The Uji Kokura factory, originally built in 1969 in Uji City, Kyoto, has been transformed into the Nintendo Museum, set to open on October 2, 2024.
The museum will showcase products from Nintendo’s history, starting from its origins as a playing card company in 1889. It will feature historical exhibits and interactive sections named “Learn,” “Experience,” and “Create and Play,” allowing visitors to explore how Nintendo’s iconic products might look if recreated with modern technology.
One standout exhibit is a giant version of a card game based on Hyakunin Isshu, where players listen to a poem verse and search for the corresponding card. Visitors can play on historic Nintendo consoles and try mini-games inspired by the company’s 1960s toys, such as the Ultra Machine pitching machine and the Ultra Hand. Another game is based on the Love Tester, which measures romantic compatibility.
Visitors receive 10 “coins” upon entry, needed to interact with exhibits and mini-games. However, since not all exhibits can be experienced with just 10 coins, visitors must carefully choose which activities to participate in.
In the “Create and Play” section, visitors can make their own Hanafuda playing cards, the original product Nintendo released in 1889. The “Let’s Make Hanafuda Cards” exhibit allows crafting cards using a kit, while “Let’s Play Hanafuda Cards” uses image recognition and projection to teach newcomers the rules.
The museum features a café called Hatena Burger, serving classic burgers and special drinks. The gift shop named Bonus Stage will offer official Nintendo merchandise, including exclusive items only available at the museum.
The museum seeks to preserve the essence of play by changing the scale and method of interaction while incorporating modern technology. Whether these reimagined experiences will be as enjoyable as the originals is something only those familiar with the past can judge.
