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Japan Anime News Edit by Satoru Shoji

Eiichiro Oda's "ONE PIECE / The Scroll" Exhibition Opens at Azabudai Hills in Tokyo (Jul. 9 - Aug. 27, 2024)

A new art print exhibition titled "ONE PIECE / The Scroll" by Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the popular manga "ONE PIECE," will be held at the Shueisha Manga Art Heritage Tokyo Gallery (Azabudai Hills) starting July 9, 2024.


Eiichiro Oda's "ONE PIECE / The Scroll Ichi" (2024, Collotype Print on Washi) edition 55

Eiichiro Oda's "ONE PIECE / The Scroll Ichi" (2024, Collotype Print on Washi) edition 55


Scrolls are one of Japan's traditional cultural artifacts, consisting of documents stored by rolling up washi paper. Scrolls can contain not only text but also illustrations that unfold a story as the scroll is opened, similar to manga; these are known as illustrated scrolls or "emakimono." A representative example of emakimono is "The Tale of Genji," which can be considered a form of manga that existed around 1,000 years ago.

The exhibition will feature new art prints created using collotype printing on Echizen washi paper. These art prints are produced on handmade Echizen washi paper using collotype printing technology, known for its high preservation quality. Collotype printing is one of the oldest photomechanical printing techniques, with images that can last over 100 years. This technique allows for the reproduction of vibrant colors and intricate details.


Iwano Heisaburo Paper Mill (Fukui Prefecture): Paper-Making Process

Iwano Heisaburo Paper Mill (Fukui Prefecture): Paper-Making Process


"ONE PIECE" includes several works drawn on horizontally connected paper, created to commemorate milestones like the 10th and 20th anniversaries of the series. Loved by many fans, these images have been turned into posters, merchandise, and figures. To ensure these images are beautifully preserved for the future, special paper and printing techniques were chosen for this exhibition.


Benrido Collotype Atelier (Kyoto Prefecture): Collotype Printing Process

Benrido Collotype Atelier (Kyoto Prefecture): Collotype Printing Process


For this special exhibition, Echizen washi made by the Iwano Heisaburo Paper Mill in Fukui Prefecture was selected. Founded in 1865 during the tumultuous end of the Edo period, the Iwano Heisaburo Paper Mill continues to produce large handmade washi using traditional materials.


Usopp, Monkey D. Luffy, Nami

Eiichiro Oda's "ONE PIECE / The Scroll Ichi" (2024, Collotype Print on Washi) edition 55


The printing was handled by Benrido Collotype Atelier in Kyoto Prefecture. Founded in 1887, Benrido is the only atelier in the world that still produces color collotype prints. This particular project used 16-17 plates, four times the usual number for commercial printing, resulting in a total of 50 plates for three prints. This unprecedented approach created vivid and impactful works.


Brook, Roronoa Zoro, Nico Robin

Eiichiro Oda's "ONE PIECE / The Scroll Ichi" (2024, Collotype Print on Washi) edition 55


In addition to framed displays, the exhibition will debut scroll-mounted works. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view a movie documenting the paper-making, plate-making, and printing processes, as well as test prints from the production process.


Tony Tony Chopper, Sanji, Franky

Eiichiro Oda's "ONE PIECE / The Scroll Ichi" (2024, Collotype Print on Washi) edition 55


Exhibition Details:

Dates: Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - Sunday, August 12, 2024
Venue: Shueisha Manga Art Heritage Tokyo Gallery
Address: Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza A B1, 5-8-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: About a 1-minute walk from Exit 5 of Kamiyacho Station on the Hibiya Subway Line
Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (Open on July 15 and August 12), closed on July 16

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Eiichiro Oda's new art prints and is not to be missed by fans and art enthusiasts alike.


Source : PRTIMES