Kyoto International Manga Museum

Within the museum's collection of roughly 300,000 materials (as of 2011), there are about 50,000 manga volumes available to read. This collection focuses on books published from the 1970s to the present (2005), which are arranged throughout the museum on a 200 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 manga on display were mostly donated by a rental bookstore, Okubo Negishi Books, which had been in business for about 20 yeas until it was closed in 2005.
The remaining 250,000 or so materials, including the collection of manga magazines, are stored in the closed shelf archives. Items in the archives that have been sorted into the catalogue may be accessed by researchers after registration in the Research Reference Room.

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 author's name according to the Japanese syllabary. If you are searching for a specific book please feel free to use the database search panels located throughout the museum to search our database.
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, and they can be requested for viewing.

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

The Manga Museum is not only an institution where people can read manga. We also strive to expand on the ways that people can enjoy and read manga, while widening people's views of manga culture through our exhibitions and events.
Dates, details, and guests for exhibitions and events are given on the information page, but, as there may be changes, we recommend confirming details beforehand by phone (075-254-7414). Additionally, please be aware that admission to events with a fixed capacity will be limited.

Permanent Exhibition

The Wall of Manga (1st-3rd Floor)	The "Wall of Manga" contains 200 meters of bookshelves that hold roughly 50,000 manga,which 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, full of picture books to read! * During weekdays general visitors may also use the room.
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 line the walls in abundance.
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 (traditional story-telling show) from the olden days is closely connected to Manga culture. Having studied the art for 30 years, Yassan (Yasuno Yushi) and his apprentices Chakamaru, Rakkyomu, Do-Bingo, Guriemon and Danmaru give daily performances. Performances outside the museum can be booked (for a fee). Please contact Mr. Kosaka at the Manga Museum for details. TEL: +81-75-254-7414
MM Workshops (1st Floor)	Reading quietly alone is just one way to enjoy manga. You can try drawing it yourself, reading it aloud, or talking about it with others. You can have fun taking part in many ways and even making something yourself. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (irregularly on other days as well during the summer, etc.), we hold events and workshop throughout the day that let you participate in this way.
Million Smile Portraits (1st Floor)	On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays you can enjoy having your portrait drawn by a manga artist. We have different artists painting in different styles depending on the date and time of your visit.
Manga Studio (1st Floor)	Here you can watch manga being created by a professional manga artist up close. You can also discuss how to draw manga with them and receive simple guidance from the "Manga Studio Editorial Department". It is held on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

We have museum cafe next to the museum entrance. You also can bring food from museum cafe to the garden. However we refuse to bring your own food.