Made in Japan: the expo bringing Akira's bike and Totoro or Luffy figures to Madrid

Madrid becomes a must-stop for fans of Japanese manga, anime, and video games starting this October 9. The Wax Museum opens Made in Japan. Japanese Pop Culture Expo, a temporary exhibition organized with Wonder Space that spans decades of Japanese pop culture with pieces that rarely leave Japan.

The exhibition bets on an immersive journey that goes far beyond typical collectible figures. Among the most valuable items are first editions of Japanese comics printed in their original language, documents that show the origins of a graphic narrative that changed the industry globally.

Akira's bike and a hall full of icons

The main attraction of the exhibition is the full-scale replica of the red bike from Akira, the animated film that became an absolute icon of contemporary culture. It's not the only piece designed to be remembered: visitors will find life-size figures of characters like Totoro, Luffy, Shin Chan, and Doraemon.

The gallery is completed with other names that shaped several generations, such as Sonic, Naruto, or the unmistakable Tamagotchi. A mix of animation, entertainment, and nostalgia that works as a gateway to the rest of the exhibition.

Original consoles and sketches that don't usually leave Japan

The space dedicated to video games brings together original Japanese titles and consoles from the 80s and 90s, the artifacts that started the digital entertainment revolution in homes. For those looking for something more artistic, the exhibition hangs original sketches and hand-drawn artwork by some of the most respected animation studios in history.

These are pieces of incalculable value that, as a rule, are not exhibited outside Japan. Seeing them in Madrid is an opportunity that's hard to repeat.

"Japanese pop culture has been part of the childhood and lives of several generations. Made in Japan allows us to bring together some of its great icons and also discover pieces that many visitors may have never seen up close," explained Jean-François Rouzé, chief executive of The Vintage Company.

Toys and collectible cards from the 70s onward

The exhibition closes with an extensive collection of traditional and modern toys spanning from the 1970s to the present day. There's also room for card collecting, with experts contributing key parts of their decks tied to franchises like Pokémon, Dragon Ball, or One Piece.

The temporary exhibition opens its doors on October 9 at the Wax Museum in Madrid. It hasn't been announced yet how long it will remain available, so if you're in the capital or planning to visit, don't sleep on it.