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To commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the National Art Center, Tokyo, we are pleased to present an exhibition tracing the artistic careers — from their debuts to the present day — of three artists who have opened up new horizons in shojo manga and created numerous masterpieces that continue to be read across generations: Moto Hagio, Ryoko Yamagishi, and Waki Yamato.

Shojo manga underwent a dramatic evolution in the 1970s. This exhibition offers a panoramic view of the rich world of expression that shojo manga has pioneered, centering on the creative journeys of these three artists who stood at the heart of that transformation. The themes the three artists have explored are remarkably delicate and diverse, ranging from the inner fluctuations of the human psyche and relationships with others, to women’s independence and diverse forms of gender and sexuality, to perspectives on history and culture, and to the imaginative power to envision other worlds. At the same time, the wide range of techniques cultivated within shojo manga — including innovations exemplified by multilayered page design — has greatly expanded the possibilities of visual expression
in manga. This exhibition encapsulates the multifaceted appeal of shojo manga, which has evolved in such a complex and layered manner, under the word “Infinity.”

All three artists have remained at the forefront of the field since their debuts in the late 1960s, continuing to be active to this day. Moto Hagio’s narrative worlds, brimming with fantasy, and her profound insight into the human psyche; Ryoko Yamagishi’s incisive explorations of human nature and spirituality; and Waki Yamato’s vibrant and rich creative worlds set against the backdrop of history and culture — each artist has carved out her own distinct domain, pushing the expressive possibilities of shojo manga into new dimensions.

Their approximately sixty-year journey is inscribed in each and every one of the precious and carefully preserved manga manuscripts in this exhibition. In the original story manuscripts, one can see the delicate linework, skillful composition, and the sense of time flowing across the page, as well as the vivid colors of the illustrations that adorned magazine covers and title pages. This is a rare opportunity to experience iconic scenes that still resonate with audiences today, along with textures unique to the original artwork, subtle hues that cannot be fully reproduced in print, and the fine, expressive details of each scene.

This exhibition also marks the first large-scale shojo manga exhibition to be held at a national art museum. It will be an unprecedented opportunity to see the works of these three masters — who have continued to reshape the history of shojo manga — all gathered in
one place.

Finally, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Moto Hagio, Ryoko Yamagishi, and Waki Yamato for making their invaluable works available for display, as well as to the publishers, editors, and all those whose generous cooperation has made this exhibition possible.

The Organizers