Invigoration of Fan Communities

Since 2007, Bandai has been operating the Omochanomachi Bandai Museum in Mibu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, consisting of four unique themed museums: Japan, World, Edison, and Hobby (Gundam), which can be enjoyed by patrons of all ages.

In addition, as part of the effort to provide educational and experience-based value to children who will lead the future, the Thomas Edison Special Exhibition was opened at the Bandai headquarters in March 2023. Phonographs, incandescent light bulbs, toasters, and other inventions that still work today from the collection of the Edison Museum, which is operated by the Bandai Collection Foundation in Mibu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, are being exhibited in a booth inspired by a part of Edison’s birthplace in the state of Ohio, in the United States, along with information about Edison’s life and his quotes.

Through exhibits that help children interact, learn, and recreate to be the future leaders of society, we aim to contribute to the sound development of children’s minds and bodies and diverse thinking.

In April 2024, Akihiro Sato, representative and CEO of MegaHouse Corporation, has been awarded the Knight’s Cross, an Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary. This award is given to individuals who have contributed to Hungary, regardless of their nationality. MegaHouse has been recognized for its long-standing efforts in marketing and distributing the Rubik’s Cube, invented by Hungary’s Ernő Rubik, in Japan, enhancing its recognition and promoting Hungarian innovation among a broad audience. This achievement led to the awarding of the honor.

The Rubik’s Cube is a three-dimensional puzzle developed by Ernő Rubik in 1974. Originally crafted from wood to help explain three-dimensional geometry to students, it was commercialized in Hungary in 1977 under the name Magic Cube. In 1980, it was renamed Rubik’s Cube and launched globally. The Rubik’s Cube was released in Japan on July 25, 1980, by Tsukuda Original, and is currently marketed by MegaHouse.

ChoieL, an anime song choir project carried out by Bandai Namco Music Live, was launched in June 2022, with the aim of bringing together the beloved tradition of choir and the world of anime songs, a proud IP of Japanese culture. The project seeks to deliver to the world the experience of beautifully produced anime songs, together with fans of all ages, from children to adults. Taking place in two parts, a total of 65 choir groups comprising nearly 380 people participated in the contest. Among the participants were many fans from elementary school choirs and adult choirs, among other groups.

Official website of ChoieL (in Japanese only)

Bandai Namco Holdings China has been working to protect China’s intangible cultural heritage since 2018.

In November 2022, through a joint effort with the Shanghai Library and Suzhou Library, we held a hands-on event on the restoration of old books, which is part of China’s intangible cultural heritage. By adding environmental protection elements and designs using our IP (PAC-MAN), we have decided to teach traditional techniques while providing a fun experience for children who will lead the future. More than 250 children participated in this event. For this activity, Bandai Namco Holdings China took home the Gold Stevie® Award in the category of Innovation in Public Enterprise Events at the 2022 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards^*1, the Silver Stevie® Award at the 2022 International Business Awards®, and the Gold Award at the 2022 Golden World Awards^*2.

*1Business awards established in 2002 to honor and increase recognition of the achievements of companies, organizations, and working professionals around the world that are actively contributing to society.

*2International awards organized by the International Public Relations Association that recognize excellent PR activities that satisfy international standards.