Akemi Takada's works come to Hong Kong with over 60 originals

Designer and illustrator Akemi Takada celebrates nearly half a century of work with an exhibition in Hong Kong. 高田明美世界名作展 opens from October 28 to November 29, 2026 at the gallery in Harbour City shopping centre, Tsim Sha Tsui.

The show brings together more than 60 originals and prints covering her most beloved works. There are pieces from Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel (Mahō no Tenshi Creamy Mami), featuring protagonist Yū Morisawa and her magical alter ego, as well as sketches from Patlabor, with Noa Izumi and Asuma Shinohara. Illustrations from Yggdrasil, her personal art book, are also included.

The works are divided into two periods and rotate, so repeat visitors may find different pieces. The originals reveal pencil strokes and watercolor washes with a level of detail that reproductions don't always capture.

Inside the venue there are originals signed by Takada whose prices are not published: you have to ask the staff. Authorized copies go for thousands of Hong Kong dollars. However, for preservation and copyright reasons, visitors cannot photograph or record the works.

A career that defined 80s anime

Takada started at Tatsunoko, drawn by her fascination with Gatchaman. There she crossed paths with Yoshitaka Amano, the future Final Fantasy illustrator, who was then working under his real name. Her first big success as a character designer was Urusei Yatsura, and worldwide recognition came with Studio Pierrot's magical girl saga led by Creamy Mami.

That list also includes Kimagure Orange Road, the animated adaptation of Maison Ikkoku, and her work as character designer and member of the original Patlabor team. Her soft linework shaped several generations of anime fans.

Signings, talks, and exclusive merchandise

Takada herself will travel to Hong Kong during the exhibition to take part in signing sessions and a talk about creation. It will be a chance to hear first-hand anecdotes from five decades of work.

The exhibition shop launches products limited worldwide:

• Commemorative ex libris hand-signed by Takada
• 2027 calendar, at 268 Hong Kong dollars
• Commemorative postcard set, at 108 Hong Kong dollars
• Night light keychain, at 58 Hong Kong dollars
• Badges and commemorative tickets, at 40 Hong Kong dollars each

The exhibition is at the Harbour City gallery, shop 207 on the second floor of Ocean Centre. It opens daily from 11:00 to 21:00.

Which Akemi Takada work left the biggest mark on you? Tell us in the comments.