Photo/Illutration Fujiko Fujio A, second from left, and museum director Susumu Nakanishi, far left, pose for photo shoots in a recreation of the bar “Ma no Su” (devil’s nest) from his manga “The Laughing Salesman” on display at the Koshi no Kuni Museum of Literature in Toyama on Oct. 5. (Tomoki Tajima)

TOYAMA--A museum of literature here is hosting a special exhibition featuring original drawings by manga artist Fujiko Fujio A, introducing visitors to his "Weird and Amazing" world.

The 85-year-old is known for “Ninja Hattori,” “The Laughing Salesman” and many other popular works.

Fujiko attended the opening ceremony at the Koshi no Kuni Museum of Literature in the city’s Funahashi-Minamicho district as well as a media preview held on Oct. 5.

"I'm very happy that the Koshi no Kuni Museum of Literature is hosting my exhibition,” said the artist, a native of the nearby city of Himi.

On display at the venue are original drawings from his autobiographical manga “Manga Michi” (The way of manga) and other rare materials. Visitors are allowed to take pictures of the exhibits.

The exhibition also includes a re-created room measuring four-and-a-half “tatami” mats at the Tokiwa-so apartment building in Tokyo where he once lived, among other installations. The now-defunct building was home to a community of manga artists who went on to become founding fathers of Japan’s modern cartoon culture.

There is also a life-size statue of Fujiko, decked out in a black hat and suit and striking a signature pose of the protagonist of one of his works.

"It wouldn't be as interesting just to display handwritten manuscripts," the cartoonist said. "I was surprised to see how the exhibits were displayed."

During the news conference after the media preview, he talked about his thoughts for the show, which has also been held in Tokyo and Fukuoka, and looked back on his life as a manga artist.

"I thought only old men would come (to the exhibition), but there were so many young women. I was so glad," Fujiko said with a smile.

"I had just followed my partner's lead. I was very lucky," he said modestly about his accomplishments, referring to the late Fujiko F. Fujio, his longtime collaborator in the manga writing duo Fujiko Fujio, best known for "Doraemon."

He also explained why he had been able to meet his deadlines, saying, "I think I may have had the diligence of Toyama natives."

“Fujiko Fujio A The Exhibition - A’s Weird and Amazing Collection -” runs until Dec. 22.

Open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 500 yen ($4.60) for adults, 250 yen for college students and free for high school students or younger.

For more information, visit the special website at (https://fujiko-a-ten.jp/top.html).