The exhibit for Shingeki no Kyojin, also known as Attack on Titan, opened in Ueno Mori Museum on November 28, 2014. Based on the manga series, the museum displayed many scenes from the comic with original sketch work and enlarged poster boards. Some of the artwork were even colored and framed throughout the exhibit. I happened to pass by in December and found out that there were still tickets available so my curiosity led me there. Photos galore, read more!

The museum was pretty big with plenty of people lining up to go inside. My ticket was for the noon group so I arrived around 30 minutes before the tour and there were already about twenty people in line. Around 11:55AM there were almost hundred people in line to get in.

Once we were led into the building, we were told the rules of the exhibit: you can take photos, but flash photography was not allowed. We were then led into a small room where there was a large theater-sized screen with rubble on the floor. There was a soldier that told us to be very quiet and to squeeze into the room. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed in this room.

After the doors were shut behind us, the movie started. Cold wind blew into our faces and large footsteps could be heard all around us. The movie displayed curtains as if we were hiding in a building. The solider explained to us the details: we were all hiding inside of a building and on the other side of the curtains, were Titans awaiting for us to peek out. All of a sudden, the rocks and rubble started to shake under our feet and the curtains were removed where we faced many Titans crawling around a village. Then one of the Titans faced us and noticed us. It was the Titan that devoured Eren’s mother. The soldier said she was going to stop the Titan while we ran for our lives. The solider went behind the screen, at the same time, she turned into an anime character and entered the screen, screaming for dear life. She had been captured and was eaten to death.

The movie ended and we were led out of the exit door. Once we were led out the door, photos were permitted and we were allowed to go at our own pace to deeply examine the artwork. There was a history of the manga artist himself, Hajime Isayama. His exhibit featured artwork from his childhood along with what inspired him to create the world of Attack on Titan, his biggest seller.

Some of the displays were linked with lights so we could experience the manga coming to life. There were also visuals that made you feel like you were flying with the characters on the 3D Maneuver Gear.

Another section of the exhibit featured items that were in the manga. Mikasa’s scarf, Eren's secret key, Levi’s blade and even Sasha’s potatoes. They were all laid out on a table where museum-goers were able to touch and feel the items.

After this immersion that made you feel as though you were a part of the team, people encountered a giant life-size Titan model. This model was laid out so you could experience how big he was and how frightening it would be if he came from atop a wall. Lights flashed and rocks moved to give the figure a more realistic look.

Once you defeated the giant Titan, you were brought into a room filled with art that looked a little bit different. These framed arts were drawn by other manga artists that collaborated with the Titan crew. My personal favorite was the art drawn by Kenichi Tachibana, the artist who drew Terra Formars, another one of my favorite mangas. There were also others drawn by artists like Hiroki Endo and Kiyohiko Azuma.

Once you were finished with the exhibit, it was time to buy souvenirs! There was a variety from apparel to foods and mascots. Many were sold out, but I was able to order myself a specialty book of the museum that is to arrive approximately in March and some yummy goodies for myself. A full list of the goods are here: http://www.movic.jp/info/kyojintengoods/.

Although this might be a bit of old news, but it was previously announced that there will be a live-action Attack on Titan movie. There were many posters, some signed by the actors themselves, posted next to the goods registers. There was also an anime movie poster that was on display with all the voice actors' autographs as well.

Last, but not least, the exhibit did not forget anything. It got every detail down all the way to the restrooms which had characters on the restroom signs. While I was not courageous enough to go find the mens’ restroom, I took a couple shots of the ladies.

It was a very exciting experience and I would like to go back again. For people interested in immersing themselves within the world of Attack on Titan, there is an additional exhibit where you can purchase 3D goggles and experience the terror of running for your life from the Titans. The exhibit will still be running until January 25. Make sure to check out the rest of the photos below!

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