"Hands On" Displays At Niigata Manga Animation Museum

Above, the JR Niigata Station.  The Niigata Manga Animation Museum is nearby.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in June, I reported on the new Niigata Manga Animation Museum that just opened (as I mentioned then, I apparently visited Niigata two years too early).

Malaysia's The Star Online reports that the museum now has interactive exhibits for visitors to "try their hand" in learning about key expressions of used in manga:

IN the fast-expanding field of manga and anime museums, an institution that opened in May in Niigata is aiming to take its exhibitions to a whole new level through a bonus element: interactivity. 

The city has produced many renowned manga and anime creators, and the museum hopes to make that a more visible part of the city’s identity, say those behind the founding of the new Niigata Manga Animation Museum. Among the big names that have hailed from Niigata are Shinji Mizushima, Rumiko Takahashi and Mineo Maya. Fujio Akatsuka also lived in the city during his teens. 

Located near Niigata Station, the museum is adopting an approach to programming that allows visitors to enjoy manga and anime through interactive experience. 

At an exhibit titled Manga Taiken Table (Interactive manga table), visitors can learn about key expressions used in manga by playing with characters created by Fujio Akatsuka. One example is Iyami from the comedy series Osomatsu-kun, who is best known for his flashiness and signature three large buckteeth.

For those of you who are fans of anime and manga, the Niigata Manga Animation Museum just may be your cup of tea. The ride to and from Tokyo to Niigata on the shinkansen is roughly a couple of hours long, but riders are treated to scenic vistas along the route. If you have a JR Rail Pass, you have even more reason to take a jaunt to Niigata.

To read the full article, go here.