ChronOtomo | Otomo Katsuhiro Chronology: 2025

●UHD BLU-RAY + BLU-RAY● MEMORIES 4K REMASTER SET

Bandai Namco has released Katsuhiro Otomo's omnibus project MEMORIES in a newly remastered special limited edition in Ultra High Definition 4k Blu-ray. The set includes one UHD Blu-ray disc with the movie in 4K and a regular Blu-ray discs with the movie in HD. The set will also include the complete storyboard book of the first installment of the film KANOJO NO OMOIDE (彼女の想いで) as well as a booklet collecting the dubbing scripts of the three pieces. In addition to that, various Japanese retailers will included some bonus materials with the set.

SPECIAL SETS

◆Amazon Japan (Uesugi's Key Visual | A5 size | ¥15,400 + ¥2,200):

https://amzn.to/4p5p7jY
◆Amazon Japan (Set of 5 Visual Sheets | 275mm x 195mm | ¥15,400):

https://amzn.to/49VwaqZ
◆A-ON Store (Original Visual | B4 size | ¥15,400):

https://a-onstore.jp/item/item-1000236768/
◆Yodobashi: (Uesugi's Key Visual Postcard | 100mm×148mm | ¥15,400):

https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000009004172596/

※We earn a commission from your purchases through some of these links.

REGULAR SET SET DETAILS

Publisher: Bandai Namco Arts (バンダイナムコアーツ)
Release date: 2025-XII-24
Format DISC 1: HEVC / 100G / 16: 9 2160p UHD

Format DISC 2: AVC / 50G / 16: 9 1080p HD
Audio: Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 | Linear PCM
Subtitles: Japanese | English
Duration: 113 min + 2 min
Retail price: ￥15,400
Catalog number: BCQA-0023

AVAILABILITY

Amazon JP: https://amzn.to/43Ax60a
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4tKXmz5
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/4wHSI7O
Amazon UK:
Amazon DE:
Amazon FR:
Amazon IT:
Amazon ES:

※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

ITALIAN EDITION:

MEMORIES 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION (Limited and numbered)

(4K ULTRA HD + BLU-RAY + DVD + 2 CD)

The box set includes a steelbook with the 3 discs and two CDs with the soundtrack, a 62-page booklet featuring in-depth analysis and interviews, MAGNETIC ROSE storyboard book, Settings Book with 90 pages of concept art, 3 exclusive postcards and a poster.

Publisher: Dynit
Release date: 2026-VI-24
Format DISC 1: HEVC / 100G / 16: 9 2160p UHD
Format DISC 2: AVC / 50G / 16: 9 1080p HD

Format DISC 3: MPEG-2 / DVD9 / 480p SD
Audio: Japanese / Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: Italian
Duration: 113 min
Retail price: 69,99€

AVAILABILITY
Amazon JP:
Amazon US:
Amazon CA:
Amazon UK:
Amazon DE:
Amazon FR:
Amazon IT: https://amzn.to/42ENyvx
Amazon ES:
※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

●INTERVIEW● NTV NEWS on PROCESSION SPIN

NTV NEWS (日テレNEWS) has covered the unveiling of Katsuhiro Otomo’s PROCESSION SPIN at Ginza Station and they have interviewed him for the occasion.

Read the original interview in Japanese:

https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/culture/f1099f59d1704517af5b9f2643b31850

INTERVIEW

How do you feel now that the work has finally been unveiled?

It’s been about four years since I first came down to this underground passage and was told, “We’re going to make it here.” A lot happened during that time. I guess you could say I’m deeply moved—or maybe it’s more that I’m relieved, like, “It’s finally over.” These things never move forward in a straight line so easily. So yes, it’s a bit emotional.

What kind of thoughts did you put into the piece?

Since it was public art, the question was, “What do you do with art?” I had the idea of collaging various forms of art from the Jōmon period all the way into the future. But just drawing a single straight path ends up looking surprisingly awkward from a design standpoint. So I decided to rotate it once, and I think that allowed for a larger, more complex composition. That didn’t come easily at all. I struggled a lot, and the project was delayed quite a bit. But all of those thoughts are packed into it, and that’s probably why today finally came.

Ginza Station is used not only by Japanese people but also by many visitors from overseas. Was there anything you consciously kept in mind?

I see myself as closer to entertainment than to being a pure “artist.” Rather than pushing my own world to the forefront, I want people to enjoy it. In that sense, public art might suit me. Instead of pursuing only my own vision, it’s more about people coming here and enjoying it—there’s a bit of entertainment mixed in. That might be the difference. Maybe I’m a manga artist after all, rather than an artist in the strict sense.

Was the motorcycle from AKIRA added as part of the “entertainment” aspect?

Yes, that was when I was stuck (laughs). When you hit a wall, you start thinking, “Whatever, it doesn’t matter anymore.” So I thought, “Well, I’ll draw it for now.”

As a small playful touch?

Exactly. And it’s hard work, you know (laughs). It’s not something you can do easily at all.

Since the theme spans from the Jōmon period to modern times, were there any references or materials you used?

Over a long life, when making various works—whether animation or film—you look at all kinds of materials. I feel like I collaged all of that together. Maybe you can’t do this unless you’ve lived a long time.

So it’s like a gesture of thanks, in a way, for having seen so many great works—Jōmon flame-style pottery, and sculptures by Unkei and Kaikei from the Kamakura period. Japanese art really does have something special. Jōmon is wonderful, Kamakura is wonderful, Edo is wonderful. I feel like we were raised by all of that.

Did you incorporate things that represent each era?

Yes. I think what represents each era is probably what was most cutting-edge at the time. What remains is often what was considered the coolest thing back then. Jōmon flame-style pottery feels like it was made with the attitude of, “Look how cool this is.”

Honestly, I’ve made this one, but next time it should be younger people. I’m getting pretty old, so younger artists should make the next new things.

You included not only culture but also elements of Japanese history like catfish imagery and the battleship Yamato. Why?

Because art exists alongside war and everything else. Art flows together with those things—war, recessions, economic bubbles. Everything flows along, and what resonated most at the time ends up remaining as art. That’s how it feels to me. So today, maybe it’s games, anime, and manga.

Ukiyo-e wasn’t originally considered particularly valuable. People thought works by painters of schools like the Kanō school—artists painting in lofty, elite realms—would remain. But nishiki-e were souvenirs, things people bought when visiting Edo. And now those are considered art. If that’s the case, then what may not seem very “art-like” today—though it may be starting to look that way—such as manga, animation, or games, could become art.

New things created from now on may become new art. That’s the feeling I have. That’s what I’m trying to say with this piece (laughs).

You’ve been active as a manga artist for over 50 years. What inspires you today?

What inspires me, after all, is the great works of those who came before. You notice something and think, “What is this? I didn’t know about it. There’s such an amazing work out there.” That’s where it begins.

It’s like musicians who start out playing rock from birth, listening only to contemporary music, and then one day they hear the Beatles and feel crushed. Modern rock stands on top of the Beatles, after all. When you make music without knowing that and then discover them, it’s shocking. That still happens to us. All art has roots. New things are built on top of them. It’s hard to go all the way back, but if you do, you can keep going back endlessly. That’s how we can even go back to the Jōmon period (laughs).

Your works are popular overseas as well. How do you think about working abroad?

I don’t actually go abroad to draw. That’s both unfortunate and maybe a good thing. If I had gone to America, I probably wouldn’t have come back (laughs). If I’d gone in my twenties, I definitely wouldn’t have. I didn’t go because I wasn’t very smart, couldn’t speak English, and had various other issues. But young people today—if they go, they might not come back. Though now, I’m not sure. Hollywood doesn’t shine like it used to. In the end, everyone has to find their own place. Tokyo was right for me, and that’s more than enough.

What is most important to you when working?

What matters most is that I find it interesting myself. If you do it for other people, it doesn’t last. If it’s not fun for you, it won’t last. Once you start making a work—say, a manga—you have to see it through, and you have to enjoy who you are at that time. You can’t keep the same thing going forever.

I’m doing public art like this now, but honestly, I want to hand it over to the next person as soon as possible (laughs). I’d rather go home and quietly paint ink paintings.

●CERAMIC RELIEF● PROCESSION SPIN

The latest public artwork from Katsuhiro Otomo PROCESSION SPIN was unveiled today. Installed in the 1st basement floor passage at Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line in Ginza Station; the 7 meters wide and 2.4 meters high ceramic relief, made up of 164 individual ceramic tiles, 4 bronzes and 290 glazes was planned by the JPTCA (Japan Traffic Culture Association) and produced over approximately two years by seven artisans at CREARE Atami-Yugawara Studio based on the original drawings that Otomo spent about three years creating. Otomo supervised the whole project and he personally colored the sticker on kaneda's motorcycle located in the lower left.

Press release from JPTCA in Japanese: https://jptca.org/news/20251215-18868/

Press release from JPTCA in English: https://jptca.org/en/news/2025/11723/

Official website Japanese: https://jptca.org/publicart563/

Official website English: https://jptca.org/en/publicart563/

Otomo's message on the plate

I've shaped the flow of art-from the Jomon period to the present and beyond-into a single form. The thoughts and prayers people wished to express by era are passing down while changing form. From that sequence, I'm lining up the fragments that have drawn me in and remain in my heart. Many hands have worked on, the colors emerge, it gradually rose up as a three-di-mensional form. From here on, the work belongs to the viewer.

When you happen to stop by, approach and retreat as you please, I would be happy if something resonates within you.

DETAILS

Type: Ceramic relief

Size: 7 x 2.4 m

Design and Supervision: Katsuhiro Otomo (大友克洋)

Planners: Japan Traffic Culture Association and Cooperation:Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.

Supporters: Seiko Group Corporation and Metro Cultural Foundation

production: CREARE Atami-Yugawara Studio (クレアーレ熱海ゆがわら工房)

NTV NEWS coverage

Otomo's comments on the inauguration ceremony

I’m not very good at speaking, but today, being here in such a wonderful place…we all created this work together. This piece took an incredible amount of time, and it’s probably the most difficult work I’ve ever made.

After all, because it’s public art, it’s not inside a museum, but out there in the city. I think this will probably become a work that everyone can physically interact with. Maybe people will stick 100-yen or 10-yen coins into little gaps somewhere in it…And maybe I’ll come collect them at the end of the year.

But really, if people enjoy it, that alone makes us very happy. So everyone, please, show some love to the artwork.

Thank you very much.

●BOOK● OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS 32: Animation STEAMBOY Storyboards 2

The 32nd volume of OTOMO THE COMPLE WORKS published by Kodansha features the second out of two volumes that collect the entirety of the enormous number of storyboards created by Katsuhiro Otomo for his 2004 feature-length animation film STEAMBOY, a work conceived, written, and directed by himself, whose production, from planning to release took a full ten years and marked Otomo's first such work since AKIRA.

At the time of the film’s release, STEAMBOY: THE STORYBOARD BOOK was published by Kodansha as a single, massive hardcover volume of 780 pages. This new edition divides the material into two separate volumes and enlarges the page size from A5 to the larger format used in THE COMPLETE WORKS collection.

This second volume contains the entirety of parts D, E1 and E2 (out of the six total parts: A, B, C, D, E, and E2) and it also includes storyboards from alternate versions and the pilot film. Additionally, approximately 60 pages of previously unreleased and never-before-published storyboard sketches have been added as well as Otomo's latest commentary at the end of the book. This two-volume set offers readers both a guide to unraveling the film’s structure and a new way to experience it through the medium of print.

BOOK DETAILS

Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)

Publication date: 2025-XI-26

Release date: 2025-XI-28
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 480
Size: 248 x 172mm
Retail price: ¥4,950

ISBN-10: 4065416590

ISBN-13: 978-4065416594

AVAILABILITY

Amazon JP: https://amzn.to/48mYgca

Amazon US:
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/4dUp9It
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/4nLVRiS
Amazon DE: https://amzn.to/4uH45vn
Amazon FR: https://amzn.to/499qdWu
Amazon IT: https://amzn.to/4fvMvW7
Amazon ES: https://amzn.to/4v1qGSY

※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

●BOOKLET● ŌTOMO KATSUHIRO ZENSHŪ KAISETSU 14 AKIRA 3 (大友克洋全集解説 14 AKIRA 3)

Independent Katsuhiro Otomo researcher and archivist Jun'ya Suzuki (鈴木淳也), who in 1999 started the website Apple Paradise: Otomo Katsuhiro Data Base has published the eleventh of a series of booklets to accompany the KATSUHIRO OTOMO COMPLETE WORKS collection that is currently being published by Kodansha. This booklet commentaries continue with the serialization of Otomo's seminal manga AKIRA collected in OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS 14: AKIRA 3

These COMMENTARY SERIES booklets scheduled to be produced for all volumes also work perfectly as dividers of the complete works volumes, since they prevent vinyl covers from sticking to each other.

The booklet was sold for the first time today at DaMansai Reference Materials Expo 18 (大まん祭資料性博覧会18) held on the 2nd floor of UDX right by Akihabara Station and will be also on sale next Monday November 24th at COMITIA 154 (コミティア154) in the stand KI19a ŌTOMO KATSUHIRO KENKYŪ (き19a 大友克洋研究). You can follow and contact Jun'ya Suzuki on Instagram and X to get the book.

BOOKLET DETAILS

Author: Jun'ya Suzuki (鈴木淳也)
Release date: 2025-XI-25
Language: Japanese
Number of pages:
Size: 248 x 172mm
Retail price: ¥1,200

AVAILABILITY

Shosen Grande (書泉グランデ) Bookstore: https://shosen.tokyo/?pid=190062658
Fukkan.com (復刊ドットコム): https://shorturl.at/IN74U

Kosho Bi Bi Bi (古書ビビビ) Bookstore

Togetsuya (兎月屋書店) Bookstore

●ANNOUNCEMENT● MEMORIES (メモリーズ) 30th ANNIVERSARY VISUAL + 4K REMASTER SET PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

Katsuhiro Otomo's MEMORIES (メモリーズ) omnibus film project released in 1995 is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a theatrical re-release coming on November 28th and a new 4K Blu-ray remaster set due to be published in December 24th by BANDAI NAMCO.

A private filmmakers screening took place on November 5th that reunited part of the staff that worked on the film and some of them have been sharing their comments in the following days in this special website created for the occasion: https://v-storage.jp/sp-site/memories30th/

KEY VISUAL designed by Toshiaki Uesugi (上杉季明) for the 30th anniversary

4K UHD BLU-RAY REMASTER SET

Bandai Namco's 4K remaster set will include the new 4K transfer of the film in a two disc set that includes the 4K ULTRA HD Blu-Ray and Blu-Ray disc formats accompanied by the complete storyboard book of the first installment of the film KANOJO NO OMOIDE (彼女の想いで) as well as a booklet collecting the dubbing scripts of the three pieces. In addition to that, various Japanese retailers will included some bonus materials with the set:

◆Amazon Japan (Regular edition: ¥15,400):

https://amzn.to/43Ax60a
◆Amazon Japan (Uesugi's Key Visual | A5 size | ¥15,400 + ¥2,200):

https://amzn.to/4p5p7jY
◆Amazon Japan (Set of 5 Visual Sheets | 275mm x 195mm | ¥15,400):

https://amzn.to/49VwaqZ
◆A-ON Store (Original Visual | B4 size | ¥15,400):

https://a-onstore.jp/item/item-1000236768/
◆Yodobashi: (Uesugi's Key Visual Postcard | 100mm×148mm | ¥15,400):

https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000009004172596/

※We earn a commission from your purchases through some of these links.

4K REMASTER SET promotional video

●ADVERTISEMENT● OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS vol. 32

Advertisements for the publication of OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS Vol.32: Animation STEAMBOY Storyboards 2 started to appear in the latest issues of various magazines published by Kodansha.

Here a list of the magazines in which the advertisement is printed:

YOUNG MAGAZINE (ヤングマガジン) No.50 | 11・24

MAGAZINE DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2025-XI-10
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: -
Size: 25.8x18 cm
Retail price: ¥510

AVAILABILITY
Amazon Japan: https://amzn.to/4hUG2Do
※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

YOUNG MAGAZINE (ヤングマガジン) No.51 | 12・1

MAGAZINE DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2025-XI-17
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: -
Size: 25.8x18 cm
Retail price: ¥510

AVAILABILITY
Amazon Japan: https://amzn.to/3K7aZrD
※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

YOUNG MAGAZINE (ヤングマガジン) No.52 | 12・8

MAGAZINE DETAILS
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2025-XI-25
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: -
Size: 25.8x18 cm
Retail price: ¥510

AVAILABILITY
Amazon Japan: https://amzn.to/43OALHN
※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

●GOODS● KATSUHIRO OTOMO × GHOST IN THE SHELL

Original goods featuring KATSUHIRO OTOMO × GHOST IN THE SHELL illustration created by Otomo for the MASAMUNE SHIROW'S WORLD EXHIBITION – OSAKA VENUE (士郎正宗の世界展　大阪会場) started to be sold at the venue last October 4th. Now PARCO has announced that the goods will be sold by lottery at ONLINE PARCO starting today.

Official website: https://online.parco.jp/shop/e/e32779938

・T-shirt (M / L / XL / XXL) ¥8,800 (tax included)

・Poster (B2) ¥1,100 (tax included)

・Postcard ¥220 (tax included)

※Lottery application period: October 8, 2025 (Wed) 10:00 – October 19, 2025 (Sun) 23:59

※Result announcement: October 24, 2025 (Fri)

※Shipping schedule: To be shipped sequentially from late November 2025

※Lottery applications require registration with PARCO Members.

※Applications are limited to residents of Japan.

※Images are for reference only. The actual product may vary in color.

※Each person may apply only once per item. Multiple applications will be invalid.

※Purchase limits: One T-shirt per person, up to three posters and postcards per person.

※Transfer or resale of winning entries is strictly prohibited.

※Please be sure to review the precautions listed on the product page before applying.

Otomo's goods in the US

Kinokuniya USA has also announced that the exhibition of THE WORLD OF SHIROW MASAMUNE -THE GHOST IN THE SHELL AND THE PATH OF CREATION- Pop-Up will open tomorrow October 9 at NEW YORK COMIC-CON Kinokuniya Booth #3301 and Kinokuniya New York Store. Original merchandise from the exhibition, including goods featuring Otomo's The Ghost in the Shell tribute illustration will be on sale.

TWEETS by OTOMO (Oct 8, 2025)

■ My T-shirt from the Masamune Shirow exhibition is being sold by lottery? What are you doing, PARCO’s ◯◯-san!

■ It's ridiculous that it's more expensive than other people's T-shirts and that it's a lottery sale! The person in charge doesn't answer the phone! What's going on?

■ (Regarding the higher-quality fabric compared to the other T-shirts sold at the venue) Since I haven't received the product sample, I haven't check the fabric.

■ I just received a message from the person in charge, and I have asked them to improve the situation. I believe there will be an official announcement soon. We hope to take appropriate measures so that everyone who has been supporting us will be pleased.

●INTERVIEW● WBS X Top Runner's Perspective

Katsuhiro Otomo has offered a 7 minute interview to TV Tokyo's World Business Satellite (WBS) for their new series, TOP RUNNER'S PERSPECTIVE (WBS Xトップランナーの視点) where individuals who are at the forefront of their respective fields and continue to take on challenges are interviewed about their perspective on navigating the current era. Otomo shared his insights into his approach to creating his works and his perspective on living in the present. He also showcased for the first time part of his upcoming ceramic mural that will be installed in Tokyo's subway.

The interview is available online only in Japan only for subscribers:

https://txbiz.tv-tokyo.co.jp/wbs/feature/post_327321

●ANNOUNCEMENT● MEMORIES (メモリーズ) 4K theatrical release

To mark the 30th anniversary of MEMORIES (メモリーズ), the omnibus film created by Otomo in 1995, Filmarks （フィルマークス) has announced a new 4K digital remaster that will be theatrically released starting in November 28, 2025. The limited two-week run release will hit 64 theaters in Japan, with more venues to be added in the future.

It was also announced that the film will be released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on December 24 and a bunch os merchandise is being created for the occasion, such as layout storyboard for Magnetic Rose and voice recording scripts covering all three pieces that make up the film.

OTOMO'S COMMENT

Anyway, is 30 years a happy occasion?

TRAILER

●ADVERTISEMENT● OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS vol.14+31

Advertisements for the publication of OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS Vol.14: AKIRA 3 and OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS Vol.31: Animation STEAMBOY Storyboards 1 started to appear in the latest issues of various magazines published by Kodansha.

Here a list of the magazines in which the advertisement is printed:

YOUNG MAGAZINE (ヤングマガジン) No.41 | 9・22

MAGAZINE DETAILS:
Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2025-IX-8
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: -
Size: 25.8x18 cm
Retail price: ¥510

AVAILABILITY:
Amazon Japan: https://amzn.to/4mPEWug
※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

YOUNG MAGAZINE (ヤングマガジン) No.42 | 9・29

MAGAZINE DETAILS:

Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2025-IX-16
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: -
Size: 25.8x18 cm
Retail price: ¥510

AVAILABILITY:
Amazon Japan: https://amzn.to/4gn7l8C

※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

YOUNG MAGAZINE (ヤングマガジン) No.43 | 10・6

MAGAZINE DETAILS:

Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)
Release date: 2025-IX-22
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: -
Size: 25.8x18 cm
Retail price: ¥510

AVAILABILITY:
Amazon Japan: https://amzn.to/3Is

※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

●BOOKLET● ŌTOMO KATSUHIRO ZENSHŪ KAISETSU 13 AKIRA 2 (大友克洋全集解説 13 AKIRA 2)

Independent Katsuhiro Otomo researcher and archivist Jun'ya Suzuki (鈴木淳也), who in 1999 started the website Apple Paradise: Otomo Katsuhiro Data Base has published the tenth of a series of booklets to accompany the KATSUHIRO OTOMO COMPLETE WORKS collection that is currently being published by Kodansha. This tenth booklet commentaries continue with the serialization of his seminal manga AKIRA collected in OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS 13: AKIRA 2

These COMMENTARY SERIES booklets scheduled to be produced for all volumes also work perfectly as dividers of the complete works volumes, since they prevent vinyl covers from sticking to each other.

The booklet was sold for the first time today in COMITIA 153 (コミティア153) in the stand U14a ŌTOMO KATSUHIRO KENKYŪ (う14a 大友克洋研究). You can follow and contact Jun'ya Suzuki on Instagram and X to get the book.

BOOKLET DETAILS

Author: Jun'ya Suzuki (鈴木淳也)
Release date: 2025-IX-7
Language: Japanese
Number of pages:
Size: 248 x 172mm
Retail price: ¥1,200

AVAILABILITY

Shosen Grande (書泉グランデ) Bookstore: https://shosen.tokyo/?pid=188517557
Fukkan.com (復刊ドットコム): https://shorturl.at/JtgqS

Kosho Bi Bi Bi (古書ビビビ) Bookstore

Togetsuya (兎月屋書店) Bookstore

●ILLUSTRATION● KATSUHIRO OTOMO × GHOST IN THE SHELL Tribute Illustration

This tribute illustration was unveiled at MASAMUNE SHIROW'S WORLD EXHIBITION – OSAKA VENUE (士郎正宗の世界展　大阪会場) that opened on September 5 at Shinsaibashi PARCO in Osaka. Apparently, Otomo couldn't make it for the exhibition’s first venue at the Setagaya Literary Museum (世田谷文学館) in Tokyo back on April 12, 2025, but he definitely delivered on time in this occasion.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

■ Dates: September 5 (Fri) – October 5 (Sun), 2025
■ Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO 14F PARCO GALLERY (1-8-3 Shinsaibashi-suji, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture)
※ Merchandise Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO 9F EVENT SPACE
■ Organizers: Kodansha (講談社) , PARCO (パルコ)
■ Planning Cooperation: Seishinsha (青心社) Setagaya Literary Museum (世田谷文学館)
■ Special Cooperation: Masamune Shirow (士郎正宗)
■ Graphic Design: Kei Sakawaki (坂脇慶) Hiroaki Hiyoshi (飛鷹宏明)
■ Spatial Design: Torafu Architects (トラフ建築設計事務所)

Official Exhibition Website: http://shirow-masamune-ex.jp

TWEETS by OTOMO (Sep 5~7, 2025)

■I was too busy and couldn’t make it in time for the Tokyo event. I’m sorry to those who came to the Tokyo exhibition. Drawing stickers is quite a task.

■(Regarding availability) It seems they’re making T-shirts.

■I think there’s online shopping available. It hasn’t arrived in time for the Osaka venue either. Check the official website for details!

■The choice of stickers is based on old racing car materials. 1980s materials.

■(Regarding the omission of the Canon sticker) I just forgot.

■This was hand-painted with markers. It was tough because the color I wanted to use was dried up.

■These are Copics from about 10 years ago. About half of them have dried up. But I’ve restocked the colors I use often, so it’s fine.

■Copics contain pigments, so they don’t fade easily. Direct sunlight is a no-go, though. Probably.

■(On the use of analog drawing) Of course. I don’t trust digital. There’s no point in looking at a printout (copy), right? If you’re going to look, it’s got to be the real thing.

■If you look closely, it’s blurred and goes beyond the lines. Please don’t look too closely. I haven’t fixed it with Photoshop or anything because doing so would make it no longer the original artwork.

■(With respect to his attendance at the event) That is a body double.

■(On how color differs when printing) Thank you for your hard work, as always. That’s just how prints are. That’s why the master becomes important

●BOOK● OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS 31: Animation STEAMBOY Storyboards 1

The 31st volume of OTOMO THE COMPLE WORKS published by Kodansha features the first out of two volumes that collect the entirety of the enormous number of storyboards created by Katsuhiro Otomo for his 2004 feature-length animation film STEAMBOY, a work conceived, written, and directed by himself, whose production, from planning to release took a full ten years and marked Otomo's first such work since AKIRA.

This first volume contains the entirety of parts A, B, and C (out of the six total parts: A, B, C, D, E, and E2) and it also includes nearly 100 pages of “rough draft storyboards” published here for the very first time. This two-volume set offers readers both a guide to unraveling the film’s structure and a new way to experience it through the medium of print.

BOOK DETAILS

Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)

Publication date: 2025-VIII-29

Release date: 2025-IX-2
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 480
Size: 248 x 172mm
Retail price: ¥4,950

ISBN-10: 4065408466

ISBN-13: 978-4065408469

AVAILABILITY

Amazon JP: https://amzn.to/4lTHYwU

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4dCjrd5
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/4f04WlF
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/4dzbxB9
Amazon DE: https://amzn.to/3RpD14Q
Amazon FR: https://amzn.to/3Rm6lJw
Amazon IT: https://amzn.to/436NnJH
Amazon ES: https://amzn.to/43mKX9C

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●BOOK● OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS 14: AKIRA 3

The fourteeth volume of OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS features the third volume (out of eight) that will collect the manga AKIRA. This third volume includes episodes 29 to 42 (covering pages 201 of AKIRA vol. 2 through page 167 of AKIRA vol. 3 ) when Katsuhiro Otomo was 29-30 years old back in 1984.

When AKIRA was collected in book format for the first time, Otomo gave it a lot of polish; he completed it through additions, corrections, deletions, replacements, rearrangements of pages and frames, he also added finishing touches, new drawings and illustrations. In addition to all that, the title pages of each episodes were also deleted from the book version and they were all collected in the 1995 published book AKIRA CLUB.

This new edition presents AKIRA in the closest way to its original serialization in Kodansha's YOUNG MAGAZINE . In accordance with the purpose of "arranging all of Otomo's works by era and tracing how he has changed as an author," everything, including the title pages, has been restored as much as possible to the way it was when it was serialized for the first time. However, There are some parts where the original illustrations no longer exist, and some parts cannot be restored to the way they were when they were serialized in the magazine because the manuscript was directly edited, but the goal of this new edition is to restore AKIRA to their original state as much as possible, including the original color pages from the serialization, which are all reprinted the same way they were first published in Young Magazine but this time with a pristine printing quality.

BOOK DETAILS

Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)

Publication date: 2025-VIII-29

Release date: 2025-IX-2

Language: Japanese

Number of pages: 290

Size: 248 x 172mm

Retail price: ¥3,740

ISBN-10: 4065404673

ISBN-13: 978-4065404676

AVAILABILITY

Amazon JP: https://amzn.to/4kBTqfA

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4eZghT8

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/4dwklb2
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3PTbsjW
Amazon DE: https://amzn.to/3RTcbSI
Amazon FR: https://amzn.to/499pWTs
Amazon IT: https://amzn.to/4nDAkZo
Amazon ES: https://amzn.to/4uH3ERL

※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

EPISODES

●AKIRA part 29
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.5

1984-III-5 | 20 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 30
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.6

1984-III-19 | 20 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 31
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.7

1984-IV-2 | 20 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 32
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.8

1984-IV-16 | 20 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 33
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.9

1984-V-7 | 20 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 34
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン) No.10

1984-V-21 | 26 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 35
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.11

1984-VI-04 | 14 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 36
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.12

1984-VI-18 | 21 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 37
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.13

1984-VII-02 | 20 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 38
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.14

1984-VII-16 | 17 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 39
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.16

1984-VIII-20 | 20 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 40
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.17

1984-IX-03 | 20 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 41
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.18

1984-IX-17 | 20 pages | B&W

●AKIRA part 42
Young Magazine (ヤングマガジン)No.19

1984-X-01 | 17 pages | B&W

●TALK● OTOMO KATSUHIRO × TADASHI MATSUMORI (大友克洋×松森正)

Katsuhiro Otomo and manga artist Tadashi Matsumori (松森正) participated in a talk that took place today at 16:00 in Meiji University Liberty Tower as part of the exhibition OTOMO KATSUHIRO O SODATETA MANGA TACHI TEN (大友克洋を育てたマンガたち展) 'The manga works that nurtured Katsuhiro Otomo'.

The venue lasted about an hour and a half and the main topic was Mitsuyoshi Sonoda's ( 園田光慶) IRON MUSCLE (アイアン・マッスル), rental comics, the early days of manga, their amateur days, and their path to becoming professionals. Otona Miyamoto (宮本大人), professor at Meiji University's School of Global Japanese Studies and Yoshihiko Saito (斎藤宜彦) staff leader at Meiji University's Yonezawa Yoshihiro Memorial Library also participated in the event.

Official website: https://academy.meiji.jp/course/detail/7430

●SIGNATURE● RINTARO at the 29th OSAMU TEZUKA AWARD

The manga autobiography MA VIE EN 24 IMAGES PER SECONDE by director Rintaro (りんたろう) won the Grand Prize at the 29th OSAMU TEZUKA AWARD (手塚治虫文化賞), and Otomo who wrote the foreword for the book and is a long time friend and collaborator with him attended the presentation ceremony and commemorative event and signed the message board. Osamu tezuka's son, film director and animator Makoto Tezuka (手塚眞) who also is depicted in Rintaro's manga also attended the event.

In the picture Makoto Tezuka, Rintaro and Katsuhiro Otomo

via Rintaro's Offcial Instagram: @rintaro.offical

●BOOKLET● ŌTOMO KATSUHIRO ZENSHŪ KAISETSU 7 APPLE PARADISE (大友克洋全集解説 7 APPLE PARADISE)

Independent Katsuhiro Otomo researcher and archivist Jun'ya Suzuki (鈴木淳也), who in 1999 started the website Apple Paradise: Otomo Katsuhiro Data Base has published the eighth of a series of booklets to accompany the KATSUHIRO OTOMO COMPLETE WORKS collection that is currently being published by Kodansha. This ninth booklet commentaries correspond to Otomo's early 80's manga works collected in the book OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS 7: APPLE PARADISE

The author explains the process of the creation of Katsuhiro Otomo's short stories from 1980 to 1981, when Otomo Katsuhiro was most prolific, as well as the title work: APPLE PARADISE an unfinished work that was published in book form for the first time, and the history of the publication, with a wealth of materials and numerous testimonies from people involved.

These COMMENTARY SERIES booklets scheduled to be produced for all volumes also work perfectly as dividers of the complete works volumes, since they prevent vinyl covers from sticking to each other.

The booklet was sold for the first time today in COMITIA 152 (コミティア152) in the stand O09a ŌTOMO KATSUHIRO KENKYŪ (お09a 大友克洋研究). You can follow and contact Jun'ya Suzuki on Instagram and Twitter to get the book.

BOOKLET DETAILS

Author: Jun'ya Suzuki (鈴木淳也)
Release date: 2025-VI-1
Language: Japanese
Number of pages: 54
Size: 248 x 172mm
Retail price: ¥1,200

AVAILABILITY:

Shosen Grande (書泉グランデ) Bookstore: https://shosen.tokyo/?pid=187014225

Fukkan.com (復刊ドットコム): https://shorturl.at/vcORK

Kosho Bi Bi Bi (古書ビビビ) Bookstore

Togetsuya (兎月屋書店) Bookstore

●DESIGN● OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS 1st TERM BONUS ITEM: T-SHIRT

Katsuhiro Otomo has posted in his official X account: @OTOMO_ZENSHU, the final image of the T-shirt that will be shipped around June 2025 to everyone that purchased the eleven books of the first season of OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS collection and submitted the coupons on time.

TWEETS by OTOMO (May 9, 2025)

■We’ve kept you waiting. The packaging for the T-shirt, a bonus for those who purchased all volumes of the first season, has finally been revealed. The vinyl case for the T-shirt has a nice feel to it. We got a bit too caught up in perfecting the details, which caused the delay. We will inform you of the shipping date as soon as it’s confirmed.

■(Regarding if it's for display or wearing) T-shirts tend to yellow with age, but this one has been treated to resist discoloration. However, a T-shirt is a living thing, so please wear it. There’s nothing sadder than an unworn T-shirt.

■Wear that sense of superiority

●BLU-RAY● MANIE-MANIE MEIKYU MONOGATARI (MANIE-MANIE 迷宮物語)

MANIE-MANIE MEIKYU MONOGATARI (MANIE-MANIE 迷宮物語) was released in Blu-ray format for the first time ever in France. This 1987 released OVA has never been presented in High Definition before, and even in Japan has only been published on DVD to this day. This special edition A4 size box set includes various booklets with never before seen storyboards and production materials. The film consist in three short animation films:

●HASHIRU OTOKO (走る男) directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (川尻善昭)
●LABYRITH (ラビリンス) directed by Rintaro (りんたろう)
●KOUJI CHUUSHI MEIREI (工事中止命令 ) written and directed by Kastuhiro Otomo (大友克洋) with animation direction by Takashi Nakamura (なかむらたかし)

Official webiste: https://www.dybex.com/en/home/manie-manie-collector-blu-ray-a4

BLU-RAY BOX SET DETAILS: MANIE-MANIE LES HISTOIRES DU LABYRINTHE

Publisher: Dybex
Release date: 2025-V-5
Format: Region B | 16:9 (1.77:1) | 1080p
Audio: Français 5.1 HD, Japanese 2.0 HD
Subtitles: Français, Dutch
Duration: 50 min.
Retail price: 54.99€
Reference No. 5413505331916

AVAILABILITY

Amazon JP

Amazon JP:
Amazon US:
Amazon CA:
Amazon UK:
Amazon DE:
Amazon FR: https://amzn.to/4mOdUne
Amazon IT: https://amzn.to/46m6kdx
Amazon ES: https://amzn.to/4lYbCk4

※We earn a commission from your purchases through these links.

●BOOK● OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS 13: AKIRA 2

The thirteenth volume of OTOMO THE COMPLETE WORKS features the second volume (out of eight) that will collect the manga AKIRA. This second volume includes episodes 15 to 28 (up to page 200 of AKIRA vol. 2) covering the period when Katsuhiro Otomo was 29 years old in 1983 and 1984.

BOOK DETAILS

Publisher: Kodansha (講談社)

Publication date: 2025-IV-16

Release date: 2025-IV-18

Language: Japanese

Number of pages: 290

Size: 248 x 172mm

Retail price: ¥3,500

ISBN-10: 4065384338

ISBN-13: 978-4065384336

AVAILABILITY

Amazon JP: https://amzn.to/41DZaOe