Astro Boy and Friends
Astro Boy and I go way back. As a mainstay of Australian TV in the 1970s, I’d sit glued to the screen, mesmerized by the little android’s adventures. Fast forward a few decades to my arrival in Tokyo, and I ran into him again in Takadanobaba.
Seeing him and his friends larger than life on the walls near the station was a surreal experience. Naturally, I had to capture them with my camera. This guide will share my tips for finding and photographing these iconic murals, helping you make the most of your visit.
Finding the Astro Boy murals
While Takadanobaba is a major hub, finding Astro Boy is straightforward. There are two main murals to see. The largest and most famous mural is located directly under the JR railway tracks.
To find it, take the Waseda Exit of the JR station. Look across the main road (Waseda Dori), and you can’t miss it. This is where you’ll see a massive collage of Osamu Tezuka’s beloved characters.
A fun fact for fans: as you wait for your train on the JR Yamanote line platform, listen closely. The departure melody is the theme song from the original Astro Boy anime, a tribute to the fact that Tezuka Productions was once based in this neighborhood.
How to photograph the murals
The murals are well-maintained, but they present a few challenges for photographers due to their sheer size and location.
Capturing the size of the art
To shoot the entire length of the main mural, position yourself on the station side of the road. This vantage point allows you to get the full scope of the artwork. However, be prepared to deal with constant foot and car traffic. Capturing a clear shot is a patience game!
Dealing with crowds & obstructions
Takadanobaba is a busy place; nearly one million commuters use the station daily. This means someone will almost always be in your frame. Close-up shots can be especially difficult.
You might also encounter homeless people resting on the footpath in front of the mural. With some creative thinking, you can incorporate the bustling city life into your photos to create a more dynamic image.
Managing light & shadows
Because the main mural is directly under the train tracks, shadows are a constant issue. The time of day significantly influences the amount and quality of light.
I recommend avoiding early morning and late afternoon, as the surrounding tall buildings block the sunlight, casting the mural in deep shadow. Morning or midday will likely give you the best results.
Other Tezuka characters on display
The mural is a true celebration of Osamu Tezuka’s universe. While this isn’t a complete list, here are some of the other famous characters you can spot:
- Black Jack: A brilliant, unlicensed surgeon.
- Princess Knight: The brave princess raised as a boy.
- Kimba the White Lion: The adventurous white lion cub.
- Big X: A hero with superhuman abilities.
- Phoenix: The mythical bird of rebirth, a central figure in Tezuka’s life’s work.
- Dororo: The young thief who accompanies the swordsman Hyakkimaru.
Who is Astro Boy?
For those new to the character, Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atomu in Japanese) is a powerful android with human emotions. He was created by the brilliant Dr. Umataro Tenma, who modeled him after his deceased son, Tobio. After being rejected by his creator, Astro is sold to a robot circus.
He is eventually rescued by the compassionate Professor Ochanomizu, who becomes his guardian. Ochanomizu not only gives Astro a loving family but also helps him navigate life as a regular boy, all while they embark on countless adventures together to protect both humans and robots.
Getting to Takadanobaba
- By train: Takadanobaba is just two stops from Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote Line.
- Directions: Once at the station, leave via the Waseda Exit. The main mural is directly across the street.
- Here they are on Google Maps:
The murals are located in Takadanobaba, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo:
Are the Astro Boy murals worth visiting?
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Osamu Tezuka’s work or simply a lover of unique street art, a visit to Takadanobaba is a must. It’s a fantastic Tokyo photo opportunity and a chance to get reacquainted with these blasts from the past.
For more information about Osamu Tezuka and his work, look at his official website. By the way, who is your favorite character of his? Tell us about it in the comments below.
