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For anime fans traveling to Tokyo this autumn, the cultural calendar just received a massive upgrade. Animation studio MAPPA, the creative powerhouse responsible for some of the last decade’s most globally recognized titles, is celebrating a major milestone. To mark their 15th anniversary, the studio has launched its largest-ever showcase: the MAPPA EXPO 15th Anniversary. Running from September 16 through December 7, 2026, at the newly opened YURAKUCHO MUSEUM (located within the Tokyo International Forum), the event brings together production materials, immersive installations, and exclusive artwork from 23 different titles.
Instead of a traditional gallery of framed sketches, this exhibition plunges visitors directly into the atmospheres of their favorite shows. The core attractions focus heavily on three modern pillars of anime: Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc.
Whether you are a casual viewer or a die-hard otaku interested in the painstaking animation process, this pop-up event is a must-do. Here is everything you need to know about experiencing the MAPPA EXPO in Yurakucho.
What to Expect at the MAPPA 15th Anniversary Exhibition
Spanning multiple meticulously designed zones, the exhibition bridges the gap between the viewer and the animator's desk. While photography policies can vary by specific zone (always check the signage before snapping a picture), the sheer scale of the displays is designed to leave a lasting impression.
The Attack on Titan: The Final Season Experience
For fans of the dark fantasy epic, the Attack on Titan zone serves as a visceral reminder of the series' gripping conclusion. The standout feature here is an immersive, large-scale multimedia installation dedicated to "The Rumbling". Utilizing state-of-the-art video projection and spatial audio, the exhibit recreates the apocalyptic weight of the story's climax, allowing visitors to feel the ground-shaking scale of the final battle.
Beyond the digital spectacle, the zone offers a quiet reverence for traditional artistry. You will find a special section detailing the creation of the symbolic hill from the story’s ending. This includes the original, hand-drawn watercolor background artwork displayed publicly for the first time—a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the series' action sequences.
Jujutsu Kaisen Zones: From Origins to the Culling Game
The Jujutsu Kaisen section is organized as a walk-through timeline of the franchise’s explosive history. It is split into thematic halves reflecting the anime's broadcast eras. Guests can trace the evolution of the animation starting from Season 1 and the blockbuster prequel movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0, before descending into the darker, more complex storyboards of Season 2's "Hidden Inventory / Premature Death" and the "Shibuya Incident" arcs. The space even teases early production materials for the upcoming "Culling Game" arc.
One of the most talked-about installations in this zone is a physical recreation dubbed "The Room Where Gojo Was Sleeping," which provides fans with a spatial, real-world translation of a highly memorable sequence.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc & More
Anticipation for the theatrical continuation of Chainsaw Man takes center stage in its dedicated area. The zone traces the volatile relationship between Denji and Reze, starting from an installation replicating "The Phone Booth Where They Met" all the way through their explosive combat sequences.
The visual anchor of this space is a brand-new, life-size figure of Bomb. Displayed in dramatic, cinematic lighting, the figure commands the room and allows fans to appreciate the intricate character design up close before the movie even hits theaters.
Alongside these three giants, the expo also honors MAPPA's diverse 15-year catalog. Expect to see tribute displays, original animation frames, and background art from beloved hits like Yuri!!! on ICE, Banana Fish, Zombie Land Saga, Hell's Paradise, and Vinland Saga Season 2.
Audio Guides, Perks, and Exclusive Merchandise
To elevate the gallery experience, MAPPA provides a free audio guide for all attendees via their smartphones. The guide features newly recorded narration from a star-studded cast of voice actors heavily associated with MAPPA productions, including Kenjiro Tsuda, Reina Ueda, Yui Ishikawa, and Asami Seto. Make sure you bring your own earphones to fully enjoy their behind-the-scenes commentary as you navigate the halls.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted with an admission bonus: an original key animation postcard. Designed to mimic a traditional animator’s "cut bag" envelope, attendees can choose a sealed packet themed around Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, or Chainsaw Man. Each franchise has five different postcard designs distributed at random, making it a highly collectible memento.
The exhibition concludes at a massive retail space offering exclusive 15th-anniversary merchandise. Items range from standard acrylic stands and apparel to high-end reproductions of key animation frames. Be prepared: limited-edition event merchandise is notoriously popular in Japan and items can sell out quickly on busy weekends.
Exhibition Phases and Ticket Information
Because the exhibition spans several months and features a staggering amount of production material, MAPPA has split the event into two distinct phases. While the core installations remain the same, several original drawings and storyboards will be rotated out between the first and second halves.
- First Half: September 16 (Wed) – October 25 (Sun), 2026
- Intermission: Closed on October 26 (Mon) and October 27 (Tue) for exhibit changeover
- Second Half: October 28 (Wed) – December 7 (Mon), 2026
Tickets operate on a specified date and time-slot system to prevent overcrowding. It is highly recommended to secure your tickets in advance through the Lawson Ticket platform, as same-day tickets are only sold if slots are not fully booked.
Ticket Price Comparison
| Ticket Category | Advance Price | Same-Day Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | ¥2,000 | ¥2,200 |
| University & High School Students | ¥1,600 | ¥1,800 |
| Junior High & Primary School Students | ¥1,200 | ¥1,400 |
| Special Merchandise Bundle Ticket | ¥4,000 | ¥4,200 |
(Note: Preschool-aged children and under are admitted free of charge. The merchandise bundle includes a special acrylic panel featuring exclusive exhibition artwork. Please confirm current pricing and availability officially before purchasing.)
How to Get to YURAKUCHO MUSEUM
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The venue for the event is the YURAKUCHO MUSEUM, a newly purposed event space located on the B1F (Basement 1) level of the Tokyo International Forum.
Getting there is incredibly easy for tourists. The complex is directly adjacent to Yurakucho Station, accessible via the JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, and the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line. Alternatively, it is only a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station (accessible via multiple Shinkansen and local lines), connected via a convenient underground concourse that shields you from the elements.
Operating hours for the exhibition are generally from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with final entry permitted at 5:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are English translations available at the exhibition? As with most domestic anime exhibitions in Japan, the primary panel text and the audio guide are in Japanese. However, the core appeal of the MAPPA EXPO lies in the visual artwork, life-size installations, and video mapping, which transcend language barriers. To read specific animator notes, we recommend bringing a smartphone equipped with a real-time camera translation app (like Google Translate).
2. Can I buy tickets at the door? Same-day tickets are occasionally available at the venue counter, but only if the pre-allocated time slots haven't sold out online. Because of the extreme popularity of these franchises, weekends and holidays are almost guaranteed to sell out in advance. Purchasing through Lawson Ticket beforehand is strongly advised.
3. Am I allowed to take photos or record videos? Photography rules are typically strict at Japanese animation showcases to protect unreleased or sensitive production materials. While large installations (like life-size figures and recreation rooms) usually permit photos, areas showing original storyboards and keyframes will have strict "No Photography" signs. Video recording is almost always prohibited. Pay close attention to the signage in each individual room.
4. Is the exhibition suitable for young children? While preschool children enter for free, parents should exercise discretion. Franchises like Chainsaw Man and Attack on Titan contain mature themes, and their respective zones feature intense video installations and dramatic lighting (such as "The Rumbling" multimedia display) that may be overwhelming or frightening for very young kids.
5. Do I need to visit both the First and Second halves? You don't have to, as the major installations (like the life-size figures and immersive video rooms) remain throughout the entire event. However, if you are a hardcore fan interested in the granular details of the animation process, the rotated original sketches and storyboards provide a compelling reason to visit twice.
The Bottom Line
The MAPPA EXPO 15th Anniversary is not just a gallery; it is a celebration of the studio that defined the current generation of action anime. By prioritizing spatial recreation and immersive multimedia over standard glass-case displays, MAPPA has created a highly engaging experience for both international tourists and local fans alike. Just remember to book your time slot in advance, bring your earphones for the all-star audio guide, and leave plenty of room in your suitcase for exclusive merchandise.