The "Tim Burton World Exhibition" will run from November 1st to January 4th next year at the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi, Tokyo. The exhibition will showcase approximately 5,000 works by Tim Burton, the film genius behind films such as Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, never before seen in Japan, ranging from sketches, drawings, and oil paintings to unreleased footage, immersing the entire venue in Tim's boundless world of imagination. Ahead of the opening, a press conference was held in Tokyo on August 5th, where comedians Yuji Ayabe and Naoki Matayoshi of the comedy duo Peace, who have been appointed official supporters of the exhibition, appeared alongside presenter Chris Peppler. Ayabe and Matayoshi dressed as the Mad Hatter from "Alice in Wonderland" and Edward from "Edward Scissorhands," respectively, bringing a unique atmosphere to the press conference. In contrast to the two, who looked like characters from Tim's works, Chris Peppler remained as cool as ever. Ayabe began by asking, "Chris, how about you cosplay?" Matayoshi chimed in, suggesting, "I think you should try Hama-chan from "Tsuribaka Nisshi" (The Fishing Fool's Diary)!" Chris elegantly ignored the duo's flustered response, asking, "What do you like about Tim Burton's films?" Ayabe responded, "His artistic sense is amazing. They're both cute and terrifying," while Matayoshi replied, "His imagination is astounding." When asked about his favorite film, Ayabe immediately answered, "Big Fish." Matayoshi answered "Edward Scissorhands," saying, "I feel sympathy for Edward, who has trouble connecting with those around him."

Midway through the press conference, a video of Tim's comments addressed to the two new supporters was played. Both Ayabe and Matayoshi turned their attention to the screen, where Tim was seen looking at a photo of the two of them dressed in the outfits they were wearing at the press conference. He opened by saying, "You both look great in those outfits! I don't know what you guys do, though!"

In response, Matayoshi said, "As a supporter, I want to do my best to support the exhibition so that Tim will recognize me." Ayabe said, "I've always said my goal is to make my Hollywood debut, and nothing would make me happier than realizing my dream in one of Tim's films. I want to use this opportunity to seize the opportunity to appear, even if it's just as a passerby."

In conjunction with this exhibition, from October 10th to 31st, Roppongi Hills will be decorated with Halloween decorations based on the world of Tim Burton, and a variety of collaborative projects have been prepared, including the "Tim Burton & Danny Elfman Film Music Concert" to be held at the Tokyo International Forum on August 9th and 10th.


[Event Information]
The World of Tim Burton
Venue: Mori Arts Center Gallery
Address: 52F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: November 1st to January 4th, 2015
Admission: 1,800 yen for adults, 1,300 yen for high school and university students, 800 yen for children aged 3 to junior high school