Akiyama Takashi Poster Museum Nagaoka: A Taisho-Era Bank Reborn as an Art Destination
Nestled along the historic Mikuni Kaido highway in the Miyauchi district of Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, the Akiyama Takashi Poster Museum Nagaoka (APM) occupies one of the most distinctive buildings in the region. Originally constructed in 1925 as the Miyauchi Branch of the Nagaoka Commercial Bank, this reinforced concrete structure has survived wartime air raids and devastating earthquakes to become a nationally registered tangible cultural property and a one-of-a-kind poster art museum.
In a world where poster-dedicated museums are exceedingly rare, APM stands out as a remarkable institution that brings together architectural heritage and contemporary graphic design. The museum showcases the works of Takashi Akiyama, an internationally acclaimed graphic designer born in Nagaoka, whose powerful visual messages have earned recognition at biennales and competitions across the globe.
History of the Building
The building was erected in 1925 (Taisho 14) as the Miyauchi Branch of the Nagaoka Commercial Bank. Constructed with reinforced concrete in a single-story gabled design with a tiled roof, it represented the modern architectural aspirations of the late Taisho period. The exterior features a washed-finish facade on the front elevation, tile cladding on the side walls, and polished artificial stone window frames, reflecting the dignified aesthetic expected of banking architecture during that era.
In 1952, the building was relocated through a traditional Japanese technique known as hikiya (building relocation), during which the gangi (covered arcade typical of snow-country architecture) was reconstructed in reinforced concrete. The building subsequently served as a branch of Hokuetsu Bank and other financial institutions before being repurposed as a museum.
Despite the catastrophic firebombing of Nagaoka during World War II, which destroyed much of the city center, this building miraculously survived the inferno and even helped halt the spread of fire through the neighborhood. It also withstood the powerful Chuetsu Earthquake of 2004, further proving the resilience of its construction. Recognized as a historic landmark by Nagaoka City, the building underwent careful renovation and reopened as the Akiyama Takashi Poster Museum on July 12, 2009.
Why It Was Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property
On August 1, 2016, the building was officially registered as a national registered tangible cultural property (building) by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The designation recognizes the structure as an exceptionally well-preserved example of late Taisho-era banking architecture in a regional setting.
Key factors in the registration include the building's reinforced concrete construction with a gabled, tile-roofed design, its washed-finish and tile-clad exterior walls, and its polished artificial stone window frames. Although the gangi arcade was rebuilt in reinforced concrete during the hikiya relocation in 1952, the overall appearance faithfully preserves the character of a 1920s-era bank building. It serves as a symbol of the local community and contributes significantly to the historic streetscape of the former Mikuni Kaido highway.
Takashi Akiyama: The Artist Behind the Museum
Takashi Akiyama (1952–2023) was born in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. After graduating from Tama Art University and completing his master's degree at the Tokyo University of the Arts, he embarked on a prolific career as a graphic designer and illustrator with a strong social conscience.
In 1986, his wildlife conservation poster "WILD LIFE–HELP" won the Gold Prize at the Warsaw International Poster Biennale, launching him onto the international stage. In 1998, he received the United Nations Award for a poster opposing India's nuclear testing. Between 2007 and 2013, he earned 19 Gold Awards at the Graphis Poster Annual in the United States. He was invited as a juror for international poster competitions in Helsinki, Mexico City, Italy, Ukraine, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Chicago, and Warsaw.
Akiyama's works address pressing social issues such as environmental protection, public health, and disaster awareness through humor-infused, visually striking compositions that make complex messages accessible to a global audience. His belief that posters could carry powerful social messages and serve as a medium for dialogue drove his creative output throughout his career.
Highlights and What to See
Taisho-Era Architecture
The museum's green-painted entrance doors open into a spacious interior that retains the grandeur of its banking origins. The contrast between the dignified reinforced concrete exterior and the vibrant poster art displayed within creates a unique sensory experience that bridges a century of aesthetic evolution.
Poster Art Collection
The museum houses an extensive collection of Akiyama's poster works, including pieces addressing environmental conservation, social justice, and celebrations of Niigata's natural beauty. The "Echigo Hyakkei Jussen" (Ten Selected Views of One Hundred Scenes of Echigo) series depicts iconic local landscapes such as the Nagaoka Fireworks and the Yamakoshi Bull Sumo through contemporary poster design. Visitors can also browse art books and collections freely during their visit.
APM Cafe
Located at the rear of the exhibition space, APM Cafe offers hand-dripped coffee, original cream sodas in the museum's signature green color, ice cream, and other beverages. Guests are welcome to enjoy their drinks while viewing the art, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages conversation and contemplation.
Special Exhibitions and Events
The museum hosts rotating exhibitions approximately three times per year and organizes lecture series titled "Museum University" about five times annually. These programs explore themes in graphic design, illustration, and visual communication, making APM both a gallery and an educational institution.
The Settaya District: A Brewing Heritage Town
APM is situated in the heart of the Settaya-Miyauchi district, one of Nagaoka's most historically significant neighborhoods. Known as a "town of fermentation and brewing," Settaya has been home to sake, miso, and soy sauce producers since the Edo period, when it was administered as a direct territory of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Walking through Settaya's streets feels like stepping back in time. The former Mikuni Kaido highway is lined with traditional black-walled buildings, historic warehouses, and active breweries. The neighborhood boasts an impressive 17 registered tangible cultural properties, making it one of the most concentrated collections of heritage architecture in the region.
Nearby highlights include the Former Kina Saffron Liquor Brewery, famous for its spectacular trowel-painted plaster storehouse (kote-e) adorned with vivid depictions of the Chinese zodiac animals. The Settaya 6-Bancho Fermentation Museum (housed in the former rice warehouse of the saffron brewery) offers cafes, workshops, and insights into fermentation culture. Other historic breweries such as Yoshinogawa Sake Brewery, Koshi no Murasaki soy sauce, Hoshino Honten miso, and Hasegawa Shuzo continue to operate using traditional methods.
Practical Information for Visitors
APM is easily accessible from JR Miyauchi Station, located approximately three minutes on foot. The museum offers free admission, making it an excellent stop during a walking tour of the Settaya brewing district. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, except Tuesdays (or the following day when Tuesday falls on a national holiday) and the year-end/New Year period.
For visitors arriving by car, parking is available at the M.O Parking lot (space no. 3) across the road from the museum or at the municipal Settaya parking lot. Access by highway is approximately 20 minutes from the Nagaoka Interchange on the Kanetsu Expressway.
While signage and printed materials are primarily in Japanese, the museum's visual art transcends language barriers, and the welcoming staff and local tourism information available at the museum help international visitors navigate the surrounding attractions.
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Q＆A
- Is there an admission fee to visit APM?
- No, admission to the Akiyama Takashi Poster Museum Nagaoka is completely free. The museum also serves as a local tourism information center for the Settaya-Miyauchi district.
- How do I get to the museum from Tokyo?
- Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagaoka Station (approximately 90 minutes). From Nagaoka, transfer to the JR Shinetsu Main Line or Joetsu Line and ride one stop to Miyauchi Station. The museum is about a 3-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, you can drive from the Nagaoka Interchange on the Kanetsu Expressway (about 20 minutes).
- What else can I see in the Settaya area near the museum?
- The Settaya district offers a rich cultural experience centered on fermentation and brewing traditions. Major nearby attractions include the Former Kina Saffron Liquor Brewery with its spectacular trowel-painted plaster storehouse, the Settaya 6-Bancho Fermentation Museum with its cafe and shop, and several active sake, miso, and soy sauce breweries offering tastings and tours. The entire district features 17 registered tangible cultural properties within walking distance.
- Is the museum open year-round?
- The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily except Tuesdays (when Tuesday is a national holiday, the museum opens that day and closes the following day instead) and the year-end/New Year period. Please check the museum's official website or social media for the latest schedule, as special closures may occur for exhibition preparation.
- Is the museum suitable for children?
- Yes, the museum is family-friendly. Akiyama's colorful and humorous poster art appeals to all ages, and the museum provides a coloring corner for children. The cafe also offers ice cream and soft drinks suitable for younger visitors.
Basic Information
| Official Name | Akiyama Takashi Poster Museum Nagaoka Main Building (Former Nagaoka Commercial Bank Miyauchi Branch) |
|---|---|
| Cultural Property Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building), registered August 1, 2016 |
| Year Built | 1925 (Taisho 14); relocated in 1952; renovated in 2009 |
| Structure | Reinforced concrete, single-story, gabled roof with tiles; building area approximately 94 m² |
| Museum Opened | July 12, 2009 (reopened at Settaya location in July 2023) |
| Address | 2-127-1 Miyauchi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture 940-1105, Japan |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Closed | Tuesdays (following day if Tuesday is a holiday); year-end/New Year |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | Approx. 3 minutes on foot from JR Miyauchi Station (Shinetsu Main Line / Joetsu Line) |
| Owner | Nagaoka City |
References
- 秋山孝ポスター美術館長岡本館（旧長岡商業銀行宮内支店） - 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/250825
- 秋山孝ポスター美術館 長岡(APM) - Official Website
- https://settaya-miyauchi.jp/apm/
- 秋山孝ポスター美術館長岡 - Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/秋山孝ポスター美術館長岡
- 秋山孝ポスター美術館長岡（アート）- 長岡観光ナビ
- https://nagaoka-navi.or.jp/spot/42534
- 秋山孝ポスター美術館 長岡 - 高田建築事務所
- https://www.takada-arc.com/general/4755
- 摂田屋・宮内 みんなで発酵【公式】
- https://settaya-miyauchi.jp/
- Nagaokaぶくぶく発酵めぐり「摂田屋」
- https://hakko.na-nagaoka.jp/round_settaya/
- 秋山孝ポスター美術館長岡（アート）- にいがた観光ナビ
- https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/44256
Last verified: 2026.03.26