Kitakyushu is a dynamic city in the north of Fukuoka Prefecture, a cradle of many major manga artists. Among the talents from this region is Leiji Matsumoto, creator of cult series likeGalaxy Express 999,Captain AlbatororYamato. This tour offers you an immersion in the highlights of Matsumoto’s youth and in those who pay tribute to his work, while exploring Kitakyushu’s rich cultural heritage.
Kitakyushu, mangaka land
Kitakyushu is not only an industrial and port city. It is also a city deeply marked by Japanese popular culture, especially manga. Famous authors such as Seizo Watase, Tsukasa Hojo (City Hunter) or even Leiji Matsumoto saw the birth or spent part of their life there. This artistic heritage has led the city to position itself as a high place of manga, honouring its artists through museums, sculptures, events and exhibitions.
Born in 1938 in Kurume, Leiji Matsumoto spent a large part of his youth in the Sazitsu district of Kokura, Kitakyushu. That’s where he develops his passion for science fiction, steam locomotives and space exploration stories that will mark his entire work. At the end of high school, he left his hometown with a simple train ticket to Tokyo, determined to become mangaka. This departure, marked by determination, will later serve as a frame for the initiatory journey of Tetsurô, the hero ofGalaxy Express 999.
Start of the course: the station of Kokura
The visit begins at theKokura station, the main railway junction of Kitakyushu. Linked to the Shinkansen lines, the Kagoshima line and the Nippō line, it is a strategic access point for travellers from all over Japan.
Leiji Matsumoto often referred to this station as the symbolic starting point of his career. Today it is decorated with several elements dedicated toGalaxy Express 999. At the Shinkansen exit, you can admire thebronze statues of Maetel and Tetsurô, the two main characters of manga. The realism of sculptures and their positioning suggest an imminent start to the stars.
By continuing your walk through the railway station corridors, you will see the figure of theTrainmaster of 999, emblematic character recognizable by his high hat and his hidden face. Severaldecorative sewage plateson the theme of Matsumoto’s universe also mark the surrounding streets, paying homage to its amazing universe.
Kitakyushu Manga Museum
Only a few minutes walk from the train station, the buildingAruaru Cityhouses on its floors 5 and 6Kitakyushu Manga Museum. Opened in 2012, it is one of the few museums entirely dedicated to manga in southern Japan. Leiji Matsumoto was the first honorary director, confirming his deep attachment to the city.
On entry, alife-size statue of Captain Albatorwelcomes visitors. The permanent exhibition goes back to the major stages of the creation of a manga, from the sketches to the publication. A section is dedicated to authors from Kitakyushu, including of course Leiji Matsumoto.
A whole space entitled“From Kitakyushu to the galaxy – Leiji Matsumoto’s hometown”allows us to trace the evolution of his work, from his first publications to his international successes. There are original boards, rare sketches, personal items and aexclusive interview filmwhere the mangaka returns to its inspirations, its beginnings and its vision of the future.
The museum also offers alibrary of more than 70,000 mangastemporary exhibitions and activities for children. The visit is suitable for people with reduced mobility, with wheelchairs available at the entrance.
A local break: Tanga’s restaurant
Two minutes by monorail from Kokura station, stop at the stationTangato discover a centenary market, theTanga Ichiba. A true institution nicknamed “Kitakyushu’s cuisine”, this covered market is renowned for its fresh produce and popular shops.
These include:restaurant Tanga Udonattracts local food lovers. Founded almost 40 years ago, this family address servesHomemade udon, prepared each morning in limited quantity. His other specialty is theoden, kind of Japanese pot-au-feu, simmered in the same broth as noodles. In particular, there isstuffed cabbage, tofu bags with mochi, and other comforting bites at low cost.
Not to be missed too:nuka-daki teishoku, a fish dish simmered in fermented rice sound, a specialty of Kokura. Sardine or saba (mackerel), long cooked in this marinade, reveal unique sweet and salty flavours, perfect with a bowl of smoky rice.
Kokura Castle: historical immersion
About 15 minutes walk from Tanga, you reach theCastle of Kokurabuilt in 1602 by feudal lord Hosokawa Tadaoki. Its imposing silhouette is characterized by a rare architecture calledkarazukuri, where the fifth floor exceeds the fourth – the opposite of conventional constructions.
Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the current castle dates back to 1959 and was thoroughly renovated in 2019 to become an interactive museum. The floors present fun exhibitions about life in the time of the samurai. The ground floor offers aimmersive experience with virtual archery and role playing, while the top floor offers a360 degree panoramic viewon the city.
Next door is theKokura Castle Garden, former Ogasawara family secondary residence. This traditional style garden, with pond, tea house and exhibition pavilion, allows you to immerse yourself in the refined culture of Japanese feudal lords. It is a peaceful place, ideal for a walk or contemplative break.
Between real and imaginary travel
This course provides a better understanding of the intimate connection between Leiji Matsumoto’s work and his home town. The futuristic and dreamlike universe ofGalaxy Express 999draws its roots from the urban landscapes of Kitakyushu, the memory of the steam trains that once passed to Kokura, and the dreams of a young man ready to leave his world to conquer the stars.
Explore Kitakyushu through this artistic perspective, it is also rediscovering Japan in a different light: that of collective memory, popular heritage and manga influence on contemporary society.
Kitakyushu is not only a cultural step, it is an invitation to the inner journey, like the hero of Galaxy Express 999. Following the footsteps of Leiji Matsumoto, it is embarking for a journey both earthly and cosmic, between nostalgia and imagination, at the very heart of the Japanese soul.
Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.
Pour une dose de Japon au quotidien, suivez-nous sur Threads
kitakyushu manga matsumoto leiji galaxy express 999 tetsuro maetel captain albator kokura station kokura station bronze statue manga museum museum Japanese manga visit kitakyushu tanga udon culinary specialties fukuoka itinerary japan travel leiji matsumoto biography monuments manga spot anime travel japon cultural tourism kokura castle castle kokura Japanese garden museum exhibition famous manga pop culture japan heritage matsumoto roots places related to matsumoto temple landscapes kitakyushu tourism train matsumoto native city mangaka galaxy express monument historic place visit fukuoka manga in kitakyushu tour manga local kitchen udon house oden specialty market tanga ichiba visit kokura on foot figurine museum interactive museum temporary exhibition manga museum accessible family museums Japanese heritage nippon garden lord feodal culture manga modern market street kitchen panorama castle museum albator matsumoto 2025 city manga route manga train 999
Discover more from Evasions Rebelles - Travel Planner Japon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
