Suginami Ward in western Tokyo is often called the center of the anime universe, and now it has its own museum to prove it. Suginami Anime Museum opened on March 5 in an unimposing municipal building in a non-descript residential suburb. But with dozens of Japan’s most famous anime companies (including Studio Ghibli, Sunrise, Toei Animation to name just a few) within just a few miles radius, Suginami really is “anime central.” During the first month, the museum is holding a “Gundam World” event, with exhibits and screenings of the classic TV series.
• Speaking of popular anime, the voice of Wakame-chan in the long-running TV series Sazae-san is to change for the first time in 29 years. Nomura Michiko (65), who is the second voice actor to do the part, will be replaced by Tsumura Makoto (35) from April. Tsumura narrated the voice of Tetsuwan Atomu (Astro Boy) in last year’s revival TV series.