In May 2025, a unique concept room opened in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, offering guests an immersive experience in the enchanting world of shojo manga pioneer Eiko Hanamura. Located within the charming inn Hatago COEDOYA, the room is adorned with custom-designed elements—from floral curtains and bedcovers to matching cushions—all inspired by Hanamura’s signature aesthetic. A mural of “Koedo Kawagoe Honoka-chan,” a beloved local mascot selected by public vote, adds warmth and regional character.
Behind the Concept Room: Origins and Vision
This project began with the 2024 Kawagoe City Collaborative Program: “Eiko Hanamura’s Favorite Girl General Election.” Citizens and visitors voted for the character that best embodied Kawagoe’s charm, resulting in the selection of Honoka-chan and the creation of this remarkable room.
Kawai of Atelier Eiko, who led the planning, explains:
“Honoka-chan is a licensed character available for use—with permission—by local businesses and organizations. You’ll see her on city hall staff business cards and shop signs throughout Kawagoe. With this concept room, we wanted to create an elegant and joyful space surrounded by Eiko’s artistic world.”
Every detail in the room was custom-made. Acrylic frames showcasing Hanamura’s iconic illustrations from the 1960s and ’70s line the walls. Guests can also read her masterpiece A Girl in the Fog (Kiri no Naka no Shoujo) in both Japanese and French editions.
Kawai adds:
“After our 2021 retrospective at the Kawagoe City Art Museum, which allowed visitors to view original artworks, read manga, and buy exclusive merchandise, we asked ourselves—what more could we offer? That’s when the idea of creating a space where guests could actually ‘stay’ inside her world took shape. Thanks to the warm support of Hatago COEDOYA, we made it happen. We hope it inspires more people to visit Kawagoe!”
Reflections from Hiroko Hanamura on Her Mother’s Hometown
Hiroko Hanamura, Eiko’s daughter and guardian of her legacy, shares:
“For my mother, Kawagoe was filled with deep nostalgia. This room brings together the elegance and warmth of her world in a way that fans and new audiences alike can appreciate.”
Born into a traditional household in Renjakucho, Eiko spent her childhood reading in the family library. She later reflected that while Kawagoe once felt dark and enclosed during wartime, she came to embrace its historical beauty. Temples like Renkeiji and Kumano Shrine were her childhood playgrounds, and in 2019, she dedicated a piece of artwork to Hikawa Shrine.
Works such as The Woman in the Shadow of Flowers (Hanakage no Onna) portray Kawagoe’s traditional culture and seasonal rituals.
The Artistic Legacy of Eiko Hanamura
Eiko Hanamura debuted in the late 1950s and quickly became a transformative force in shojo manga. She introduced lyrical storytelling, poetic visuals, and emotional depth to a genre previously dominated by simplistic narratives.
Her breakout title, A Girl in the Fog, serialized in Weekly Margaret in 1966, was loosely inspired by Yasuko Harada’s novel Elegy. Initially rejected due to its romantic themes—considered inappropriate for children’s magazines—it found a home with the support of a young editor and became a major success. A live-action drama adaptation followed in 1975. Hanamura also regarded her manga version of The Tale of Genji as one of her life’s works. This three-volume epic reimagines the Heian-era classic with authenticity and visual elegance. As her audience matured, so did her style—evolving from cute shojo illustrations to graceful, emotionally rich portrayals. Her shift from girls’ comics to women’s comics mirrored her readers’ own life journeys.
Global Recognition and Future Plans
Hanamura’s work has continued to receive acclaim worldwide. Her Genji Monogatari is currently on display at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo’s manga exhibition, and in 2024 she held a solo exhibition in Paris. The French edition of A Girl in the Fog has introduced her work to a new international audience.
She also made history as the first manga artist to be inducted as a full member of France’s National Society of Fine Arts.
“At the Paris Salon, I was nervous at first—worried my manga wouldn’t fit in—but the response was incredible. Women smiled with joy, and dignified gentlemen shook my hand, saying ‘C’est bon!’ It was a magical experience,” she once recalled.
As the 100th anniversary of Hanamura’s birth approaches in 2029, plans are underway for new exhibitions, art books, and the establishment of a dedicated Eiko Hanamura Museum. Kawai notes:
“Though many of her works are sadly out of print, we hope new readers will discover The Tale of Genji and Ochikubo Monogatari. There’s a refined beauty to her world that deserves to be rediscovered.”
Spend the Night in the World of Eiko Hanamura
Nestled in the nostalgic streets of Kawagoe, Hatago COEDOYA offers guests the chance to step into Hanamura’s artistic realm. The themed room is adorned with floral curtains, wallpaper, cushions, and acrylic artwork drawn from her beloved illustrations.
A coloring kit with premium Faber-Castell pencils is also provided. Every guest receives a special souvenir set to take home.
Guest-Only Souvenir Set (6 items):
・Koedo Kawagoe Honoka-chan Mug Cup
・Eiko Hanamura Coloring Book (includes dress-up pages)
・Haruko Box
・Natsuko Box
・Original Tenugui Towel (random design from 3 types)
・Original Paper Gift Bag
Lodging Information
Facility: Hatago COEDOYA https://hatago-coedoya.com/
Address: 8-1 Renjakucho, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
Access: 5-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
Room Type: Semi-double (for 1–2 guests)
Rates: From 15,000 yen (incl. tax) on weekdays Weekend surcharge: +20% / Elementary school children: -30% / 20% discount for 2 guests sharing a room
Reservations: Official site or Direct booking link
Let the Art of Eiko Hanamura Inspire Your Stay
Immerse yourself in the refined, heartfelt universe of shojo manga’s legendary pioneer.
Discover how Kawagoe’s historic charm shaped the imagination of a manga icon—and experience a night you’ll never forget.
More Eiko Hanamura content: @eiko_hanamura60
Official goods: eiko-hanamura.com
