colors and fashionable characters. Fans of anime may recognize Mr. Nakamura’s style in the 2010 anime Tatami Galaxy produced by Studio Madhouse.
Access Information Takarazuka Hotel Address: 1 Chome-1-33 Sakaemachi, Takarazuka, Hyogo 665-0845, Japan Website: https://www.hankyu-hotel.com/hotel/hh/takarazukahotel |
Kansai = Okonomiyaki
The Kansai region is considered the birthplace of okonomiyaki, or Japanese-style savory pancakes. While often associated with Osaka, Takarazuka in Hyogo prefecture also offers many authentic and delicious okonomiyaki stores.
A lot of okonomiyaki tend to contain pork, but the staff were kind enough to adjust the order and make a Halal version for me. Once again, I am touched by the consideration and kindness of the restaurant owners, who aimed to help their diverse customer base.
The staff also recommended a drink called the “Arima Cider”, which is locally produced in Hyogo prefecture. The combination of savory okonomiyaki and the fizzy sweetness of the Arima Cider was impeccable, and we found ourselves ordering more.
Access Information Takarazuka Iroha Teppanyaki Address: 5 Chome-4-2 Kawamo, Takarazuka, Hyogo 665-0842, Japa Opening Hours: 12–2 PM, 5–9 PM Website: https://www.city.takarazuka.hyogo.jp/tezuka/ |
Closing Thoughts
Hyogo Prefecture offers a lot, from Kobe to Takarazuka, so there is something for all fans of anime. Takarazuka is a unique culture that is quickly gaining popularity amongst international fans, and I highly recommend giving the Grand Theater a visit!
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