Kochikame Memorial Museum Wins Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in Museums

Kume Sekkei's Kochikame Memorial Museum Achieves Recognition

The Kochikame Memorial Museum, designed by Kume Sekkei located in Koto City, Tokyo, has been honored with the 32nd Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in the museums category. This award celebrates exemplary design and dedication to cultural presentation, reflecting the museum's deep connection to its local roots and the beloved manga series, "Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen Mae Hashutsujo" (Kochikame).

The Thea Awards, presented by the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association), recognize excellence in themed entertainment and attractions. The studio's winning design showcases Kameari's charm and, by extension, the world of "Kochikame," inviting visitors to both the museum and the surrounding community.

A Fusion of Culture and Community

The museum serves both as an exhibition venue and a tourist hub, weaving together the narrative of "Kochikame" with the vibrant community of Kameari. Visitors are drawn into a single, cohesive storyline that leads them through the various floors, beginning from the fifth floor and culminating at the ground level. The design features staggered staircases at both ends of the structure, reflecting the dynamic essence of the manga.

The ground floor, resembling a small square with a shrine's float suspended, offers displays that celebrate the allure of Kameari, prompting visitors to explore the area further. Statues of main characters, uniquely designed manhole covers, and community signage create an immersive environment where the cultural footprint of "Kochikame" is ever-present, cementing the manga's influence on the locality.

Architectural Insights

The architectural design of the museum is framed around the concept of a three-dimensional comic space, characterized by cubical pathways analogous to panels in a manga. Each cube incorporates distinct materials and shapes, inspired by the wide array of expressive methods found in manga comic panels. Colors reflecting the main characters are incorporated into the architectural elements, allowing visitors to feel the essence of the "Kochikame" universe as they experience the exhibition.

The layout maximizes the available space in a narrow and elongated site, utilizing a hybrid structure of reinforced concrete walls and slender steel frameworks to eliminate internal columns. This innovative design approach expands the exhibit space while promoting open and engaging aesthetics, ensuring a cohesive visitor experience.

Kume Sekkei emphasizes gratitude towards all partners who shared the vision, contributing to this achievement. The award not only signifies success but also reinforces the goal of elevating cultural recognition for both "Kochikame" and Kameari.

Company Profile

Founded in 1932, Kume Sekkei has been integral in shaping numerous urban and architectural landscapes. With a team of around 650 staff, including some 450 certified professionals, Kume Sekkei is committed to integrating technology and design to create sustainable values for communities. Its headquarters is located in Koto City, Tokyo. This award for the Kochikame Memorial Museum stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to enriching society and contributing to sustainable development.

For more information, visit the Kume Sekkei official website at https://www.kumesekkei.co.jp/. You can also follow their updates on Instagram: Kume Sekkei Instagram.