What this is
MONSTERS BY MONSTERS: NOW AND THEN is a 10th anniversary exhibition celebrating Kasing Lung's beloved 'The Monsters' character series, presented by POP MART Japan at Azabudai Hills Gallery in Tokyo. The exhibition is part of an international touring show and marks a decade since the creation of the iconic characters, most notably LABUBU — the pointy-eared, fang-toothed creature that has become a global collectible phenomenon. Visitors are immersed in installations drawn directly from the original picture book trilogy that inspired the franchise. A highlight is the newly unveiled 'The Story of Puca' zone, featuring a multi-screen animation by creative studio toito with spatial audio that reconstructs a rare limited-edition picture book as a full sensory experience.
Who should go
This exhibition is ideal for fans of designer toys, POP MART collectibles, and the LABUBU character who want to go deeper into the creative origins of the franchise. Art lovers interested in contemporary character design, immersive installation art, and the intersection of illustration and pop culture will find plenty to engage with. Families with older children and teens who follow blind-box toy culture or Asian street art trends will enjoy the vibrant, imaginative environments. Arrive early on weekends as immersive exhibitions at Azabudai Hills Gallery tend to draw queues — weekday mornings are your best bet for a relaxed visit.
Good to know
Tickets can be purchased through POP MART Japan's official channels and likely via eplus.jp or pia.jp — both platforms accept foreign credit cards, and convenience store pickup at Lawson is the most hassle-free option for visitors without a Japanese delivery address. Azabudai Hills Gallery is a purpose-built contemporary art space within the Azabudai Hills complex, known for high-production immersive shows with strong visual and audio design. The venue is compact but well-curated, so allow around 60–90 minutes for a thorough visit including the multi-screen 'Story of Puca' installation. The ¥2,500 ticket includes a special bonus item, which is likely a limited collectible — quantities may be restricted, so arriving at opening time is advisable if you want to secure yours. The Azabudai Hills complex is cashless-friendly, but carry some cash as a backup for any POP MART merchandise sold on-site.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.