PREVIEW: Art Of Manga

Manga is incredibly popular with people of all ages in Japan and all over the world. It features a dizzying array of subjects, from sports to another world (isekai) stories; there is literally a manga for everyone. Manga can be enjoyed in magazines, books and online – in almost any language.

By Dimitris Lempesis
Photo: de Young Museum Archive

“Art of Manga” is the first major exhibition in the Americas dedicated to exploring manga as a true art form. This groundbreaking presentation offers a rare opportunity to encounter original drawings by some of the most influential manga artists in the world—many of which have never before been shown publicly. Manga, the innovative tradition of Japanese comics and graphic novels, is distinguished by its dynamic storytelling and evocative, meticulously crafted artwork. Through more than 600 original drawings, “Art of Manga” reveals the genre’s extraordinary creative power, its immersive visual language, and its profound cultural and social impact across the globe today. The exhibition opens with an introduction to manga’s origins, spotlighting early masters such as Chiba Tetsuya and Akatsuka Fujio. This section situates manga in its historical context, offering visitors a clear understanding of what manga is, how it is created, how it is read, and how it is consumed across generations. From there, visitors journey through the unique voices of iconic artists including Araki Hirohiko, Oda Eiichiro, Tagame Gengoroh, Takahashi Rumiko, Taniguchi Jiro, Yamazaki Mari, Yamazaki Kazumi, and Yoshinaga Fumi. Their works illuminate the incredible range of manga styles and genres, while also delving into themes of identity, community, and cultural belonging. Dedicated sections also explore the editorial and production processes, the rise of digital manga—highlighted through Kodansha’s K MANGA service—as well as issues of rights, piracy, and the vibrant global fandom that sustains manga’s ever-growing influence. The exhibition culminates with a presentation of Shueisha’s Manga-Art Heritage (SMAH) initiative, a bold experiment at the intersection of manga and fine art. By transforming original drawings (genga) into limited-edition prints authenticated through blockchain technology and NFTs, SMAH reimagines how manga art can be collected, valued, and experienced. This concluding section features a lively and unexpected collaboration between the legendary Akatsuka Fujio and contemporary artist Tanaami Keiichi, underscoring manga’s ability to continuously reinvent itself across mediums and generations.

“Art of Manga” also embodies a broader cultural narrative. It represents the fourth wave of authentic Japanese culture to make a defining impact on the Bay Area: The first wave arrived with Japan’s historic delegation to San Francisco aboard the Kanrin Maru in 1860, a journey that reshaped Japan’s image in the United States. The second wave came with the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, where Japanese arts and crafts were displayed in the very location where the de Young Museum now stands. The third wave followed the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco in 1952, reestablishing peace between Japan and the Allied powers. Preceding this historic event, the de Young hosted an unprecedented exhibition of national treasures on special loan from the Japanese government. Now, in this fourth wave, exactly seventy-five years later, Art of Manga brings the vibrancy of contemporary Japanese narrative art to the de Young. This medium, once rooted in Japan, has grown into a global cultural phenomenon—particularly resonant with younger generations who see manga as both entertainment and a profound form of artistic expression.  With its sweeping vision and rare works, “Art of Manga” invites audiences not only to witness the evolution of this extraordinary art form but also to experience firsthand its ongoing dialogue between Japan and the world.

Participating Artists: Akatsuka Fujio, Araki Hirohiko, Chiba Tetsuya, Oda Eiichiro, Tagame Gengoroh, Takahashi Rumiko, Tanaami Keiichi, Taniguchi Jiro, Yamashita Kazumi, Yamazaki Mari, and Yoshinaga Fumi

Photo: Tanaami Keiichi, TANAAMI!!i AKATSUKA!! / folding screen, 2023, folding screen, print on paper on board, ©Keiichi Tanaami Courtesy of NANZUKA ©Fujio Productions Ltd./Shueisha Inc. Photograph by Honjo Naoki

Info: Curator: Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere, de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA, USA, Duration: 27/9/2025-25/1/2026, Days & Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30-17:15, www.famsf.org/