by Horikoshi Kohei’s ” My Hero Academia ” original art exhibition is being held at
“My Hero Academia” is a manga series by Horikoshi Kohei, serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump” from July 2014 to August 5, 2024. In a world where everyone has some supernatural ability or “quirk,” the main character, Izuku Midoriya (commonly known as Deku), who was “quirkless,” aims to become the “best hero” with his friends and fight against villains who misuse their “quirks.”
The comic series has gained popularity both domestically and internationally, with a total of over 100 million copies published worldwide, and has been adapted into a wide range of media, including a TV anime series, a movie, a game, and a stage play. The popularity of the series has not stopped even after the conclusion of the original manga, with the TV anime series’ “FINAL SEASON” scheduled to air in the fall of 2025.
This original art exhibition, held to commemorate the completion of the 10-year serialization of “My Hero Academia” in August 2024, will feature manuscripts and several valuable materials, offering a glimpse into the work’s 10-year history. This article introduces the exhibition and highlights its key features.
Looking back on My Hero Academia so far! The first thing you see after passing through the gates of the illustration exhibition that brings back memories is the “Prologue area,” filled with original tabloids looking back on the events in the work. This area allows you to experience the long history of the work all at once, along with 41 color illustrations that adorned the covers of the comics. In Zone 1, we reflect on Deku’s growth and achievements from his enrollment in U.A. High School to the start of the “all-out war” against the villains. The exhibition is filled with episodes depicting the relationships and beginnings of each character, such as the scene where Deku and Bakugo fight, and the match between Todoroki and Deku at the U.A. Sports Festival. Many fans will feel nostalgic.
The manuscripts on display show the effect lines and the unevenness of the white paint used for corrections, and you can witness the passion and ability of the author, Horikoshi Kohei. In Zone 2, titled “The End of the Hero-Saturated Society,” original drawings up until just before the “Second Battle” are on display, as well as line drawings and names created during the creative process. It is also irresistible to walk around the exhibition with Horikoshi Kohei’s handwritten comments and illustrations, who visited the exhibition early. Another indispensable aspect when discussing Zone 2 is the life-size figure of “Black Deku.”
The figure, which has a detailed finish and was created by WATANABE×REN, who have worked on many figures for “My Hero Academia,” conveys Deku’s inner thoughts and tragic resolve in a realistic way at first glance.
The next area, Zone 3, displays the “Second Battle”, the final battle between heroes and villains. Unlike the previous regions, the exhibition method makes the most of the space, allowing visitors to immerse themselves more deeply in the world of sorrow and grandeur.
The scenes of each deadly battle, such as Ochaco Uraraka vs Himiko Toga and Shoto Todoroki vs Dabi, are brought to life through line drawings and original artwork. Zone 4 presents the conclusions of the battles between Katsuki Bakugo and All For One, and Izuku Midoriya and Tomura Shigaraki, in full detail.
The climax of the fight, displayed along with the words of Deku’s friends who encourage him, is sure to get you on the edge of your seat. You can also read Horikoshi Kohei’s comments on the storyboards and other details to gain insight into the production’s background.
The impressive spatial exhibition, which allows visitors to look back on the memories of Bakugo and Deku, who admired heroes from childhood and aspired to be heroes themselves, is also a must-see. Furthermore, at the end of the area, a scene from “The Story of Everyone Becoming the Greatest Heroes” unfolds after a deadly battle.
The sight of Deku and his friends walking towards the future with falling cherry blossoms is heartwarming. Furthermore, in Zone 5, “Special Illustrations Snapshot”, which concludes the exhibition, several exquisite illustrations depicting the daily lives of the characters after the story has concluded are on display.
There are plenty of precious illustrations that fans will want to see at least once. Starting with a prologue, this exhibition comprises five zones and encompasses a massive volume of content, allowing you to feel the weight of the 10-year history of “My Hero Academia”.
In addition to the exhibits introduced so far, there is a photo spot where you can take a photo with the key visual of the original art exhibition, “Heroes vs. Villains”, and an exhibit related to the movie version of the anime. In addition to the official exhibition catalog, the official exhibition shop will sell 106 original goods, and the charm is too great to mention. Take this rare opportunity to visit the original art exhibition and experience the passion of the creator as you look back on the history of “My Hero Academia”.
Event summary Exhibition name: Horikoshi Kohei “My Hero Academia” Original Art Exhibition Venue: CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO Venue address: 6F TODA BUILDING, 1-7-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0031 Access: 7 minutes walk from Yaesu Central Exit of Tokyo Station on the JR lines 5 minutes walk from B1 exit of Nihonbashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line 3 minutes walk from Exits 6 and 7 of Kyobashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Period: Saturday, June 21, 2025 to Sunday, August 31, 2025 [72 days]
Open every day during the period Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 (last entrance at 19:30) Organized and planned by: My Hero Academia Original Art Exhibition Production Committee Cooperation: Weekly Shonen Jump Editorial Department Sponsors: ePlus, Ensky, Dai Nippon Printing, Takara Tomy, BANDAI SPIRITS, Bandai Namco Amusement, Bandai Namco Entertainment.
Notes regarding this exhibition *Contains content before its animated release. It may also contain content that will be shown for the first time at this exhibition. *Information regarding this exhibition may change without notice. Be sure to check the official website for the latest information, details, and notes. *Tickets for the first period (Saturday, June 21st – Thursday, July 31st) are sold out. Tickets for the second period (Friday, August 1st – Sunday, August 31) may also sell out, and you may not be able to enter.
