BLEACH EX.” Exhibition of Original Drawings Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of “BLEACH” Tracing the Roots of Ichigo Kurosaki and His Fight to the Death with Aizen and Others with Original Drawings

BLEACH EX.”, an exhibition of original artwork from the manga “BLEACH”, has opened. BLEACH” is a battle action manga by Kubo Taito, which was serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump” for about 15 years from 2001 to 2004. Ichigo Kurosaki suddenly obtains the power of a Shinigami and grows up with his friends as they battle evil spirits and enemy Shinigami. The exhibition, held to commemorate the manga’s 20th anniversary, allows visitors to experience the world of the work and the message of the original creator through the original artwork. It is no exaggeration to say that this year’s exhibition grew up with “Bleach,” as such a venue that can be summed up in one word, “the best,” as far as the eye can see.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

Original theme music by Kitanitatsuya that accentuates the world view

The poem at the beginning of the comics volume of “BLEACH” was painted on the wall of the entrance aisle, and already my heart couldn’t help but dance. As you pass through the aisle, you are greeted by the opening image, while resisting the urge to stop and take a moment to read it. The video alone is cool enough, but what makes it even more appealing is the song “Rapport” by Kitatatsuya, which was written especially for this event. The song fits perfectly with the style of the film, and when the characters matching the phrases of the lyrics come on stage, you will get goosebumps, so please take the time to watch the video.

Focus first on the Soul reaper.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

As you walk through the exhibition, you will see a total of more than 200 original drawings, each with a different theme. First, let’s focus on the “Reapers. Against the backdrop of the color of the black hakama (Shihakusho) worn by the Shinigami, the main characters and the battle to save Kuchiki Rukia are lined up.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

The most eye-catching item in this section is Ichigo’s zanpakuto, Zangetsu. It is stuck in a pedestal like the legendary sword Excalibur, but the handle extends over the head, making one’s heart flutter like a boy, “Ichigo is wielding a sword this big ……! and my heart danced like a little boy. The author’s commentary posted with the work is a must-see, as it will give you a new perspective on the scene.

Ichigo, who has lost his Shinigami powers, meets the group “XCUTION”.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

The story quickly progresses to the second half of the exhibition and the “The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc” zone. The members of XCUTION, a group of human Fullbringers who can use their special abilities led by Kugo Ginjo, whom Ichigo met after losing his Shinigami powers, are on display.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

Not only are the drawings more refined than when they were first published in the series, but the “solid” black paint is overwhelmingly impressive. The black paint follows the shape of the objects, and even though it is completely black, the wrinkles in the clothes and the shapes of the muscles can be recognized. The solidly painted areas are marked with an “X” so that the viewer can look for them.

Aizen’s nemesis, Arrancr led by Aizen, and Ichigo’s roots are explored.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

From here, an area of pure white walls continues for a while. Here come the hollows in their white masks and costumes. The story revolves around Aizen, who betrayed the Shinigami and gave the power of the Shinigami to Emptiness, and the Arrancar, who enjoyed the power. The film looks at Aizen’s hidden past and the confrontation between the 10 most powerful of the Breached Masks, the “Ten Blades (Espada),” and the Shinigami. Amidst the cuts of the life-threatening attack and defense, the panel of Neru in her infant girl form has an unusual presence that at once relieves the tension.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

It also focuses on Volume 60, “EVERYTHING BUT THE RAIN,” which tells the story of Ichigo’s roots. On the day Ichigo’s parents meet, it is raining, as the title suggests, but the rain is depicted differently in each panel, which makes the viewer stare intently. The rain changes from frame to frame, making the viewer stare at the rain. Also, the wall surfaces are filled with characters and manga frames, making the viewer stop in their tracks, so be careful how much time you spend watching.

Death struggle with Yhwach, the founder of Quincy

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

Then comes the final battle, “The Thousand-Year Blood War,” which will be broadcast in anime from October. The timeline of the story takes place after The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc, and we will witness the death struggle against Yhwach, the founder of Quincy.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

The booth is a highlight of the exhibition, with a large screen displaying famous scenes from each of the main characters, including newly introduced characters such as Quincy and the strongest group of reapers, the Zeroban-tai. Come to the venue to find out who was picked up. Incidentally, Hitsugaya Toshiro, who won first place in the popularity contest and is a first in my life, also had a booth. All of the exhibits are exquisitely spoiler-free, which makes me want to read the manga again and watch the anime as soon as possible.

The exhibition was divided into areas for each of the three forces represented in the work: Soul Reaper, Arrancar, and Quincy. Although they are all in conflict with each other, the flow was very smooth, with characters from each element appearing in between the transition from Reaper to Breaking Mask and from Arrancar to Quincy. And in the line where one can once again realize that Ichigo is the axis of this story, one cannot help but feel the love of the staff.

● Recounting the many deaths that came at turning points in the story

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

The exhibit does not end here. Due to the nature of battle stories, turning points in the story are often accompanied by farewells. In the next section, we will remember the characters who are leaving us, who are still burned in our hearts and cannot be forgotten. The lively atmosphere of the previous sections is suddenly replaced by a sense of quietness and loneliness.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

Each character’s poem was written out on a blank wall along with an original drawing. Below the original drawings were evenly arranged panels with printed scenes before and after the life was interrupted. If one were not careful, tears would spill.

Original color drawings and drawing materials are also on display.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

As I proceeded to the next area with a sense of sadness, I saw an objet d’art that instantly excited me. While suppressing my desire to stare at it, I moved on to the next corner. First of all, the five best bouts selected by votes of the official fan club “Klub Outside,” which was started as a special project for the 20th anniversary of the birth of the company, are on display. The results of the voting show the seriousness of the members, and you can see the results with your own eyes.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

In addition, the film follows Ichigo, who has roots in Shinigami, Hollow and others, and follow Ichigo’s growth as he transforms into different forms. On display along with the original artwork is Ichigo’s mask in the form of emptiness. It was so cool and realistic that I couldn’t stop clicking the shutter. On the side are original color drawings of Ichigo in various forms.

The exhibition also includes manuscripts and materials that are usually unavailable to the public. Even the author, who does not draw illustrations, manga, or design at all, was able to easily understand the intention of composition and coloring. Not only “BLEACH” fans but also those who are interested in art should take a look at this book. Also, as “where manga is born, there is music,” there are fashionable color illustrations designed in the style of LP record jackets. If LP recordings of anime theme songs, soundtracks, etc. were sold with these jackets, I would definitely have them all.

NO BREATHES FROM HELL” is a collection of post-completion readings.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

NO BREATHES FROM HELL” was published in “Weekly Shonen Jump” last year, and depicts the events that follow the conclusion of the main story. The reproductions and setting drawings are now on view. In addition, there are group drawings of all 32 characters written in the time frame of “NO BREATHES FROM HELL” for the exhibition, and a video with the theme song “Thanatophobia” by Kitanitatsuya, which will expand the imagination of the story spun by the next generation of children.

In the next area of the exhibition, color illustrations of special situations that cannot be seen in the storyline are displayed, and they are the last part of the exhibition.

BLEACH EX.” by Kubo Taito / Shueisha

After exiting the venue, you will find the official merchandise store. Some items have been added from the Osaka venue, so be sure to check it out. BLEACH EX.” will be held until April 18 (Mon.), and is a great place to reminisce about “BLEACH” or to get in the mood for the anime broadcast.