*This is a translated article by QooApp under the permission of SPICE. Reproduction in any form without permission is prohibited.
The Yoshihiro Togashi -PUZZLE- Exhibition officially kicked off at the Mori Arts Gallery in Roppongi Tokyo on October 28. A press preview of the collection was opened for the media a day before, where we got a first-hand look at what this highly-anticipated exhibition has to offer.
Most familiar to manga readers for his work on Hunter x Hunter, Togashi’s artwork is shown in its splendor as the exhibition celebrates the manga artist’s work over his 35 years and counting career.
The Yoshihiro Togashi Art Exhibition centers around three of Togahi’s outstanding works: YuYu Hakusho (1990-1994), Level E (1995-1997), and Hunter x Hunter (1998-). Luxuriously featuring 350+ installations of colored illustrations and character reference sheets and manuscripts, the exhibition has covered it all. Segmented respectively into six separate areas, the gallery also advertised the material seen at the venue, 16 of which were never-before-seen pieces!
Each of Togashi’s works is painstakingly explained and compartmentalized to encompass the experience of seeing each manga’s character, world, story, and artistic rendition. Along with this, each separate manga exhibit features a special theme.
As we head into the prologue area, the various characters from Togashi’s works adorn the ceiling and walls laced like puzzle pieces.
Next, we enter the YuYu Hakusho area which mostly features panels from the Spirit Detective Saga of the story. In the middle of the site are the action scenes of the main characters of the series: Yusuke, Kuwahara, Kurama, and Hiei. In keeping with the particular theming of “words”, the YuYu Hakusho Area also predominantly features direct quotes/speech bubbles accompanying the various character art.
The section dedicated to Level E follows, showing off the cornucopia of bizarre visuals seen in just about every episode of the sci-fi/comedy romp. Visitors can look at the original manuscripts that illustrate the many misadventures of alien genius, Prince Baka. Togashi’s extensive range of expression and sense of humor shines through the more realistic renditions shown in their full splendor.
We then finally arrive at the Hunter x Hunter area. In the middle, we can see the Water Divination Glass on a hexagonal pedestal representing the six aura types. Each of the six nen types from Hunter x Hunter can be seen alongside several selected scenes showing their respective powers.
More interestingly, the collection also features a series of notes/memorandums by Togashi himself that goes into the minutiae of nen ability. With the series picking up where it left off after its three years and 11-month-long hiatus, fans will want to check out what the author had in mind when creating the concept.
An area is dedicated to the many odd cryptids seen in Togashi’s works. Unique visuals come to life with the exhibition employing cute gimmicks here and there.
The final section of the PUZZLE exhibition is dedicated to the titular manga artist himself. Various manuscripts and concept art for Togashi’s earliest works can be seen here. The place among many other installations features a photo spot in the center for its visitors as well. Why not end the tour with your very own picture?
To honor Yoshihiro Togashi and his many works, well-known manga artists have also contributed illustrations and messages to the exhibition. Eiichiro Oda (ONE PIECE), Hirohiko Araki (Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure), Koyoharu Gotouge (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba), Gege Akutami (Jujutsu Kaisen), and Sui Ishida (Tokyo Ghoul) all offer their own takes on Togashi’s characters.
From other walks of life, filmmaker Chloé Zhao, actor Kento Kaku, writer Yumeaki Hirayama, and TV producer/radio personality Nobuyuki Sakuma all left their comments under the “Creator Message” corner just next to the photoshoot area!
Next to the exhibition venue, the SUN & THE MOON Cafe offers collaboration food and drinks on their menus next to the exhibition venue. The exhibition’s first term and second terms have exclusive items, so keep an eye out for what’s on the menu! Drink orders come with original-designed coasters included.
The Yoshihiro Togashi -PUZZLE- Exhibition also features an audio guide, narrated by voice actor Daisuke Namikawa and navigated by Japanese comedian Bakarhythm. The two thoroughly go over each exhibition area, even offering some pop quizzes for listeners in places.
It should also be noted, that the PUZZLE: Yoshihiro Togashi Exhibition will be held in Osaka in the summer of 2023 and in Fukuoka in the autumn through winter of next year. Be sure to check the exhibition’s official website and social channels for more information!
▍Yoshihiro Togashi -PUZZLE- Exhibition PV
▍Yoshihiro Togashi -PUZZLE- Exhibition Details
■ Exhibition Period: October 28, 2022 [Fri] ~ January 9, 2023 [Mon]
■ Business Hours: 10:00 ~ 20:00 (Last Admission: 19:30)
↳ Open 7 days a week with tickets designated by date and time
■ Venue: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 52F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
■ Ticket Sales Schedule:
Pre-sale lottery (for first four days from opening): application from August 13th to 21st
First term (October 28th to November 30th) : From September 3rd
Second Term (December 1st to January 9th): From November 12th
■ Ticket Fees (including tax):
Adult JPY$2,000
Middle or High School students JPY$1,500
Primary Students and Children aged above 4 JPY$1,000
■ Official Website: https://togashi-ten.com
■ Official Twitter: @Togashi_ex
■ Contacts: 050-5542-8600 (9:00～20:00)
Event Organized by: EXHIBITION: TOGASHI YOSHIHIRO -PUZZLE- Production Committee
Co-Planned by: Weekly Shōnen Jump Editorial Department
Supported by: Kyodo Printing Co. Ltd.／eplus Inc.
The original article was written by Shinobu Tanaka (タナカシノブ) and published by SPICE, which can be found here: https://spice.eplus.jp/articles/310131
