Japanese manga will be showcased in a landmark exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco from September 27, 2025, to January 25, 2026. The exhibition, titled “Art of Manga,” will feature rarely displayed original drawings by ten prominent artists and will be the first large-scale manga art exhibition in North America.
The exhibition explores themes such as friendship, sexuality, and the human condition through manga from the 1970s to today. It includes works by artists like Araki Hirohiko, Oda Eiichiro, Tagame Gengoroh, Takahashi Rumiko, Taniguchi Jirō, Yamashita Kazumi, Yamazaki Mari, and Yoshinaga Fumi. It begins with pieces by Akatsuka Fujio and Chiba Tetsuya.
An accompanying display titled “How Manga is Made: ONE PIECE ONLY” will provide insight into the creative process behind the popular ONE PIECE series by Oda Eiichiro. Visitors can explore how a single sheet of paper transforms into millions of printed volumes.
Visitors are encouraged to attend dressed as their favorite characters on specific dates—September 27 (opening day), October 25, and December 6—and engage in themed activities. The museum will also host programs featuring discussions with renowned manga artists and industry experts.
The museum store will offer exclusive merchandise related to the exhibition. Tagame Gengoroh has created an original drawing for San Francisco Pride that features on various items available for purchase.
Tickets for “Art of Manga” go on sale July 2. Cosplayers can use code DYCOSPLAY for discounted tickets.
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is hosting this event with support from various organizations and individuals including Yurie and Carl Pascarella and the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan.
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