[Urusei Yatsura] Nerima Ward, Tokyo

【Urusei Yatsura】 Nerima Ward, Tokyo

Takahashi Rumiko’s immortal masterpiece “Urusei Yatsura,” serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1978 to 1987, is a work that shines brilliantly in the history of Japanese manga and anime. Did you know that “Tomobiki Town,” the setting of this work, is actually modeled after Nerima Ward, Tokyo? This article provides a detailed explanation of the deep relationship between Urusei Yatsura and Nerima Ward, sacred pilgrimage spots, and the regional character embedded in the work.

The Setting of Urusei Yatsura is Nerima Ward, Tokyo

Nerima Ward Setting Revealed in the Original Work

Tomobiki Town, the setting of “Urusei Yatsura,” is clearly positioned in Nerima Ward, Tokyo in the original work. This fact was first revealed in the original manga’s fifth episode, “Desperate Situation.” In this episode, a news report about a Self-Defense Force aircraft disappearance incident caused by Lum’s interference with Ataru and Shinobu’s rendezvous phone calls reveals that Tomobiki Town is located in Nerima Ward.

Ataru Moroboshi’s Address and Nerima Ward

The address of the home of the protagonist, Ataru Moroboshi, is listed as “Koizumi Gakuen 4-chome, Nerima Ward, Tokyo.” In the mail addressed to the Moroboshi household in manga volume 7, “Koizumi Gakuen, Nerima Ward, Tokyo” is clearly written, showing that author Takahashi Rumiko intentionally set the stage in Nerima Ward.

The place name “Koizumi Gakuen” is believed to be modeled after the real “Oizumi Gakuen.” Oizumi Gakuen has a Seibu Ikebukuro Line station and is located in the northwestern part of Nerima Ward, known as a cultural and educational district.

Tomobiki Town is Fictional, but Nerima Ward is the Setting

Tomobiki Town: A Fictional Town

“Tomobiki Town,” which appears in the work, is a fictional place name. However, the setting that this town exists within Nerima Ward is consistent throughout the work. The daily lives of Ataru Moroboshi and Lum, who attend Tomobiki High School, as well as Shutaro Mendou, truly reflect the atmosphere of Nerima Ward in the 1980s.

The name “Tomobiki Town” itself comes from “Tomobiki,” one of the six days of the traditional Japanese calendar, and has become a name that symbolizes a world where strange and mysterious events occur one after another.

The Reason for Choosing Nerima Ward as the Setting

The reason Takahashi Rumiko chose Nerima Ward as the setting is not clearly stated, but Nerima Ward has relatively more residential areas among Tokyo’s 23 wards and has an accessible, common-people atmosphere. It is also a region where many animation studios are concentrated, showing high affinity with anime and manga culture.

From the 1970s through the 1980s, Nerima Ward developed as a residential area with good access to the city center while still retaining greenery. This “in-between” character of urban and suburban areas may have made it suitable as the setting for Urusei Yatsura.

Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Nerima Ward

Oizumi Gakuen Station Area | The Sacred Site of Urusei Yatsura

The greatest spot symbolizing the relationship between Nerima Ward and Urusei Yatsura is the area around Oizumi Gakuen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. This area has multiple sacred sites that fans must not miss.

Oizumi Anime Gate

On April 4, 2015, the “Oizumi Anime Gate” was opened on the pedestrian road directly connected to the north exit of Oizumi Gakuen Station. Bronze statues of manga works with ties to Nerima Ward are installed here, and “Urusei Yatsura” was selected from Takahashi Rumiko’s works.

A bronze statue of Lum wearing a tiger-striped bikini and smiling cutely is displayed and has become an established sacred pilgrimage spot for fans. The sight of fans taking commemorative photos in front of the statue never ceases, and many posts can be seen on social media.

Besides Urusei Yatsura, the Oizumi Anime Gate features character statues from other works with ties to Nerima Ward such as “Tomorrow’s Joe” and “Astro Boy,” making it a pilgrimage route for anime and manga fans.

Designed Manhole Covers

Nerima Ward has installed designed manhole covers as part of its efforts to promote the area’s appeal. Near Higashi-Oizumi 1-28-1 in Nerima Ward (near the entrance of Grand Emio Oizumi Gakuen at the north exit of Oizumi Gakuen Station), a designed manhole cover featuring “Lum (Urusei Yatsura)” has been installed.

This manhole cover depicts a cute illustration of Lum and has become a must-see photo spot for fans. As a practical piece of infrastructure while making use of the area’s cultural assets, it is a wonderful initiative.

Grand Emio Oizumi Gakuen

The area around “Grand Emio Oizumi Gakuen,” a shopping center directly connected to Oizumi Gakuen Station, is also an important spot for Urusei Yatsura fans. The well-organized cityscape around the station has become a place where one can appreciate the world view of the work while strolling.

Nerima Ward’s Deep Connection with Anime Culture

Nerima Ward: The Town of Anime

Nerima Ward is sometimes called “the birthplace of Japanese anime,” with many animation production companies such as Toei Animation gathered there. Since the opening of Toei Doga’s (now Toei Animation) Oizumi Studio in 1958, Nerima Ward has developed as one of the centers of the anime industry.

Against this background, Nerima Ward actively utilizes anime culture for regional revitalization, with Urusei Yatsura serving as one of its important pillars.

Other Works Set in Nerima Ward

Nerima Ward has been the setting for many manga and anime works besides Urusei Yatsura. The fact that representative works of Japan such as “Tomorrow’s Joe” and “Astro Boy” are connected to Nerima Ward speaks to how much this area has been loved by creators.

The Charm of Urusei Yatsura

Work Overview and Serialization History

“Urusei Yatsura” is the debut work and masterpiece of Takahashi Rumiko, serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1978 to 1987. It became a long-running series of 34 volumes, with cumulative sales exceeding tens of millions of copies, making it a blockbuster hit.

The story centers on Lum, a beautiful girl from the oni tribe who came to invade Earth, and Ataru Moroboshi, a high school playboy selected as Earth’s representative. With its innovative SF comedy genre, the work captivated many fans with its exquisitely blended slapstick comedy and romantic elements.

Characters and Setting

The protagonist, Ataru Moroboshi, attends Tomobiki High School in Tokyo and is the rare owner of an exceptionally bad fortune. His hobby is girl-chasing, and Lum calls him “Darling.” Possessing the vitality of a phoenix, he receives electric shocks from Lum when suspected of cheating but is undaunted by his tough personality.

Lum is a beautiful girl from the oni tribe from space, with a tiger-striped bikini as her trademark. She calls Ataru “Darling” and loves him devotedly but is troubled by his cheating habits. She has the ability to manipulate electricity and can also fly through the sky.

The History of Anime Adaptation

Urusei Yatsura was adapted into a television anime in 1981 and broadcast until 1986. It became a long-running series of 218 episodes total, producing a 1981 anime series, 6 theatrical films, and 12 OVAs. It achieved great commercial success with merchandise sales exceeding 10 billion yen.

In particular, Mamoru Oshii’s work as chief director is notable, especially in the production of the theatrical film “Beautiful Dreamer,” which was an important event in anime history.

In 2022, a completely new remake version was produced, gaining new generation fans. With an impressive cast including Hiroshi Kamiya (Ataru Moroboshi) and Sumire Uesaka (Lum), it has brought the charm of the original to life in the modern era.

The 2022 Remake Version’s Setting

Nerima Ward Remains in the Remake Version

In the remake version of “Urusei Yatsura” that began airing in 2022, the basic setting is faithful to the original work. The setting that Tomobiki Town is located in Nerima Ward has not changed, which is a welcome consideration for original fans.

In the remake version, with the advancement of video technology, streets and backgrounds are depicted in greater detail, making it a work where the atmosphere of Nerima Ward can be felt even more.

A Sacred Site Where Old and New Fans Gather

With the start of broadcasting the remake version, both old and new fans visit the area around Oizumi Gakuen Station. Scenes of interaction can be seen between those who enjoyed the work in real-time in the 1980s and younger generations discovering the work for the first time through the 2022 version, meeting at the same sacred site.

Nerima Ward’s Initiatives and Regional Revitalization

Nerima Ward’s Official Anime Promotion Measures

Nerima Ward actively works on regional revitalization using anime culture. It has formulated the “Nerima Ward Anime Promotion Plan” and promotes cultural revitalization, tourism revitalization, and industrial revitalization through anime.

Urusei Yatsura is positioned as one of the core works in this effort, and the installation of bronze statues and designed manhole covers represents concrete outcomes.

Events and Collaborations

Nerima Ward regularly holds anime-related events. At large-scale events such as the “Nerima Anime Carnival,” works with ties to Nerima Ward, including Urusei Yatsura, are showcased and serve as venues for fan interaction.

Additionally, collaboration projects with local shopping streets are being implemented, including stamp rallies and limited merchandise sales, offering fun activities for fans.

How to Enjoy Sacred Pilgrimage

Access Methods

Oizumi Gakuen Station is accessible via the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. From Ikebukuro Station, it takes about 15 minutes by limited express and about 20 minutes by local train, offering convenient access to the city center. The surrounding area is well-developed, and major sacred sites can be visited on foot. Lum’s bronze statue and the designed manhole are within walking distance, and half a day is sufficient to enjoy them.

Recommended Pilgrimage Route

1. Arrive at the north exit of Oizumi Gakuen Station
2. View and photograph Lum’s bronze statue at the Oizumi Anime Gate
3. Explore the designed manhole near the Grand Emio Oizumi Gakuen entrance
4. Stroll through the shopping streets around the station
5. Visit other anime spots in Nerima Ward (if time permits)

This route allows for an efficient tour of Urusei Yatsura’s sacred sites.

Photography Tips

Lum’s bronze statue is beautifully lit by natural light from late morning to early afternoon on sunny days. The designed manhole looks best when photographed after rain when the road surface is wet, as the reflection creates a beautiful photo.

When posting to social media, using hashtags such as “#UruseiYatsura,” “#NerimaWard,” “#OizumiGakuen,” and “#SacredPilgrimage” allows you to connect with fellow fans with similar interests.

Experiencing the World of Urusei Yatsura in Nerima Ward

The Atmosphere of 1980s Tokyo Suburbs

Walking around the Oizumi Gakuen Station area allows you to feel the atmosphere where urban convenience and residential tranquility coexist. This is precisely the image of 1980s Tokyo suburbs as depicted in Urusei Yatsura.

The daily scenes that appear in the work—shopping streets, residential areas, schools—continue to live in real Nerima Ward. By imagining Ataru and Lum walking through the streets while on a sacred pilgrimage, your understanding of the work will deepen.

The Relationship Between Residents and the Work

For Nerima Ward residents, Urusei Yatsura is a source of local pride. Local people cherish the bronze statues and designed manhole covers and warmly welcome visiting fans.

Local bookstores and libraries sometimes feature special corners for Urusei Yatsura, allowing you to sense the deep connection between the work and the region.

The Cultural Legacy Urusei Yatsura Left in Nerima Ward

Contribution to Japanese Anime and Manga Culture

Urusei Yatsura goes beyond being mere entertainment and has had a profound impact on Japanese anime and manga culture. The character Lum is said to be the origin of “moe” culture and has influenced many subsequent works.

By being set in Nerima Ward, this area has established itself as a sacred site for anime and manga, and remains a place visited by many creators and fans today.

A Work Loved Across Generations

More than 40 years have passed since the serialization began in 1978, and Urusei Yatsura continues to be loved across generations. The creation of a remake version in 2022 is proof of the work’s universal appeal.

By being set in the real region of Nerima Ward, fans can feel the world of the work more intimately, and a new way of enjoying it—sacred pilgrimage—has been born.

Conclusion | Experiencing the World of Urusei Yatsura in Nerima Ward

The relationship between “Urusei Yatsura” and Nerima Ward, Tokyo, extends beyond simple setting into a deep connection. By being clearly set in Nerima Ward in the original work and depicting areas modeled after Oizumi Gakuen, Nerima Ward has become a special place for fans.

The area around Oizumi Gakuen Station is equipped with must-see spots for fans, including Lum’s bronze statue and designed manhole covers, and has become an established sacred pilgrimage destination. Nerima Ward itself actively works on regional revitalization utilizing anime culture, with Urusei Yatsura positioned as a central work in these efforts.

With the broadcast of the 2022 remake version, a new generation of fans has grown, further enhancing Nerima Ward’s appeal as a sacred site. With convenient access from the city center and the ability to visit major spots in half a day, it is easy to visit.

For Urusei Yatsura fans, Nerima Ward is a sacred site you must visit at least once. Why not walk the stage of the slapstick comedy Lum and Ataru performed, experiencing the world view of the work and feeling the atmosphere of Tomobiki Town as depicted by Takahashi Rumiko? Walking through the setting yourself will deepen your affection for the work even more.