Takashi Yanase Exhibition: Life is a Game of Joy Tickets Information

• February 6, 2026 at 10:00 am
  Event date:
• April 5, 2026 at 8:00 pm
  Event end:

Overview

The “Takashi Yanase Exhibition: Life is a Game of Joy” is the first major traveling exhibition dedicated to celebrating the life and multifaceted work of Takashi Yanase (1919-2013), the beloved creator of Japan’s enduring children’s hero, Anpanman. Yanase was a consummate entertainer who embraced roles as a manga artist, poet, illustrator, designer, and editor, embodying his life philosophy that “bringing joy to others was life’s greatest pleasure.”

The exhibition aims to showcase the breadth of Yanase’s work beyond Anpanman, including his poetic work, his humorous manga, his picture books like The Gentle Lion and Ringing Bell, and his famous children’s song, “Te no Hira wo Taiyo ni” (The Palm of Your Hand as a Sun). It is organized into thematic sections: Takashi Yanase, Manga, Poetry, Picture Books/Yanase’s Fairy Tales, and Anpanman.

The Nagoya exhibition at the Matsuzakaya Museum of Art serves as a major stop on this tour, offering a comprehensive look at approximately 200 original works that draw inspiration from his wartime experiences and his search for true heroism—represented by Anpanman, the humble hero who feeds the hungry with pieces of his own head.

Why Attend

• Explore the creative life of Takashi Yanase, one of Japan’s most important post-war artists and the creator of Anpanman.
• See approximately 200 original artworks covering his 60-year career as a poet, illustrator, designer, and manga artist.
• Understand the deep, humanitarian themes behind Anpanman, which were rooted in Yanase’s personal experiences during World War II.
• The exhibition is being held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Takashi Yanase Memorial Anpanman Museum in 2026.
• Advance tickets are discounted compared to same-day tickets, with special rates available for students.
• Free admission is offered to individuals with a disability certificate (and one accompanying person).

Exhibition Schedule & Venue Information

Ticket Types & Pricing (Matsuzakaya Museum of Art)

Booking with Jasumo

Submit your request through the Jasumo Contact Form with: ticket type, quantity, and the venue (Matsuzakaya Museum of Art). Jasumo offers comprehensive bilingual support, including account creation, lottery/general release submission, payment guidance, and physical pickup coordination.

Group bookings up to 4 tickets per application supported, with 1 application limit per show. Apply early for lottery—¥12,100 tickets vanish fast for diamond jihad savings. Jasumo ensure seamless navigation for international users, from lottery entry to entry validation.

The Advance Ticket period is open now until February 5, 2026, offering discounted rates. Jasumo can secure your advance tickets (up to 8 tickets per application) and manage the payment through convenience store/ATM or online banking. We can also coordinate the collection of your tickets at either 7-Eleven or FamilyMart starting from November 1, 2025.

Disclaimer

Jasumo provides a specialized facilitation service for foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents in Japan, assisting with ticket acquisition for cultural events like Europe Kikaku’s 44th Performance “Internet Island Explorer” Tour through authorized platforms. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide international customers through the official booking process, addressing challenges such as:

• Language Barriers: Japanese-only ticketing systems; Jasumo offers bilingual support.
• Local Platforms: Assistance with lottery registration, payments, and e-ticket delivery.
• High Demand: ~300–1,500 seats per venue and troupe’s cult following create sellout risks; we manage deadlines for prime chances.

Securing tickets is not guaranteed. Book via Jasumo by venue deadlines (e.g., Nov 5, 2025, for Tokyo) for official ¥8,500 pricing to avoid resales. For travel planning, we can coordinate with regional tourism boards.

Reviews

“The exhibition successfully separates Yanase the artist from Anpanman the franchise, revealing a deep, complex, and joyful humanitarian spirit forged in war.”

“A moving collection of original poetry and illustrations. You’ll leave with a profound appreciation for the man who created Japan’s ‘weakest and least-cool hero.'”

“Perfect for families and fans of Japanese culture. The themed sections make it easy to digest the vast amount of creative work Yanase produced.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the Takashi Yanase Exhibition being held in Nagoya?

The exhibition is being held at the Matsuzakaya Museum of Art in Aichi Prefecture (Nagoya).

How long does the Advance Ticket period last?

The Advance Ticket period for the Nagoya exhibition runs from November 1, 2025, until Thursday, February 5, 2026, which is the day before the exhibition opens.

Are there any discounts for students?

Yes, Advance Tickets are heavily discounted for high school/university students (¥900) and elementary/junior high school students (¥400). Students must present a valid ID upon entry.

Are the tickets for a specific date and time?

No, the tickets are valid during the entire exhibition period (February 6 to April 5, 2026). They are not restricted to a specific date or time slot.

Who is eligible for free admission?

Free admission is granted to individuals who present a valid disability certificate, chronic disease certificate, or Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Health Certificate, as well as one accompanying person. Preschool children are also free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Location