On October 28, "Yoshihiro Togashi Exhibition -PUZZLE-" opened at Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi Hills, Minato-ku, commemorating the 35th anniversary of Togashi's career as a manga artist known for "Yu Yu Hakusho," "Level E," "HUNTER x HUNTER" and other works. The exhibition, which will run until January 9, 2010, features 362 original drawings and materials from Togashi's past works. The exhibition, which will run through January 9, 2012, features 362 original drawings and other materials from Togashi's past works, including 16 illustrations and materials that are being exhibited for the first time, making it a must-see for fans. Here are some of the highlights of the exhibition, as well as a look at the actual venue as seen at the press preview.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

The long-awaited opening of this exhibition, which has created quite a stir since its announcement in July of this year, is finally underway. As one heads for the venue on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, one is greeted at the entrance by a large main visual featuring Yusuke from "Yu Yu Hakusho" and Gon from "HUNTER x HUNTER" as well as popular characters representing Togashi's works over the years!

Kuwabara! Tobikage! Kurama! The Toguro brothers! Botan! Koemma! Killua! Kurapika! Leorio! Hisoka! And the prince and Captain Craft from "Level E"!　As a fan who has been familiar with Togashi's works since the serialization of "Yu Yu Hakusho," my excitement is already at its peak when I see all the popular characters from the past gathered on the same screen and think, "Here they come at last!

In the "prologue area," which is the first area after entering the exhibition, a large number of characters depicted in puzzle pieces are gathered together. Even though there are so many characters, there is almost no one that makes you wonder, "Who is this? The great thing about Togashi's works is that there is hardly a character that makes you wonder, "Who is this? In one corner, there is a handwritten (!) message from Togashi on the occasion of this exhibition. In one corner, you will find a handwritten (!) message from Togashi on the occasion of the exhibition.

Including this prologue area, the exhibition hall is composed of six areas, and from the beginning to the middle of the exhibition, original drawings and materials of three representative works, including "YuYu Hakusho", are displayed. The exhibition also unravels the charm of each work, which is precisely crafted like a "puzzle" based on the four key elements of "character," "description," "setting," and "story.

Yū Yu Hakusho" was serialized in "Weekly Shōnen Jump" from 1990 to 1994. The series, featuring the junior high school student Yusuke Urameshi, who was killed in a car accident while protecting a child, but through a strange coincidence, is brought back to this world as a detective of the spirit world, and battles involving the human world and other worlds unfold. The series has sold more than 50 million copies* and has set a milestone in the history of shōnen manga.

In the early part of the exhibit, along with materials that discussed the background of the production of this work, we found a copy of the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in which the memorable first episode was published. The cover depicting the first appearance of Yusuke, Hotaruko, and Botan drew my eyes, and the words "List Price 190 yen" was written on the upper right corner. I wondered, "Was this the price of a manga magazine back then? I felt the passage of time in such a place.

Nearby is the name (draft) of Mr. Togashi, who started the serialization of this work in 1990. Looking back at the original drawings from the beginning of the series, we can see that Togashi's skillful expressions and compositions were brilliant from the beginning, reminding us once again of the artist Togashi Yoshihiro's commitment to his art.

In the next space, where original drawings are displayed in chronological order of the story, including the scene where Yusuke shoots his special move "Reigan" for the first time, the fierce battle with the Toguro brothers who become powerful enemies, and encounters with unique rivals at the Dark Martial Arts Meet, cool giant panels of Yusuke, Kuwabara, Tobikage and Kurama are set up. Looking at the back of the panel, one makes the small discovery that there are also original drawings of memorable scenes of each character on display there. Then, after the "Demon's World Door Arc" and "Demon's World Unification Tournament Arc" exhibits, we come to that impressive finale...

Next, after the exhibit of "Level E," which was serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" from 1995 to 1997 and caused quite a stir with its bizarre storyline depicting a strange interaction between earthlings and aliens, visitors will be taken to the "HUNTER x HUNTER" area. Like the mysteries scattered throughout the work, it is easy to get lost (!?). In the "Level E" area, a unique guide by an alien was erected, which was a little comforting.

HUNTER x HUNTER" began serialization in "Weekly Shonen Jump" in 1998. The story centers on the growth of Gon, a boy who becomes a "hunter," the same occupation as his father, in order to search for his missing father, Jin.

The story, with its detailed depiction of the battles that take place during the journey, the bonds between friends, and the human relationships of the unique characters who mix justice and evil, embodies the motto of "Weekly Shonen Jump": "Friendship, Effort, and Victory. The secret to the popularity of the series is the inclusion of various experimental settings as the story unfolds through the "Hunter Test Arc," "Sky Arena Arc," and "Greed Island Arc.

For example, in the exhibit introducing the setting of the "Succession to the Throne Arc," there is a list of more than 200 characters who appear in the main story. As a reader, I remember flipping through the pages again and again, trying to keep track of who was who, but when I saw the explanation of the exhibit that "Yoshihiro Togashi challenged himself by asking, 'How many characters can you have in one episode of a manga? I was convinced when I saw the explanation of the exhibition that "Yoshihiro Togashi challenged himself to find out how many characters he could create in an episode of his manga. I take my hat off to Mr. Togashi's ability to create such a large number of characters and incorporate them into the story without any breakdowns.

On the other hand, an essential element in the story of "HUNTER x HUNTER" and one that makes the development of battles interesting is the existence of "psychokinesis" possessed by each character. In this exhibition, the "telekinesis setting materials based on Togashi's notes" will be on display for the first time. The contents are "top secret," so I can't talk about them here, but these valuable materials, which can only be seen at this exhibition, are a must-see!

In the next space, there is also an exhibit of the "Mizumi-style glass" that appears in the scene where the attributes of telekinesis are determined. The exhibit continues on to the "Chimera-Ant Arc," which must have had many people on the edge of their seats. HUNTER x HUNTER" is once again on the rise with the resumption of its serialization. Let's look back on the continued success of Gon and his friends with the original drawings by Togashi-sensei.

In the last part of the exhibition, visitors can view the "World of 'Rare' Creatures" area, which features a collection of the bizarre creatures that Togashi draws, and the "Yoshihiro Togashi" area, which introduces his history in a chronological order. In addition to the illustrations drawn by Togashi Sensei for this exhibition, visitors can also see comments and special illustrations by creators who respect Togashi Sensei, such as Eiichiro Oda of "ONE PIECE" and Yoseharu Goge of "Oni no Kane", giving the exhibition a special feeling until the end.

More than 90 original goods from the exhibition are available at the official store in the exhibition hall. After viewing the exhibition, we also recommend enjoying the original exhibition menu at "Pieces Cafe," a collaboration café attached to the exhibition venue. Enjoy the spectacular view that Minato City is proud of as well as gourmet food inspired by popular characters!

The "Yoshihiro Togashi Exhibition -PUZZLE-" is being held at Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi Hills, Minato-ku, Tokyo from October 28 to January 9, 2011.

(*) Total circulation as of September 2022, including digital editions.

All photos ©️Y.T.90-94 ©️Y.T.95-97 ©️P98-22 ©️Y.T.89-90

(DATA)
Yoshihiro Togashi Exhibition -PUZZLE
Dates: Friday, October 28, 2022 - Monday, January 9, 2023 (national holiday)
Open throughout the exhibition period
Venue: Mori Arts Center Gallery (52F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower)
Hours: 10:00 - 20:00 (last admission at 19:30)
Admission: ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,500 for junior high and high school students, ¥1,000 for elementary school students from 4 years old to elementary school students.
For each ticket holder over 18 years old (guardian), one child under 4 years old is admitted free of charge as an "accompanying infant".
Even if you have a disability certificate, you are required to purchase a ticket to see the show. However, there is a special exception for caregivers who are admitted free of charge.
All days of the exhibition are reserved. For details, please refer to the E-Plus sales page below.
After the e-plus sales have ended, same-day tickets will be sold at the ticket counter of Mori Arts Center Gallery (3rd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower) only if there are still tickets remaining.
Exhibition official website: https://togashi-ten.com
E-Plus sales page: https://eplus.jp/togashi-ten/