“Life is a Game of Bringing Joy”: Yanase Takashi Exhibition Opens in Nagoya
Nagoya is set to host a significant cultural event, the “Yanase Takashi Exhibition: Life is a Game of Bringing Joy,” celebrating the life and works of Yanase Takashi (1919-2013), the revered creator of the iconic character Anpanman. This marks the first major touring exhibition dedicated to his extensive and diverse career, opening at the Matsuzakaya Museum on February 6, 2026, and running until April 5, 2026.
Organized by Matsuzakaya Museum and Chukyo TV Broadcasting Co., Ltd., the exhibition commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Yanase Takashi Memorial Anpanman Museum. Yanase Takashi was not merely a cartoonist; he was a poet, picture book author, illustrator, designer, and editor—a true entertainer whose life revolved around the profound joy of making others happy. His journey, marked by harsh war experiences and personal losses, led him to constantly question, “For what purpose was I born, and what should I live for?” The answer he found was in the creation of a hero, Anpanman, who, despite being imperfect, offers a piece of his own face—a symbol of ultimate self-sacrifice—to those in dire need.
Journey Through Yanase’s Creative Universe
The exhibition features approximately 200 original artworks, unraveling Yanase’s creative evolution through seven distinct themes:
1. Yanase Takashi Unpacked
Yanase Takashi devoted his 94 years to exploring his artistic world. He engaged in a wide array of professions—cartoonist, poet, picture book author, illustrator, designer, and editor—gradually shaping the hero ideal that expressed his deepest convictions. This section meticulously dissects the elements that forged “Yanase Takashi” through a giant timeline and precious early works and materials, illustrating how his thoughts were nurtured and deepened.
2. Manga: Connecting Through Stories
From childhood, Yanase aspired to be a cartoonist. Post-war, he joined Kochi Shimbun but his passion for manga reignited, leading him to Tokyo. By 1953, he became an independent cartoonist, working extensively on advertising manga and newspaper serials. A turning point arrived in 1967 with his comic strip “Mr. Boo,” which earned him the Weekly Asahi Manga Award. He established a unique style of witty, wordless “pantomime manga” that he continued to refine. This section showcases a variety of comic strip styles and original drawings of “Mr. Boo,” with works that remain timeless and universally amusing.
3. Poetry: Born from Song
In 1961, Yanase Takashi penned the lyrics for “Te no Hira wo Taiyou ni” (Hand in the Sun). His first poetry collection, “Kodomogokoro no Uta” (Songs of a Child’s Heart), was self-published in 1963, and he continued writing poetry until his later years. For three decades, he served as editor-in-chief of “Shi to Märchen” (Poetry and Fairy Tales), a magazine focused on poetry and illustrations, launched in 1973. His desire was to enrich people’s lives through accessible poetry and magazines. Visitors can explore Yanase’s poetic world, which gently resonates with readers’ hearts, through original cover art from “Shi to Märchen” and handwritten poems.
4. Picture Books and Yanase’s Fairy Tales
While active as a cartoonist, Yanase Takashi also dedicated himself to creating picture books. He crafted stories he wished to read himself, terming them “Yanase Märchen.” These tales transcend the typical “children’s book” framework, exploring universal themes such as the bonds of non-biological families, empathy across species, and the importance of seeing inner essence over outer appearance. Original artwork from beloved picture books like “Yasashii Lion” (The Gentle Lion), “Chirin no Suzu” (Chirin’s Bell), and “Shiroi Uma” (The White Horse) will be on display, revealing the true essence of Yanase’s storytelling.
5. The Birth of Anpanman
In 1973, Yanase Takashi introduced Anpanman in the picture book “Anpanman,” depicting a hero with a tattered cape who saves people by offering them a piece of his face, made of anpan (a sweet bean paste bun). The message embedded in this character—”It is important to help those in need, even if it means sacrificing oneself”—resonated across generations. With the animated TV series “Soreike! Anpanman” beginning in 1988, he became a national icon. This section traces Anpanman’s journey from birth to widespread popularity through Yanase’s own explanations, original picture book art, and canvas paintings depicting iconic scenes of various characters.
6. Epilogue: Life is a Game of Bringing Joy
At the core of Yanase Takashi’s creative endeavors lay his spirit of bringing joy to others. At 84, he debuted as a singer, playfully calling himself an “Oidoru” (a portmanteau of “oi” for old and “idol”). He organized numerous stages and parties, singing and dancing in a tuxedo, wholeheartedly dedicated to entertaining people. This embodies his life philosophy: “Life is a game of bringing joy.” This section features footage of parties he planned, his stage costumes, and works from his later years, inviting visitors to experience Yanase’s playful world of “yokorobase-gokko” (the game of bringing joy).
7. Nagoya Venue Exclusive: Special Interview Footage
For the Nagoya exhibition, a special, previously unaired interview with Yanase Takashi, originally recorded for the program “Shiawase no Kiiroi Koinu” (Yellow Puppy of Happiness) hosted by Keiko Toda after the Great East Japan Earthquake, will be exclusively shown. This offers a rare glimpse into his thoughts and personality.
Yanase Takashi: A Profile
Born in Kochi Prefecture in 1919 (real name: Takashi Yanase), he graduated from Tokyo Higher Polytechnic School (now Chiba University) and worked in advertising before being conscripted. After the war, he edited magazines for Kochi Shimbun. Moving to Tokyo in 1947, he worked for Mitsukoshi Department Store before becoming an independent cartoonist in 1953. He also contributed to stage design, lyric writing, and radio/TV production. His “Mr. Boo” won the Weekly Asahi Manga Award in 1967. He served as editor-in-chief for the magazine “Shi to Märchen” (Sanrio) from its launch in 1973. That same year, he published “Anpanman” (Froebel-kan, monthly picture book “Kinder Ohanashi Ehon”). The TV anime “Soreike! Anpanman” began airing in 1988, gaining nationwide popularity. His lyrical works include “Te no Hira wo Taiyou ni” (1961), and his many picture books include “Yasashii Lion” (Froebel-kan, 1975). He passed away in 2013 at the age of 94.
Exclusive Exhibition Merchandise
The exhibition’s special shop will offer original goods available only at the venue. These include charming items like drawstring pouches and mugs, featuring beloved characters and artwork from Yanase’s universe.
Event Details
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Exhibition Name: Yanase Takashi Exhibition: Life is a Game of Bringing Joy
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Dates: February 6, 2026 (Fri) – April 5, 2026 (Sun)
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Venue: Matsuzakaya Museum (Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store, South Building 7F) [3-16-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8430]
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Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission 5:30 PM)
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Closed: Open daily during the exhibition period
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Admission Fees (Tax included):
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General: 1,500 yen (1,400 yen for advance purchase)
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High School/University Students: 1,000 yen (900 yen for advance purchase)
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Elementary/Junior High Students: 500 yen (400 yen for advance purchase)
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*Advance tickets are available until February 5.
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Organizers: Matsuzakaya Museum, Chukyo TV Broadcasting
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Official Website: https://www.ctv.co.jp/event/yanasetakashi-ten/
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Official X (formerly Twitter): @yanasetennagoya
Yanase Takashi’s enduring message of self-sacrifice and bringing joy resonates deeply, especially through Anpanman, a character that has transcended generations in Japan and continues to inspire. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for global audiences to delve into the rich tapestry of a creator’s life dedicated to happiness, perhaps even sparking a new appreciation for the simple yet profound acts of kindness in our own lives.
