A new facility that aims to become a base for promoting Japanese anime to the world and boosting foreign tourism has opened in Ikebukuro in central Tokyo.

Anime Tokyo Station is jointly run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and an industry organization, the Association of Japanese Animations.

The center occupies part of a building near Ikebukuro Station.

It houses about 50,000 items, including animation cels and screenplays of popular titles. Special exhibitions will be held regularly at a dedicated area. The venue currently features the famous Naruto series.

A fan from France, who was visiting the facility on the first day of its opening, said Japanese anime is great, and it makes people love the country.

A Tokyo official said he is happy the center has finally opened. He added he hopes many people will come and find out why anime is so appealing.

Anime Tokyo Station is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed on Mondays.