HELLSING and Drifters / The Ultimate Guide to the Kouta Hirano Great Exposition: For Overseas Fans

Renowned manga artist Kouta Hirano is celebrated worldwide for works like HELLSING and Drifters. The Kouta Hirano Great Exposition is a comprehensive exhibition celebrating his art, featuring original art displays, hands-on experiences, and exclusive event goods—a must for any fan! Here, this guide covers everything overseas visitors need to know, from tickets and access to must-see highlights and travel tips.

1. Event Overview: Dates, Venue, and Highlights

• Dates (Nagoya): September 6 (Sat) – October 5 (Sun), 2025
• Hours: 10:00am–5:00pm (last admission 4:30pm)
• Venue: Telepia Hall, Higashi Sakura 1-14-25, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
• Main Features:
  • Over 200 original hand-drawn pages, mainly from HELLSING and Drifters
  • Dioramas recreating iconic scenes, visual and audio installations
  • Photo spots and an on-site merchandise store
• Note: This traveling exhibit has also visited Tokyo and Osaka. Currently, Nagoya is the most recent venue.

2. Ticket Information

• Tickets: Advance and same-day tickets available
• Prices:
  • General Admission: 2,100 JPY (advance) / 2,300 JPY (same day)
  • Special Ticket A (with “HELLSING – Anderson’s Bayonet” letter opener): 5,400 JPY (advance), 5,600 JPY (same day)
  • Special Ticket B (with “Drifters – Toyohisa’s Sword” letter opener): 5,400 JPY (advance), 5,600 JPY (same day)
• Children under school age: Free with guardian
• Limited edition tickets are while supplies last
• Where to Buy: Lawson Ticket, event official website (English available)
• Entry might require a time slot or waiting ticket during busy hours

3. Gifts and Novelties

• Exclusive goods for special ticket holders
• Limited postcards or novelty gifts for purchases over 2,000 JPY in the shop (subject to availability)
• Additional random gifts or limited clear cards announced during event

4. Exhibition Highlights

• Original Art: Over 200 pages on display, showing detailed panel layouts, corrections, and the force of Hirano’s lines
• Dioramas: Large models recreating famed battles and costumes for close-up viewing
• Video/Audio Installations: Iconic Anime scenes and legendary lines, fully immersive
• Photo Spots: Military uniforms and weapon recreations, immersive backdrops for memorable photos
• Fan Interaction: Visitor boards, message corners
• Audio Guide: 800 JPY (bring your own smartphone & earphones)

5. Event Goods & Exclusive Items

• Art books
• Acrylic stands (including new releases)
• T-shirts (e.g. Alucard & Anderson battle motifs)
• Keychains, pins, many others
• Venue-exclusive postcards and clear file sets
• Some items available online after the event
• High-denomination bills may not be accepted at merch booths; carrying small change is recommended

6. Access & Transportation

• Telepia Hall (Nagoya):
  • Nearest Stations: Sakae Station (Subway Higashiyama/Meijo Lines, 8 min walk); Sakaemachi Station (Meitetsu Seto Line, 5 min)
  • From Chubu Centrair International Airport: Meitetsu train to Sakae Station, about 40 minutes
  • From Nagoya Station: Subway, about 5 minutes to Sakae
  • Parking: Use nearby coin parking lots
• Ikebukuro Sunshine City (past Tokyo leg):
  • Ikebukuro Station: 8 min walk; Higashi Ikebukuro Station: 3 min walk

7. Accommodation

• Many business and city hotels near the venue
• Sakae/Nagoya station area: 6,000–20,000 JPY per night
• Recommended for overseas travelers: Chain hotels (APA, Richmond, Toyoko Inn, etc.)—usually with English-speaking staff
• Book early, especially during event dates
• International booking sites (Booking.com, Agoda) supported

8. Food & Restaurant Info

• Wide range of Japanese, western and Asian restaurants around the venue
• Telepia Hall is adjacent to Hisaya Odori Park, home to many cafes and restaurants
• Vegetarian/Vegan options available—check Google Maps for up-to-date info
• Convenience stores (FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, Lawson) within walking distance
• For souvenirs: department store food floors like Apita and Matsuzakaya

9. Event Rules & Notes

• Photography prohibited in most exhibit areas (except designated photo spots)
• No loud behavior or outside food/drinks (drink only in designated areas)
• Timed entry or numbered tickets may be distributed during crowded times
• Store large luggage in paid coin lockers or a cloakroom
• Children must be accompanied by a guardian
• Staff primarily speak Japanese; some English-speaking staff available (easily identified by badges)

10. About Chip's

• "Chip's" refers to digital points/coupons or a series of collectible acrylic badges used at the event and related activities
• These may be used for limited-edition goods, prize lotteries, or interactive booth experiences
• Details and how to participate: check the official website or in-person information

11. Additional Advice for Overseas Visitors

• Latest news: official website & X/Twitter (@hiranokohtaexpo) available, with foreign language translation buttons
• To avoid crowds:
  • Come on weekday mornings, right at opening
  • On weekends/holidays, purchase date/time-specified tickets in advance
• Payment methods: cash, credit cards, and some electronic payment options accepted
• Easy to combine with local sightseeing: Nagoya Castle, Oasis 21, Osu Kannon, and more

12. Conclusion: Why You Should Go

The Kouta Hirano Great Exposition is an immersive experience for original fans as well as those discovering HELLSING or Drifters for the first time. Dive deep into the worlds and artistry of Kouta Hirano through stunning displays and interactive content. Enjoy a wide array of exclusive commemorative goods, smooth logistics, and thoughtful Japanese hospitality—making for a truly unforgettable day!

Even if you don’t speak Japanese, the event's immersive visual experience and atmospheric installations will allow you to fully feel the essence and energy of Hirano’s iconic works. The infrastructure is welcoming, even for first-time visitors to Japan. Don’t miss the chance to add this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition to your travel itinerary!

For latest details and updates, check the official X (@hiranokohtaexpo) or the official website before your visit.