トキワ荘の時代のマンガ100選

“100 Selected Manga from the Era of Tokiwa-so” is a project dedicated to selecting and showcasing 100 manga titles that deserve to be read for generations to come. These titles were published during the time Tokiwa-so existed (1952–1982) and have been carefully chosen by a selection committee. The project aims to introduce these works to readers both in Japan and around the world.

Connecting “The Era of Tokiwa-so” and “Reiwa” Directly Through Manga

This concept highlights the unique nature of manga as a medium that:

• Excludes the interpreter’s personal nostalgia or biases,
• Retains the cultural essence and atmosphere of its time,
• Remains accessible to anyone in a tangible form today.

By leveraging this distinct quality, the goal is to convey “The Era of Tokiwa-so”—a period marking the dawn and growth of post-war story manga that laid the foundation for modern manga—through a curated selection of works.

The aim is to allow diverse generations, both in Japan and abroad, to tangibly experience the essence of manga from “The Era of Tokiwa-so”.

In particular, the focus is not only on works that have already gained established acclaim but also on highlighting “manga that existed alongside their era”. These are works that were consumed with the changing times and are now rarely discussed, aiming to shed light on their cultural significance and historical context.

This project is part of the 2024 Japan Expo 2.0 (commissioned) Manga Mecca Toshima Tokiwaso Dori Inbound Activation (organised by Rainbow Bird Inc. , Japan Arts Council, Agency for Cultural Affairs).

Message from SATONAKA Machiko, Chairperson of the Selection Committee

The sacred site of Japanese manga, Tokiwa-so, once existed in this world, nurturing a diverse array of creative expressions and sowing the seeds for the flourishing manga culture that continues to this day.

The countless works that can be called the “history of manga” are something I sincerely hope will be read and cherished forever. With that wish in mind, I began the process of selecting the best… However, choosing 100 works from the vast sea of masterpieces was an incredibly difficult task.

Out of respect for their roles, the works of the selection committee members were excluded. Yet, Akimoto’s ‘KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops’, Shoji’s ‘Dear Student!’, Miura’s ‘The ♡ PUMPKIN WINE’ , Sugaya’s ‘The Game-center Arashi’, and Shiga’s ‘Smash!’ are undeniably works that defined their era.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude for their contributions to the manga world and their cooperation in this endeavor!

What is Tokiwa-so?

In December 1952 (Showa 27), a two-story wooden apartment building was constructed in Toshima Ward’s Shiina-machi 5-chome (now Minami-Nagasaki 3-chome). It became home to some of the most iconic manga artists during their early careers.

Although Tokiwa-so was demolished in 1982 (Showa 57) due to aging, the Toshima City Tokiwa-so Manga Museum opened in 2020 to preserve and celebrate the manga culture associated with it. The museum features a recreated exterior of Tokiwa-so and replicas of the manga artists’ rooms. It also hosts various exhibitions and activities that manga and anime fans can enjoy.