The legendary boxing anime Ashita no Joe (あしたのジョー) is set to make a powerful return to the spotlight as GAAAT announces the Anime “Ashita no Joe” Art Touring Exhibition, a five-city showcase across Japan kicking off in Osaka on September 25, 2026.
About Ashita no Joe
Originally a manga written by Asao Takamori and illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba, Ashita no Joe is a timeless classic centered on Joe Yabuki, a drifter with no family or ties, who finds purpose and passion through boxing — and through his fateful rivalry with Toru Rikiishi. The series has since been adapted into TV anime, live-action films, and stage productions.
Metal Canvas Art: GAAAT’s Signature Technique
The centerpiece of the exhibition is GAAAT’s proprietary Metal Canvas Art (MCA) technique. Using up to 32 stacked layers, each piece achieves a three-dimensional relief effect that captures the bold light and shadow of the original gekiga-style artwork. Every work is handcrafted by skilled artisans, resulting in pieces that carry the weight, texture, and visual depth unique to metal as a medium.
Works and Merchandise on Sale
A selection of MCA works will be available for both viewing and purchase, including:
- “Gekijouban Ashita no Joe 2/04” — ¥220,000
- “Ashita no Joe/01” — ¥220,000
- “Gekijouban Ashita no Joe 2/01” — ¥220,000
Exhibition-exclusive merchandise will also be on sale, including a T-shirt (M/L sizes) priced at ¥8,250 and a muffler towel at ¥4,950, letting fans bring a piece of the Ashita no Joe spirit into their everyday lives.
Schedule and Venues
Osaka
- Dates: September 25–28, 2026
- Hours: 12:00–18:00 (closes 14:00 on final day)
- Venue: Gallery Genuine 2F “KAKITSUBATA,” Hana Building 2F, 1-6-4 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tokyo
- Dates: October 2–6, 2026
- Hours: 11:00–21:00
- Venue: GAAAT GALLERY, MIYASHITA PARK South 3F, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Yokohama
- Dates: October 9–19, 2026
- Hours: 12:00–18:00 (closes 14:00 on final day)
- Venue: RA art gallery, 1-24-16 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Fukuoka
- Dates: October 23–26, 2026
- Hours: 12:00–18:00
- Venue: GAAAT GALLERY FUKUOKA_, 3-16-17 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, 1F
Nagoya
- Dates: October 30 – November 2, 2026
- Hours: 12:00–18:00 (closes 14:00 on final day)
- Venue: 44STUDIOS, SK Building 3F, 3-25-29 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya
The touring exhibition offers fans a rare opportunity to experience the burning spirit of Ashita no Joe through the lens of contemporary fine art.
(C) Asao Takamori · Tetsuya Chiba / Kodansha · TMS

