Mr. Kitahara introducing his toy collection

The “Tin Toy Museum,” directed by toy collector Mr. Kitahara (77), will relocate and reopen on the 17th in the Minato Mirai 21 (MM21) area of Yokohama due to the aging of its building. It will also be renamed “TOY MUSEUM” for a fresh start.

The museum originally opened in April 1986, featuring displays centered around Mr. Kitahara’s collection. It also sold original merchandise such as trainers, T-shirts, and mugs.

The museum, housed in a renovated old Western-style building, blended into the exotic streets of Yamate. Mr. Kitahara reflected on its 39-year history, saying, “I was delighted that collectors from around the world visited, and it became part of school trip itineraries.” The museum closed in August, with fans expressing their sadness.

The new location is a building that previously housed part of the “Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall” until 2019. The entrance door from the old museum has been reused to “carry on the atmosphere exactly,” according to Mr. Kitahara.

Christmas specialty store and cafe also included

Tin Toy Museum

The Tin Toy Museum in Budapest showcases a nostalgic collection of tin toys primarily from the former Eastern Bloc, dating from the 1920s to the 1990s. It was founded by Hungarian architect Károly Benedek, who began collecting these toys after the fall of communism. The museum offers a charming glimpse into the playthings and industrial design of the socialist era.

Minato Mirai 21

Minato Mirai 21 is a modern waterfront urban district in Yokohama, Japan, whose name translates to “Harbor of the Future 21st Century.” It was developed on former shipyard and industrial lands, with construction beginning in the 1980s as a major urban redevelopment project. Today, it is a prominent business and tourist center, famous for its iconic skyline featuring the Landmark Tower, Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, and museums.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a major port city in Japan that developed rapidly after the country opened to foreign trade in 1859, ending a long period of national isolation. It became a gateway for Western influence, which is reflected in its historic Yamate district and iconic Chinatown. Today, it is a modern, cosmopolitan city known for its Minato Mirai waterfront area, which features landmarks like the Landmark Tower.

TOY MUSEUM

The Toy Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting historical and contemporary toys from various eras and cultures. Its collections often trace the evolution of playthings, showcasing everything from ancient dolls and traditional folk toys to modern mass-produced items. These museums serve to illustrate social history, technological progress in manufacturing, and the universal nature of childhood.

Yamate

Yamate is a historic foreign settlement district in Yokohama, Japan, established in the late 19th century after the port opened to international trade. It features Western-style residences built by foreign merchants and diplomats, set on a scenic hillside with a distinct international atmosphere. Today, the area is preserved as a charming cultural site with museums, parks, and historic homes that showcase its unique blend of Japanese and Western heritage.

Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall

The Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall is an interactive indoor theme park dedicated to the beloved Japanese cartoon character Anpanman. It opened in 2007, allowing children to immerse themselves in the world of the superhero who fights evil with his bean-jam bun head. The facility features play areas, live shows, character meet-and-greets, and a shopping mall with exclusive merchandise.