Oizumi Anime Gate

Oizumi Anime Gate is an outdoor display located on the pedestrian deck outside the north exit of Oizumi Gakuen Station in Nerima, Tokyo. Opened in April 2015, the installation serves as a symbol of Nerima's identity as "Anime City Ichiban" (the number one city for anime). The area holds deep significance in Japan's animation history, as Toei Animation Studios, founded in 1948, established its base in the Oizumi-gakuen neighborhood and produced Hakujaden (Legend of the White Serpent), the first full-color Japanese anime film.

The gate features life-sized bronze statues of popular anime characters originating in Nerima, including Astro Boy, Joe Yabuki from "Ashita no Joe," Tetsuro Hoshino and Maetel from Galaxy Express 999, and Lum from Urusei Yatsura. These characters were created by legendary manga artists with connections to the area, including manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Galaxy Express 999, and Rumiko Takahashi. Behind the statues are display panels showcasing representative anime works from different eras, creating a mini open-air museum that chronicles the evolution of Japanese animation.

Visitors can photograph the bronze statues and explore the informational displays immediately upon exiting the station. The attraction is accessible 24 hours daily as an outdoor installation, though crowds are lighter during non-commuting hours. The station itself reinforces the anime theme, with the departure melody changed to the Galaxy Express 999 theme tune since 2009.

Oizumi Gakuen Station is served by the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, with trains running from Ikebukuro Station in central Tokyo. The station is located 12.5 kilometers from Ikebukuro, with the journey taking approximately 20 minutes. Some services continue through the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho and Fukutoshin lines. The anime gate is located immediately outside the north exit, requiring no additional walking. Admission is free. Visitors interested in anime history can combine their trip with the nearby Toei Animation Museum, located a 15-minute walk from the station.