Naoshima, Japan

007 Museum

A museum dedicated to the least secret spy is actually an attempt to get Hollywood's attention.

International super spy character James Bond is one of the most popular characters in the world and more than worthy of his own museum, however the 007 Museum in Naoshima, Japan was opened not out of love for the fictional playboy but in an attempt to get his next film to shoot in the island town.

After the Japanese town of Naoshima was mentioned in the extended universe James Bond novel, The Man with the Red Tattoo by author Raymond Benson, some enterprising locals decided it was only a matter of time before the novel was turned into a blockbuster film which would assumedly have to be filmed in the town. Thus in a wishful act of manifest destiny, the 007 Museum was opened in 2005.

The museum itself is a wonderful collection of movie memorabilia and pop art. The walls are covered in movie posters and title cards, hanging above glass cases that hold watches and guns seen in the dapper agent’s films. There are also more abstract flourishes, such as a giant bleeding heart sculpture, or the photo op setup where visitors can put their face on the body of a distorted Bond mid-punch.

There are still a few of Ian Fleming’s original novels to be adapted into film before the continuing adventures make it to Hollywood, but hopefully when The Man with the Red Tattoo finally gets to the silver screen, the 007 Museum will have secured Naoshima’s inclusion.