Kizakura Memorial Hall and Kappa Gallery

Kizakura sake has been synonymous with kappa, the mischievous water sprites of Japanese folklore, since illustrator Shimizu Kon first drew them as a wholesome sake-loving family in the 1950s. The gallery traces that partnership through decades of television commercials, from charming black-and-white cartoons to 1970s and 80s dramas starring real actors, all set to nostalgic enka music. When Shimizu died, illustrator Kojima Ko took over with a more sensuous style, and both bodies of work are on display. A separate room broadens the scope, covering kappa legends, sightings, and festivals from across Japan.