Shopping Guide
Doraemon is likely one of the biggest contributors to “Cool Japan.” Though the author of the original comics has passed away, the anime still airs on TV, and it’s one of those rare series that, even now, continues to gain new fans, primarily among children.
Author Fujiko F. Fujio (F) would have been 80 this year, and to commemorate his birthday, a “Fujiko F. Fujio Exhibit” is being held at Tokyo Tower. The exhibit is running from Friday, July 19, through Sunday, Oct. 6, and is open from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The number of visitors to the exhibit surpassed 10,000 on its 33rd day, reaching the halfway mark of the targeted 20,000 visitors. This favorable showing is certainly proof that F’s work is loved by many.
The exhibit includes displays of a number of pieces of original artwork, including color illustrations and the first installments of Doraemon and Obake no Q-taro, as well as screenings of early black-and-white anime adaptations of Perman and Obake no Q-Tarō.
One of the exhibit’s biggest draws is probably the public unveiling of Shōtaiyō. Shōtaiyō* is a booklet series F made as a teenager with partner Fujiko A. Fujio that contains not only manga, but also novels and advertisements that are all hand-drawn. It’s a rare item that could be called the beginning of Fujiko Fujio. The May edition was displayed until Aug. 23, and the special New Year’s edition, put on display on Aug. 24, will be open to the public through the end of the exhibit.
The exhibit also features additional attractions for visitors to enjoy, such as a virtual theater called “SF (Sukoshi Fushigi) Theater” and special areas to take fun pictures, such as the “Narikiri Chara Hiroba” and the “55/80 Hiroba.”
© Fujiko Pro / Fujiko Studio
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
