Astro Boy and friends in Takadanobaba
Astro Boy and I go way back. He was a mainstay of Australian TV in the 1970s. I’d sit glued to the TV, mesmerized by this little android’s adventures. Fast forward a few decades to my arrival in Tokyo, and I ran into him in Takadanobaba. Seeing him and his friends larger than life on the walls near the station was surreal. Of course, I captured them with my camera. Here are my tips for photographing these icons.
Takadanobaba isn’t a big station, so finding Astro should be easy. Look out from the Waseda Exit. He is across the road. Many of Osamu Tezuka’s creations are with him.
How to photograph Astro Boy
The Astro Boy murals are in good condition. But, they can be challenging to photograph because of their massive size. Shoot their entire length from the station side of the road. Of course, get your timing right to deal with foot and car traffic. It is a patience game. You are warned!
Taking photos from close can also be difficult. Takadanobaba is a busy place. Nearly one million commuters use the station daily. Sometimes homeless people sleep on the footpath in front of the murals. The ones I’ve talked to were Astro Boy fans too! Someone will always be in the frame. Some forethought might turn that to your advantage, though.
One more problem. As they are under the tracks, there will be shadows. Time of day influences the amount of light. I never shoot there late because the buildings block the sunlight.
Who is he?
Astro Boy is a young android with human emotions. Doctor Umataro Tenma created him after the death of his son Tobio. Eventually, he sells Astro to a robot circus.
Professor Ochanomizu saves Astro from slavery, and they become father and son. Ochanomizu also creates a robotic family for Astro and helps him live like an average human boy. Together they go on many adventures.
What other Tezuka characters are there?
This is an incomplete list:
- Blackjack
- Big X
- Kimba the White Lion
- Princess Knight
Where are Tokyo’s Astro Boy murals?
They are in Takadanobaba, two stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line. Leave via the Waseda Exit, and Astro is across the road.
Here it is on Google Maps:
Conclusion:
Are you a fan of Tezuka’s works? Get reacquainted with these blasts from the past in Takadanobaba. It’s a great Tokyo photo spot. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. His camera will capture the entire city one day.
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External related websites:
- Tezuka Osamu (official website)