The beloved national anime Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi, cherished across generations since its debut in 1975, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special pop-up store. Titled “Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi Ten – Mukashi, Mukashi, Aru Tokoro ni…” (Once Upon a Time…), the event will run from September 18 to October 25, 2026, at the Azabudai Hills Gallery Space in Tokyo.
The anime, narrated by the warm voices of Ichihara Etsuko and Tokita Fujio, spans 1,470 episodes. This event will feature the largest merchandise lineup in the series’ history, with familiar characters greeting visitors at the venue.
Photo Spots and Special Displays
At the entrance, a photo spot inspired by the ending theme “Ningen tte Ii na” will be set up, featuring a 1.8-meter-tall figure of the “ningen” character for commemorative photos.
For the first time, a 6-meter-tall three-dimensional artwork of the “Dragon and Child” from the stage production Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi Gekijo will be displayed, offering a rare chance to see it up close.
Exclusive Goods and Purchase Bonus
Specially created for this event, plush toys recreating famous scenes from the anime will be available. Original goods include the “Nui Guru Mi Baibai Set” (plush set), acrylic wire keyrings, tote bags, and the “Akabeko Bunbuku Chagama” (red cow tea kettle).
Customers who spend 5,000 yen or more (tax included) will receive a special “Gon-gitsune” picture book, available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Multilingual Experience
The venue will also feature the world’s first multilingual display of the anime, with touch-panel digital signage offering the story in six languages: Japanese, English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.
Collaboration Cafe
Adjacent to the venue, the Azabudai Hills Gallery Cafe will host a collaboration cafe with exclusive menu items. Ordering a qualifying dish will earn a random coaster (three types), also limited and first-come, first-served.
The menu includes dishes inspired by scenes and characters from the stories, as well as the opening sequence. The “Yokubari Jiisan no Yokubari Onigiri Set” (Greedy Old Man’s Greedy Rice Ball Set), inspired by “Omusubi Kororin,” was specially supervised by the commercial store “Souzai Azabudai Shun” at Azabudai Hills.
This 50th anniversary event offers fans a chance to immerse themselves in the world of Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi through merchandise, exhibits, multilingual experiences, and a collaboration cafe.
Event Details
Event: POP UP BOX “Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi Ten – Mukashi, Mukashi, Aru Tokoro ni…”
Dates: September 18 (Fri) – October 25 (Sun), 2026
Venue: Azabudai Hills Gallery Space (B1F, Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza A, 5-8-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Hours: 11:00–19:30
Admission: Free
Organizers: Azabudai Hills Gallery, Neutral Corporation
Cooperation: Ai Kikaku Center
(C) Ai Kikaku Center
