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A Celebration of Manga Art: Mitsutoshi Furuya's 90th Anniversary Exhibition

In 2026, celebrate the milestone 90th birthday of the acclaimed manga artist Mitsutoshi Furuya with a special exhibition titled "The 66-Year Journey of Diverse Stories". This grand event will take place from August 21 to September 2 at the RIBEST Gallery in Kichijoji, Tokyo. Furuya, known for his iconic works like "Dame Oyaji", "BAR Lemon Heart", and "Yosei Geinin Den", has enriched Japan's manga heritage since his debut in 1960.

A Rich Legacy of Storytelling

Furuya's manga spans a broad spectrum, from humor to heartwarming tales, illustrating the threads of human connection through life’s various dimensions, including craftsmanship and drinking culture. His narratives have resonated with readers for decades, capturing the essence of Japan's intricate social landscape. This exhibition will showcase a selection of his original drawings and color illustrations that have been preserved over the years, allowing attendees to step into the fascinating world created by Furuya.

Manga originals are not just artistic works but also cultural assets that embody the painstaking process behind their creation. Unlike printed versions, original artwork holds unique value, preserving the artist's penmanship, corrections, and annotations, all of which serve as snapshots of creativity in action. However, these highly valuable original pieces face deterioration over time due to factors like paper aging, discoloration, and improper storage. Thus, continuous efforts to manage, preserve, and digitally archive these original artworks are vital.

An Initiative for the Future

Accompanying the exhibition will be a crowdfunding campaign commencing on July 24, 2026. The funds raised will support crucial activities, including the preservation and restoration of original works, enhancement of storage conditions, and the creation of a digital archive. This initiative aims to ensure that Furuya's creations endure and inspire future generations, highlighting a commitment not just to a temporary exhibition but to sustaining manga culture for decades to come.

Although the exhibition runs for a limited time, the mission to safeguard these works will extend for many years. Participants of the crowdfunding campaign can look forward to exclusive rewards such as limited edition merchandise and commemorative Scotch whisky.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition will feature a curated selection of artwork from Furuya’s expansive oeuvre. Visitors can expect to see highlights from beloved works such as:

• - Dame Oyaji
• - BAR Lemon Heart
• - Yosei Geinin Den
• - Guutara Mama

With color illustrations and previously unpublished manuscripts, this exhibition promises to be a profound homage to a storied career.

Looking Ahead

As Mitsutoshi Furuya’s grandson, I deeply understand my grandfather's dedication to creating relatable works that resonate with readers. Each original piece represents countless hours of his artistic journey and affection for his audience. This exhibition marks not only a celebration of his 90th birthday but also serves as a fresh beginning in preserving his legacy.

We will continue our efforts to maintain Furuya's artworks and to promote his creations so that they can be enjoyed even 50 or 100 years into the future. We invite everyone to visit the exhibition and join us in supporting this meaningful initiative.

Exhibition Overview

Title: Mitsutoshi Furuya 90th Anniversary Special Exhibition
Dates: August 21 (Fri) – September 2 (Wed), 2026
Hours: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: RIBEST Gallery, 1-1-19 Kichijoji Higashimachi, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
Admission: Free

Crowdfunding Overview

Start Date: July 24, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Main Rewards (TBD): Exhibition-exclusive merchandise, commemorative Scotch whisky, and more.
Details will be posted on the crowdfunding page.

Through this exhibition and the subsequent endeavors, we aim to broaden the reach of Furuya's work and reinforce the legacy of Japanese manga culture for future generations to cherish.