Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Yu-Gi-Oh!, the first major exhibition dedicated to the original artwork of late manga creator Kazuki Takahashi, KAZUKI TAKAHASHI: YU-GI-OH! ART WORKS, will open in Tokyo on December 12, 2026.
On October 9, organizers unveiled Special Video —As Friends!!—, an exclusive animation screening at the exhibition. The short recreates the final turn of Yugi and Kaiba’s semifinal showdown from the Battle City arc, complete with newly recorded performances by Shunsuke Kazama and Kenjiro Tsuda. Details on the themed café and another wave of original merchandise were also announced.
KAZUKI TAKAHASHI: YU-GI-OH! ART WORKS traces the roots of Takahashi’s creative career through Yu-Gi-Oh! and his other works. A vast collection of rare hand-drawn originals, production materials from the concept stage, and character and monster sketches will chart the artist’s creative journey. It is the first major original artwork exhibition devoted to Takahashi’s work.
More than 370 original manuscripts will be gathered in one place, including color illustrations created during and after the manga’s serialization, assorted artwork and reference materials, and behind-the-scenes sketches—some displayed publicly for the first time. For a breakdown of each exhibition area, check out our previous article.
Note: There are currently no plans for a touring exhibition.
Organizers also revealed details on the exhibition-exclusive animation, Special Video —As Friends!!—. The classic showdown returns with newly recorded performances from Shunsuke Kazama as Yugi Muto and Kenjiro Tsuda as Seto Kaiba. The video runs for approximately three minutes.
Drawing on Takahashi’s intricate original artwork and coloring style, the animation brings the characters to life while using CG to give the monsters an imposing presence. It adapts the “final turn” of Yugi vs. Kaiba from the Battle City finals, delivering a dramatic head-on clash between Dark Paladin and Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon.
Note: The animation may be released through events, streaming platforms, websites, or other media after the exhibition ends.
Organizers also shared details on the official exhibition catalog, themed café, and another highly anticipated lineup of original merchandise.
Themed Café: KAZUKI TAKAHASHI: YU-GI-OH! ART WORKS CAFE
To celebrate the exhibition, CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO CAFE, located next to the venue, will host a limited-time themed café throughout the event.
The menu will feature collaboration food and drinks inspired by the world of Yu-Gi-Oh!, giving fans another way to experience the franchise.
Note: The themed café uses an advance reservation system for all time slots, and visitors must obtain a reservation ticket. An exhibition ticket is not required to visit the café.
Additional Original Merchandise
Organizers revealed more original merchandise headed to the exhibition shop. Alongside the Reproduction Manuscript Two-Piece Set [Friendship] and Reproduction Manuscript Two-Piece Set [Rival], both of which will also be displayed at the venue, the newly announced lineup includes button badges, collectible magnet stickers, and more. Further details will be shared through the exhibition’s official website and X account.
▼ Reproduction Manuscript Two-Piece Set [Friendship] Price: 2,200 yen
▼ Reproduction Manuscript Two-Piece Set [Rival] Price: 2,200 yen
▼ Cold Foil Postcard Set (5 Cards) Price: 1,650 yen
▼ Foil Acrylic Art Panel (Key Visual) Price: 5,500 yen
▼ Two-Button Badge Set: Yugi Muto vs. Seto Kaiba Price: 1,320 yen
▼ Magnet Sticker Collection Price: 880 yen
Thirty designs in total, with two included at random. 
Twelve sets in total, with one two-card set included at random in each pack
▼ Aurora Arcana Card Collection Price: 880 yen
Twelve sets in total, with one two-card set included at random in each pack.
▼ T-Shirt Collection Price: 7,700 yen each
Three designs are available: Yugi Muto & the Pharaoh, Seto Kaiba, and Marik Ishtar.
KAZUKI TAKAHASHI: YU-GI-OH! ART WORKS will run at CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO from December 12, 2026, through February 21, 2027. With no touring dates currently planned, fans hoping to see Takahashi’s treasured original artwork in person will want to make the trip to Tokyo.
KAZUKI TAKAHASHI: YU-GI-OH! ART WORKS
Exhibition Dates: December 12, 2026–February 21, 2027
Admission: Designated date and time slots required throughout the exhibition
