Yoshikazu Yasuhiko: Divine Animator and Draftsman
Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (b. 1947) is a towering figure in the history of Japanese animation and manga. From his early days as an animator at Mushi Productions to his role as the character designer and animation director of Mobile Suit Gundam, the Hokkaido native has shaped the visual language of modern anime.
Beyond Gundam, his multifaceted career spans animation direction, illustration and manga, where he has explored both epic historical narratives and nuanced human dramas, earning him accolades such as the Japan Academy Prize Special Award and the Seiun Award.
On from November 18 2025 to February 1 2026, ‘Yoshikazu Yasuhiko: Divine Animator and Draftsman’ at the Shoto Museum of Art offers the first comprehensive retrospective of the artist’s nearly five-decade career. The exhibition traces Yasuhiko’s creative journey across six thematic chapters, from his formative years in Hokkaido to his ground-breaking contributions to anime and his celebrated work in historical manga.
With over 800 exhibits, including rare production materials, colour illustrations and original manga manuscripts, the show reveals the breadth of Yasuhiko’s vision – and puts appropriate focus on his masterful drawing skills.