The "100 Artists Exhibition 03" (sponsored by Sankei Shimbun) opened at Akihabara Square in Tokyo's Akihabara district. It runs through May 6th.
This exhibition showcases original artwork by 105 illustrators active in the video game, anime, and manga industries. Fans refer to them as "artists," like the ukiyo-e artists who adorned popular culture during the Edo period. Based on the theme of "Japanese Scenes," the exhibition features beautiful female characters immersed in landscapes such as snowy landscapes, autumn leaves, shrines, and New Year's celebrations.
"One of the attractions of these works is that they allow you to enter the world of the artwork and share the depicted characters and space. I think they are open to interpretation. While you usually see illustrations in books or on a computer screen, the exhibition is displayed on large B1- and B2-sized screens. You'll be able to see a different side of them, including the intricate details," said the curator of Sankei Shimbun.
On the opening day, April 28th, 500 people lined up before the doors opened. A wide range of people visit the exhibition, mainly fans, but also families with children, foreigners from Europe, America and Asia, and elderly people attracted by the title "artist." "We started in 2011 and this year is the third time. The last time, 28,000 people visited over seven days. It has become recognized as an annual Golden Week event. Since last year, we have received support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Japan Tourism Agency, and there are people overseas who have come to know Japan through these works. The techniques and expressiveness are high and it is one of the cutting edge cultures. We would like to contribute to its further development by holding an exhibition," said the same person.

Original goods will be sold at the venue, and autograph sessions with the artists will be held every day.


【Event Information】
100 Artists Exhibition 03
Venue: Akihabara Square
Address: Akihabara UDX 2F, 4-14-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Dates: Until May 6, 2013
Time: 10:00 to 20:00
Admission: 1,000 yen (free for junior high school students and younger)