The first large-scale exhibition of the popular manga "Space Brothers," depicting the growth of two brothers aspiring to become astronauts, will begin its nationwide tour, kicking off at the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store.

This exhibition was planned to realize the original author Chuya Koyama's desire to "inspire children's interest in space through an exhibition." The exhibition will feature approximately 200 original drawings, exhibited for the first time in Japan, as well as anime-related materials such as setting drawings from the TV anime. It will also feature space-related materials such as highly realistic replica space suits and rocket models on loan from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Photography is permitted throughout the exhibition, and there will be a special corner where visitors can take commemorative photos in space suits. Additionally, audio guides will be provided by Hiroaki Hirata, the voice actor for the main character Mutsuta, and KENN, the voice actor for Hibito, to convey the appeal of the work and space.

"Space Brothers" began serialization in Kodansha's manga magazine "Morning" in 2008 and won the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Kodansha Manga Award in 2011. This popular manga has sold over 14 million copies. An anime adaptation began airing on TV in April 2012. That same year, a live-action film starring popular actors Shun Oguri and Masaki Okada was released, garnering significant attention. A film adaptation of the anime is scheduled for summer 2014.

[Event Information]
Space Brothers Exhibition (Tokyo Exhibition)
Location: Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, 7th Floor Gallery
Period: May 1st to 6th
Time: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Last admission 30 minutes before closing / Last day closes at 5:00 PM)
Admission Fee: Adults and University Students: 800 yen / High School and Junior High School Students: 600 yen (Free for elementary school students and younger / Tax included)
The exhibition will also be held at the Kyoto Museum of Art from July 30th to September 23rd, and at the Kitakyushu Manga Museum from November 15th to January 25th of next year.