The cultural complex set to open in spring 2026 at Takanawa Gateway City, directly connected to Takanawa Gateway Station, has revealed its name: “MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives.”
Part of the larger “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY” development, this six-story above-ground building with three underground levels will blend art, science, technology, entertainment, Japan’s seasons, and traditional culture. It will offer a diverse range of experiences, including exhibitions, live performances, traditional Japanese activities, and experimental projects. Every six months, the facility will introduce a new “Seasonal Theme,” around which a variety of activities will unfold.
The venue will feature three flexible spaces called “BOX.” “BOX1500” on the 5th floor will be a 1,500-square-meter exhibition hall, hosting large-scale exhibitions aligned with the seasonal theme. “BOX1000” on the 3rd underground floor will be a theater/live hall equipped with full-stage LED screens, offering 1,200 seats and space for up to 2,000 standing guests. “BOX300” on the 2nd floor will be a 300-square-meter experimental space with retractable walls, ideal for DJ events, public viewings, and more in the evenings.
Additionally, on the 4th floor, a spacious tatami area called “TATAMI,” measuring approximately 100 tatami mats, will host programs that blend traditional Japanese culture with technology. The rooftop garden, the “Tsukimi Terrace” on the 6th floor, and the foot bath will also offer seasonal events such as cherry blossom viewing and moon viewing, in celebration of Japan’s changing seasons.
The exterior design architect is Kengo Kuma & Associates, and each floor is connected by a gentle slope that allows visitors to walk to the rooftop garden.
At the press conference on October 30 (Wednesday), which marked 150 days until the opening of “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY,” Mahoro Uchida, head of the MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives opening preparation office at the East Japan Railway Culture Foundation, spoke about the program’s direction. She shared, “Every six months, we will introduce a new theme and offer a variety of programs that provide cross-disciplinary cultural experiences. Along with spaces for presenting content, we’ll also create public areas where visitors can relax and discover their own enjoyment. By digitally recording live performances and exhibitions, we’ll collect and preserve data, contributing to the development of collections. We aim to use the railway network and international partnerships to foster regional and global exchange, while preserving traditional culture and creating new value.”
MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives
(1) “MoN”: A “Gate” to New Encounters, Connecting Different Fields
The acronym “MoN” for The Museum of Narratives evokes the Japanese word “門” (gate), which aligns with the station name “Takanawa Gateway.” It symbolizes a “gate” that connects various fields such as tradition and technology, art and science, urban life and nature, as well as performances and exhibitions. For visitors, it represents a gateway to new experiences, unfamiliar worlds, and the opportunity to meet a new version of themselves.
(2) “Museum”: Collecting Narratives for the Future and Connecting Knowledge
The term “Museum” reflects the intention to digitally record objects and events, creating a bridge to the future by “connecting knowledge.” The museum will confront the questions raised by future generations and the emerging challenges of the time, continually experimenting with new types of performances through digital expression and recording, while presenting a variety of narratives aimed at the future.
(3) “Narratives”: Connecting Tradition and the Future, Carrying New “Stories” into the Next Century
The term “Narratives” embodies the mission of sharing the stories created at this space with people worldwide, connecting them to the future. By linking the traditions that have been nurtured with the future, the museum will weave stories with diverse creators and visitors from both Japan and abroad, aiming to pass these narratives on to the next 100 years.
Thoughts Behind the Name and Program Direction of “MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives”
MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives is driven by the mission to “connect culture to the future for the next 100 years.” The key concepts—”MoN: Crossing Boundaries,” “Museum: Connecting Knowledge,” and “Narratives: Creating Stories”—reflect the overarching vision of “crossing all boundaries, connecting tradition and the future, and continuously creating stories.”
(Press release by the East Japan Railway Culture Foundation)
