Tezuka Osamu "Saving Our Fragile Earth" Special Exhibition Guide (2025) — For Fans Visiting Japan

The special exhibition “Saving Our Fragile Earth(Save the Glass Earth” by legendary manga artist Tezuka Osamu takes place at the holy land for manga lovers, the Tokiwaso Manga Museum in Toshima City, Tokyo. This guide covers essential information in English, from event dates and venue details, exhibition highlights, access, local food and accommodations, rules, and handy tips for overseas visitors.

Event Details

• Date: August 2, 2025 (Sat) to November 24, 2025 (Mon, public holiday)
  *Closed on Mondays (except public holidays, then closed on next weekday)
• Time: 10:00–18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
• Venue: Tokiwaso Manga Museum, 3-9-22 Minaminagasaki, Toshima City, Tokyo (inside Minaminagasaki Hanasaki Park)
• Admission Fee: Adults: ¥500, Elementary/Junior High: ¥100, Kids under school age & disabled visitors (with one assistant): Free
• Reservation: Advance booking recommended via the official website (reservation priority)

Exhibition Highlights & Contents

• Theme: The exhibition recreates Tezuka Osamu’s masterpiece essay "Save the Glass Earth", conveying the preciousness of life and the magnificence of our natural world.
• Approx. 110 original manuscripts on display, including iconic works like “Jungle Emperor Leo” and “Astro Boy”, as well as rare shorts and pre-debut pieces.
• Exclusive screening of rare lectures given by Tezuka Osamu himself.
• Visitor Special: Receive one of four exclusive Tezuka character badges (randomly given, while supplies last).

Access to the Venue

• Nearest Stations:
  - Toei Oedo Line “Ochiai-Minaminagasaki Sta.” (A2 Exit, 5 min walk)
  - Seibu Ikebukuro Line “Higashi-Nagasaki Sta.” (South Exit, 10 min walk)
  - Seibu Ikebukuro Line “Shiinamachi Sta.” (South Exit, 10 min walk)
• From Ikebukuro Station: Take JR, subway, or Seibu line to reach the nearby stations, then walk to the museum.
• No parking (except for large buses and disabled visitors). Please use public transportation.
• Some English signs available, but using a translation app is advised for visitors who do not speak Japanese.

Food Recommendations Near the Museum

• Matsuba: Legendary ramen shop visited by Tezuka and the original Tokiwaso manga artists—sample classic flavors and manga-inspired local vibes.
• Suzukiya Soba & Cafe Libeccio: Retro Japanese set meals, croquette sandwiches, and dishes enjoyed by manga creators.
• Sagara Teishoku: Featured in "Kodoku no Gourmet", famous local set menu—hearty portions, great to share.
• Oomaru Tonkatsu: Casual diner serving delicious fried dishes—a warm, neighborly experience.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels conveniently accessible from Ikebukuro and Mejiro stations:
  ・Richmond Hotel Tokyo Mejiro
  ・JR-East Hotel Mets Mejiro
  ・ASTA HOTEL
  ・Sheena & Ippei Hostel
  
• Staying in Ikebukuro or Mejiro areas offers optimal access for sightseeing, dining, and shopping after the exhibition.
• Wide variety of hotel types for solo travelers and groups, including long-stay and budget-friendly choices.

Rules & Etiquette: Please Be Mindful

• The museum is inside a residential area and park—no littering or smoking on streets.
• Photography is generally allowed, except for restricted objects; always follow staff instructions.
• No outside food or drinks; pets are not allowed (except assistance dogs).
• May experience waiting during crowded hours—please be considerate, quiet, and share space.
• If you require information in English or another language, advance email inquiries are possible.
• During local events or festivals, be extra considerate of residents and local customs.

Insider Tips & What You Can Gain

• Book early to secure your preferred visiting slot—priority admission for online reservations.
• Limited edition goods (character badges, exclusive items) are best obtained early in the day or during quieter hours.
• Ikebukuro and Tokiwaso Street feature seasonal menus and manga-related events—check SNS or official news for latest updates.
• Combine your trip with local sightseeing: Minaminagasaki Hanasaki Park and Tokiwaso Street rest area—the ultimate manga pilgrimage.
• Japanese cultural experiences and English-speaking guides are available (advance booking required).

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This special exhibition offers a rare chance to deeply experience Tezuka Osamu’s thought and work, cherished across the world. It is a must-visit not only for manga fans but anyone interested in anime, Japanese pop culture, or environmental messages. Let "Save the Glass Earth" inspire you to cherish our fragile planet!

EVANGELION 30th Anniversary Exhibition: The Complete Guide for International Travelers

In 2025, the timeless masterpiece "Evangelion," an indispensable part of Japanese pop culture, will reach a momentous 30th-anniversary milestone since its original TV broadcast. To celebrate this historic year, the long-awaited, large-scale special exhibition, "ALL OF EVANGELION," has been announced for the delight of fans.

This is no mere retrospective. It is a festival-like space where you can experience "all of Evangelion," as a vast collection of precious, never-before-seen production materials are brought together to unravel the series' creative journey on an unprecedented scale and in profound depth.

This article will provide a detailed and easy-to-understand guide to the charms of the "ALL OF EVANGELION" exhibition for international fans who are planning a trip to, or are currently in, Japan.

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Exhibition Overview: When and Where?

First, let's cover the basic information for this exhibition.

• Exhibition Name: 30th Anniversary Exhibition "ALL OF EVANGELION"
• Dates: Friday, November 14, 2025 – Monday, January 12, 2026 (National Holiday)
• Venue: Tokyo City View (Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 52F)
• Organizer: Tokyo City View
• Planning: The Asahi Shimbun, Movic Promote Service, Movic
• Special Cooperation: Khara, Inc., Anime Tokusatsu Archive Organisation (ATAC), GroundWorks:
• Official Websites:
  • Portal Site: https://ao-eva.exhibit.jp
  • Tokyo Venue Official Site: https://allofevangelion-ex.roppongihills.com/
  • Official X (Twitter): @ao_eva30exhibit

【Advice for International Visitors】
Further details such as ticket prices, opening hours, and merchandise information will be announced on the official websites and social media channels. When planning your trip to Japan, we recommend checking these official sources regularly. For popular exhibitions like this, advance ticket booking is often required.

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Exhibition Concept: A "Festival" for the Eyes, Ears, and Mind

The concept of this exhibition is a "festival" to be experienced with your eyes, ears, and mind. This means it aims to be an experience where visitors can deeply immerse themselves in the world of Evangelion using all their senses, rather than just viewing the materials.

From its broadcast debut in 1995, which sparked a social phenomenon, through the "Rebuild of Evangelion" movie series that began in 2007, to the final installment, "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time" in 2021, Evangelion has constantly evolved. Its 30-year history has been a continuous "festival" shared with its fans. This exhibition, as the culmination of it all, will be a place where each visitor can rediscover and celebrate the fundamental appeal of the work.

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The Core of the Exhibition: What Can You See?

True to its name, "ALL OF EVANGELION" will feature an unprecedentedly large-scale display of extremely valuable production materials that form the core of the work, from the original TV series to the "Rebuild of Evangelion" films.

1. Production Materials from the "Neon Genesis Evangelion" TV Series: The Soul of the Analog Era

In the 1990s, before the widespread digitalization of animation production, the mainstream method was analog, where each frame was drawn and painted by hand. This exhibition will feature a collective display of precious materials from this era. This is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the origins of Evangelion.

• Cel-ga (Animation Cels):
  While it may be an unfamiliar term for some, "cel-ga" refers to the technique of drawing characters on transparent sheets (cels) and layering them over background paintings to create animation. In today's world of digital production, these cels themselves are extremely rare. This exhibition will display a multitude of vibrant cels used in the original TV series. The thrill of seeing those famous scenes, once viewed only on a screen, as tangible, hand-drawn objects right before your eyes is an irreplaceable experience. The tormented expression of Shinji Ikari, the mysterious smile of Rei Ayanami, the fierce determination of Asuka Langley Soryu—all will feel vividly real, bearing the raw traces of the animators' brushstrokes.
• Genga (Key Animation Drawings) & Settei (Model Sheets):
  "Genga" are the key frames that define an animation's movement and are essentially the "blueprints" that determine the quality of character expressions and actions. "Settei" are the reference materials that detail the fine points of the world-building, such as character heights and outfits, the designs of Evangelion Unit-01 and other mecha, and the scenery of Tokyo-3. This exhibition will generously display a wealth of meticulously drawn genga and settei. By viewing these, you can get a glimpse into the creative process and the meticulous attention to detail that the creators poured into building that unique and complex world.

2. Digital Production Materials from the "Rebuild of Evangelion" Series: A Public First!

With the "Rebuild of Evangelion" series, which began in 2007, animation production techniques shifted significantly from analog to digital. One of the major highlights of this exhibition is that the digital production materials used for the "Rebuild" series will be displayed together for the first time to the public.

The production process of the digital-era "Evangelion," which has been shrouded in mystery until now, will finally be revealed. While the specific materials have yet to be announced, we can anticipate the following:

• Digital Animation Data: Key animation and in-between frames drawn directly on devices like tablets.
• 3DCG Model Data: Detailed 3D models of the Evangelions, Angels, and battleships. You may be able to view their structures and details from various angles.
• VFX (Visual Effects) Production Process: A breakdown of how powerful scenes, like the deployment of an A.T. Field or the positron blast from Operation Yashima, were created, potentially showing layer structures and effect creation.

The fact that materials from "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time," the record-breaking final film that grossed over 10.28 billion yen, will be shown for the first time is an unmissable point for fans. You will be able to see behind the scenes of that magnificent climax, brought to life through cutting-edge digital technology.

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The Venue's Charm: Roppongi Hills & Tokyo City View

The venue for this exhibition, Tokyo City View, is an observation deck located on the 52nd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks.

From the indoor observation corridor, situated 250 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama that includes Tokyo Tower, Skytree, the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. The ability to enjoy this stunning view before or after appreciating the exhibition is one of its major attractions.

You can have the luxurious experience of reflecting on the world of the series while gazing out at a view of metropolitan Tokyo that is reminiscent of the fortress city "Tokyo-3" from the show. The night view is particularly spectacular; the sea of countless lights is a work of art in itself.

Roppongi Hills is a multi-purpose complex that also houses the Mori Art Museum, over 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, and gardens, offering a full day of entertainment. It's a great idea to plan your visit to combine the exhibition with Tokyo's cutting-edge culture, dining, and shopping.

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Q&A for International Visitors

Q. Can I enjoy the exhibition if I don't understand Japanese?

A. At present, it has not been announced whether the exhibit descriptions will have multilingual support. However, past large-scale exhibitions have often included English captions or provided audio guides. Furthermore, the appeal of Evangelion lies in its visual power, which transcends language. The delicate touch of the original drawings, the vivid colors of the cels, and the intricate designs of the model sheets can be deeply appreciated without understanding the language. We recommend checking the official website for the latest information.

Q. How can I buy tickets?

A. The method of ticket sales and pricing will be announced on the official website soon. Typically, tickets for exhibitions in Japan can be purchased through online ticketing sites (e.g., Lawson Ticket, Ticket Pia, e+) or at terminals in convenience stores. It is possible that an online site accessible to overseas buyers will be available. As popular exhibitions can sell out quickly, we recommend checking the release date and purchasing your tickets early.

Q. Is photography allowed?

A. In most Japanese exhibitions, photography is prohibited in most areas to protect copyrights, with the exception of designated photo spots. To preserve the precious original artwork and materials, please adhere to the rules. If there are areas where photography is permitted, please follow the instructions.

Q. Will there be exclusive merchandise for sale?

A. It is almost certain that exclusive, original merchandise will be sold at the exhibition. You can expect a wide variety of items, including an exhibition catalog (a book summarizing the exhibit's contents), T-shirts, clear files, keychains, and reproduction prints. The merchandise shop is expected to be very crowded, so it's a good idea to visit with plenty of time to spare.

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Why is "Evangelion" So Special?

Finally, let's touch upon the significance of the "Evangelion" series, which is the reason this exhibition is garnering so much attention.

When "Neon Genesis Evangelion" first aired in 1995, it sent shockwaves not just through the anime community but throughout society as a whole, as a work that far transcended the conventional mecha anime genre.

The story follows young boys and girls who pilot giant, multi-purpose humanoid decisive weapons called Evangelions to fight mysterious enemies known as "Angels." However, the narrative's focus is not on the thrill of battle, but on the fragile, vulnerable inner lives of its characters, led by the protagonist Shinji Ikari, and the difficulty of communicating with others. With its complex storyline interwoven with philosophical, psychological, and religious motifs, its stylish visual expression, and the boom created by the character Rei Ayanami, its impact is immeasurable.

"Evangelion" is not just an anime; it is a "cultural phenomenon." Its influence is not confined to Japan but continues to inspire creators and fans all over the world.

This "ALL OF EVANGELION" exhibition can be described as the first-ever opportunity to experience, in the most raw and comprehensive way, the passion, skill, and anguish from which this legendary work was born.

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Conclusion: Become a Witness to Legend

For long-time fans, the 30th Anniversary Exhibition "ALL OF EVANGELION" will be a pilgrimage to reaffirm their love for the series and make new discoveries. For a new generation of fans who came to know Evangelion through the "Rebuild" series, and for those about to delve into the work, it is the perfect chance to encounter its grand creative history and the source of its unfading charm.

If you plan to be in Tokyo between November 2025 and January 2026, why not visit this historic exhibition? Paired with the spectacular view of Tokyo, it is sure to add an unforgettable page to your "Evangelion experience."

Keep an eye on the official website and social media for further announcements as you plan your trip.