An illustrated grid of manga characters in pink, orange, and black and white, surrounded by a pink and orange burst

From top left to bottom right: ©Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan; ©PAPIER/Jirō Taniguchi, Masayuki Qusumi, FUSOSHA; “Hinemosu notari nikki”; ©Tetsuya Chiba/Big Comic (Shogakukan); ©Mari Yamazaki, Tori Miki/Shinchosha; ©Fujio Akatsuka; ©Hirohiko Araki & LUCKY LAND COMMUNICATIONS/Shueisha; ©Kazumi Yamashita/KODANSHA LTD.; ©Gengoroh Tagame/Futabasha Publishers Ltd.; ©Fumi Yoshinaga/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.; ©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha
de Young Exhibition

Art of Manga

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Manga — Japanese comics and graphic novels — have become a global phenomenon. Featuring rarely presented original drawings by major artists, this exhibition showcases the world of manga from the 1970s to today. The exhibition explores manga as a powerful medium for visual storytelling, highlighting themes across genres, from friendship to sexuality to the human condition. Looking closely at each artist’s narrative worlds and creative processes, the exhibition also spotlights manga’s cultural impact today and possibilities for the future.

Featured artists

Chiba Tetsuya, Akatsuka Fujio, Takahashi Rumiko, Taniguchi Jiro, Yamazaki Mari, Araki Hirohiko, Yamashita Kazumi, Tagame Gengoroh, Yoshinaga Fumi, Oda Eiichiro, and Tanaami Keiichi (in exhibition order).

Exhibition preview

  • ONE PIECE ONLY: How Manga Is Made

    Accompanying the exhibition, this installation gives visitors a glimpse into the creative process behind the celebrated ONE PIECE manga series. The installation, shown for the first time in the United States, follows the journey of the manga from the hand of Oda Eiichiro to the printing presses. A series of “treasure boxes” and films reveal how a single sheet of paper is transformed into millions of printed volumes. Serialized in over 1,151 episodes and collected in 111 volumes (as of June 17, 2025), ONE PIECE follows the thrilling adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates.

    Visitors in a gallery with manga on the wall and in light boxes

    ONE PIECE ONLY: How Manga Is Made, de Young, 2025. Photograph by Gary Sexton

  • Fan Pass

    Upgrade to a limited-edition Fan Pass and get early access and unlimited entry for you and a guest to Art of Manga and the de Young permanent collection through the run of the exhibition, a custom badge with an exclusive Beshi charm, plus more perks!

    An orange and pink badge reading "Art of Manga" in English and Japanese surrounded by a black-and-white burst

  • Gashapon by Bandai Namco

    Check out the vending machines outside the exhibition to play and spin for a variety of capsule toys featuring trending anime, realistic miniatures, and cute collectibles. Originated in Japan and found in vending machines around the globe, Gashapon® brings a surprise with each turn of the handle.

    Gashapon® can be purchased via token machines using credit/debit, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet only. Member discounts do not apply.

    A young boy turning the handle of a vending machine

    Art of Manga, de Young, 2025. Photograph by Gary Sexton

In the news

  • At the end of this exhibition, you will have gained a new skill. You will become fluent in manga.

    Dan Ashley and Tim Didion, ABC7

  • Visitors are invited into a gallery space that feels more like a living comic book than a traditional museum room.

    Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News

  • A feast for fans, but still accessible to manga outsiders.

    Janea Melido, KQED

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Art of Manga + cosplay policy

We aim to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all staff and visitors, including those who participate in cosplay. This policy ensures safety, respect, and enjoyment for all while preserving and considering the integrity and atmosphere of the museum and art collections.

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Sponsors

This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Lead Sponsor

Significant Support
Yurie and Carl Pascarella
Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan
VIZ Media

Generous Support
Sandra Bessières
Leslee and Roger Budge
E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
Glen S. & Sakie T. Fukushima
GlobalComix
Cathy and Howard Moreland
Orange Inc.
Pamela and Richard Rigg
Parida Saennam and Austin Ligon
Christine Suppes

Additional Support is provided In memory of Mary Beth Hagey and by Genevieve and Matthew Anderson, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Anime NYC, Dan and Sally Gordon, Japan Foundation, Kinokuniya Book Stores of America, Yasunobu and Reiko Kyogoku, Leesa Miao and Martin Romo, Randall and Teal Momota, Lynn and Edward Poole, John V. Sell, Trine Sorensen and Michael Jacobson, The Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation, Toshiba International Foundation, and Yen Press.

We extend our gratitude to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan; the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco; Japan Foundation; and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures for their collaboration.

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