Culture

The architecture of neo-Tokyo: art, animation, and vision in Akira

A new exhibit at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach brings visitors up close with the intricate artistry behind the legendary Japanese anime film Akira.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo
Akira exhibition / Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Akira exhibition / Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Neo-Tokyo, the futuristic cityscape of the film, comes to life in Akira: Architecture of Neo-Tokyo. This immersive exhibition features 45 meticulously crafted background illustrations from the movie, interactive displays, and clips projected onto traditional shoji screens. Visitors can also enjoy screenings of the film in the museum’s theater, with the next showing scheduled for Sunday, December 15.

 

The curators of the exhibition highlight the artistic merit of the background illustrations. However, many of the original artists considered their work a form of commercial craftsmanship rather than fine art. 

Akira exhibition / Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Akira exhibition / Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Co-curator Hiroko Kimura-Myokam explains: “This background art is rooted in popular craftsmanship. These artists use the same materials as traditional painters—standard brushes, paints, and paper—but they work at incredible speed to meet production deadlines. Their technique is outstanding, a testament to their skill as craftsmen, which is why I admire this art so deeply.”

Reimagining the future

Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and adapted from his bestselling manga, Akira is regarded as a groundbreaking masterpiece in animation. Set in the dystopian world of Neo-Tokyo, the story follows teenage bikers Kaneda and Tetsuo as they become entangled in a government conspiracy and a catastrophic psychic awakening.

 

The 1988 film broke new ground by exploring mature themes through a richly imagined narrative and setting, appealing to an older demographic of anime fans, particularly teens and young adults, known as seinen in Japan.

Akira exhibition / Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Akira exhibition / Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

“Animation was traditionally seen as children’s entertainment,” says Kimura-Myokam. “In Japan, during the late 1970s, directors began experimenting with animation for young people, not just kids or adults. They essentially created a new genre aimed at a different audience.”

 

Akira also raised the bar for animation quality. The film’s production involved unprecedented attention to detail, with unique backgrounds for every scene and meticulously synchronized animation—a rarity even today. The labor-intensive process required extra frames, extensive background work, and an unparalleled dedication to perfection.

Breaking barriers

But beyond its technical brilliance, Akira remains a cultural touchstone because of its visionary setting. Neo-Tokyo is far more imaginative and expressionistic than the urban landscapes of many subsequent sci-fi films like Ghost in the Shell, which leaned towards realistic depictions of urban environments. 

 

Co-curator Stephan Riekeles notes the distinctive aesthetic of Akira: “The bold colors and expressive compositions of Neo-Tokyo set it apart from other science fiction masterpieces. Its speculative design feels timeless, elevating it above the mundane portrayals of cities often seen in cinema today.”

Akira exhibition / Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Akira exhibition / Photo via Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Millions of fans continue to be captivated by Akira’s tale of Tetsuo’s psychic descent and Kaneda’s struggle to stop him, while uncovering the mystery of Akira, the entity that once obliterated Tokyo. Now, through this exhibit, visitors can appreciate the artistry behind the film, recognizing it as a cultural milestone in animation and visual storytelling.

 

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