This spring, fans of classic shōjo manga are in for a real treat. From 15 April to 4 May 2025, JR Kyoto Isetan is hosting the Hana to Yume Exhibition in Kyoto, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Japanese girls’ manga magazine Hana to Yume. This event is more than just a nostalgic trip—it’s a showcase of the evolution of shōjo manga, featuring original artwork, rare collectibles, and exclusive goods that highlight the magazine’s unique place in manga history.
A Half-Century of Iconic Stories
Since its debut in May 1974, Hana to Yume has nurtured generations of manga readers and introduced some of the most beloved series in the genre. The Kyoto exhibition brings together works from 74 renowned artists, with over 200 original pieces on display. From legendary titles like Glass Mask by Suzue Miuchi to Yona of the Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi and ongoing fan favourites, the exhibition celebrates both the past and the present of shōjo storytelling.
Expect to be dazzled by vivid colour illustrations that once graced magazine covers and door pages, alongside memorable manga panels that capture the emotional highs and lows that have defined Hana to Yume for decades. This is a rare opportunity to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship behind the stories that shaped a generation.
Themed “Party” – A Festival for the Senses
The keyword for the Kyoto edition is “Party”—a fitting tribute to the joy, excitement, and sparkle that shōjo manga brings to its readers. In addition to art displays, the exhibition offers a host of interactive experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in themed photo spots, check out a variety of memorabilia and bonus items once bundled with the magazine, and relive the magazine’s golden moments in a truly hands-on setting.
Everyone attending will also receive a special “Thank You” card, randomly distributed from a set of 10 featuring characters from the exhibition—one per visitor, while supplies last.
Exclusive Exhibition Goods for Collectors and Fans
Let’s be honest—one of the biggest highlights of any fan event is the merchandise, and Hana to Yume’s anniversary exhibition does not disappoint. Not only are there roughly 300 commemorative items available, but many of them are exclusive to the Kyoto venue, making them must-haves for collectors.
Among the standout items are:
Glass Mask × Nanpou Rose Sweet Potato Cakes (¥2,500): Beautifully boxed treats inspired by the “purple rose of Cairo” motif, complete with a secret message inside.
Skip Beat! × THE BLOSSO Princess Rosa Necklace (¥19,800): A delicate recreation of the jewel gifted to Kyoko by Ren, designed to look like it’s been pulled straight from the pages of the manga.
Hana-Kimi × hikka Herbarium and Globe Ornaments (¥4,300 and ¥1,800): Floral-inspired designs based on the characters Mizuki, Izumi, and Shuichi, complete with gold-foiled packaging.
Dalloyau Macaron Rusks (¥960 each): Featuring packaging inspired by Fruits Basket, Baby and Me, and Glass Mask, with three pieces of crisp, sweet delight inside.
Also on offer are:
Acrylic card/stand hybrids (¥825) featuring scenes from Fruits Basket, Gakuen Alice, Yona of the Dawn, and more.
Reprinted clear files (¥440) replicating classic magazine freebies, bringing a wave of nostalgia to older fans.
T-shirts, keychains, F0/F3 art panels, and even magnetised acrylic frames featuring a wide array of series—perfect for showing your fandom with a bit of flair.
Each item is sold with strict purchase limits per customer to ensure fair access, so be sure to plan ahead if you’ve got your heart set on something!
