Kyoto International Manga Museum

Within the museum's collection of roughly 300,000 materials (as of 2009), there are about 50,000 manga volumes centering on books published from the 1970s to the present (2005), which are arranged throughout the museum on a 140 meter span of bookcases known as the "Wall of Manga". Anyone can take a book to read so please start thinking about what you will read first! The Wall of Manga manga was mostly donated by the rental bookstore, Okubo Negishi Books, which had been in business about 20 years until its time of closure in 2005.
The remaining 250,000 or so materials, including the collection of manga magazines make up the closed shelve archives. Items in the archives that have been sorted into the catalogue may be accessed by researchers after registration.

There are roughly 50,000 books on the "Wall of Manga", divided into shonen (boys) manga on the 1st floor, shojo (girls) manga on the 2nd and seinen (young adults) manga on the 3rd floor. They are further categorized alphabetically by authour's name according to the Japanese syllabary, but if you are searching for a specific book please feel free to use the library database touch screen panels located throughout the museum.
Additionally, there is an accessible database of materials aimed towards researchers (roughly 250,000 items). Bibliographic data of materials entered into the catalogue can be searched using the "Manga Repository Search" on this website.

The manga materials can not be borrowed.
However you may freely read any of the manga on the "Wall of Manga" throughout the museum. Or you can read them basking in the sun outside on the decking.

The manga museum is not only an institution where people can read manga. We strive to expand on the ways that people can enjoy and read manga, whilst widening views of manga culture through exhibitions and events.
Dates and details of contents, and guests for exhibitions and events are given on the information page, but as there may be changes we recommend confirming details before hand by phone (075-254-7414). Additionally, please be aware that entrance to events that have a fixed capacity of participants will be limited.

Permanent Exhibition

The Wall of Manga (1st-3rd Floor)	The "Wall of Manga" is a span of 140 meters of bookshelves that hold roughly 50,000 manga that can be accessed and read freely around the museum.
Children's Library (1st Floor)	With it's wavy floor, the children's library is a children's land exclusively for pre-schoolers and their guardians, fully of picture books to read! * During weekdays general visitors may also use the room.
Selection Gallery (2nd Floor)	Periodically changing exhibitions that showcase important manga from the history of manga themed by region or topic. Here you can also read manga that have been gathered from around the world.
Manga of the Future Room (2nd Floor)	Here we research manga of the future! Experience and interact with multi-lingual "cyber manga" and future-era entertaining manga that use the latest in technology such as "Guruguru 4koma" (rotating comic strips) and "slotto kisekaeru" (character changing slot game).
The 100 Maiko Exhibit (1st-2nd Floor)	Through the cooperation of the Japan Cartoonists Association, 174 manga artists produced artwork featuring Maiko (apprentice geisha), and they abundantly line the walls in a row.
Manga History Chronology & Visible Archive (Basement Floor)	The basement is home to an enormous amount of manga materials waiting in the wings. As you walk along the corridor you can look through the glass wall to take a peek at what lies within, while along the opposing wall a chronology of manga history is laid out. Why don't you see what sort of manga historical event was happening the year you were born?
Tatsuike Memorial Room (2nd Floor)	The Kyoto International Manga Museum was established on the site of the former Tatsuike Elementary School which had been opened in the 2nd year of the Meiji era (1869) as the 25th district elementary school of the local area . The Tatsuike Memorial Room is a place that you can learn about the long history of the elementary school from past to present.

Regular Events

Yassan's Nostalgic Kamishibai (2nd Floor)	The deeply nostalgic Kamishibai (Picture-story show) of former days is closely connected to Manga culture. Having followed the path for 30 years, Yassan (Yasuno Yushi) and his apprentices Chakamaru, Rakkyomu, Do-Dongo and Guriemon give daily performances. Performances outside the museum can be booked (for a fee). Please contact Mr. Kosaka at the manga museum for details. TEL: 075-254-7414
MM Workshops (1st Floor)	Reading quietly alone is but one way to enjoy manga. You can try drawing it yourself, reading it allowed, or talking about it with others. You can have fun taking part and making something yourself. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (irregularly on other days during the summer period etc.), events and workshop that let you participate in this way are held throughout the day.
Million Smile Portraits (1st Floor)	On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays you can enjoy having your portrait drawn by a manga artist. Artists who paint in various styles change depending on the date and time of day.
Manga Studio (1st Floor)	In this corner you can watch manga being created up close by professional manga artist. You can also consult with them on how to draw manga and receive simple guidance from the "manga studio editorial department". Held on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

A. You cannot eat or drink inside the building but it is allowed outside on the decking and grounds.
There is also a cafe connected to the museum that serves simple light meals, so by all means please make use of it also. (Your museum entry ticket allows unlimited re-entry to the museum on the day of purchase)