Can you enjoy it even if you don't know the original work? Attack on Titan Exhibition Starts in Ueno

The "Attack on Titan Exhibition," featuring the manga "Attack on Titan" which has sold over 40 million copies, opened at the Ueno Royal Museum in Taito Ward, Tokyo on November 28. An opening ceremony and preview event were held on the 27th.

Talent guests Risa Yoshiki and Seiji Chihara appeared at the venue dressed in character costumes from the series. Chihara commented, "My son, who's also an Attack on Titan fan like me, told me, 'Do your best today,'" while Yoshiki said, "The story is incredibly interesting because you never know what will happen next," showcasing their fandom for the original work.

At the end of the opening ceremony, one of the exhibition's highlights—a real-scale, 50-meter-class Titan—was unveiled. Facing it, Yoshiki remarked, "Seeing this up close makes my legs shake. I really don't feel like we stand a chance," describing its overwhelming power from the perspective of the Survey Corps.

The exhibition space, named "Wall Tokyo," expresses the world of the work using various techniques. Visitors first step into the awe-inspiring "Terror Experience Theater." Here, they can literally experience the terror of being attacked by Titans through sight, sound, and touch.

The subsequent exhibition areas also feature thoughtful touches designed to delight visitors. Original artwork is accompanied by the author's post-scripts and comments, and the layout makes creative use of not just the walls but also the ceiling.

Beyond the original artwork, the exhibition also displays works that inspired the original author, Hajime Isayama, as well as creations from his junior high school days. The focus is on Isayama as an individual creator, offering even those unfamiliar with Attack on Titan a glimpse into the mind of this currently prominent artist. Beyond the original artwork, highlights include a section displaying actual in-story items and Attack on Titan illustrations by renowned manga artists like Kiyohiko Azuma and Yoshihito Oomori, making this much more than just an original artwork exhibition.

Furthermore, the adjacent 360° Immersive Theater "Howl" utilizes VR (Virtual Reality) technology via the latest head-mounted displays, allowing visitors to experience "3D Maneuver Gear" alongside the series' protagonists.

The "Attack on Titan Exhibition" runs from November 28, 2014, to January 25, 2015, with no days off. Opening hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, and 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays. For ticket purchase methods and details, please refer to the official website ( http://www.kyojinten.jp/ ).

©HK/AOTE