I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Kadokawa Musashino Museum. I was there with Chairman Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, Mr. Ryosei Kawakami, Museum Director Seigo Matsuoka, Kengo Kuma, Hiroshi Aramata, Seijun Nishihata, and Agency for Cultural Affairs Commissioner Miyata, among others.

Standing in front of the museum, I can only describe my impression as breathtaking.Nature and architecture blend seamlessly together. Even though it’s new, it exudes a sense of history. I was overcome by a strange sensation—as if my spine were straightening in the presence of something sacred. I’ve never seen a museum like this before. When I told Mr. Kuma, “This doesn’t feel like a typical Kuma building!” he replied, “Right? I’ve finally made it here.”

You’ll be amazed by the exterior, and once inside, you’ll be overwhelmed all over again. The bookshelves, which invite you on a quest for knowledge, visually demonstrate just how exhilarating that quest can be. A space unfolds that is at once an art museum, a history museum, and a library—a place where the real and the virtual are interwoven.Mr. Matsuoka and Mr. Aramata reportedly agreed on two key points: “We must cover everything from life to the universe—that is, from bacteria to black holes,” and “Manga, light novels, impersonations, and knockoffs—we must include even the cultural elements that have never before appeared in a museum.”I’ve heard Mr. Kadokawa speak about this concept many times—whether in person, while reviewing proposals, or examining scale models. Each time, I was struck by the playful, mischievous expression on his face. Standing before this museum, I was finally able to truly understand the meaning behind that smile.

Congratulations on the launch of Kadokawa World! I hope it will become a place that captivates people around the world and that Japan’s wonderful culture will be shared with the world from here in Tokorozawa.