Exciting New Exhibition at Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum
The Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum has recently unveiled an engaging exhibition titled “TezuCap Fighting Universe 2,” which opened its doors on July 20. This collaborative showcase between CAPCOM and Tezuka Productions highlights original creations from both companies, delves into the history of CAPCOM’s fighting games, and features a variety of delightful crossover artwork. Visitors can also discover unique treasures at both the Tokiwaso Manga Museum and the adjacent Tokiwaso Street Showa Retro Museum.
A Special Preview Event
Before the official launch, Anime News Network had the privilege of attending a preview event that featured notable guests including Miyuki Takagiwa, Mayor of Toshima City; Shoei Okano, Director of Global Art Branding at CAPCOM; and Mika Suzuki, Chief Producer at Tezuka Productions.
The event commenced with remarks from Mayor Takagiwa. Although she admitted to not being well-versed in video games, she expressed her excitement after taking a sneak peek at the exhibition. She stated that it is designed to be enjoyable for both avid gamers and those less familiar with gaming culture. The mayor shared a nostalgic story about her younger brother’s fondness for Street Fighter II, emphasizing CAPCOM’s pioneering role in fighting games. She concluded by inviting fans across generations to visit and appreciate what the exhibition has to offer.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Following Mayor Takagiwa’s address, Shoei Okano shared insights into CAPCOM’s ongoing admiration for Osamu Tezuka’s visionary work. He remarked on their commitment to honoring his legacy through this collaboration while promising exclusive production materials and original artwork that have never been displayed before.
Artists Kazuya Nuri and Tamio also contributed their thoughts regarding their pieces for “TezuCap Fighting Universe 2.” Nuri highlighted his focus on beloved characters like Black Jack and Mitsume ga Tōru but emphasized how he infused action into his Black Jack illustration to align with the exhibit’s theme of ‘Fighting.’ Meanwhile, Tamio discussed reimagining Pinoko as Tsunogai’s “Perfectly Cuter Mayoi-chan” from the Ace Attorney series.
Their comments underscored how much thought went into curating this unique exhibition experience.
An Engaging Q&A Session
In an unexpected twist during the preview event, Okano along with Mika Suzuki engaged in a brief Q&A session where they addressed audience inquiries about what international visitors could anticipate seeing in this exhibit. Okano assured attendees that there are special pieces created exclusively for this occasion aimed at delighting fans worldwide.
Exploring Two Rounds of Excitement
After these insightful discussions came an opportunity to explore the full exhibition space—an experience sure to thrill both video game enthusiasts and manga aficionados alike. The exhibit is divided into two distinct “Rounds,” but prior to entering these areas lies an atrium showcasing various aspects of CAPCOM’s gaming history alongside stunning artworks featuring iconic characters like Cammy and Ryu from Street Fighter. A standout display depicted Chun-Li playing an old Street Fighter II arcade cabinet while Ryu observed—a humorous nod considering Chun-Li was shown on her own game over screen!
Gift Shop Offerings Enhance Visitor Experience
Attractively positioned near the entrance was also a gift shop dedicated to “TezuCap Fighting Universe 2.” While modest in size compared to larger exhibitions’ shops, it offered visitors themed merchandise related directly to this exciting collaboration between two legendary entities in entertainment history.
This new exhibition promises not only nostalgia but also fresh perspectives on beloved characters through innovative artistic interpretations—making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in anime or gaming culture!
Exploring the “TezuCap Fighting Universe 2” Exhibition
The “TezuCap Fighting Universe 2” exhibition offers a captivating blend of artistry and nostalgia, showcasing an array of merchandise that includes posters, pins, acrylic displays, and more. Each item features characters from CAPCOM depicted in the iconic style of Osamu Tezuka or vice versa. This unique crossover highlights the creative synergy between two legendary figures in their respective fields.
A Journey Through Two Zones
Upon entering the exhibition at Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum, visitors are greeted by a gift shop before stepping into Round I. This section is divided into two distinct areas: Zone 1 is titled “CAPCOM vs. Osamu Tezuka Characters Return!” Here, attendees can marvel at crossover artwork featuring beloved characters from both realms. Notable pieces include original illustrations from classic games like Street Fighter II, Night Warriors – Darkstalkers’ Revenge, Red Earth, and Rival Schools: United by Fate. The highlight of this zone is undoubtedly Tezuka’s own manuscript for Black Jack.
Zone 2 caters specifically to CAPCOM enthusiasts with an impressive collection of original artworks and production sketches from various games mentioned earlier as well as others that have shaped gaming history.
Surprises Await on the Second Floor
The second floor of the museum holds even more surprises for guests. It recreates Tezuka’s living space as it appeared during the 1960s when he resided there alongside fellow artists. As you explore this nostalgic setting, you might stumble upon familiar faces like Ryu from Street Fighter in Room 14—an unexpected yet fitting presence that invites visitors to reflect on his legacy while channeling Tezuka’s spirit.
Round II: A Deeper Dive into CAPCOM’s Legacy
Round II takes place in a separate venue—the Tokiwaso Street Showa Retro Museum—where it delves deeper into CAPCOM’s storied past and future within gaming culture. Zone 3 presents a concise yet comprehensive overview of CAPCOM fighting games through time, featuring not only popular titles but also hidden gems such as Power Stone.
As guests progress to Zone 4, they are treated to vibrant artwork showcasing characters from the latest installment—Street Fighter 6—alongside alternative color designs that add depth to these iconic figures.
Interactive Experiences Await
One standout feature in Round II is a mock arcade cabinet where attendees can engage with Street Fighter 6. This interactive element adds an exciting layer to the experience; even those who may not typically play fighting games will find themselves drawn in by its allure.
An Exhibition Worth Experiencing
The “TezuCap Fighting Universe 2” exhibition stands out not just for its artistic merit but also for its intriguing juxtaposition between peace-themed narratives found in Tezuka’s works and the competitive nature inherent in CAPCOM’s offerings. The exhibit serves as a reminder of Tokiwaso’s historical significance—a place where modern manga was born alongside one of today’s leading developers in fighting game innovation.
For anyone visiting Japan between July 20th and November 24th who has an appreciation for either Osamu Tezuka or CAPCOM’s rich legacy within gaming culture, this exhibition promises an unforgettable experience filled with creativity and inspiration.I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.
Intern at SMK University
