In Kōchi, on Shikoku Island, the small town of Kami offers a unique route to discover the world of Yanase Takashi, creator of Anpanman, emblematic character of Japanese youth literature. This tour invites travelers to explore the roots of this artist and author of many talents, through places that marked his life and his work.
Who was Yanase Takashi?
Born in 1919 in what is now the Kahoku district of Kami, Yanase Takashi worked in many professions before gaining public recognition. He was poet, designer, illustrator, parolier and editor. He was over 50 years old in 1973 when he published the first version of theAnpanmanfor kindergartens. Two years later the book appearsSoreike! Anpanman, which really launches the character. This superhero with a stuffed brioche face, able to give part of his head to feed others, embodies the values of solidarity dear to his author.
The surrounding nature, the scenes of rural life and Yanase’s childhood memories are omnipresent in her creations. This course in Kami offers an immersion in these landscapes and places that nourished his imagination.
Access to Kami from Kōchi
Tosayamada station, on the JR Dosan line, is the ideal entry point for exploring the places associated with Yanase Takashi. From this station, a JR bus service directly connects the Bira-fu district ( The journey takes about 25 minutes. Upon arrival, it is possible to do everything on foot or via a second municipal bus according to the desired program.
Yanase Takashi Memorial Museum
Located in the heart of the valley, theKami City Yanase Takashi Memorial Hallconsists of two spaces: theAnpanman MuseumandMuseum of illustrated tales and poems. The architecture of the building is already an invitation to dream, with its curved walls, secret passages and illustrations integrated into the structure.
Inside, we discover the original boards of Anpanman, sketches of secondary characters, but also documents related to Yanase’s life, his poems and his less known projects. A room is dedicated to the world of the magazineShi to Meruhen(Poems and tales), founded by the author to promote emerging artists.
For families, the museum offers interactive spaces and screenings adapted to young children. Fans will find exclusive derivatives in the adjoining shop.
The gourmet stop: the Michi-no-Eki Bira-fu
Just two minutes’ walk from the museum, this regional rest area is a good break. It offers a shop of local products from the Niro Valley, including Shiitaké mushrooms, processed yuzu, artisan confectionery and traditional dishes. The restaurant of the site,Kitchen Niro no Sato, serves aShiitake-don(rice bowl covered with egg-cooked mushrooms) highly appreciated by visitors.
The place also offers an overview of local craftsmanship, with a selection of hand forged kitchen knives, a specialty of the region.
A spiritual pause: the sanctuary 的kawakami Bira-fu Jinja
This 1500-year-old Shinto shrine, located a few minutes walk from the museum, is remarkable for its detailed wood sculptures. It is nicknamed Nikko of Tosa, due to the decorative richness of its buildings.
The place is particularly original because it houses elements imagined by Yanase himself. There areema(votive plates) with Anpanman’s effigy, as well as drawings of the ceiling made by members of the Japanese Mangaka Association. Amulets inspired by the twelve zodiac signs, illustrated by Yanase, are also on sale on site.
A shop like no other: Konbini Okabayashi
In appearance, it is a simple small local business, but it contains an amazing collection of over 330 homemade pastries. The interior atmosphere is marked by the owner’s passion, Ms.Okabayashi, for boxing and pastrying.
Among the specialties not to be missed are rag cakes with aerial texture, puddings with melted caramel and an unusual creation:Boxer Puddingpresented in a mayonnaise bottle. An adjoining room allows you to taste on site, in a relaxed setting.
A place to gather: Hōnoki Park
Accessible in minutes by municipal bus from the Bira-fu district, this small wooded park marks the location of Yanase Takashi’s home. This is where he rests, alongside his wife. The place includes an engraved stele of his poems, a small walking path and benches to soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Far from traditional tourist tours, this site allows you to better understand the author’s attachment to his roots and the simplicity of local life. It is a moment of calm that contrasts with the joyous effervescence of the museum.
Practical suggestions for organizing the visit
The course can be completed on a full day, starting from Kōchi or even coming from further with local accommodation in Kami. It is advisable to arrive in the morning in Tosayamada to enjoy the museum before lunch, visit the other points of interest in the afternoon, and finish with the Hōnoki park at the end of the day.
Public transport is efficient but infrequent, it is better to check bus schedules in advance. In summer, the heat can be intense; plan water, a hat and breaks.
This circuit is accessible to all, including families with children, manga enthusiasts, or Japanese cultural enthusiasts wishing to get off the beaten track.
Following in the footsteps of Yanase Takashi in Kami, it is plunged into a Japan on a human scale, marked by the generosity, inventiveness and love of the living. A journey that enriches the journey as much as it revives childhood memories.
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