The “Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition: The Journey of Creation,” part of the 50th-anniversary project for *Galaxy Express 999*, is set to open on July 31, 2027, at the Abeno Harukas Museum of Art in Osaka!
This traveling exhibition, which has previously been shown in Tokyo, Kitakyushu, Nagoya, and Tokorozawa, explores the messages that Leiji Matsumoto has entrusted to the future through more than 70 years of creative work.
・The exhibition will run from Saturday, July 31, 2027, through Sunday, September 26, 2027
・The venue is the Abeno Harukas Museum of Art
・Original artwork from the first episode of “Galaxy Express 999” and creative notebooks being shown for the first time will be on display
・Details on tickets and other information will be announced at a later date
Highlights of the Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition: A Creative Journey at the Abeno Harukas Museum of Art
An exhibition that traces Leiji Matsumoto’s creative journey through original artwork and materials—from works created when he first aspired to become a manga artist at age 14 to his masterpieces such as *Galaxy Express 999*, *Space Battleship Yamato*, and *Space Pirate Captain Harlock*!
At previous venues, valuable original artwork and personal items have been displayed across three distinct zones.
ZONE-1: From the Beginnings of His Aspirations to Become a Manga Artist to His Masterpieces
The exhibition traces Matsumoto’s career—from *Adventures in the World of Insects* (1952), a work he created at age 14 in Kokura, Kitakyushu, to the original artwork for his early shōjo manga *Oidon the Man* (1971)—using the time scale of the “Reiji Meter,” a familiar gauge in Matsumoto’s works.
Also on display are his “Creative Notebooks” from the time of his debut—being shown to the public for the first time—as well as original artwork from the manga adaptation of *Space Battleship Yamato* and hand-drawn storyboards for *Space Pirate Captain Harlock*.
ZONE-2: The Creative Universe of “Space,” “Women,” and “Mecha”
This area explores how the themes of “Space,” “Women,” and “Mecha”—which characterize Matsumoto’s works—took shape, featuring rare original artwork from the first episode of *Galaxy Express 999*.
Memorable items such as the art supplies he actually used, reference books, and his favorite hat are also on display.
“Galaxy Express 999,” *Weekly Shonen King*, January 24 & 31, 1977, combined issue
“Sexaroid,” *Manga Goraku Dokuhon*, June 30, 1970 issue
© Leiji Matsumoto/Reijisha
ZONE-3 Vivid Color Original Art
Color original art from iconic works such as *Oidon*, *Space Battleship Yamato*, and *Galaxy Express 999* is on display!
Experience the unique worldview of Leiji Matsumoto through each piece, rendered with delicate brushwork and vivid colors.
“Oidon” Cover, *Weekly Shonen Magazine*, March 26, 1972 Issue (Kodansha)
Leiji Matsumoto’s Profile
Born in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, in 1938, he made his commercial debut at age 15. Through works such as *Oidon*, *Space Battleship Yamato*, *Space Pirate Captain Harlock*, and *Galaxy Express 999*, he helped spark the science fiction manga and anime boom.
Until his passing on February 13, 2023, at the age of 85, in addition to creating manga, he served as Executive Director of the Japan Cartoonists Association and Chairman of the Japan Space Youth Corps.
Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition at the Abeno Harukas Museum of Art, opening July 31, 2027!
| Official Website | Special Page |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | July 31, 2027 (Sat) – September 26, 2027 (Sun) |
| Venue | Abeno Harukas Museum of Art (16th Floor, Abeno Harukas, 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture) |
| Opening Hours & Tickets | To be announced at a later date |
| Tour Information | [Currently On View] Kadokawa Musashino Museum: September 19–October 26, 2026 [Concluded] Tokyo City View: June 20, 2025 – September 7, 2025 [Ended] Kitakyushu Manga Museum: September 27, 2025 – January 12, 2026 [Ended] Nagoya City Art Museum: March 20, 2026 – June 7, 2026 |
| Official X | @leiji_m_ex |
*Details for the Osaka venue will be announced at a later date.
*The highlights are based on exhibitions at previous venues.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition at the Abeno Harukas Museum of Art
When and where is the Osaka venue?
The exhibition will be held at the Abeno Harukas Museum of Art from Saturday, July 31, 2027, through Sunday, September 26, 2027.
What about tickets and opening hours?
Details for the Osaka venue will be announced at a later date. The latest information will be posted on the official website and official X account.
What will the exhibition feature?
This exhibition traces the creative journey of Leiji Matsumoto through original artwork and materials, from his work “Adventures in the World of Insects,” created when he was 14, to “Oidon,” “Space Battleship Yamato,” to *Galaxy Express 999* and *Space Pirate Captain Harlock*, this exhibition traces the creative journey of Leiji Matsumoto through original artwork and archival materials. It has featured original artwork from the first chapter of *Galaxy Express 999*, as well as “creative notebooks” on public display for the first time, along with his favorite art supplies and hats.
Where has it been held so far?
Starting at Tokyo City View in June 2025, the exhibition is touring the Kitakyushu Manga Museum, the Nagoya City Art Museum, and the Kadokawa Musashino Museum (through October 26, 2026).
Please check the official website.
*Please note that the information in these articles may be outdated. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please check the official website for the latest information.
© Leiji Matsumoto/Reijisha
