Kodansha’s monthly manga magazine Afternoon is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special exhibition at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, running from July 10 to July 26, 2026. The “Afternoon 40th Anniversary Exhibition” has now unveiled a stunning set of 12 all-new original illustrations drawn exclusively for the event.
About Afternoon
Launched in 1986, Afternoon is a monthly manga magazine known for its free-spirited editorial policy that embraces a wide range of genres—from science fiction and historical drama to slice-of-life, fantasy, and more. It has consistently produced highly original and acclaimed works, earning a loyal readership as one of Japan’s leading seinen manga magazines.
The 12 Original Illustrations
The newly revealed illustrations feature characters from 12 beloved series:
Ishikawa Masayuki – Moyashimon+
Ishiguro Masakazu – Tengoku Daimakyou
Iwaaki Hitoshi – Kiseijuu
Urushibara Yuki – Mushishi
Sonoda Kenichi – GUNSMITH CATS
Tsurumaikada – Medalist
Nihei Tsutomu – Sidonia no Kishi
Higuchi Asa – Ookiku Furikabutte
Yamaguchi Tsubasa – Blue Period
Yukimura Makoto – Vinland Saga
Yoshida. – Dig It
Fujishima Kosuke – Ah! My Goddess
Exclusive Merchandise
The exhibition will offer a range of goods featuring the new illustrations. Highlights include a limited-edition, order-made “Autograph-signed A4 Charafine Graph: Original Illustration Medalist“, a “Random 2-Link Acrylic Keychain (6 types): Ookiku Furikabutte“, a “Charafine Accordion: Medalist“, and a “Metal Figure Keychain: Orizé”.
For Kiseijuu fans, there will be “Migi’s Work Gloves”, a “Teacup: Kiseijuu“, and “Comic-Style Memo: Kiseijuu“. The work gloves are a playful item inspired by the character Migi. Also available are “Original Illustration Acrylic Stands” (12 types) and “Postcard Sets”.
Shoppers who spend 7,000 yen or more (tax included) at the goods corner will receive a free “Afternoon 40th Anniversary Exhibition Limited Design Shopper” bag.
Photo Spots and Recreated Scenes
The exhibition will also feature immersive photo spots, including a recreation of Cafe Alpha from Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou and life-size figures of Migi from Kiseijuu and Hoshimaru from another series.
Bookstore Collaboration
From July 4, 2026, three bookstores in Ikebukuro—Kumasawa Books Sunshine City Alpa, Junku-do Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store, and Sanseido Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store—will distribute free original bookmarks featuring the exhibition’s key visual. The bookmarks will be available while supplies last.
Ticket Information
The “Afternoon 40th Anniversary Exhibition” will be held at Sunshine City Exhibition Hall A (World Import Mart Building 4F, 3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo). Hours are 11:00 to 19:00 (last entry 18:30). Advance tickets are 2,200 yen, or 5,200 yen with goods; same-day tickets are 2,500 yen, or 5,500 yen with goods. All prices include tax. The exhibition is organized by the Afternoon 40th Anniversary Exhibition Production Committee, with cooperation from Kodansha’s Afternoon Editorial Department.
(C)Kodansha (C)Ashihara Hitoshi/Kodansha (C)Ishikawa Masayuki/Kodansha (C)Ishiguro Masakazu/Kodansha (C)Ichikawa Haruko/Kodansha (C)Iwaaki Hitoshi/Kodansha (C)Ueshizawa Riichi/Kodansha (C)Umezawa Shun/Kodansha (C)Urushibara Yuki/Kodansha (C)OMOCAT・Konito Nuu/Kodansha (C)Kishi Oshime/Kodansha (C)Kusamizu Satoshi・Kei Sanrou/Kodansha (C)Coffee/Kodansha (C)Samura Hiroaki/Kodansha (C)Sonoda Kenichi/Kodansha (C)Takahashi Tsutomu/Kodansha (C)Takamatsu Misaki/Kodansha (C)Tamaru Hiroshi/Kodansha (C)Tsuruta Kenji/Kodansha (C)Tsurumaikada/Kodansha (C)Nihei Tsutomu/Kodansha (C)Higuchi Asa/Kodansha (C)Fujishima Kosuke/Kodansha (C)Yamaguchi Tsubasa/Kodansha (C)Yukimura Makoto/Kodansha (C)Yoshida./Kodansha
