Experience the Excitement of the BLUE LOCK Anime Exhibition: A Journey Through Japan
The highly anticipated BLUE LOCK anime exhibition, known as EGOIST EXHIBITION: The Animation, has kicked off its national tour across Japan following a successful debut in Tokyo. This exhibition offers fans an immersive look into the world of BLUE LOCK, showcasing interactive displays, character-centric installations, and exclusive production materials from the beloved anime series.
After its initial run from April 26 to May 18, where it attracted over 53,000 visitors in Tokyo, the exhibition moved to Osaka from May 31 to June 22. Now, it is set to travel to various cities across Japan, providing fans with the opportunity to explore the exhibition in their local areas.
Exhibition Schedule and Locations
The BLUE LOCK exhibition is making its way to several key locations in Japan:
- Kanazawa: Korinbo Daiwa, 8th Floor Hall | July 18 – August 5, 2025
- Hiroshima: Sogo Hiroshima, Special Venue | August 10 – August 27, 2025
- Additional stops are planned for Nagoya, Sendai, Hamamatsu, Kobe, Fukuoka, and Okinawa, with more details to be announced soon.
What to Expect at the Exhibition
Entrance and Audio Guide: Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an impressive key visual that sets the tone for the experience. Attendees can utilize their smartphones to access original audio guides that enhance their visit. The guides feature narration that pairs iconic characters in themed duos, such as:
- Yoichi Isagi and Rin Itoshi
- Seishiro Nagi and Reo Mikage
- Meguru Bachira and Hyoma Chigiri
Opening Theater: This area presents a captivating projection led by Ego Jinpachi, where fans can delve into the emotional and egoistic growth of each character, providing deeper insights into their journeys.
Blue Lock Stadium: A standout feature of the exhibition is the life-sized statue of Isagi, set against a backdrop that recreates the match-day atmosphere of the BLUE LOCK Eleven versus U-20 Japan game. This immersive environment allows fans to feel as though they are part of the action.
Season 1 Retrospective: Fans can relive the excitement of the first season through large quotes, original keyframes, and installations that evoke nostalgia. This retrospective showcases pivotal moments from episodes 1 to 24, giving attendees a chance to reflect on their favorite scenes.
Team Z Locker Room: An authentic replica of the Team Z locker room awaits visitors, complete with personalized features that make it feel truly immersive. Voice-activated lockers add a modern twist, allowing fans to interact with the display.
EPISODE Nagi Section: This dedicated area showcases original production materials from the EPISODE Nagi film, alongside a life-sized statue of Nagi and a recreation of his room. This section offers a unique glimpse into the creative process behind the film.
EGOIST Areas: Fans can explore life-sized panels of their favorite characters, props, and an engaging "day in the life" flip board that allows them to experience the characters’ daily routines in a fun way.
Behind the Scenes: This segment features concept art, match statistics, internal visuals from the Blue Lock project, and layout documents from the thrilling Third Selection arc. It provides fans with an exclusive look at the creative development behind the series.
Replay Zone: For those who love interactive experiences, the Replay Zone is a must-visit. With buttons that play mini-animated clips, fans can relive their favorite moments from the series. Additionally, a "Maid Café King Baro" corner humorously recreates a memorable scene from the anime.
U-20 Japan Cast Display: This section introduces new characters via life-sized figures and visual content, spotlighting characters like Rin’s brother, Sae Itoshi. This area serves to enrich the narrative by adding depth to the characters introduced in the U-20 arc.
Match Highlight Reel: A three-screen setup plays an exclusive edit of the intense match between the BLUE LOCK Eleven and U-20 Japan, allowing fans to witness the action from multiple angles.
Itoshi Brothers’ Childhood: A recreation of the Itoshi brothers’ childhood room offers a heartwarming glimpse into their emotional backstory, showcasing the bond between Rin and Sae.
Final Match Installation: This impactful installation features over 100 animation drawings and dramatic visuals of the series’ climax, making it a highlight for fans eager to see the culmination of the story.
Photo Opportunities: The exhibition also includes two main photo spots where fans can snap pictures with life-sized displays of Isagi and Rin, as well as the full cast in their formal attire. These opportunities are perfect for capturing memories of the experience.
Fan Message Wall: Visitors are encouraged to leave messages and read notes from the creators of BLUE LOCK. This wall features contributions from Muneyuki Kaneshiro (Original Story), Yusuke Nomura (Manga Artist), Kota Sannomiya (EPISODE Nagi Manga), and the main voice cast, creating a sense of community among fans.
A Brief Overview of BLUE LOCK
The BLUE LOCK manga is penned by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura, with its English publication handled by Kodansha. The plot centers around the BLUE LOCK project, which aims to create the ultimate ego-driven striker capable of leading Japan to victory in the World Cup. Produced by 8bit, the anime adaptation has released two seasons and the film BLUE LOCK -Episode Nagi- to date, captivating audiences around the world.
In addition to the exhibition, fans had the opportunity to engage with key figures behind the series at last year’s Anime Expo. The interviews with Kazuki Ura (Isagi’s Japanese voice actor), Ryoya Arisawa (anime producer), and Megumu Tsuchiya (manga editor) provided insights into the creative process and the challenges faced in bringing the beloved story to life.
Conclusion
The BLUE LOCK EGOIST EXHIBITION: The Animation is a celebration of creativity, fandom, and the artistic journey that brings the characters and stories to life. The exhibition promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans, combining nostalgia with interactive elements that immerse them in the world of BLUE LOCK. As it travels across Japan, it continues to connect fans with the characters and narratives they love, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about the series.