- Introduction: Passing the Baton of the “Future” Since 1970
- 1. EXPO’70 Pavilion: Where Memories of the Expo Intersect
- 2. An Overwhelming Presence! The Golden Aquarion
- 3. The Creative Roots: Young Kawamori’s “Expo Chronicle”
- 4. Touching the Source of Thought: The Impact of Original Art and Rough Sketches
- 5. Decoding the Themes: “Fusion, Transformation, and the Future”
- 6. Connecting to the 2025 Expo: “Adventure of Life” Preview Film
- 7. Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Shoji Kawamori Exhibition: Overview
- Closing: Toward a Future We Create
Introduction: Passing the Baton of the “Future” Since 1970
Shoji Kawamori is widely celebrated as an animation director, mechanical designer, and “vision creator.” His uniquely imaginative worlds—seen in iconic works like the “Macross” series and “Aquarion”—continue to captivate fans across the globe.
An exhibition retracing Kawamori’s creative journey is currently being held at the EXPO’70 Pavilion in Osaka’s Expo Commemorative Park. For Kawamori, who was profoundly influenced by the 1970 Osaka Expo, holding an exhibition at this specific location carries deep personal significance. In this report, I’ll share the excitement and highlights of the exhibition based on my firsthand experience.
1. EXPO’70 Pavilion: Where Memories of the Expo Intersect
The exhibition venue, the EXPO’70 Pavilion, is a charming space that preserves the architecture of the original 1970 pavilion.
As a child, Shoji Kawamori was struck by the futuristic visions he encountered at the 1970 Expo. Upon entering the site, you can feel a distinct resonance between the dreams of the past and the future depicted in Kawamori’s works. Especially now, with the fervor of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo still vivid, there is an undeniable sense of destiny in experiencing his creations at this symbolic landmark.
2. An Overwhelming Presence! The Golden Aquarion
At the start of the exhibit, the “Golden Aquarion” commands the room with its striking presence. As you can see from the photos, its scale is massive compared to the visitors in the background—standing well over 3 meters tall!
This is one of the few designated photography spots, so be sure to snap a commemorative photo here.
3. The Creative Roots: Young Kawamori’s “Expo Chronicle”
One of the most fascinating sections explores Kawamori’s roots. During his spring break as a 4th-grade elementary student, Kawamori visited the 1970 Expo and managed to tour over 80% of the pavilions in just three days—an incredible feat of determination.
The displayed map clearly marks the pavilions he visited (blue) and the areas that left a particularly strong impression (red). It’s easy to see how the proactive energy of a child who ran around the grounds alone—only meeting his parents at pre-arranged times—eventually led to his groundbreaking creations.
A Meticulous Diorama of the 1970 Expo
Just below the map is a breathtaking diorama of the original Expo grounds. Looking at it while cross-referencing young Kawamori’s footsteps makes the experience even more engaging.
4. Touching the Source of Thought: The Impact of Original Art and Rough Sketches
The true highlight of this exhibition is the vast collection of original hand-drawn illustrations, project proposals, and sketches filled with the “seeds” of his ideas.
*Note: Photography is strictly prohibited in the original artwork and document area.
Because you can’t take photos, the time spent burning these images into your memory feels like a true luxury. Pay close attention to these points:
- Exceptional Brushwork: The pencil pressure on the lines of characters and mecha conveys a raw, living energy.
- Logical Transformation Mechanisms: Precise blueprints that provide “mathematical persuasion” to the question, “Can this actually transform and combine?”
- Traces of Trial and Error: The marks from repeated revisions tell the story of the struggle and joy behind the birth of a single design.
Even if you aren’t a die-hard fan, the “three-view drawings” of mecha designs and the rough transformation sequences will leave you in awe of his craftsmanship.
5. Decoding the Themes: “Fusion, Transformation, and the Future”
The exhibition is organized into four major keywords that explore Kawamori’s philosophy from multiple angles.
| Theme | Highlights |
| The Expo | Memories and influences from the 1970 Expo that served as his roots. |
| Fusion (Union) | The energy of different elements combining to create new value. |
| Transformation | Flexible thinking that adapts to the environment and breaks stereotypes. |
| The Future | A vision questioning the symbiosis between humanity and technology. |
This is more than just an anime material exhibit; hints to the universal question, “What is creativity?” are scattered throughout the venue.
6. Connecting to the 2025 Expo: “Adventure of Life” Preview Film
The exhibition features a preview video for the Signature Pavilion that Kawamori is producing for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.
- Content: Two types: “Super-Dimension Theater” and “ANIMA!”
- Duration: Total approx. 24 minutes (approx. 12 minutes each)
- Environment: Seating and stairs are available for a relaxed viewing experience.
*This is a standard monitor screening, not a VR experience. Recording/Photography is prohibited.
7. Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Allow at least one hour: If you examine each original drawing carefully and watch the videos, an hour will fly by in an instant.
- Check out the permanent exhibition: The pavilion’s permanent collection features the original “Golden Mask” from the Tower of the Sun, allowing you to experience the excitement of 1970.
- Don’t forget the commemorative stamp: At the entrance, there is a special stamp for the 2025 Expo Pavilion “Adventure of Life.” A must-have for stamp book collectors!
Shoji Kawamori Exhibition: Overview
Dates & Hours
September 6, 2025 (Sat) – March 1, 2026 (Sun)
10:00 – 17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
*Please check the Expo Commemorative Park official website for closing dates and the latest updates.
Venue & Access
EXPO’70 Pavilion Foyer
Admission (Tax Included)
1,000 JPY (Free for junior high students and younger)
*Payment is cash only.
*A separate entry fee for the Expo Commemorative Park (260 JPY for adults, 80 JPY for elementary/junior high students) is required.
*Additional fees apply for the permanent exhibition.
Closing: Toward a Future We Create
The “Shoji Kawamori Exhibition” is not merely a look back at the past. It is an exhibition where you feel Kawamori’s strong will to take the passion received from a past Expo, sublimate it through animation, and pass it on to the next generation.
“Transformation” means to keep changing, never settling for the status quo.
“Fusion” means to join hands while respecting individuality.
After finishing the exhibition, the Tower of the Sun and the vast sky outside the venue might look just a little bit different—perhaps like a “future full of hope.” I highly encourage you to go and experience this creative energy for yourself.
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