“Ever heard of Sazae-san?” This is a question that often introduces visitors to the Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum. It is a place dedicated to the artistic legacy of Machiko Hasegawa. She is the creator of the beloved comic strip Sazae-san.
The Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum isn’t just about manga. It is a showcase of art. Hasegawa and her sister Mariko collected these pieces. They used the proceeds from Sazae-san and Ijiwaru Baa-san. The museum opened in 1985 and displays a diverse collection.
Inside the Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum, you will find nearly 800 artworks. These include 311 Japanese paintings. There are 250 Western-style paintings. The museum also features 195 crafts and 32 sculptures. These are displayed in special themed exhibitions. The exhibitions change several times a year. Each visit offers something new.
Hasegawa’s Sazae-san comic strip ran from 1946 to 1974. It appeared daily in the Asahi Shimbun. The comic is about a Japanese family. The family is led by the good-natured mother, Sazae. The strip gained immense popularity. It became comparable to the American comic Peanuts in Japan.
A short walk across the street leads to the Hasegawa Machiko Memorial Museum. Your admission ticket grants you access to both museums. The Memorial Museum focuses on Hasegawa’s creative works. Here, you can see original drawings and tools she used.
Before entering, take a moment to appreciate the bronze statues. They depict Sazae-san, Machiko Hasegawa, and Granny Mischief. These statues stand at the entrance of the Memorial Hall.
Inside the Memorial Museum, you can explore Hasegawa’s life and work. The permanent exhibition rooms display her creations. On the first floor, you can enjoy coffee. The coffee is served in cups featuring Sazae-san comics. The museum shop offers exclusive merchandise. You can also browse books related to Hasegawa’s legacy.
The Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum is located in Sakurashimmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. It is a seven-minute walk from Sakura-shimmachi Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. The last admission is at 4:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays. If Monday is a national holiday, it closes the next day. There are also closures for changeover periods and New Year’s holidays.
Visiting the Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum offers a unique glimpse into Japanese art. It also celebrates the legacy of a remarkable artist. It is a place where you can connect with Japanese culture. You can explore the world of Sazae-san. As you leave, remember the heartwarming stories. Remember the artistic talent of Hasegawa Machiko. Her work continues to bring joy to people of all ages.