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The Anime Art of Mappa: Fifteenth Anniversary Expo Takes Visitors Deep Into the Hits

In the 16 years since its launch, the anime studio Mappa has produced numerous global hits. A new show in Yūrakuchō, Tokyo, puts its art on full display, from the characters in its works to the techniques behind the scenes.

Mappa, the renowned anime production company, has unveiled its Fifteenth Anniversary Expo, showcasing 23 original cels, storyboards, and production materials from its celebrated works. This exhibition, running until December 7, 2026, at the Yūrakuchō Museum in Tokyo, offers a deep dive into the company's hits.

Highlights include sections dedicated to three popular overseas properties: Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Chainsaw Man. Here, visitors can compare final videos to production materials and experience scenes through life-sized model installations.

In the Jujutsu Kaisen exhibit, a life-sized model of protagonist Itadori Yūji stands aboard a train, with a screen playing fight scenes on replay, reminiscent of his own flashbacks. The Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc area is greeted by a life-sized Bomb, a formidable foe who draws Chainsaw Man into a life-or-death battle, surrounded by meticulously recreated movie scenery.

The Attack on Titan: The Final Season exhibit features a model of the climactic "The Rumbling" scene, capturing the frenzy of the anime's finale. This expo also marks the first public display of the original art for "That Hill," the story's ending setting, which boasts watercolor-like background art.

Mappa's excellence lies in its seamless blend of hand-drawn art and computer graphics. This expo allows visitors to immerse themselves in the studio's innovative animation techniques and appreciate its almost lifelike visual artistry, all while experiencing the beauty of its complex action sequences. Note: Entry is strictly timed, as per ticketed dates and times. English audio guides are available; please consult the official Mappa website for further details.

Written by urgent.news from Nippon.com's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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