Finding Astro Boy in Takadanobaba Japan

On our very first visit to Japan with kids I booked a hotel close to Takadanobaba Station purely to hear the theme song each time we caught a train! You see, one of my personal special interests is Astroboy, known in Japan as Mighty Atom 鉄腕アトム.

This special interest runs deep and had our family trekking across Tokyo as I headed to spots that were fleetingly mentioned in the Astro Boy anime series of the 1980s,

Searching for Astroboy in Japan

Table of Contents

Who is Astro Boy?

Astro Boy, known as “Mighty Atom” or simply “Atom” in Japan, was brought to life by the creative genius of Osamu Tezuka in 1952. Astro Boy quickly captured the hearts of readers and went on to become one of Japan’s most beloved and enduring icons.

You could say that Astro Boy was a baby boomer, with the end of World War II and the subsequent recovery period in Japan playing a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape that birthed him. Tezukab grew up during this transformative era and witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by the war. The aftermath of the conflict and Japan’s efforts to rebuild and heal influenced Tezuka’s artistic vision and storytelling.

Astro Boy has always deeply resonated with me, perhaps due to his strong moral compass. His primary motivation is to fight for justice, protect the innocent, and bring peace to the world, whilst advocating for understanding and coexistence between robots and humans. The character embodies the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Japanese people, reflecting their aspirations for a peaceful and harmonious world.

Tezuka’s vision was to create a character who would bridge the gap between humans and machines, exploring profound themes such as identity, morality, and the essence of being alive.

Equipped with superhuman strength, jet-powered feet, and the ability to fly, Astro Boy embarks on countless adventures, defending the innocent and promoting understanding between humans and robots in a futuristic world.

As a symbol of hope and compassion, Astro Boy has become an emblematic figure in Japanese popular culture, resonating with audiences of all ages and leaving an indelible impact on the realm of manga and anime.

1980s Astro Boy Premise

On April 7, 2003, Dr. Boynton (Japanese: Dr. Tenma), the esteemed Director of the Science Ministry, utilises the vast knowledge and resources at his disposal to create a robot in the exact likeness of his late son Toby (Japanese: Tobio), who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident.

Initially, Dr. Boynton’s affection for the robot, now named Astro, is akin to that of a real son. However, his patience wears thin as Astro fails to grow and develop like a human. Eventually, he sells Astro to a circus where the young robot is compelled to perform.

It is not long before a pivotal moment arrives with the approval of the “robot right,” thanks to the relentless efforts of Dr. Elefun (Japanese: Dr. Ochanomizu), the newly appointed Director of the Science Ministry. This newfound right brings liberation to Astro.

Astro finds a home with his robot parents and sister Uran, crafted by Dr. Elefun, in the tranquil suburbs and enrols in Ochanomizu Elementary School. Nevertheless, Astro possesses a staggering 100,000 horsepower and courageously confronts evil, quite often his brother Atlas, whenever his extraordinary abilities are called upon.

Finding Astro Boy in Takadanobaba

I’m very fortunate to have a family that didn’t even blink when I said that our first hotel (Rihga Royal Hotel) in Tokyo was not far from Takadanobaba, so we could use the hotel shuttle to and from the station each day and enjoy Astro Boy before and after each of our trips. Pretty lucky, right?

But why Takadanobaba? Well, Takadanobaba holds a significant place in the history of Astro Boy, serving as the birthplace of this iconic character.

It is widely believed that Osamu Tezuka drew inspiration from his time living in Takadanobaba while conceptualizing Astro Boy’s story and world.

This vibrant neighbourhood in Tokyo, Japan, with its bustling streets and energetic atmosphere, is said to have influenced Tezuka’s vision of a futuristic city where Astro Boy would fight for justice.

Takadanobaba has embraced its connection to Astro Boy with various tributes scattered throughout the neighbourhood. There are two spaces that I highly recommend you seek out:

Takadanobaba JR Station Platform: As visitors traverse each train platform, they can hear the dedicated theme song that resonates with the spirit of Astro Boy.

2. Murals: colourful murals showcasing Astro Boy’s adventures adorn the walls close to the JR Station, one right in front of the bus stops and the other placed not far from the intersection, serving as vivid reminders of the character’s origins and captivating the imagination of passersby. All the images on this post are from the murals. Look closely and you’ll find new delights!

This homage to Astro Boy has transformed Takadanobaba into a sought-after destination for both devoted fans and local residents alike, offering them a remarkable opportunity to delve into the birthplace of this beloved manga and anime icon.

Where To Find More Astro Boy in Tokyo

Further to Takadanobaba, there are a number of spots across Tokyo where you can get your Astro Boy fix.

On our next trip to Tokyo, I will be dragging the family around Ochanomizu to find the Astro Boy manholes and collect the manhole cards (did you even know you could collect manhole cards?!?). Jade Miles reveals where to find the Astro Boy Man Hole Card in Ochanomizu.

Visit one of the Tokyo ATOM shop located right off the Akihabara Electic Street for merchandise.

Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, which is outside of Tokyo, also displays Astro Boy artwork and memorabilia. Although it is not located in Tokyo, it is worth mentioning as a dedicated place for Astro Boy fans to visit and immerse themselves in the world of Osamu Tezuka’s creations.

Had a little outside Tokyo and you can also visit the Astro Boy Statue in Saitama.