An exhibition of the all-new TV anime based on Rumiko Takahashi's popular manga Urusei Yatsura, entitled "TV Anime Urusei Yatsura Exhibition," opened on October 2nd at the Matsuya Ginza Event Square on the 8th floor (Chuo Ward, Tokyo). In addition to valuable setting materials from the TV anime, life-size figures of Lum and other items are on display. The exhibition will run until October 14th.
In advance of the event, an opening ceremony was held on October 1st, where Uesaka Sumire, the voice actress for Lum, and Arino Shinya of the comedy duo Yoiko, the official supporter of the exhibition, made an appearance. Arino commented on the exhibition, "It was really interesting. As soon as you enter, there is a history of Urusei Yatsura, and Ataru is introduced as a 'high school student who loves women like no other'. I thought it would be hard to say that now, so I started looking because I wanted to have a carnivorous man like that. The sound of the black telephone also rings, and if you are over 40, you start off with a nostalgic sound, so it's really immersive. It's also interesting to be able to read the setting materials and behind-the-scenes stories of the staff."
Uesaka commented on the highlights of the exhibition, saying, "It's a very luxurious exhibition. In the setting materials, you can see expressions that viewers don't get to see, the directors' particular points, and comments from the cast. The best part is that as you go through the exhibition, you are greeted by a life-sized Lum. She is so cute that it really takes your breath away, and I can't wait for many people to see it."
Uesaka also shared an episode with the original author, Takahashi, saying, "When recording was about to begin, I met Takahashi-sensei at a dinner party. I was so nervous that I drank about a bottle and a half of wine, thinking that I would be able to speak well if I got drunk, but the more I drank the more nervous I remained. But the sensei was kind and told me, 'I'm looking forward to Urusei Yatsura,' so I thought, 'Okay! I'll do my best!'"
"Urusei Yatsura" is one of the representative works of Takahashi-san, who is also known for "Maison Ikkoku," "Ranma 1/2," and "Inuyasha." Takahashi made his debut in 1978 with "Self-centered Yatsura," and "Urusei Yatsura" was serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday" (Shogakukan) from 1978 to 1987. The story depicts the daily lives of Moroboshi Ataru, a high school student whose hobby is girl hunting, and Lum, the daughter of an ogre who came to Earth. An anime TV series was broadcast on Fuji TV from October 1981 to March 1986.
The new anime series will be a four-season series of selected episodes from the original work, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Shogakukan, the publisher of the series. The first season will be broadcast over two consecutive seasons starting in October 2022. The second season will be broadcast from January to June 2024.
