A major retrospective exhibition celebrating the career of visionary creator Shoji Kawamori, renowned for the iconic Macross and Aquarion franchises, is set to open at the EXPO ’70 Pavilion in Osaka’s Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Titled “The Shoji Kawamori Exhibition: Expo, Gattai, Henkei, and the Future,” the event will have a long-term run from Saturday, September 6, 2025, to Sunday, March 1, 2026.
This extensive exhibition will delve into the full scope of Kawamori’s creative endeavors, who also serves as a theme producer for the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Through a vast collection of rare design documents, 3D models, and other materials, the event aims to illuminate the wellspring of his creativity and his vision for the future.
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Connecting the Creative Origin of Expo ’70 with the Future of Expo 2025
A central highlight of the exhibition is the 1970 Osaka World Expo, an event that profoundly influenced Kawamori’s creative journey. The exhibition will use dioramas and video installations to recreate the impact the fair had on a 10-year-old Kawamori and trace the creative chain reaction that connects it to the 2025 Expo. Visitors will explore the two World Expos through his unique and insightful perspective.
Furthermore, a special, exclusive exhibit will offer a glimpse into the “Journey of Life” Signature Pavilion, which Kawamori is producing for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Four Sections Covering Masterpieces to the Latest Projects
The venue will be organized into four distinct sections to offer a multi-faceted exploration of Kawamori’s world.
Shoji Kawamori History Corner This section will feature a comprehensive collection of materials, from never-before-seen planning memos detailing his creative origins to design documents and models from his most celebrated works, including the Macross series.
1970 Osaka Expo Corner Here, visitors can see the “Tower of the Sun” and other pavilions that inspired a young Kawamori, presented alongside his personal commentary.
2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo Corner This area will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the “Journey of Life” Signature Pavilion, produced by Kawamori.
Pickup Corner This corner showcases a range of works that embody his signature creative pillars of “gattai” (combination) and “henkei” (transformation). It will feature precious artifacts from ongoing projects to his latest announced film, Labyrinth of the Bookmark.
Throughout its run, the exhibition will host exclusive on-site events and talk sessions, promising a “creative adventure” for all generations and genres to enjoy.
New Projects Unveiled, Including Feature Film ‘Meikyū no Shiori’
In conjunction with the exhibition announcement, new details on Kawamori’s latest projects have been released.
New Animated Feature Film: Labyrinth of the Bookmark (Meikyu no Shiori) Kawamori’s first original feature-length animated film, which he is writing and directing, is titled Labyrinth of the Bookmark and is set to premiere nationwide on January 1, 2026. The story explores the intersection of the inner world of the heart and reality, centered on the theme of the smartphone—what Kawamori calls “another self” for modern people. Character designs are by Risa Ebata, who previously collaborated with him on Macross Frontier. The protagonist will be voiced by SUZUKA of the music group ATARASHII GAKKO!.
Film Information:
- Release Date: January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day)
- Director: Shoji Kawamori
- Character Design: Risa Ebata
- Animation Production: Sanzigen
- Distributor: GAGA
- Cast: SUZUKA (ATARASHII GAKKO!), Taizo Harada, Aoi Ito, Jun Saito, Takuto Teranishi
New TV Anime Series: La Terre of the Earth (Chikyu no La Terre) A new television anime, La Terre of the Earth, for which Kawamori serves as supervisor, will begin broadcasting on NHK E-television on September 5, 2025. Based on a picture book, the story follows a protagonist who learns about biodiversity by transforming into various creatures with the help of a mysterious fairy.
Broadcast Information:
- Network: NHK E-television
- Premiere Date: September 5, 2025 (Tentative)
“Shoji Kawamori Exhibition” Overview
- Dates: Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Sunday, March 1, 2026
- Note: Subject to closure on park holidays or for other events. Please check the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park official website for details.
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Venue: EXPO ’70 Pavilion (inside Expo ’70 Commemorative Park)
- Admission: ¥1,000 (Free for junior high school students and younger)
- A separate admission fee for the Natural and Cultural Gardens/Japanese Garden is required (Adults: ¥260, Elementary/Junior High Students: ¥80).
- This fee is for the special exhibition only. A separate ticket is required for the permanent EXPO ’70 Pavilion exhibition.
