Exploring the Prince of Tennis Exhibition in Tokyo
From April 25 to May 26, 2025, the Animate Ikebukuro Main Store's Space Galleria is hosting an extraordinary event: the "Prince of Tennis Exhibition". This exhibition allows fans of the beloved series to dive deep into the world of tennis and friendship that captivated audiences around the globe.
The exhibition showcases an expansive collection of artwork, character statues, and interactive displays that represent the trials and triumphs of the protagonist, Ryoma Echizen, and his diverse, strong-willed rivals. Since the series' inception, it has ignited a "Tennis Prince Storm," especially with the ongoing series of "New Prince of Tennis U-17 WORLD CUP" that continues to pull fans in even deeper through its thrilling narratives.
A Sneak Peek Inside the Exhibition
Upon entering the venue, attendees are greeted by an impressive statue of Ryoma Echizen, meticulously crafted to capture his essence. Surrounding the statue are vivid scene photos from the series that complement the display, making visitors feel as if they're in the middle of a game alongside Ryoma himself.
Progressing through the exhibition, visitors find themselves drawn into an area dedicated to character designs and concept art categorized by the various schools represented in the series. Although we can only provide glimpses through photos, the real impact can only be fully appreciated by experiencing it in person, where the journey of these characters unfolds.
A special highlight within the settings features a display recreating the rooms of Seijuro Shin and Akira. This charming setup reflects scenes from the short story archive "Tenipuri Family," allowing fans to relive the comedic moments involving the team as they portray family members.
In one engaging photo spot, the locker rooms of the Seishun Academy members have been recreated. Here, visitors can find the bandana belonging to Kaido, and even a hamburger that symbolizes the character of Momoshiro. Moreover, the locker of Inui holds his famous "Inui Juice," a true fan-favorite item!
Across from the lockers, Momoshiro's bicycle adds a nostalgic touch, allowing visitors to envision a scene of Momoshiro and Ryoma riding together, complete with Ryoma's cat, Kalpin, perched in the basket—a delightful nod to the fans’ love of the series.
The Awe-Inspiring “Tezuka Zone”
One cannot miss the spectacular statue depicting "Golden Tezuka" from the movie "The Prince of Tennis: The First Game of Two Samurai." This exhibit replicates the captivating moment in the series where Tezuka's presence is so powerful that it pulls in meteors and even threatens dinosaurs—a dramatic representation of his "Tezuka Zone" ability.
Every corner of this exhibition offers a stunning visual experience that truly encapsulates the essence of the series. Fans might find themselves exclaiming about the grandeur of the displays, especially the way they convey the intensity and spirit that Tezuka brings when opposing his rivals.
As visitors make their way toward the concluding area of the exhibition, they will be greeted by the regal figure of Atobe Keigo, the king of Hyotei Academy, who bids farewell. Additionally, fans can also enjoy engaging with the exhibition's background music, participate in the message corner to share their thoughts, or even try their hand at fun mini-games like the serve can knockdown challenge.
Exclusive Merchandise to Collect
A merchandise corner fills the void after enjoying the displays, offering a variety of commemorative items. Fans can find acrylic stands, stickers, trading clear cards, jerseys, and much more. Unique offerings such as a special drink set featuring Atobe's famous catchphrase will definitely catch the eye of collectors.
Moreover, during the exhibition, spending ¥1,000 or more grants access to exclusive sticker designs that will change periodically (50 designs available), and spending ¥3,000 gives visitors a shopping card with 15 different designs to choose from. For those who spend ¥5,000 or more, there's a chance to enter a lottery for tickets to the "Tenipuri Festa 2025 Cheer" event, having their entry code handy!
The Prince of Tennis exhibition isn't just a viewing experience; it's an immersive dive into the universe where Ryoma, Tezuka, and Atobe come to life. This is a not-to-be-missed event for anyone who cherishes characters who have become iconic within the realm of anime.
So gather your friends and seize the chance to visit the exhibition—capture every moment and step into the exhilarating world of Prince of Tennis like never before!