Kitakyushu Manga Museum

The Kitakyushu Manga Museum (北九州市漫画ミュージアム) is dedicated to showcasing the history of manga, particularly focusing on renowned artists with ties to Kitakyushu City. The museum occupies the fifth and sixth floors of Aru-Aru City, a mall dedicated to manga, anime, games, and idol group merchandise. On the sixth floor, visitors are greeted by a large mural and a figure of Captain Harlock, from Matsumoto Leiji’s iconic Galaxy Express 999. Matsumoto Leiji, famous for works like Space Battleship Yamato, is a central figure in the museum's exhibits, detailing his life and artistic journey.

The museum features a permanent exhibition on the sixth floor and rotating displays on the fifth. A highlight is the "Manga Time Tunnel," where manga from as far back as 1945 is exhibited, allowing visitors to explore the evolution of this beloved art form. The museum’s comic book library provides a space where visitors can freely read a variety of titles. While the exhibits are predominantly in Japanese, the museum offers a deep dive into the world of manga, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts.