The "'Demon Slayer' Gotoge Koyoharu Sketch Exhibition", which discloses more than 450 handwritten sketches of "Demon Slayer", a manga by Koyoharu Gotouge

"Demon Slayer" is a manga that was published by Koyoharu Gotouge from February 2016 to May 2020 on Shukan Shonen Jump. The story is set in Taisho-era Japan. Centered around Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Nezuko, whose family was slain by man-eating demons, it depicts the drama of the fierce battle between the demons and the demon-hunting organization "Kisatsutai," which Tanjiro joins.

In "[Preface] Kirameki ~The Journey to Immortality~", where the exhibition introduces itself, the 23 manga book covers are shown on a largescale panel. In the center, you can see the "Volume 0 Figure" of the Kamado siblings.

The exhibition is divided into 9 chapters, including the preface, the 2 special chapters, and the prologue. Of the 5 main chapters, "Chapter One" shows Tanjiro and his friends, "Chapter Two" shows the head of demons Kibutsugi Muzan and the higher demons that follow him. "Chapter Three" shows the swordman of the "Hashira" who has the best strength of the Kisatsutai. "Chapter Four" shows the people who support Tanjiro, and "Chapter Five" depicts the last battle between the Kisatsutai and the demons.
Now I'll condense the best parts of the venue into three points and introduce them.

The highlight of the exhibit is all the original sketches that the author Koyoharu Gotouge handwrote. More than 450 of them are shown.

"Chapter One: Bond ~Brother, Sister, and Friends~" starts with displays of the first chapter of the book "Cruelty", where the adventure begins. Here, famous scenes of Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Kisatsutai colleagues such as Zenitsu Agatsuma, Inosuke Hashibiru, can be seen.

From the opening scene of the memorable first chapter where Tanjiro monologues, "How did this happen?", there are many exciting scenes from the beginning. Scenes include his Hinokami Kagura swordplay and Water Breathing. You can see Zenitsu with his usual goofy appearance and cool "Thunderclap and flash", and Inosuke, who jumps into enemy territory.

The brightness of life can be felt from the flowing touches of the original copies by Gotouge. Looking at handwritten sketches by the author is a special experience. I'm sure you can feel the moment when Tanjiro and Nezuko had their life breathed in.

The walls full of original copies in this exhibition are impressive. For example, in "[Chapter Two] Demon ~The End of Man, Endo of Sorrow~", a monolith decorated by original copies of high demons

Every monolith is shown with a comparison of the high demons' "demon appearance" and how they looked like "when they were humans". It is an exhibition where the deepness of the work can be felt, which cannot be described in terms of good or evil.

Also, the emotional words of the characters of "Demon Slayer" are another fascinating point. These words are depicted on the walls, and the inspiring story revived inside my heart.

The third emotional point is the many 3-D figures that express the world of the work.

The 3-D figure of "[Chapter Three] Hashira ~Its Absolute Breathing~", where famous scenes of the nine swordsmen, "Hashira", left an impression. The nine have the best skills within Kisatsutai and include Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kochou, and Kyoujuro Rengoku.

Each swordsman of the Hashira has mastered a way. Here, 3-D depictions of sword skills are displayed. Tomioka's "Flowing Dance", Kocho's "Caprice", Tengen Uzui's "Constant Resounding Slashes", and Muichiro Tokito's "Moonlit Disappearance"… Surrounded by the Hashiras that dance on the wall with presence, the sound effects that fly around, and the sword skills that fly out, you will feel as if you have gone into the world of "Kimetsu".

In the next "[Chapter Four] Connect ~Everything at Stake~", you can see the "Great Lantern Dragon of Life", which supported Tanjiro and was created by the people who have lost their lives.

"[Chapter Five] Time ~The Dawn of a Millenium~" displays the last battle between the Kisatsutai and the demons. What ending awaits us through the dark space where the demons live? You can't miss the end!

In this article, I've shown you the three main points to look for in this exhibit.

"'Demon Slayer' Koyoharu Gotouge Sketch Exhibition" is open from October 26th to December 12th in Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi Hills, Minato Ward. Don't miss it!

"Demon Slayer" Koyoharu Gotouge Sketch Exhibition
Venue: Mori Arts Center Gallery (Roppongi, Tokyo)
Dates: October 26th (Tue) to December 12th (Sun)
Open: 10 AM ~ 8 PM (last entry from 7:30 PM)
No closed days
Fees: Adults/Students 2000 yen, Junior High/High School Students 1500 yen, Elementary School Students 1000 yen
This exhibit uses a fixed date and time system. For more information, please see the official homepage as shown below.
https://kimetsuten.com/