Anime Legends Meet in Tokyo: Future Boy Conan and Anne of Green Gables Exhibition 2026
The Libest Plaza in Tokyo's Kichijoji district will be filled with nostalgia from May 29 to June 28, 2026. The "Our Future Boy Conan Exhibition 2026" (Bokutachi no Mirai Shounen Conan Ten) will arrive with a surprise this year, opening its doors simultaneously with a commemorative event for the legendary Anne of Green Gables (Akage no Anne). As the third leg of the exhibition series realized within the scope of Nippon Animation studio's 50th-anniversary celebrations, it brings together two of the most influential productions in anime history.
Future Boy Conan holds great significance as the first solo directorial experience of anime genius Hayao Miyazaki. Released in 1978, the series is known for its hopeful story set in a post-apocalyptic world. Adapted from Alexander Key's book "The Incredible Tide," the production laid the foundation for elements such as flight themes, love for nature, and strong character dynamics that we would later frequently see in Studio Ghibli films. The exhibition will feature rare sketches and illustrations regarding the production process of this classic work.
The other half of the exhibition is dedicated to Anne of Green Gables, which met audiences in 1979 under the direction of Isao Takahata. As part of the World Masterpiece Theater series, this production brought Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel to the screen with great fidelity. As an interesting detail, Hayao Miyazaki also undertook scene design and layout duties in this series, reinforcing his legendary partnership with Takahata. The exhibition offers the opportunity to see the creative genius of these two masters in the pre-Ghibli era side by side.
This event is not only for those seeking nostalgia, but also for those who want to understand the roots of modern anime.
