In the Footsteps of a Manga Legend, Yasuko Aoike, known for “From Eroica with Love”
Yasuko Aoike is a manga artist best known for her popular works such as “From Eroica with Love (Eroica Yori Ai wo Komete)”. I recently had the privilege of visiting the Yasuko Aoike Memorial Exhibition at the Kobe City Memorial Art Museum, dedicated to Yasuko in her 60th year as a manga artist. Join me on this visual journey as we delve into the highlights of this extraordinary event.
The Location of the Exhibition
The exhibition was held in Kobe, Japan, July 15-September 24, 2023.
At first, taking the Rokko Liner from Sannomiya Station, I arrived at the Island Kitaguchi Station, a mere stone’s throw from the Kobe City Memorial Art Museum. The welcoming sight of Aoki-sensei’s banner greeted me as I disembarked.
The museum and the station sit side by side, a mere 5-minute walk apart. As you approach the museum, you will see the museum window with a large painting of “From Eroica with Love.” Admission of the museum for adults costs 1,000 yen.
Exploring the Exhibition
The exhibition is divided into two distinct sections: in short, the first room is for early comedies and serious historical series, and the second room is for more recent historical series and “From Eroica With Love”.
Section One: Works from the early years to the 1970s
- “Sayonara Nanette” (Her Debut Work) さよならナネット
- “Sons of Eve” イブの息子たち
- “El Alcon: The Tempest” エル・アルコン-鷹-
- “The Legend of Light and Shadow” 光と影の伝説
- “Alcasar: The Royal Castle” アルカサルー王城ー
Section Two: Works from the 1980s to the present including “From Eroica with Love”
- “Monk Falco” 修道士ファルコ
- “Odin of the Cologne Police” ケルン市警オド
- “From Eroica with Love” エロイカより愛をこめて
- “Z” Z -ツェット-
- “Der Freischütz; The Magic Bullet Shooter” 魔弾の射手
Before entering Section One, there’s a heartfelt illustration and message from Aoki-sensei, specially crafted for this exhibition. While photos are allowed here, photography is prohibited inside the exhibition rooms.
Here are some key highlights:
- Aoki-sensei’s handwritten comments on each manga work.
- Aoki-sensei’s insights into the situational context and artistic techniques on each illustration.
- A special feature on the Palmyra ruins, which served as the backdrop for the manga’s story, because it were destroyed in 2015.
- Numerous original color illustrations, for example, the iconic image of Major Eberbach in a tank.
- A manga recounting Aoki-sensei’s travels to Germany with Miuchi Suzue and Moto Hagio, and photos from her trips.
Finally, exiting the exhibition halls, you’ll see a large tapestry adorning the walls. As a memorial, we can take the photo here.
The Goods Hunter’s Paradise
At last, check out the museum’s gift shop! The shop was a treasure trove of original merchandise. This is a list of as many of the goodies that were available as I can remember. Note that it is rare to find such a wide variety of goods available!
- Socks
- T-shirts
- Hand towels
- Washi tape
- Pouches
- Stickers
- Artbooks
- Cardholders
- Postcards
- Handkerchiefs
- Magnets
- Tote bags
- Files
- Randomized badge sets
However, considering the age range of the fans, I wondered about a can badge with random contents, as is the case in the younger genre. They are probably not the generation that uses badges. On the other hand, tote bags and pouches were nice because we can use them secretly.
Conclusion: Fans of “From Eroica With Love” shouldn’t miss the opportunity!
Finally, my thoughts on this exhibition;
- Aoki-sensei’s renowned expertise in creating vibrant color illustrations truly shines in her original artworks, where fabric textures are meticulously painted, resulting in captivating beauty.
- Even in the monochrome originals, you can see the artist’s dedication in the numerous white corrections around noses and mouths, showcasing her unwavering commitment to perfecting expressions.
- We can observe each original artwork up close. I could see appreciate pencil annotations and subtle nuances that may go unnoticed in printed versions.
- Since Dr. Aoike’s fans are mainly women, the exhibition was crowded with many women who came alone. Sometimes, I saw groups of women or married couples.
In conclusion, the Yasuko Aoike Exhibition is a must-visit for manga enthusiasts and art aficionados alike. It offers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of a manga legend’s craft and immerse yourself in the world of her iconic characters. Don’t miss this chance to experience the essence of Aoki-sensei’s artistry up close!
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