Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Hosts Manga “KATANA” Original Pictures Exhibition – Featuring Manga Artist Kimiko Kamata

TOKYO -The Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, one of Japan’s most prestigious international hotels located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will host a special exhibition displaying original pictures of Kimiko Kamata’s manga comic “KATANA.” This exhibition is part of Japanese sword culture, armor exhibition from April 25 (Thursday) to June 27 (Thursday), 2019 in the 3rd floor lobby of our Hotel. On June 6, master sword craftsman carrying on the tradition of sword making and a “manga” artist responsible for a renaissance in swords will host a special lecture to explain various aspects of this traditional craft along with a special luncheon served to attendants served to attendants.

Manga artist Kimiko Kamata has helped reignite interest in Japanese sword in Japan – especially among the younger generation – through her manga “KATANA”, which features legendary anthropomorphized swords. 8 original pictures from Kamata’s manga “KATANA” will be on display through the period of the exhibition.

Moreover, various precious and old swords and armor made during the Heian Period (794-1185) and other periods of Japanese history will be displayed, along with “tsuba” (Sword handle guards separating the handle from the blade) and other ornate sword fittings. Also on May 14, two masters of sword-drawing from Ryushin Shouchi School will give “Iaijutsu” sword fighting live performance in the Main lobby from 5:00 p.m. The performance is free to attend, and commentary will be in Japanese and English.

This exhibition is part of Keio Plaza Hotel’s Japanese cultural experiences designed to introduce various Japanese culture to our overseas guests, who account for 75% of all guests staying at ou Hotel, as well as Japanese guests. Japanese comic manga have also become highly popular culture reflected by the younger generation.