Old town vibes and compassion—Kameari is a town that has long been known by fans both in Japan and overseas as the mecca of Kochikame. The biggest highlight of the manga is the eccentric actions and heartwarming human relationships of the main character, policeman Kankichi Ryotsu, a.k.a. Ryo-san. As a testament to the popularity of the manga series, author Akimoto has released a whopping 201 volumes to date.

Soon-to-open Kochikame Museum is themed on the idea that the playful spaces inside the building have been organized by Ryo-san himself.

Ryotsu Honorary Museum Director Room and Ryotsu Daimyo Shrine that have been set up in the museum let you discover different sides of Ryo-san that you can’t experience anywhere else.

©︎Osamu Akimoto & Atelier Beedama / Shueisha Inc. Caption: Ryotsu Daimyo Shrine, a mobile shrine that Ryo-san built in the manga, has been recreated here (Sample illustration) *The image is for illustration purposes only

The museum also features Deluxe Gallery of Original Drawings, where you can appreciate selected rare copies of original drawings by author Osamu Akimoto, as well as Famous Scene Experience Box, which lets you relive many famous scenes. These creative exhibits with valuable materials give you a glimpse into the author’s creative mind.

Not only do these exhibits, especially the author’s own materials and original drawings, let you immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Kochikame, but they will also get the fans of the series hyped up for sure.

©︎Osamu Akimoto & Atelier Beedama / Shueisha Inc. Caption: Kochikame Museum entrance (Sample illustration) *The image is for illustration purposes only

©︎Osamu Akimoto & Atelier Beedama / Shueisha Inc. Caption: Deluxe Gallery of Original Drawings (Sample illustration) *The image is for illustration purposes only

Kochikame Museum is three minutes’ walk from JR Kameari Station. In addition to the museum, there are many other attractions, such as bronze Ryo-san statues and even Kochikame-design manhole covers, around the station. The town also has old shopping districts with many restaurants, so it would also be nice to take some time to enjoy a stroll in this quaint, old Japanese neighborhood.

A visit to Kochikame Museum will definitely be an unparalleled experience in which you can both enjoy the world of Kochikame and get a look at the town of Kameari in the real world.

©︎Osamu Akimoto & Atelier Beedama / Shueisha Inc. Caption: Exterior of Kochikame Museum *The image is for illustration purposes only

■DATA Kochikame Museum Address: 3-32-17 Kameari, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 Closed: Third Tuesday of every month (or the next non-holiday day if it is a public holiday) Admission fee: ￥700 for general admission, \300 for elementary/middle school students, and free for preschoolers Official website: ​https://kochikame-kinenkan-official.jp/

(Information as of February 2025)

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