Morikami Museum And Japanese Gardens Presents ‘Akira: The Architecture Of Neo-Tokyo’ Exhibit

Delray Beach’s Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will serve as the exclusive U.S. venue for “Akira: The Architecture of Neo-Tokyo,” a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing the original background artwork from “Akira,” one of Japan’s most influential sci-fi animation films.

Running from Nov. 9 to April 6, 2025, the exhibit explores the architectural world-building process behind “Akira,” released in 1988, which laid the foundation for the global boom in Japanese animation. Its stunning portrayal of Neo-Tokyo, a futuristic cityscape, remains one of the most iconic urban environments in animation history.

Curated by Stefan Riekeles of Riekeles Gallery in Potsdam, Germany, and Hiroko Kimura-Myokam of Eizo Workshop in Kaga City, Japan, the exhibition brings together more than 50 original production backgrounds, layout drawings and concept designs that vividly depict Neo-Tokyo’s intricate settings. Highlights include the works of Toshiharu Mizutani, the film’s art director, along with his collaborators Hiroshi Ono and Katsufumi Hariu.

For more information, visit morikami.org.

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Photo courtesy of Moonflower

Art board by Toshiharu Mizutani, 1988

A vibrant city street illuminated by colorful neon lights, showcasing a lively urban atmosphere at night.