Kami Igusa

“A giant robot… in the middle of Tokyo?” you might think as you approach Kami Igusa Station. Yes, a bronze statue of the RX-78-2 Gundam greets you at the south entrance. This isn’t just a random decoration. Kami Igusa, sometimes called “Anime Town,” is home to Sunrise animation studios. They’re the creators of the iconic Gundam series. Kami Igusa Station opened on April 16, 1927. It’s part of the Seibu Shinjuku Line, a 47.5 km stretch connecting Seibu-Shinjuku to Hon-Kawagoe. The station itself is quite simple. It has two ground-level side platforms serving two tracks. But what it lacks in architectural complexity, it makes up for in character. In 2008, that Gundam statue was erected. It honors Sunrise’s contribution to anime culture. The station even adopted a keyboard rendition of the Gundam theme song as its train melody. Kami Igusa Station isn’t just a stop on the railway. It’s a pilgrimage site for anime fans. In 2013, it was the 51st busiest station on the Seibu network. Over 20,000 passengers passed through daily. Imagine the mix of commuters, students, and anime enthusiasts. Perhaps some are on their way to the Sunrise headquarters nearby. They dream of creating the next big anime hit. As you leave Kami Igusa Station, take a moment. Look around at the surrounding area. You might spot Gundam images in unexpected places. They pop up on real estate signs, banks, even laundromats. These little touches add to the charm of Kami Igusa. They remind you that you’re in a place that celebrates creativity and imagination.