#Japan #Tokyo #Retro Games #Showa Era #Tokiwa Museum

Exhibition Announcement: The Playtime of Yesteryear

The Tokiwa Town Retro Museum, operated by the Toshima Future Culture Foundation in Toshima City, Tokyo, will launch an exciting exhibition titled 'The Playtime of Yesteryear' on April 25, 2026. This exhibition focuses on the various games that children enjoyed during the Showa era, showcasing a distinctive charm that contrasts with modern digital experiences.

From April 25 to August 30, visitors can dive into a hands-on experience covering traditional games that evoke a deep sense of nostalgia. Many of these activities have unique rules and require careful handling to ensure safety. The first floor will feature a space designed to resemble a Showa-era vacant lot, while the second floor will recreate a children's room presenting both indoor and outdoor play experiences.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Title: The Playtime of Yesteryear
• - Duration: April 25, 2026 - August 30, 2026
• - Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM)
• - Entrance Fee: Free
• - Location: Tokiwa Town Retro Museum, Minami-Nagasaki 3-4-10, Toshima City, Tokyo

Getting There

Visitors can easily reach the venue via public transportation:

• - By Train: A 13-minute walk from either Shin-nakano or Higashi-Nagasaki stations on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, or an 8-minute walk from Ochiai-Minami-Nagasaki Station on the Toei Oedo Line.
• - By Bus: Take the Toei Bus (Ikebukuro Line, Shiro 61, Nen 68) and get off at Minami-Nagasaki 2-chome, then walk 3 minutes to the museum.

(Please note that there is no onsite parking or bicycle facilities; however, visitors can use the bike parking area at the Tokiwa Manga Museum.)

Special Activities and Workshops

The museum will also host a variety of free, no-reservation-required events and workshops to enhance your experience:
1. Retro Game Playtime – Visitors can play classic retro games under staff supervision, available on specific Saturdays starting April 29, 2026.
2. Dangerous Playtime – Experience traditional games like stilts and shooting games in a safe environment, offered on select Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the exhibition period.
3. Electric Toy Ride – For younger children, enjoy a ride on an electric toy train with sessions scheduled in late April and throughout May.

Special Workshop on Children's Day

Join us on May 5, 2026, for a special workshop where children can craft traditional helmets and paper guns using old newspapers.

For the latest updates regarding the exhibition and events, please check our official website or follow us on our social media platforms. We encourage both those who grew up in the Showa era and children unfamiliar with it to dive into this unique time capsule of play and imagination!

For inquiries, please contact the Tokiwa Town Retro Museum at 03-3565-6991 (Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, excluding holidays).