Astro Boy and Friends: A Guide to the Takadanobaba Murals

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 murals

While Takadanobaba is a major hub, finding Astro Boy is straightforward. The 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. They’ll be right in front of you.

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.

Challenge 1: Capturing the scale

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 foot and car traffic. Capturing a clear shot is a patience game—you’ve been warned!

Challenge 2: Dealing with crowds and 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.

Challenge 3: Managing light and 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. Around midday will likely give you the best results.

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.

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.

Getting there

The murals are located in Takadanobaba, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.

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 it is on Google Maps:

Conclusion

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.