Adachi & Shigeru Mizuki Museums

OVERVIEW

Behold masterworks from some of Japan’s most influential artists by browsing a museum of contemporary art and another museum dedicated to manga comics and graphic novels. Businessman Zenko Adachi founded the Adachi Museum of Art in 1970 to showcase his private collection and to fulfill his hope that visitors would also be moved by its beauty. The works focus on contemporary Japanese paintings, ceramics and woodcarvings. Be sure to see the extraordinary six-panel folding screens from the famed artist Yokoyama Taikan and his painting “Mountain after a Shower.” Your next stop will be the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to the life and creative works of the legendary manga artist and writer. Shaped by the horrors that Shigeru experienced during World War II – including the loss of one arm – he wrote and published comics that depict horror, fantasy and the supernatural. You will also travel a road lined with dozens of statues of his characters.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse a museum of highly influential art, including works by painter Yokoyama Taikan.
• View the museum gardens, designed around the belief that “the garden is also a picture.”
• Behold works from legendary manga artist and writer Mizuki Shigeru in another museum.
• See statues of Shigeru’s most famous characters lining a road named for the artist.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.