In the world of Japanese psychological horror, few titles have achieved the cult following and enduring legacy of Angels of Death. Marking a full decade since its original release, this year sees the celebration of the series' 10th anniversary with a major commemorative exhibition: Makoto Sanada Exhibition -Episode. Memorial-, set to take place at the Yurakucho Marui department store in Tokyo from 2 August to 17 August 2025.
For the uninitiated, Angels of Death began as a freeware horror game developed in RPG Maker, later spawning a manga adaptation, a TV anime, and multiple spin-off works. The narrative follows Rachel Gardner, a 13-year-old girl who wakes up in a mysterious building with no memory of how she arrived. There she encounters Zack, a scythe-wielding killer with whom she forms a twisted yet emotionally charged bond as they attempt to escape the facility together.
The upcoming exhibition, Episode. Memorial, offers fans a rare and immersive opportunity to engage directly with the creative heart of the franchise. Taking place on the seventh floor of Yurakucho Marui, the exhibition will run daily from 11:00 to 19:00. Admission is free.
One of the main highlights of the exhibition will be the display of original artworks by Makoto Sanada. These include key illustrations from the game’s early development, as well as production materials from the anime adaptation. Such behind-the-scenes content is rarely made public, and their inclusion in this exhibition gives attendees a look into the process of world-building and character design that brought Angels of Death to life.
In addition to Sanada’s work, the exhibition will also showcase brand-new merchandise featuring illustrations by official illustrator negiyan. These illustrations span not only Angels of Death but also The Forest of Drizzling Rain, another popular title linked to the same creative circle. The new goods include acrylic stands and trading badges—both in standard and chibi (mini character) versions—as well as a cushion key holder, a book-shaped notepad, and a flat pouch. Notably, these items utilise both fresh artwork and beloved past illustrations, creating a blend of nostalgia and novelty that is bound to appeal to collectors.
