Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Galaxy Express 999, served as the museum's first honorary director.
The museum holds a specialized collection of rare manga magazines from the mid-20th century.
Visitors can use 'Manga Creation' tools on-site to learn professional manga illustration techniques.
The facility is integrated into a multi-story retail complex entirely dedicated to anime and game culture.
The library includes a dedicated area designed specifically for children to read age-appropriate manga.
The museum organizes regular workshops led by professional manga artists for aspiring creators.
The Kitakyushu Manga Museum occupies the 5th and 6th floors of the Aru Aru City complex, serving as a dedicated hub for manga culture and history. The permanent collection focuses on the evolution of Japanese manga with a specific emphasis on artists associated with Kitakyushu, such as Leiji Matsumoto. Visitors can access a library containing approximately 50,000 manga volumes, ranging from historical classics to contemporary titles. The facility features interactive zones, including professional-grade digital drawing equipment for public use. Temporary exhibition galleries rotate seasonal displays highlighting diverse manga genres and specific illustrators. The museum functions as a center for manga-related academic research and preservation. Its design incorporates elements reflecting the 'Manga City' branding strategy of the local municipal government. The venue serves as both an educational site for comic arts and a leisure destination for enthusiasts.
The life-sized character statues located in the main lobby and the designated photo area near the museum entrance.
Allocate time to browse the extensive library, as many titles are available for reading on-site.
Check the official website ahead of time to identify which temporary exhibition is currently occupying the gallery space.
Explore the rest of the Aru Aru City building after your visit for additional hobby shops and character merchandise.
Do not overlook the reading area, as it contains titles that are often difficult to find in standard public libraries.
Closed on Tuesdays (if Tuesday is a public holiday, closed the following day); also closed during year-end and New Year holidays.
