![\"anpanman](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/dsc09790-650x433.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h2>\nThe story is simple: Anpanman goes around saving those in need, whom most of the times are hungry, by giving them a piece of his bready face. The theme \u2013 justice and friendship \u2013 may not seem unusual, but it actually traces back to the writer\u2019s own WWII experience, where he was faced with starvation and the question of countries in war versus the \u201creal\u201d justice. The writer\u2019s ideas of fighting evil and saving the starving were literally translated to hero Anpanman\u2019s standing up against what is wrong and his willingness to sacrifice himself so as to let others eat.<\/p>\n
![\"Resturaunt](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/dsc09773-650x433.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
Anpanman Attractions<\/h2>\n
But such a heavy underlying message is probably given less thought today when we look at these cute, colorful character faces. Anpanman is synonymous with a successful franchise locally and overseas, that represents an unlimited market for everything imaginable. The theme parks, which can only be considered as natural by-products of the franchise\u2019s popularity, have become one of the must-goes for young parents and tourists of the Millennial generation.<\/p>\n
![\"Beautiful](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/dsc09830-650x433.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Kobe’s Anpanman Museum<\/h2>\n
I passed by the Kobe Anpanman Children\u2019s Museum & Mall (\u795e\u6238\u30a2\u30f3\u30d1\u30f3\u30de\u30f3\u3053\u3069\u3082\u30df\u30e5\u30fc\u30b8\u30a2\u30e0\uff06\u30e2\u30fc\u30eb) numerous times, but had never stepped foot anywhere close until a visiting friend brought it up. Tired of deciding where to go for her first time in town, we agreed that Anpanman Museum might be a fun choice for the both of us. Plus there\u2019s the landmark Kobe tower to satisfy her \u201cbeen-here\u201d selfie needs. Perfect\u2026 but not quite so.<\/p>\n
It was a Saturday, rainy and cold. We arrived at the Anpanman museum after lunch, which was one of the busiest times of the week. Already wet and cold, we rushed to the entrance, only to see heads of big and small crowding, running and shouting. We decided the museum could wait this time, and to just give the free-entry Anpanman mall a quick tour before anyone stressed out.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"cute](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/dsc09766-650x433.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
Daily Anpanman Shows<\/h2>\n
It turned out to be the right decision. Because if you are just looking for photo spots, the mall below the museum has more than enough. Plus there are daily scheduled shows on the center stage that you can watch for free, if you don\u2019t mind the crowd that is.<\/p>\n
We happened to catch the 15:00 show, a story about Dokin-chan (\u30c9\u30ad\u30f3\u3061\u3083\u3093) preparing a cake. Kids, who were dancing, singing or plainly jumping or waving, seemed to be wholeheartedly amused by the dancing mascot and a couple dancers dressed in cute, exaggerated aprons. We reflected how great it would be if we, the adults, could only be pleased or entertained this readily.<\/p>\n
![\"Anpanman](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/dsc09777-650x433.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The Surprising Anpanman Franchise<\/h2>\n
We strolled around the mall after the show, and were astonished by how effortlessly everything could be Anpanman or friends. The restaurants, snacks and drinks were no surprises, and certainly not the children clothing or souvenir cookies \u2013 but a hair salon? My first instinct was, \u201cAnpanman is bald!\u201d We looked closer: Ok, so it was the Anpanman chairs that the kids got to sit in in order to have a haircut. Phew. But a 3000 yen haircut is\u2026 oh well, I guess if you can get kids who do not like getting haircuts to sit down quietly, then it might be worth it?<\/p>\n
![\"anpanman](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/dsc09783-433x650.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAnpanman Souvenirs<\/h2>\n
The biggest souvenir store was located a little outside of the mall. Beware not to overspend though \u2013 everything was too adorable. There is always someone who can use this or that, I know, I know. But just try to take a pause before you pay for that basketful of Anpanmans, promise?<\/p>\n
![\"basketful](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/dsc09794-650x433.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"cute](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/dsc09801-650x433.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Anpanman Themed Bakery<\/h2>\n
The bakery across from the big souvenir store was another highlight. Yes, you can get to bite Anpanman\u2019s (or any of his friends\u2019) head. The bread dough was probably premade, but the products were baked to order. What you need to do is to get the purchase cards of who you want to eat, line up (forever) to pay, wait for them to bake, then the freshly baked characters will be all yours. Too cute!<\/p>\n
![\"anpanman](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/dsc09812-650x433.jpg\")
<\/a>
\nWe spent longer than expected in the mall, but everyone left cheery and happy. All right, I guess I will make a trip back to the museum after all.<\/p>\nHence, I came back in a good mood on a sunny day, believing I could go crazy on the pictures. Why, the porch outside of the entrance seemed a bit empty? And what\u2019s that little piece of paper hanging?<\/p>\n
![\"anpanman](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/dsc09840-650x433.jpg\")
<\/a>\u201cClosed for maintenance.\u201d Ok, the museum can wait, again.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Kobe’s Anpanman Museum<\/h2>\n
I passed by the Kobe Anpanman Children\u2019s Museum & Mall (\u795e\u6238\u30a2\u30f3\u30d1\u30f3\u30de\u30f3\u3053\u3069\u3082\u30df\u30e5\u30fc\u30b8\u30a2\u30e0\uff06\u30e2\u30fc\u30eb) numerous times, but had never stepped foot anywhere close until a visiting friend brought it up. Tired of deciding where to go for her first time in town, we agreed that Anpanman Museum might be a fun choice for the both of us. Plus there\u2019s the landmark Kobe tower to satisfy her \u201cbeen-here\u201d selfie needs. Perfect\u2026 but not quite so.<\/p>\n
It was a Saturday, rainy and cold. We arrived at the Anpanman museum after lunch, which was one of the busiest times of the week. Already wet and cold, we rushed to the entrance, only to see heads of big and small crowding, running and shouting. We decided the museum could wait this time, and to just give the free-entry Anpanman mall a quick tour before anyone stressed out.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
Daily Anpanman Shows<\/h2>\n
It turned out to be the right decision. Because if you are just looking for photo spots, the mall below the museum has more than enough. Plus there are daily scheduled shows on the center stage that you can watch for free, if you don\u2019t mind the crowd that is.<\/p>\n
We happened to catch the 15:00 show, a story about Dokin-chan (\u30c9\u30ad\u30f3\u3061\u3083\u3093) preparing a cake. Kids, who were dancing, singing or plainly jumping or waving, seemed to be wholeheartedly amused by the dancing mascot and a couple dancers dressed in cute, exaggerated aprons. We reflected how great it would be if we, the adults, could only be pleased or entertained this readily.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The Surprising Anpanman Franchise<\/h2>\n
We strolled around the mall after the show, and were astonished by how effortlessly everything could be Anpanman or friends. The restaurants, snacks and drinks were no surprises, and certainly not the children clothing or souvenir cookies \u2013 but a hair salon? My first instinct was, \u201cAnpanman is bald!\u201d We looked closer: Ok, so it was the Anpanman chairs that the kids got to sit in in order to have a haircut. Phew. But a 3000 yen haircut is\u2026 oh well, I guess if you can get kids who do not like getting haircuts to sit down quietly, then it might be worth it?<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nAnpanman Souvenirs<\/h2>\n
The biggest souvenir store was located a little outside of the mall. Beware not to overspend though \u2013 everything was too adorable. There is always someone who can use this or that, I know, I know. But just try to take a pause before you pay for that basketful of Anpanmans, promise?<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Anpanman Themed Bakery<\/h2>\n
The bakery across from the big souvenir store was another highlight. Yes, you can get to bite Anpanman\u2019s (or any of his friends\u2019) head. The bread dough was probably premade, but the products were baked to order. What you need to do is to get the purchase cards of who you want to eat, line up (forever) to pay, wait for them to bake, then the freshly baked characters will be all yours. Too cute!<\/p>\n
<\/a>
\nWe spent longer than expected in the mall, but everyone left cheery and happy. All right, I guess I will make a trip back to the museum after all.<\/p>\nHence, I came back in a good mood on a sunny day, believing I could go crazy on the pictures. Why, the porch outside of the entrance seemed a bit empty? And what\u2019s that little piece of paper hanging?<\/p>\n
<\/a>\u201cClosed for maintenance.\u201d Ok, the museum can wait, again.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Surprising Anpanman Franchise<\/h2>\n
We strolled around the mall after the show, and were astonished by how effortlessly everything could be Anpanman or friends. The restaurants, snacks and drinks were no surprises, and certainly not the children clothing or souvenir cookies \u2013 but a hair salon? My first instinct was, \u201cAnpanman is bald!\u201d We looked closer: Ok, so it was the Anpanman chairs that the kids got to sit in in order to have a haircut. Phew. But a 3000 yen haircut is\u2026 oh well, I guess if you can get kids who do not like getting haircuts to sit down quietly, then it might be worth it?<\/p>\n
The biggest souvenir store was located a little outside of the mall. Beware not to overspend though \u2013 everything was too adorable. There is always someone who can use this or that, I know, I know. But just try to take a pause before you pay for that basketful of Anpanmans, promise?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The bakery across from the big souvenir store was another highlight. Yes, you can get to bite Anpanman\u2019s (or any of his friends\u2019) head. The bread dough was probably premade, but the products were baked to order. What you need to do is to get the purchase cards of who you want to eat, line up (forever) to pay, wait for them to bake, then the freshly baked characters will be all yours. Too cute!<\/p>\n Hence, I came back in a good mood on a sunny day, believing I could go crazy on the pictures. Why, the porch outside of the entrance seemed a bit empty? And what\u2019s that little piece of paper hanging?<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nAnpanman Souvenirs<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nAnpanman Themed Bakery<\/h2>\n
<\/a>
\nWe spent longer than expected in the mall, but everyone left cheery and happy. All right, I guess I will make a trip back to the museum after all.<\/p>\n<\/a>\u201cClosed for maintenance.\u201d Ok, the museum can wait, again.<\/p>\n
![\"anpanman](\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/dsc09771-650x433.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n