by A major exhibition by manga artist Masamune Shirow, “The World of Masamune Shirow: Ghost in the Shell and the Path of Creation,” featuring debuts of works such as “Ghost in the Shell,” “Appleseed,” and “Dominion,” is currently running at the Setagaya Literary Museum in Tokyo. The exhibition, which has attracted over 45,000 visitors, is now just 10 days away from its August 17 close. Information on new original merchandise has also been released from the Osaka venue.
Masamune Shirow, known as the creator of the wildly popular “Ghost in the Shell,” made his major debut with the sci-fi manga “Appleseed” in 1985 and began serializing “Ghost in the Shell” in 1989. His unique approach to incorporating cutting-edge technology, which at the time was not yet widely available, and his worldview, which foresaw the modern information society, have captivated many.
The meticulously drawn illustrations, plots built with vast amounts of information, and the artist’s words, even in the margins, give the works a sense of energy and stimulate the reader’s imagination. Shirow’s worldview, interwoven with philosophical exploration, has influenced many creators, continuing to produce works across a variety of genres.
“The World of Shirow Masamune: Ghost in the Shell and the Path of Creation” traces Shirow’s diverse and expansive body of work and his current activities through both analog and digitally printed manuscripts, while also showcasing the artist’s library and extensive comments.
This first large-scale exhibition delves into the personal side of Shirow Masamune. The Tokyo venue at the Setagaya Literary Museum, which opened on April 12, has already attracted over 45,000 visitors, with just 10 days remaining until its end.
This exhibition, which allows visitors to experience Shirow’s creative journey through rare original drawings only available at the Tokyo venue, is finally entering its final chapter. The Tokyo venue is currently hosting the “Spring Shiromasa T-Shirt Festival.” Purchasers of three or more original exhibition T-shirts will be entered into a social media campaign to win a “revolutionarily original” Fuchikoma Plate.” With over 30 different T-shirts, this is a must-see for Masamune Shirow fans.
The Tokyo venue is also hosting the “The World of Masamune Shirow for Parents and Children” summer vacation project. A limited number of “Motoko Coloring Books” are being distributed free of charge for children, making this an excellent opportunity to bring the whole family to create some summer vacation memories. New original merchandise will also be released at the Osaka venue, which opens in September.
In addition to new T-shirts and posters, new items, such as a reproduction manuscript set, will be available, allowing visitors to take home the lingering memories of the exhibition. The “The World of Masamune Shirow: Ghost in the Shell and the Path of Creation” exhibition in Tokyo runs until August 17. As the Tokyo exhibition draws to a close, Shirow’s creative world will move to the Osaka venue in September.
I look forward to continuing to enjoy this exhibition. The World of Shirow Masamune Exhibition – “Ghost in the Shell” and the Path of Creation – Tokyo Venue Dates: Saturday, April 12, 2025 – Sunday, August 17, 2025 Closed on Mondays (open on national holidays, closed the following weekday) Venue: Setagaya Literary Museum (1-10-10 Minami-Karasuyama, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo) Organizers: Setagaya Literary Museum, Setagaya Cultural Foundation, Kodansha, Parco Planning Cooperation: Seishinsha Special Cooperation: Shirow MasamuneSponsorship: Setagaya City, Setagaya City Board of EducationGraphic Design: Kei Sakawaki, Hiroaki Tobitaka Spatial Composition: Torafu Architects Osaka Venue Dates: Friday, September 5, 2025 – Sunday, October 5, 2025 Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO 14F PARCO GALLERY (1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture) Merchandise Sales Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO 9F EVENT SPACE Organizers: Kodansha, Parco Planning cooperation: Seishinsha, Setagaya Literary Museum Special cooperation: Shirow Masamune Graphic design: Sakawaki Kei, Hitaka Hiroaki Space composition: Torafu Architects.
