If you've visited Shibuya in the past two years, chances are you've seen collage artist Kosuke Kawamura's "AD 2019" plastered over white construction fences in several areas of the neighborhood. A reference to the setting of Katsuhiro Ohtomo's seminal post-apocalyptic science fiction manga Akira, first published in 1982 and adapted into the iconic feature-length anime in 1988, the art work entertained visitors to Shibuya and served as a reminder that the "year of Akira" was coming.

Already in 2017, one could see Kaneda and his iconic red bike, for example:

Other images were particularly visible on the construction site of the new Shibuya Parco building:


New Shibuya Parco

On November 22nd, the reborn Shibuya Parco will finally open its doors to the public. Featuring 180 unique stores, organized around the themes of Fashion, Art & Culture, Entertainment, Food, and Technology, the new building will not only serve as a new landmark with its visually arresting appearance, but will also become a new hub of fashion and culture for the neighborhood, not to mention a must-stop destination for fans of Japanese games, anime and pop culture since it will have Nintendo Tokyo, Pokémon Center Shibuya, a Touken Ranbu bookshop, and plenty of other Japanese pop culture content.

Akira Art of Wall Exhibition

With all the anticipation drummed up by the "AD 2019" project, you'd expect Shibuya Parco to have something Akira-themed to kick off its grand opening. They haven't disappointed.

From November 22nd, the brand new Parco Museum Tokyo and the famous Gallery X (originally located in Spain-Zaka but now reopening in Shibuya Parco) are co-jointly hosting "AKIRA ART OF WALL Katsuhiro Otomo × Kosuke Kawamura AKIRA ART EXHIBITION."

On the 4th floor Parco Museum Tokyo, the actual panels of the Akira Art Wall "AD 2019" which have lived with the neighborhood for the past two years will be reconfigured into one giant collage and displayed. In addition, there will be valuable original drawings and posters from the time when the film was released, reconstructed objects which appear in the story, and you'll hear the iconic soundtrack from Geinoh Yamashirogumi as you enjoy an experience that will plunge you into Neo Tokyo. At Gallery X on the basement floor, you'll also see an installation of a massive art object inspired by the film.

YAR, a creative team spearheaded by graphic artist YOSHIROTTEN, is overseeing the graphic design and the spatial presentation of the exhibition.

In addition to the visual experience, Akira fans will surely be interested in the commemorative goods and exclusive merchandise produced in collaboration with apparel brands nana-nana, READYMADE and NEXUSVII.

Exhibition Details

  • Name: AKIRA ART OF WALL Otomo Katsuhiro × Kosuke Kawamura AKIRA ART EXHIBITION
  • Place: PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO (Shibuya PARCO 4F), GALLERY X (Shibuya PARCO B1F)
  • PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO dates / times: 2019/11/22 to 12/16 10:00 to 21:00
  • GALLERY X dates / times: 2019/11/22 to 12/8 11:00 to 21:00
  • Notes: closes at 18:00 on final day, last admission to PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO 30 min. before closing
  • Admission: General 1,000 JPY, high school and younger 800 JPY, preschoolers free
  • Official Website
  • Purchase advanced tickets through e-plus online and at Family Mart and 7-Eleven convenience stores nationwide until 12/1
  • Credits: © MASH・ROOM/KODANSHA © Kosuke Kawamura ©︎ AKIRA ART OF WALL EXHIBITION

Commemorative Goods

T-shirts

Short-sleeved T-shirts: 4,000 JPY / ea.

Long-sleeved T-shirts: 6,000 JPY / ea.

Hoodies

8,500 JPY / ea.

iPhone cases

Compatible with X or XS: 3,500 JPY / ea.

Sticker Sheet Set

3 Sheets, A4 size (8.27" × 11.69"): 1,200 JPY

Tote Bags

1,500 JPY ea.

Poster

A2 size (16.53" x 23.39"): 1,000 JPY

AKIRA ART OF WALL commemorative book special box set

All of the construction fence panels of the AKIRA 2019 AD collage artwork are carefully reproduced in three folding panels, one for each of the series. The fourth volume contains photos from TAKAMURADAISUKE and interviews with Katsuhiro Ohtomo and Kosuke Kawamura. The box set also includes a commemorative poster (see above)

Box (11.9" x 7" x 2"). Folding Panels + document book (11.7" x 6.8"). Price: 10,000 JPY (excl. tax)

Notes: Prices listed are exclusive of tax. Actual look of products may change without notice. Maximum of 4 items per category per person (including different sizes of same item). Purchases not possible without admission to exhibition.


Collaboration Goods

AKIRA ART OF WALL × KITANCLUB: AKIRA ART OF WALL miniature figure

Capsule toy. 10 varieties (Maximum 10 turns per customer). 500 JPY (incl. tax)


Collaboration Apparel

AKIRA ART OF WALL × nana-nana

AKIRA PVC bags. A5 (fits A5 size [5.83" × 8.27"] documents): 9,500 JPY.
A4 (fits A4 size [8.27" × 11.69"] documents): 10,500 JPY

AKIRA opaque bags. A5: 11,500 JPY. A4: 12,500 JPY. AKIRA iPhone case: 6,800 JPY

AKIRA ART OF WALL × READYMADE

Pack of 3 T-shirts: 40,000 JPY

AKIRA ART OF WALL × NEXUSVII

PERSONAL EFFECTS BAG "AKIRA"MOD: 6,800 JPY

CONVENI BAG "AKIRA"MOD.: 4,800 JPY

Others

MA-1 flight jacket special Akira mod and G9 Akira mod also announced...


For more details about admission procedures for advance or same-day tickets holders, as well as other notices and limitations, please see the press release here.


By - Ben K.