
We are honored to hold an exhibition of Maki Kusumoto, a manga artist who is known for “KISSxxxx”, “K no Soretsu”, and the “Akashirotsurubami” series. By following the tracks of her work for over 37 years, the exhibition is focused on the beautiful world of Maki Kusumoto’s work, created in harmony with “lines” and “words”.
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ClosuresEvery Tuesday and Wednesday
* However, there will be no closure days between July 15 (Thu) and August 30 (Mon). -
Venue2F Galleries 1, 2 and 3
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Fee
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Online Ticket
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OrganizersKyoto Seika University International Manga Research Center
Kyoto International Manga Museum -
Cooperating withLandschaft
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SupervisorMaki Kusumoto
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Guest CuratorAki Kusumoto
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Art DirectorKazunori Akita
This exhibition overviews Maki Kusumoto’s work that spans the last 37 years. Through carefully chosen words, scenes composed with exquisite lines in black and white, including book design, Kusumoto’s work shows her uncompromising attitude towards beauty. The aesthetic, decadent, and stylish world that she creates has fascinated fans from different generations and brought numerous great works into being. Not only in the field of manga, but also in other fields like fashion and music, there are countless artists who have been inspired by her.
In the exhibition, Maki Kusumoto’s dedicated work are on display. Besides original drawings (around 30 pieces), there are etchings, all her books, color proof papers with her handwriting on them, sheets of fax paper, and small objects that are drawn in her manga.

©︎Maki Kusumoto

©Maki Kusumoto

©Maki Kusumoto

©Maki Kusumoto

©︎Maki Kusumoto

©Maki Kusumoto

©︎Maki Kusumoto

©Maki Kusumoto
Related events
Planning on progress (It will be announced on this website later)
Book accompanying the exhibition
Maki Kusumoto: lines, words, between and beyond
For the exhibition, a book that shows the essence of Maki Kusumoto’s work will be published.
The book contains interviews with Kusumoto, editors and designers, and contributions by splendid writers including Hiroshi Aramata, the director of Kyoto International Manga Museum.
- Published by Landschaft
- Designed by Kazunori Akita
- Planned to be released in June, 2021.
Artist Profile
Maki Kusumoto
She debuted as a professional manga artist in Weekly Margaret at the age of 16. Since then, she has gained an enthusiastic following with various works, such as “KISSxxxx” (Shueisha), “K no Soretsu” (Shueisha), and “Chishiryo Dolis” (Shodensha). In 2020, a new book Akashirotsurubami Ura/Kasei wa sabi de dekiteite akai no da (Shueisha) was published. Her books have also been published in France, Italy, the United States and Korea. She lives in the UK.
*Due to the spread of COVID-19, the schedule and content of the exhibition and museum closure can change. Thank you for your understanding.