Step back in time at this museum that celebrates Japan’s Showa era (1926-1989). It’s housed in a former commercial complex from around 1945-1955 that used to have shops and apartments spread over two floors. Four rooms have been preserved and filled with collections from the Showa period, and there's also a manga library here.
Head to the second floor to see the free exhibits inside the Japanese-style tatami rooms. Each has a theme, such as the ‘Life in the Showa Period’ room, which is decorated with retro appliances like a television, radio and rice cooker from 1965. You can also see photographs from that time displayed in the room.
There’s also a room with a collection of Showa era toys, which visitors are encouraged to touch, making it perfect for children. You’ll find another room with an exhibition of Showa period paintings from local historian Katsuaki Yajima, and one more with a model railway set based on Ikebukuro Station. Although the building itself has been renovated since it was first built, some original features have been kept, including the shoe storage and doors to the four exhibition rooms.
Manga lovers should head to the first floor for the library of 7,000 comic books. It costs ¥500 (¥250 for junior high and primary school students, free for younger children), but is free for all ages every Tuesday.
The facility is equipped with an elevator, baby chairs, diaper changing stations and an ostomy-accessible, multi-purpose restroom.