Tracing the Social and Cultural Transformation of Japan from Edo to the Present Day through “Advertising”
The Ad Museum Tokyo is Japan’s only museum specializing in the history of Japanese advertising, spanning from the Edo Period (1600s) to the present day. This facility offers a highly unique cultural experience: it doesn’t just display old posters and TV commercials, but provides a comprehensive overview of how Japanese society, the economy, and people’s values have changed, all viewed through the lens of advertising.
📖 Permanent Exhibition: The Flow of History Told by “Nippon Advertising History”
The museum showcases selections from its immense collection of approximately 330,000 documents and artifacts. The permanent exhibition, “Nippon Advertising History,” details the development of Japanese advertising across different eras:
- Edo Period: Explore the creativity and humor of Japan’s earliest advertising media, such as Ukiyo-e prints and Hikifuda (handbill/leaflet advertisements).
- Meiji, Taishō, and Early Shōwa Periods: Features advertising from an era when media began to diversify under Western influence.
- Post-War to Heisei Eras: Experience Japan’s social fervor and rapid change through masterpieces of TV commercials and newspaper ads from the high-growth economic period.
Large touch-screen monitors allow visitors to view detailed records of specific advertisements, and dedicated viewing booths featuring carefully selected classic commercials are also popular. These exhibits reveal how Japanese culture, fashion, and technological advancements have been reflected in advertising over time.
📚 Library Function: Freely Access and View Valuable Resources
Beyond its exhibition function, the Ad Museum Tokyo also serves as a comprehensive library.
It houses approximately 30,000 related books and collections, plus a data library containing over 200,000 records of newspaper ads and TV commercials. Visitors are free to access and view/watch these valuable materials in the museum’s library and reading spaces. This resource serves as an invaluable source of inspiration for those interested in business, design, and creativity.
✨ Benefits of Visiting and Experiential Opportunities
- Free Admission: Entrance is free of charge, allowing anyone to easily engage with the history and culture of Japanese advertising.
- English Support: Guided tours for groups require advance booking via the website, but the museum offers English-supported guide courses by staff, enabling international visitors to delve deeper into the content (reservation required).
- Special Exhibitions: In addition to the permanent collection, unique special exhibitions are held regularly, ensuring there is always something new to discover.
📌 Facility Information and Access
The Ad Museum Tokyo is located in the Shinbashi/Shiodome business area, offering excellent access.
・Concept：Japan’s Only Museum Specializing in Advertising
・Address：Caretta Shiodome, 1-8-2 Higashishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo
・Hours：12:00 PM – 18:00 PM
・Admission：Fee Free
・Closed：Sundays and Mondays * May include temporary closures
Language Support：Japanese / English (Guided tours require reservation)
Access：16 min walk from JR Shinbashi Station
Access：22 min walk from Shiodome Station (Toei Ōedo Line)
Other：Credit cards accepted
Official Website：https://www.admt.jp/
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/admt.jp/
*Before visiting, please be sure to check the official website’s opening calendar, as there may be temporary closures in addition to the regular Sunday and Monday holidays.