From October 5, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, will host the highly anticipated Sakura Momoko Exhibition. This travelling exhibition, which has already captivated audiences at locations like the Sogo Museum of Art in Yokohama, will celebrate the enduring legacy of Sakura Momoko, the creator behind beloved manga like “Chibi Maruko-chan” and “COJI-COJI.”
Celebrating the Life and Works of Sakura Momoko
Sakura Momoko’s career began in 1984, and she quickly became a household name, thanks to her relatable storytelling and endearing characters. Beyond her work as a manga artist, she also made a mark as an essayist, lyricist, and screenwriter, showcasing her versatility and creativity.
The Tokyo exhibition will feature around 300 pieces, including hand-drawn manuscripts and original colour illustrations, many of which are being displayed in the Kanto region for the first time. Fans will have the opportunity to revisit their favourite moments and characters from “Chibi Maruko-chan,” with more than 100 original drawings on display. These include the first-ever colour cover illustrations and character introductions, offering a nostalgic journey through this iconic series.
The Art of Everyday Life and Beyond
The exhibition is structured into themed sections, each highlighting different aspects of Sakura Momoko’s multifaceted career.
Prologue: “Before Sakura Momoko”
This section takes a nostalgic look back at the time before Sakura Momoko became a beloved manga artist. Visitors can explore personal items from her childhood, graduation essays, and illustrated diaries that reflect her early influences and creative journey leading up to her debut as a manga artist.
Chapter 1: “Momoko and Chibi Maruko-chan”
Focusing on her most iconic work, Chibi Maruko-chan, this chapter features the first-ever colour title page and character introductions through original illustrations. With over 100 original artworks on display, fans can relive their favourite episodes and meet their favourite characters once again.
Chapter 2: “Momoko’s Essays”
Writing came naturally to Sakura Momoko, who once had her high school essay praised as “a modern-day Sei Shonagon.” Inspired by this recognition, she began writing essay-style manga. Her talent blossomed with the publication of Momoko’s Canned Peaches in 1991. This chapter showcases a giant manuscript and enlarged book of Momoko’s Canned Peaches, along with exhibits from her other essay works, such as Marumushi Notebook and Momoko’s Creature Encyclopedia.
Chapter 3: “Momoko’s Everyday Life”
After giving birth to a son in 1994, Sakura Momoko balanced her busy work life with her desire to spend time with her child. This section features works born from those daily experiences, including It’s Made Like That, Super 0-kun, and Nonchalant Illustrated Diary. Visitors can discover the everyday moments that Momoko cherished.
Chapter 4: “Momoko’s Nonsense World”
In this chapter, visitors can immerse themselves in Momoko’s unique “nonsense” world, where her creativity shone through without restraint. Highlighted are her distinctive works, The Power of God and God’s Child Newspaper, which are considered to be the foundation of her imaginative thinking. Pay attention to the carefully crafted frames and exhibition layout that bring the nonsense world to life.
Chapter 5: “Momoko and Coji-Coji”
Out of a casual doodle, Coji-Coji, a mysterious child from space, was born. Coji-Coji’s pure and honest words offer gentle support to readers. This chapter invites visitors to enjoy a space filled with warm words and illustrations.
Final Chapter: From the Atelier
Sakura Momoko loved to bring joy and laughter to everyone, both in her work and personal life. Her spirit continues to live on in her creations, bringing happiness to people today. The exhibition concludes with scenes from the adventures of Maruko and Coji-Coji in Marukoji and 39 small, intricately drawn illustrations.
Exclusive Merchandise and Themed Café
The Tokyo edition of the exhibition will offer exclusive merchandise, such as embroidered patches featuring characters like Coji-Coji and Jiro, and quilted pouches adorned with these patches. Fans can take a piece of Sakura Momoko’s world home with them, making their visit even more memorable.
Adding to the immersive experience, the “Sakura Momoko Exhibition Café” will open on the 52nd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower at The Sun & The Moon Café. This collaboration café will serve dishes inspired by her works, such as “Maruko and Tama-chan’s Hamburger Plate” and “Sakura Family Pudding à la Mode.” The café will offer different menus for the first and second halves of the exhibition, featuring limited-time dishes like “Flying Coji-Coji Parfait” and “Maruko’s Chirashi Sushi.”
Exhibition Details
Dates: October 5, 2024, to January 5, 2025
First Half: October 5, 2024, to November 20, 2024
Second Half: November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025
Location: Mori Arts Center Gallery, 52nd floor, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Fridays, Saturdays, and special dates until 8:00 PM)
Admission: General 1,600 yen; High school and university students 1,300 yen; Children (4 years and older) 600 yen
For more information and ticket purchases, visit the exhibition’s official website.