AOMORI -- An exhibition featuring the work of anime director Yoshiyuki Tomino, known for his work on the "Mobile Suit Gundam" anime series, will start on April 18 at Aomori Prefectural Museum in Aomori City.
Born in 1941, Tomino has been involved in the production of many anime over the years, including "Astro Boy," "Triton of the Sea," "Space Runaway Ideon" and the "Mobile Suit Gundam" series. Even now, he remains at the forefront of his field.
Titled "The World of Yoshiyuki Tomino," this is the first retrospective exhibition of Tomino as a creator and has been realized thanks to museum curator Takeshi Kudo and others who persuaded the director to hold it.
About 3,000 items including storyboards, original drawings, footage and figures will be on display. The exhibition, which is traveling to six museums across the nation, started in Fukuoka Prefecture and Aomori will be the fourth venue following Hyogo and Shimane prefectures.
In Aomori, the museum's space and high ceiling allow for the display of a roughly 10-meter tall, life-size statue of Dummy Balloon, a weapon that appears in the 1988 film "Mobile Suit Gundam Char's Counterattack."
The exhibition has six parts and curators from all six museums have shared the work of the exhibitions and explanations.
Kudo, who grew up enjoying anime made by Tomino, said, "We see the finished product on TV or in movie theaters, but the work it takes to get to the finished product is rarely seen. [In this exhibition] we'll be showcasing the entire process from start to finish.
"It'd be nice if [visitors] can come to understand the feelings and characteristics of the director."
The Aomori exhibition will be held from April 18 to June 21, excluding days when the museum is closed. Advance tickets are currently on sale.
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