Popular Manga Dandadan Takes Over Ikebukuro with First Art Exhibition

Fans of Yukinobu Tatsu's genre-bending manga Dandadan have something special to celebrate this summer. From June 20 to July 6, the very first Dandadan original art exhibition, titled Dandadan Gengaten, is being held at Sunshine City Exhibition Hall A in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.

With the anime's second season set to premiere on July 3, this exhibition is a perfect opportunity to dive deep into the occult-infused world of Dandadan and experience the story's pulse-pounding intensity and emotional depth in person.

Structured across six immersive zones, Dandadan Gengaten is a full-fledged journey through the wild, the weird, and the wonderful universe Tatsu has created.

A Story Told in Six Chapters

Visitors are first greeted with a high-energy opening movie, bringing key moments from the manga to life on screen with rapid pacing and an electrifying soundtrack. This sets the tone for what's to come: a sensory, full-body plunge into the chaos and charm of Dandadan.

*Character Introduction chapter (courtesy of Dandadan Gengaten Public Relations Office)*

The first chapter, Character Introduction, introduces the manga's unforgettable cast through a gallery of iconic scenes and life-size visuals. From high schooler and spirit-sensitive heroine Momo to her classmate and UFO-believer Okarun, and quirky supporting characters like Seiko, Aira, and Jiji, this section celebrates the eclectic personalities that drive the story. Notably, Seiko's iconic metal bat Nessie also makes an appearance.

Next, Occult dives into the bizarre supernatural creatures that populate the Dandadan universe. Here you'll find display panels and descriptions of everything from the infamous Turbo Granny to the eerie Reiko Kashima, complete with a UFO abduction panel and a glass-encased replica of Evil Eye's notorious briefs.

Behind the Scenes and High-Stakes Battles

The third chapter, Making of Dandadan, offers a rare peek into Tatsu's creative process. Original manuscripts from the first three chapters are on display, accompanied by production notes and early sketches. Visitors can also enjoy illustrations from the manga's first popularity poll, each with handwritten commentary from Tatsu himself.

Occultic Battle, the fourth chapter, is a feast for action lovers. Walls are lined with dynamic two-page battle spreads, while raw manuscripts of Momo and Okarun's fiercest fights highlight the intensity and visual ingenuity of the series. This area is a no-photo zone, meaning fans must see the high-impact pages with their own eyes. A pair of life-sized statues of the main characters makes for a dramatic centerpiece.

Youth, Romance, and Raw Emotion

*Panel from the Love Comedy chapter (courtesy of Dandadan Gengaten Public Relations Office)*

The fifth chapter, Love Comedy, highlights Dandadan's often-overlooked romantic heart. This section is filled with heartwarming, sometimes hilarious moments of young love, with a mini-theater screening the bonus story featuring Turbo Granny and Seiko from the manga volumes' end pages.

Finally, Emotion brings it all home. Key scenes are chosen to showcase the emotional resonance of Dandadan. For example, Acrobatic Silky's soul passing on after being embraced by Aira, and the tearful farewell between Bamora and Banga. These panels remind us that beneath all the ghosts, aliens, and absurdity, Dandadan is ultimately a story about connection, courage, and growing up.

Merch, Memories, and First-Time Magic

Dandadan Gengaten also goes beyond the manga pages with interactive photo spots, exclusive merchandise, and immersive audio-visual experiences. Specially designed merchandise includes t-shirts printed with famous quotes, stylish acrylic dioramas, and multi-use pouches that blend design and function. These items are ideal for fans who want to take a piece of Dandadan into their daily lives.

Detailed explanations of characters, episodes, and settings ensure even first-time visitors can enjoy the world on display.

*Dandadan Gengaten exclusive merchandise (courtesy of Dandadan Gengaten Public Relations Office)*

Tour and Tickets

Following the Tokyo run, Dandadan Gengaten will travel to Hiroshima (October 2025), Fukuoka (December 2025), and Osaka (February 2026). Tickets are available online and at the venue, with options ranging from general admission (¥2,000 JPY/$13 USD at the door) to special ticket bundles that include exclusive merchandise.

Whether you're a diehard fan or new to the world of Momo and Okarun, Dandadan Gengaten offers a thrilling, funny, and deeply heartfelt experience that captures the full spectrum of Yukinobu Tatsu's breakout hit.

Dandadan Gengaten Exhibition

Dates: June 20 – July 6, 2025
Venue: Sunshine City Exhibition Hall A, Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30)
Tickets: General (¥2,000/$13), Child (¥1,500/$10), Special Ticket w/gift (¥4,000/$26)