A Tokyo museum devoted to the life, work and art collection of Machiko Hasegawa, creator of the beloved comic strip Sazae-san.
At a glance
The museum celebrates the artistic legacy of Machiko Hasegawa (1920–1992), best known for drawing Sazae-san, a comic strip that shaped Japanese popular culture for nearly three decades. Her collection of Western and Japanese artworks, expanded by her sister Mariko, forms the permanent holdings.
History
Hasegawa drew Sazae-san from 1946 to 1974, primarily in the pages of the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. The strip became a phenomenon in Japan, its popularity comparable to American classics like Peanuts. Beyond cartooning, Hasegawa was a passionate art collector whose eye for quality extended to both Eastern and Western traditions. After her death, her collection and artistic legacy were established as a museum in her native Setagaya.
What you see
The museum displays original comic strip drawings and character designs alongside Hasegawa’s personal art collection. Visitors encounter clay dolls, paintings, and works acquired during her lifetime, arranged to reveal her taste as a connoisseur. The collection spans Japanese and Western artists.
Cultural significance
Sazae-san remains an iconic work in Japanese culture, depicting the everyday life of an ordinary family with warmth and humor. The strip’s longevity and widespread appeal—appearing daily in Japan’s major newspaper—made Hasegawa one of manga’s pioneering figures. The museum honors both her artistic contribution to Japanese comics and her underappreciated role as a collector and patron of the arts.
Key facts
- Location: Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
- Coordinates: 35.62799, 139.64362
- Creator: Machiko Hasegawa (1920–1992)
- Sazae-san serialized 1946–1974 in the Asahi Shimbun
Practical information & getting there
The museum is located in Setagaya ward, Tokyo’s southwestern residential district. For opening hours, admission fees, and directions, consult the museum’s official sources or contact Setagaya tourism information.
Sources & resources
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