Even now, the anime “Attack on Titan” is still a social phenomenon. Last December, the 15th volume was a mega hit when it released, selling over 42 million copies. The translated versions are also gaining popularity overseas, and there’s no doubt that the popularity will continue to expand in 2015!
The story revolves around colossal titans that prey on mankind as the humans battle through fear and despair.
We heard there was an “Attack on Titan exhibit” that captures the imagination and perspective of Hajime Isayama, the creative author of the series, at The Ueno Royal Museum, so we went to take a look.
First, you will be drawn into the world of Attack on Titan in the opening theater. Not only is there a video playing, but there are also sounds, vibrations, and other gimmicks that make you feel the terror of getting attacked by titans.
After that, there is a display of the original artwork.There are comments by Mr. Isayama and and explanations of his state of mind was as he drew out these images. There are even artwork created especially for this exhibit. It’s a must-see for any fan!
Another neat feature of the exhibit is how the artwork is displayed. There are displays that take up a whole wall, manga frames hanging from the ceiling, and 3D displays. It’s almost as if you’ve stepped into a frame of the manga!
And then there’s Eren’s phrase with an overwhelming presence: “I’ll kill them all!”
There’s a reproduction video of Eren’s intensity of his struggle!
The scene when Annie says “I can’t go that way, I’ve failed as a soldier…” in front of stairs was reproduced by stairs within a room of the museum and has been accessible as a photo spot.
As you walk down those stairs, there are items from the anime on display:
the basement key,
the potato Sasha ate,
Erza’s cape and notebook,
Eren’s spoon,
Mikasa’s scarf,
3D maneuver gear,
and Levi’s blade.
And then you come face to face with the colossal titan! The full scale head and hands were reproduced, and it is intense! With the help of lighting and the timing and angle you look at it, it’ll leave a different impression. Although it should be terrifying, we were sucked in by its depressed and painful appearance.
Aside from all of that, you’re also able to learn Mr. Isayama’s process of creating Attack on Titan, see the scenery of production and his work of trial and error during his teenage years.
The last display shows illustrations by the manga artist, and we felt these are pieces that highly influenced many manga artists.
The merchandise area is very successful! There are already sold out items!
And don’t forget to take a commemorative photo in front of the panel at the exit!
The exhibit at Ueno is only open until January 25, but it will reopen in Oita on August 2015, and September-October 2015 in Osaka. Please take a look!
translated by Misato
Event Information
【The Ueno Royal Museum】
Dates:Nov 28 2014 – Jan 25 2015
Time:10am-5pm (Sat-Sun & holidays until 8pm)
Price:¥2,000, high school and junior high students ¥1,500, elementary school students and younger ¥1,000
※Tickets are date and time specific
URL:http://www.kyojinten.jp/
【Oita Prefectural Art Museum】
Dates:Aug 1 2015 – Aug 30 2015
URL:http://www.kyojinten.jp/oita/
【GRAND FRONT OSAKA】
Dates:Sep 11 2015 – Oct 18 2015
URL:http://www.kyojinten.jp/osaka/
Information
The Ueno Royal MuseumMAP
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