A Small Adventure into Manga Culture: A Trip to the Akita Manga Museum (ALTのラフ先生、横手市増田まんが美術館に行ってみた！）

One of the most exciting parts of joining the JET Program is the opportunity to explore Japanese culture while traveling through its incredible landscapes. Recently, I was lucky enough to do both in a way I didn’t quite expect.

One day, one of my JTEs asked if I’d be interested in joining him on a short trip to the Akita Manga Museum. Now, I’ll be honest, I don’t read much manga. But I love any opportunity to travel, and even more than that, I love the chance to experience something new. So of course, I said yes.

The drive itself was already worth the trip. It was only about an hour from Kaneyama Town, but the scenery was stunning, mountains rising on all sides, small towns tucked quietly into the landscape. It’s one of those reminders of just how beautiful rural Japan can be, especially in places you might not have thought to visit otherwise.

When we arrived, we were both surprised to find that the museum is completely free to enter. That alone felt like a hidden gem.

Inside, I got to see something I hadn’t expected: original manga artwork and even original the pen strokes, the corrections, the process behind something that so many people around the world consume digitally or in print. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the craft.

One of the most impressive parts of the museum is its archive. The Akita Manga Museum actively works to restore and preserve original manga manuscripts for the future. It’s a project rooted in respect for both art and history, ensuring that these works aren’t lost to time. Even as someone who isn’t deeply immersed in manga culture, I found that incredibly admirable.

Another highlight was the free library inside the museum. Anyone can walk in, pick up a manga (or other books), and just sit and read. And the collection is no joke, it’s extensive. It’s the kind of place you could easily lose a whole afternoon in.

There’s also a café on-site, though unfortunately we didn’t get the chance to try it this time. I’ll definitely have to come back, maybe with a few friends next time, to fully experience everything the space has to offer and any new exhibits that may be available.

All in all, I left feeling really grateful for the opportunity. It was a simple trip, but one that offered a meaningful glimpse into a part of Japanese culture I hadn’t explored before, and all of it just a short drive from home.