Rurouni Kenshin 30th Anniversary Event – Must-See Osaka Exhibit

Rurouni Kenshin 30th Anniversary Exhibition – Shishio Makoto Arc to Be Held in Osaka from March 14

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Rurouni Kenshin, the original art exhibition Rurouni Kenshin 30th Anniversary Exhibition – Shishio Makoto Arc will be held at Animate Osaka Nipponbashi Annex starting Friday, March 14. The exhibition will feature a vast collection of rare original drawings brought to life by Nobuhiro Watsuki, alongside commemorative illustrations by 39 renowned artists, including Hirohiko Araki and Eiichiro Oda.

Rurouni Kenshin is a highly acclaimed manga series that began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1994. Set in the early Meiji era, the story follows the legendary swordsman Kenshin Himura—formerly feared as the “Battousai the Manslayer”—as he seeks a new way of life. The manga has sold over 72 million copies worldwide, and the live-action film adaptations have grossed a cumulative 19.3 billion yen at the box office, solidifying its status as an enduring classic loved across generations.

In 2023, a brand-new TV anime series was launched under the supervision of creator Nobuhiro Watsuki, reconstructing the original story from the very first episode with the latest animation technology. Since October last year, the highly anticipated Kyoto Arc (Season 2) has been airing to great acclaim.

Now, this special 30th-anniversary exhibition finally arrives in Osaka. Running from March 14 (Fri) to April 14 (Mon) at Animate Osaka Nipponbashi Annex, the event will be a must-see for fans.

A Deep Dive into the Iconic Rival Shishio Makoto

The exhibition spotlights Shishio Makoto, one of the series’ most popular and formidable adversaries from the Kyoto Arc. Visitors will enter through an entrance designed to resemble Shishio’s hideout and relive the intense battles leading up to the climactic showdown through an extensive display of original artwork.

One highlight of the exhibition is a section dedicated to the fierce duel between Kenshin and Seta Sojiro. This area will not only showcase original drawings but also feature a life-size replica of Kenshin’s signature sakabatou (reverse-edged sword), offering an immersive experience that brings the world of Rurouni Kenshin to life.

Commemorative Artworks by 39 Legendary Manga Creators

Another major attraction is the 30th Anniversary Commemorative Art Display. Visitors will be able to enjoy exclusive illustrations created by a star-studded lineup of 39 manga artists, including Gege Akutami (Jujutsu Kaisen), Hirohiko Araki (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure), Sui Ishida (Tokyo Ghoul), Takehiko Inoue (Slam Dunk), Yoshihiro Togashi (Hunter × Hunter), and Eiichiro Oda (One Piece). Some of these artists were once rivals competing in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump, while others grew up reading Rurouni Kenshin as fans, making this tribute all the more special.

Exclusive Exhibition Merchandise

The exhibition will also offer a variety of exclusive merchandise, including clear files and other collectibles featuring original artwork from the series—items that can only be obtained at this special event.

Even after 30 years, Rurouni Kenshin continues to captivate audiences, with new anime adaptations keeping the legacy alive. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the artistry behind this legendary series firsthand.

Rurouni Kenshin 30th Anniversary Exhibition – Shishio Makoto Arc: Event Details

Venue:
Animate Osaka Nipponbashi Annex 3F
4-15-17 Nihonbashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Japan

Event Duration:
March 14, 2025 (Fri) – April 14, 2025 (Mon)

Opening Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  ※ Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
  ※ On the final day, April 14, the exhibition will close at 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM).
  ※ Opening hours are subject to change depending on circumstances.
  ※ There is no timed entry system.

Ticket Information

• Advance Ticket: ¥2,000 (tax included)
• Same-Day Ticket: ¥2,200 (tax included)

Entry Bonus

▲ Postcard (12 designs, distributed randomly)

>> Official Website of the “Rurouni Kenshin Exhibition”

(C) Nobuhiro Watsuki / Shueisha
(C) Nobuhiro Watsuki / Shueisha・”Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story” Production Committee