The National Art Center, Tokyo will host 'Shojo Manga Infinity: The Three Masters Hagio Moto, Yamashita Yuko, and Yamato Waki' (organized by the National Art Center, co-organized by The Mainichi Newspapers) from Wednesday, October 28, 2026 to Monday, February 8, 2027.

We are pleased to announce that Rei Yuzuka, former top star of the Takarazuka Revue's Flower Troupe, has been selected as the audio guide narrator for this exhibition. Yuzuka, who has portrayed the worlds of works such as 'The Poe Clan' and 'Hiyoko-chan Passes By' on the Takarazuka stage, will guide visitors through the exhibition.

Rei Yuzuka

【Rei Yuzuka Profile】

Born in Tokyo. Joined the Takarazuka Revue in 2009 as a member of the 95th class and assigned to the Flower Troupe. Gained attention for her dazzling stage presence, graceful dancing, and delicate acting, becoming the top star of the Flower Troupe in 2019. Starred in productions such as 'Hiyoko-chan Passes By'. Also served as a model for JOSEPH and Chacott COSMETICS. After retiring in 2024, she appeared as a guest in 'Mathieu Ganio Special Gala', starred in 'The Tale of the Red Oni', and guest-starred in 'Burn the Floor 2025'. Scheduled to star in 'The Twelve Kingdoms' from late 2025 to 2026, appear in 'Hamlet' from May to June 2026, and perform in the Parco reading play 'Love Letters' in August 2026.

【Audio Guide Overview】

Usage Fee: 700 yen (tax included) per device per person

※ Available for purchase at the exhibition entrance. Enjoy inside the venue.

Advance Ticket with Audio Guide: 2,600 yen (tax included) for general admission

※ Sales Period: 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 28 to 11:59 PM, Tuesday, October 27

※ Available exclusively through the official online ticketing site (https://www.e-tix.jp/shojomanga/).

For details, please visit the exhibition's official website (https://www.shojomanga.jp).

【Exhibition Overview】

Legends of shōjo manga in a dream collaboration!

This exhibition, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the National Art Center's opening, traces the artistic careers of Hagio Moto, Yamashita Yuko, and Yamato Waki—three pioneers who expanded the horizons of shōjo manga and created masterpieces that continue to be read across generations. In the 1970s, shōjo manga underwent a remarkable evolution. This exhibition follows the creative journeys of these three central figures through their works from debut to the present. Through beautiful color illustrations, iconic scene originals etched in memory, and a wealth of rare materials, it delves into their profound expressive worlds. Notably, this is the first large-scale shōjo manga exhibition ever held at a national art museum.

【Highlights】

Surveying the 'Infinity' of Shōjo Manga

Centered on the three artists—Hagio Moto, Yamashita Yuko, and Yamato Waki—this exhibition explores the rich world of expression that shōjo manga has pioneered. From inner emotional fluctuations and interpersonal relationships to female independence, diverse expressions of gender, historical and cultural perspectives, imagination of alternate worlds, and the evolution of manga techniques seen in multi-layered layouts, the broad themes and methods cultivated by shōjo manga have greatly expanded the possibilities of visual expression. The exhibition captures the multi-layered charm of shōjo manga through the word 'Infinity'.

Resonating Trajectories Beyond Individuality

Hagio Moto's fantastical narratives that deeply explore inner worlds, Yamashita Yuko's sharp depictions of human karma and spirituality, and Yamato Waki's vibrant works set against historical and cultural backdrops—each has carved out a unique domain, continuously elevating shōjo manga expression to new dimensions. All three have remained at the forefront since their debuts in the late 1960s, and this exhibition traces their approximately 60-year journey.

New Emotions Discovered Through Original Artworks

The delicate lines, skillful compositions, the flow of time across pages, and the beautiful colors of color illustrations that adorned magazine covers and frontispieces—visible only in original manuscripts. Through the unique texture of original artworks, experience subtle hues and details that cannot be fully reproduced in print. The exhibition plans to display over 800 original artworks, including both monochrome and color pieces. (※ Color works will be rotated between the first and second halves of the exhibition.)

【Event Details】

Exhibition Title: Shojo Manga Infinity: The Three Masters Hagio Moto, Yamashita Yuko, and Yamato Waki

Dates: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – Monday, February 8, 2027

Closed: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, November 4, and year-end/New Year period (Monday, December 28, 2026 – Tuesday, January 5, 2027)

※ Open on Tuesday, November 3 (National Holiday) and Tuesday, December 8

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00

(Extended to 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)

※ Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Venue: Planning Exhibition Room 2E, The National Art Center, Tokyo (7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8558)

Admission (tax included):

General: 2,200 yen (2,000 yen advance), University Students: 1,000 yen (800 yen advance), High School Students: 500 yen (300 yen advance)

※ Prices in parentheses are advance ticket prices

※ Admission free for junior high school students and younger

※ Admission free for individuals with disability certificates (including one attendant)

* Please check the exhibition's official website for ticket information.

Official Exhibition Website: https://www.shojomanga.jp

National Art Center Website: https://www.nact.jp

Inquiries: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)

Organizer: The National Art Center

Co-organizer: The Mainichi Newspapers

Special Support: Ueno Sora, Kodansha, Shogakukan

Support: Sony Music Entertainment

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event