“TOKOROZAWASAKURA TOWN” is an entertainment complex located in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture.
The following is an overview.“TOKOROZAWASAKURA TOWN” is known as a new Japanese pop culture entertainment complex. This facility is accessible in approximately 1 hour from Shinjuku or Ikebukuro and about 40 minutes from Omiya in Saitama Prefecture.
Second son wife, who expressed the desire to take anime, manga, and game-loving 2-1 to TOKOROZAWASAKURA TOWN.
However, Second son remembered that she herself had mentioned several times that she was interested in TOKOROZAWASAKURA TOWN and wanted to visit.
On a day off in September, we made a concrete visit plan and went to TOKOROZAWASAKURA TOWN by car.
After entertaining the excited Second Son’s wife and 2-1 on the lively car ride, we arrived at TOKOROZAWASAKURA TOWN after about 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving.
Kadokawa Culture Museum (KCM)
Kadokawa Culture Museum (KCM) is a museum operated by Kadokawa in TOKOROZAWASAKURA TOWN.
They consistently host various special exhibitions and events.
When Second Son and his family visited, the event being held was related to works adapted into anime from light novels published by Kadokawa.
The featured works included:
■KONOSUBA！ GOOD’S BLESSING ON THIS WONDERFUL WORLD!
■The Saga of Tanya the Evil
■MASS FOR THE DEAD
■Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
2-1 and Second Son’s wife had watched three of these works as anime, so it’s needless to say that they were quite excited.
Second Son himself knew at least the titles and the names of the characters, but as for the story, he hardly knew anything… he was just tagging along (laughs).
Japanese Anime Exhibition in KCM
The exhibition featured various setups, including three-dimensional figures that brought the illustrations and worlds of different works to life, as well as visual presentations.
There were various mechanisms in place, ensuring that even Second Son, who was unfamiliar with the works, could enjoy them. Naturally, Second Son and Second Son’s wife, who were familiar with the anime stories, were in high spirits and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Let me briefly introduce some of the exhibits showcased that day, organized by each work. Click to enlarge images.
As Second Son isn’t particularly familiar with these works, I’ll spare you the detailed explanations. (Laughs)
■KONOSUBA！ GOOD’S BLESSING ON THIS WONDERFUL WORLD!
■MASS FOR THE DEAD
■The Saga of Tanya the Evil
■Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
Other aspects of “TOKOROZAWASAKURA TOWN”
In “TOKOROZAWASAKURA TOWN,” besides the central KCM, there are modern shrines with unusual architecture, Musashino Jukai Park, and numerous shops and restaurants.
Second son wife, who also loves novels, manga, and anime, expressed her delight saying, “Next time, I want to come in the morning and spend the whole day playing here.”
“TOKOROZAWASAKURA TOWN” features not only the central KCM but also unique modern shrines, Musashino Jukai Park, and a plethora of shops and restaurants rarely found among the Japanese.
Inside KCM, beyond exhibition rooms, there’s a place housing approximately 30,000 Japanese light novels, and around 7,000 manga and children’s books published by KADOKAWA.
2-1 paid the fee and spent several enjoyable hours here.
Moreover, the location is brimming with playful elements, such as a golden Ultraman statue reminiscent of the iconic figure from the Second Son generation.
