Sébastien Raineri

Their time in the subcultural shadows long gone, manga and anime are now common sights at prestigious art museums around the world, with large-scale exhibitions showcasing otaku culture and popular titles popping up from New York and London to Singapore in recent years. But Tokyo is still the world capital of anime and manga shows, and this year brings another packed slate of highlights to exhibition venues around the city. These are our picks of the best displays coming up in 2025 – from cyberpunk dreams and epic sagas to art inspired by the world’s most famous monster. RECOMMENDED: The best art exhibitions to see in Tokyo this year

The art year 2025 in Tokyo is looking packed, with a hefty slate of exhibitions and events highlighting everything from cutting-edge contemporary art to thousand-year old treasures. The visionary sound installations of Ryuichi Sakamoto can be appreciated at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo through the end of March, while spring sees the Mori Museum highlight the intersection of art and digital technology and the Azabudai Hills Gallery showcase the eclectic work of Tomokazu Matsuyama. Big draws in the latter half of the year include an in-depth look at the career of Expo 2025 site designer Sou Fujimoto and the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum’s celebration of 1920s fashion. Mark your calendars… RECOMMENDED: The best new attractions and facilities opening in Tokyo in 2025

Believe it or not, SpongeBob SquarePants is turning 25. The lovable yellow deep-sea dweller has delighted audiences worldwide with his infectious enthusiasm and underwater adventures since debuting back in 1999. In that time, the Nickelodeon character has become – hell, it’s true – a global cultural icon, inspiring generations with his quirky humor and unforgettable catchphrases. Set in the whimsical world of Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob’s misadventures with Patrick, Squidward and company have transcended TV to influence films, Broadway and an ever-expanding universe of merchandise. To celebrate a quarter-century of SpongeBob, Seibu Shibuya will host ‘SpongeBob Snapshot Square’ from February 19 to March 9. Snapping pics in front of numerous photo spots featuring vibrant pop art, visitors can capture moments that make them feel like they’ve entered a real SpongeBob episode.  In addition to interactive displays, the event will feature Japan’s largest-ever SpongeBob pop-up store, offering a wide selection of character merch. A special highlight will be a collaboration with renowned marine researcher and artist Sakana-kun, whose exclusive SpongeBob-inspired artwork will be available for purchase.  Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the joy of SpongeBob, the Snapshot Square promises a fun-filled dive into an animated classic that continues to amuse and gross out viewers across generations.

Working mainly amidst the modernisation push and ensuing tumult of the Meiji era, Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900) was a visionary ukiyo-e printmaker who revitalised the traditional art form with his bold use of colour and dynamic compositions. Best known for his yakusha-e (portraits of kabuki actors), Kunichika brought the world of theatre to life with an intensity rarely seen before.  The Ota Memorial Museum of Art commemorates the 190th anniversary of Kunichika’s birth with a retrospective featuring 210 carefully selected works. The exhibition offers a comprehensive view of the artist’s palette, highlighting not only his famous actor portraits, but also his bijin-ga (beautiful women), musha-e (warriors), landscapes, and rare nikuhitsu-ga (hand-painted ukiyo-e). Drawing on the latest academic research, the retrospective sheds new light on Kunichika’s artistic evolution and enduring influence. Kunichika isn’t quite as well-known or highly appreciated as some of his fellow printmakers from the same era, so this exhibition makes for a rare opportunity to explore the full oeuvre of an artist who, against the tide of modernisation, remained true to his commitment to a centuries-old tradition while redefining it for a new era.

Step into a world where reality is reshaped at ‘A Miniature World x Hyakudan Kaidan’, an exhibition that invites you to explore Japan in its tiniest, most intricate forms. Held within the historic Hyakudan Kaidan, a designated tangible cultural property located at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, the event transforms seven rooms into enchanting realms of meticulously crafted miniatures.  Running until March 9, the exhibition showcases over 1,000 pieces that span a wide array of styles and periods, from Edo-period (1603–1867) dollhouses to contemporary hyper-realistic dioramas. A particular highlight is the Hinamatsuri collection, where Hina dolls and accessories evoke the refinement of Japan’s traditional Girls’ Day festival. In a dimly lit room, shimmering reflections from a still-water display enhance the exquisite details of these diminutive treasures. Going beyond traditional miniatures, the exhibition aims for an immersive experience that plays with perspective, inviting visitors to feel as if they have shrunk and entered a whimsical wonderland. By juxtaposing historical craftsmanship with modern mastery, ‘A Miniature World x Hyakudan Kaidan’ offers an extraordinary glimpse into the artistry of small-scale creations.

As his nickname ‘God of Manga’ suggests, the Osaka-born Osamu Tezuka (1928–1989) revolutionised Japanese manga and animation, shaping the industry into what it is today. His immense creativity and pioneering storytelling introduced the world to classics such as Astro Boy, Black Jack and Kimba the White Lion. The artist himself, however, considered Phoenix (Hinotori) his magnum opus. A profound and ambitious saga exploring the nature of life, death and reincarnation, the Phoenix narrative follows humanity’s relentless pursuit of immortality through the mythical bird whose blood grants eternal life, alternating between the distant past and far future.  To celebrate the 70th anniversary of this landmark work, the first large-scale Phoenix exhibition will take place from March 7 to May 25 at Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills. Featuring over 800 pieces spanning the manga’s twelve main arcs, the exhibition will not only showcase original artworks and manuscripts; it’ll also invite visitors to explore Tezuka's conclusion, left unfinished following the artist’s untimely death in 1989. By merging art, philosophy and science, ‘Osamu Tezuka’s Phoenix Exhibition’ offers a fresh perspective on one of manga’s greatest masterpieces, conveying Tezuka’s visionary legacy to new generations.

Originally serialised in Weekly Big Comic Spirits from 2020 to 2022, mononymous author Uoto’s manga Orb: On the Movements of the Earth takes readers to a fictional 15th-century European kingdom where heliocentric theory challenges the long-held geocentric worldview upheld by the Church. In an era where knowledge was tightly controlled and heresy could cost one’s life, the work tells a gripping story of intellectual challenge. The series captivated readers with its nuanced exploration of science, faith and the relentless pursuit of truth. Following its literary success, Orb was adapted into an anime by Madhouse and aired on Netflix. The Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) is hosting an immersive experience themed on the work from March 14 to June 1. Titled ‘Orb: On the Movements of the Earth –An act of planet–’, the exhibition will bridge the gap between fiction and reality by tracing the real-world transition from the geocentric to the heliocentric model, one of the most far-reaching paradigm shifts in human history. Visitors will be able to experience key scenes from the anime, see original films and take on interactive exhibits. By making astronomy more accessible and engaging, the exhibition aims to bring to life the very questions that fuelled the intellectual revolution at the heart of Orb.

The creator of seminal works of manga that have profoundly influenced cyberpunk aesthetics and futuristic storytelling, Masamune Shirow is best known for Ghost in the Shell, Appleseed and Dominion. As a pioneer in the study of the implications of artificial intelligence on society, the Kobe-born artist has been exploring the intersection of technology, humanity and consciousness since the 1980s, captivating audiences with his ability to foresee a digitalised future in ways that remain highly relevant today. From April 12 to August 17, the Setagaya Literary Museum is hosting ‘The World of Masamune Shirow: ‘The Ghost in the Shell’ and the Path of Creation’, an exhibition offering an unprecedented glimpse into the artist’s creative world. The show coincides with the 30th anniversary of Ghost in the Shell’s legendary 1995 anime adaptation, as well as the 30th anniversary of the museum. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to explore the mind of an artist who redefined the cyberpunk genre, gaining an in-depth look at Shirow’s groundbreaking storytelling and visual mastery.

For over a decade, My Hero Academia has captivated fans worldwide with its gripping narrative, compelling characters and high-octane battles. Created by Kohei Horikoshi, the manga debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2014 and quickly became a cornerstone of modern shonen storytelling. Its success spawned a multimedia empire, including an anime adaptation by Studio Bones, multiple animated films, spin-off manga and an upcoming live-action adaptation. With the anime’s grand finale set to air in late 2025, Kohei Horikoshi’s ‘My Hero Academia Original Art Exhibition’ serves as both a celebration of and farewell to a franchise that has left an indelible mark on the world of anime and manga. The expansive exhibition, set to run from June 21 to August 31 at Creative Museum Tokyo, promises an in-depth look at the creative process behind the beloved series. Visitors will have access to original manga pages, concept art and exclusive materials from Horikoshi himself.

After celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024, the legendary kaiju takes center stage at the Mori Arts Center Gallery with ‘Godzilla: The Art’, an exhibition highlighting the still-evolving legacy of the world’s most famous monster. Running from April 26 to June 29, this fifth installment in the acclaimed ‘Godzilla: The Art’ series invites visitors to experience the beast through a new artistic lens. Since its cinematic debut in 1954, Godzilla has embodied themes of destruction, rebirth, and the ever-evolving relationship between humanity and nature. As a true international icon, the King of the Monsters continues to inspire wonder and dread in fans of all generations in search of symbolism and entertainment alike.  Curated under the direction of renowned anatomist Takeshi Yoro, the exhibition breaks free from the confines of cinema to explore Godzilla as an artistic and cultural phenomenon. Featuring works by 15 contemporary artists, it showcases sculptures, paintings and multimedia pieces that reinterpret the essence and impact of Godzilla.

In an announcement gamers around the world had been awaiting eagerly, Nintendo in January unveiled its long-awaited next console, the Nintendo Switch 2, by video presentation. In addition to disclosing the official name of its new hardware, the Kyoto firm has revealed a handful of new features to make its fans’ mouths water. More details are set to be announced on a Nintendo Direct livestream scheduled for April 2 2025, after which events will be organised in several cities around the world to let fans try out the Nintendo Switch 2 in person. Joining New York, Paris, London and Berlin, Tokyo (more precisely, MakuhariMesse in Chiba) will be hosting a test event of Nintendo’s new console on April 26 and 27. For the chance to participate, register for the draw via the official Nintendo website by February 20.

The Mori Arts Center Gallery takes you on a journey into the heart of one of the most enigmatic civilisations in history through a selection of masterpieces from the prestigious Egyptian collection of the Brooklyn Museum. Around 150 artefacts will be on display, ranging from monumental sculptures to delicate jewellery, ornate sarcophagi, pottery, human and animal mummies, and precious papyri. Guided by renowned Egyptologist Yukinori Kawae, visitors are invited to explore three millennia of history through three thematic sections. The first focuses on the daily lives of the people of ancient Egypt, while the second section is devoted to the figure of the pharaoh, holder of absolute power. Works related to twelve iconic kings are presented, tracing the evolution of the dynasty and the representation of the rulers. The final section explores ancient Egyptians’ beliefs about life after death. Grave goods, ritual instruments and reliefs depicting deities are on display, providing insight into the reasons for and techniques of mummification.

Finnish designer and sculptor Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) was a major figure in post-war design. Influenced by his stays in Lapland, the northern part of Finland, his work encompasses a wide range of fields, including product design, sculpture, graphic design and architecture. The breadth of his talent is reflected in the diversity of materials he used, especially glass, which made him known internationally. Wirkkala’s most famous creations include the design for Finlandia vodka and the Ultima Thule kitchen glass collection for Iittala. Both glass creations required thousands of hours of work to develop a glassblowing technique capable of producing the appearance of dripping ice cubes. The artistry involved in these masterpieces can be studied at the artist’s first major solo exhibition in Japan, being held at the Tokyo Station Gallery from April 5 to June 15. The retrospective celebrates the 110th anniversary of Wirkkala’s birth and focuses on his creative process and the environments that inspired him. The exhibition brings together approximately 300 works, including rarely exhibited plywood sculptures, design objects, and prototypes.

Women’s emancipation was in full swing at the beginning of the twentieth century and had a considerable influence on fashion. The interwar period saw the emergence of the liberated woman, in search of a modern and daring style reflecting her new spirit. At the same time, the Art Deco movement was born, blooming during the 1920s first in relation to interior architecture and furniture. It was in this context that the first icon of Art Deco fashion was born: the garçonne, an emblematic figure of the Roaring Twenties. Art Deco fashion came to be characterised by geometric and clean shapes, bold colours and high-quality materials. Beaded dresses, furs, feathers and sequins make up the Art Deco wardrobe, where graphic patterns and bold prints bring a touch of sophistication and theatricality to outfits. Looking back at this era of luxurious and opulent wear – and celebrating the centenary of the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris – the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum is organising the ‘Art Deco and Fashion’ exhibition from October 11 2025 to January 25 2026. The museum will display about sixty iconic Art Deco outfits – including evening dresses from the great Parisian houses such as Poiret, Chanel and Lanvin – as well as paintings, prints, handicrafts, and other artwork from Japanese and foreign museums.

If your familiarity with Ryuichi Sakamoto is limited to his scores for films like Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and The Last Emperor, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo this winter or spring may prove startling and satisfying in equal measure. At ‘Ryuichi Sakamoto: seeing sound, hearing time’, on at the MOT until March 30 2025, the interdisciplinary segment of Sakamoto’s oeuvre takes on a monumental dimension by way of a multisensory experience that connects sound, space and time. Encouraging contemplation, lingering and meditation, the immersive retrospective offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the artist’s sound installations and traces his experimental and pioneering journey through landmark pieces as well as previously unseen works conceived shortly before his untimely death in 2023. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Room-sized artworks explore Sakamoto’s concept of ‘installation music’, under which the artist and his collaborators designed environments for the public to experience sound in physical space. These three-dimensional experiences interact dynamically with the museum’s architecture and highlight Sakamoto’s understanding of technology as an essential tool for making sense of the world as a whole, including the relationship between humans and their environment. An eclectic career – and a lingering influence Born in Tokyo in 1952, Ryuichi Sakamoto’s passion for music began early, inspired by a home rich in art and literature. His love for Debussy an