The Tokyo Smart Culture Project, promoted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, is advancing the utilization of collections at Tokyo metropolitan cultural facilities through database expansion, digitally-enhanced programming, and new viewing experiences using cutting-edge technology.
Tokyo Museum Collection: Cross-Museum Search Database for Six Metropolitan Institutions
The Tokyo Museum Collection (ToMuCo) is a cross-searchable database covering items held by six Tokyo metropolitan museums: the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Starting in April 2026, some of the approximately 370,000 publicly listed collection items will be available for free image download. The service is intended for use in research, education, media, and public relations activities.
https://museumcollection.tokyo/
Among the items that will be searchable and downloadable is the painting "Sanuki-in Kenzoku wo shite Tametomo wo sukufu zu" by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, held by the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum: "Kansho Navi" Viewing Support Web App Expands to Five Languages
The "Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Kansho Navi" is a free content app that provides audio and text commentary on 30 restored historic buildings and 29 outdoor exhibits preserved at the museum. The app has been expanded to five languages — Japanese, English, Korean, and both traditional and simplified Chinese — as of this spring.
"Let's Look at the Takahashi Korekiyo Residence 3D Model" Event
At the upcoming "Tatemono-en Festival," visitors will be able to interact with a newly created 3D model of the Takahashi Korekiyo Residence — allowing them to explore the structure from angles not normally accessible, including bird's-eye views only possible in 3D.
Dates: March 27 (Fri) and 28 (Sat), 2026, 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
(March 28 is the museum's anniversary day — admission is free)
Venue: Multi-Purpose Hall, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Visitor Center
(The Multi-Purpose Hall is also free to enter on March 27)
Tokyo Edo-Tokyo Museum: "Hyper Edo-Haku" Smartphone App Reaches Approximately 350,000 Downloads
The "Hyper Edo-Haku" series is a smartphone app launched in 2022 by the Edo-Tokyo Museum during its major renovation closure. Each installment lets users explore 100 museum collection items while learning about the history, culture, and daily life of Edo-Tokyo.
Four volumes have been released so far:
Taisho Roman Asakusa Edition – Lost Memories and the Mysteries of Asakusa
Nihonbashi Hansho-ki: Edo Money Edition – Living in Fundoshi
Meiji Ginza Edition – A Time Journey to the Beginning of Tokyo
Edo Ryogoku Edition – Search, Discover, Collect Edo
