Anniversary celebrations and manga milestones

In 2026, Belgium and Japan are marking the 160th anniversary of their treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation, signed in 1866. This event coincides with the 30th anniversary of Kana editions, a major milestone in the world of manga publishing, creating a unique moment to reflect on the historical and cultural ties between the two countries.

Mangatopia exhibition opens in Brussels

The Mangatopia exhibition, now open in Brussels, explores the connections between Japanese and European graphic arts. Organized by the Belgian Center for Comics (CBBD), it runs for seven months and invites visitors to explore an imaginary city through a variety of manga themes and artistic expressions.

Exhibition structure and key themes

The exhibition is divided into ten quarters, each with its own focus. The first quarter is at the center and immediately draws visitors in, featuring fukusei—large-scale reproductions—of Slam Dunk and Saint Seiya. These highlight core shōnen values like self-improvement and teamwork, presented through a scenography that lets visitors overlay storyboards onto final artwork.

Focus on shōjo and historical themes

The Cherry Blossom Quarter is dedicated to shōjo manga, emphasizing emotions and relationships. The Auberge of Traditions explores Japanese history through manga, while the Garden of Scars quarter addresses historical traumas such as the atomic bombings of 1945 and the Fukushima disaster, showing how manga documents collective memory and historical events.

Cultural exchange and creative processes

The exhibition highlights cross-cultural collaborations, such as Icare, a manga that combines the writing of Mœbius with the art of Jirō Taniguchi. It also showcases Class !cs, where European artists reinterpret Japanese works, and Capitaine Albator: Mémoires de l'Arcadia, endorsed by Leiji Matsumoto. The sixth quarter, The Laboratory, reveals the creative process behind Inio Asano’s Mujina into the deep, including storyboards and digital modeling.

Exhibition content and visitor experience

Mangatopia includes 39 fukusei, 47 high-definition reproductions, five shikishi, and ten wall reproductions from various Japanese publishers. The exhibition’s layout encourages visitors to discover lesser-known works by moving through distinct quarters, offering a broader view of manga beyond traditional categories.

Exhibition dates and accessibility

Mangatopia is open from October 16, 2026, to May 17, 2027, at the Belgian Center for Comics in Brussels. Admission fees vary by age group, with specific visiting hours. The exhibition also provides opportunities for younger visitors to engage with manga, supported by parents interested in fostering a passion for the art form.