New Exhibition in QC Takes You Inside the World of ‘Demon Slayer’
The much-anticipated exhibition for the popular manga and anime series, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” finally opened its doors to the public, and boy, do we have a lot to unpack!
Organized by PULP Spaces+, Muse Communication, ACO MEDIA, and Mediasphere Communication, The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition brings a one-of-a-kind immersive experience for anime fans and newcomers alike as it teleports them to the Taisho era where demons amok and are fought valiantly by superhuman demon slayers — the Hashiras — within the Demon Slayer Corps.
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is a manga series illustrated and written by Koyoharu Gotoge, which was popularly serialized in the “Weekly Shonen Jump” published by Shueisha. It tells the story of humanity’s battle with demons in Japan’s Taisho period through Kamado Tanjiro’s journey of becoming a Demon Slayer in the hopes of finding a cure for his younger sister who has been turned into a demon. The manga’s widespread popularity led to its TV animation in 2019 with a sequel film and it became one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
The exhibit opened last Aug. 3 and will run until Oct. 27 at Level 3 of Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao, Quezon City. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Aug. 2 at the Quantum Skyview — underneath an impressive LED Display of the exhibition poster — led by PULP Live World COO, Happee Sy Go; PULP CEO, Vernon Go; Grace Glory Go, Chairman of PULP; and Araneta City’s management committee chairman, Rowell Recinto. They were also joined by their event partners: Mr. Dymas Novalovianto, Business Project Manager of MUSE Communication, and ACO Media’s CEO, Melvin Tan.
The exhibition is the first of its kind in the Philippines and offers a lot to be excited about from interactive and intricately designed zones featuring scenes, video footage, and actual sketches from the anime to realistic replicas of katanas as seen on the show and (hold on tight to your wallets!) an array of exclusive and official merchandise.
“If this works, we’re going to do a lot more,” Vernon Go said as he reminisced on how they also brought the first-ever K-pop concert back in 2010 right at the heart of Araneta city. PULP Live World has brought several K-pop acts into the country ever since, organized by his wife Happee, so fingers crossed we’ll be seeing a lot more anime exhibitions in the future!
If you’re still wondering if it’s worth the visit, here are three reasons why you shouldn’t miss this unique experience!
Immersive Zones
From the moment you walk in, you’ll be welcomed by gorgeous tapestries featuring some of the beloved characters from the show such as the brave charcoal maker turned demon slayer, Kamado Tanjiro; his sister turned demon Kamado Nezuko, and the Water Hashira Tomioka Giyu. Opposite these tapestries are an impressive display of Nichirin swords (special demon slaying weapons) as replicated from the show. The exhibit welcomes you into the Demon Slayer Headquarters, showcasing items and memorabilia related to the organization.
What we love most about the exhibit is not only is it a thrilling treat for anime fans, but it’s also inclusive of non-fans as it provides an educational overview of the story. Visitors who don’t know a lick of what the show is about may find themselves a Demon Slayer expert by the end with the amount of information and tidbits each zone provides. There are character profiles, artefacts (art sketches and prop replicas), and a concentrated collection of quotes and depictions of the Demon Slayers.
As you journey through the dark maze of fascinating show facts and displays, you’ll be able to review Tanjiro’s journey in the show, as well as the history of battles in which Demon Slayers risked their lives to defend humanity from the demons.
The exhibit also features a number of official artworks and sketches drawn by the show’s artists and art directors. Keep in mind that there are certain sections, including the massive collection of drawings and artworks from each story arc, which don’t allow photography so keep this in mind to avoid being devoured by demons (Kidding! But seriously, let’s follow proper exhibit decorum).
Must-Do: Make sure you don’t forget to take the Total Concentration Training in one of the zones (just scan the QR and follow the steps) to earn your very own Certificate of Training! And we’re not talking about an online certificate but an actual paper certificate you can take home as a souvenir!
Inspired Show Arc Designs Perfect for Photo Ops!
Through the exhibit, you won’t only be educated on the history of demon slaying but also get the chance to be a part of some iconic scenes from the anime! Take a ride on the demon-infested Mugen Train or be immersed in the enthralling battles that took place in the Entertainment District arc.
Scenes from “Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train” (2020) have been recreated into stunning zone pieces as well, including Rengoku Kyojuro’s (a Flame Hashira) Hinokami Kagura. The film was a sequel to the anime series and is the highest-grossing anime and Japanese film of all time.
There are also a ton of other photo opportunities for you to check out like the Butterfly Mansion and the classroom in Kimetsu Academy — the official spin-off series created by the manga artist and visualized in the anime at the end of some episodes, so make sure you have your cameras ready!
Merch Galore and a Taste of Japanese Delights
We hope you’ve mastered your total concentration breathing techniques by the time you get to the end of the exhibit because a wide range of official and exhibit-exclusive merchandise awaits you there.
Some items that caught are eye and made our hands reach for our wallets are the character acrylic stands (P950), acrylic charms (P450), and post cards (P350). Also, we can’t forget the retro keychains (P650); and the key visual tote bags (P1,200), backpacks (from P850), and table mats (P1,200).
The store features Philippine exclusive designs and illustrations, so there’s no other place you can get them. Seriously, where else would you be able to see Nezuko eating Halo-Halo or Inosuke posing by Bohol’s Chocolate Hills? (Too cute!)
Other cool items for purchase include character costumes, posters, stickers, and figurines.
There's also a Gashapon (machine-dispensed capsule toys) machine filled with Demon Slayer limited series acrylic charms, magnets, and jigsaw puzzles!
All that demon hunting through the exhibit will surely get your tummies grumbling. Luckily, the exhibition offers a selection of Japanese delights and refreshing beverages packed in Demon Slayer paper bowls and cup sleeves.
For P350, you can get a bowl of Chicken Poppers, Beef Yakiniku, and Ebi Tendon with rice or yakisoba. For dessert, they offer tasty Taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped cakes) filled with a savory cheese filling or sweet chocolate.
Parched after all that demon hunting? There are five slushee drink flavors to choose from: Filipino Gulaman, Iced Tea, Cucumber Lemonade, Bubblegum, and Tropical, all priced at P200.
Safe to say that this exhibition checks off all of our marks when it comes to providing a 360-experience and is definitely an event you won’t want to miss. What are you waiting for? Delve into the Demon Slayer universe and plan your visit today!
Tickets are available at PULP Tickets, SM Tickets, and TicketNet online. Follow Pulp Spaces+ for updates and news on future exhibitions and pop-up stores.
Location: The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition, Level 3, Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao, Quezon City
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
