Last updated on 2026-03-27
My impressions of the “DESIGNS Mamoru Nagano Design Exhibition” which I saw at the Kadokawa Musashino Museum/EJ Anime Museum in Tokorozawa in March 2024.
Shige’s hobby: Articles related to The Five Star Stories
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Table of contents
Exhibition Overview
- Exhibition Title: DESIGNS Mamoru Nagano Design Exhibition
- Dates: February 10, 2024 (Sat) – March 24, 2024 (Sun)
- Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- Location: Tokorozawa, Kadokawa Musashino Museum, EJ Anime Museum
- Admission Fee: 2300 yen for general admission. See the official website for other discounts. Payment methods include cash and various credit cards.
The exhibition will tour the following venues.
- Mozawa Exhibition
- Nagoya Exhibition
- Osaka Exhibition
- Fukuoka Exhibition
- Tokyo Exhibition
My impression: “40 years with Kadokawa”
I visited the Tokorozawa exhibition, which marks the start of the “DESIGNS Mamoru Nagano Design Exhibition.”
Nagano and Kadokawa Shoten have a long-standing relationship spanning 40 years, and it’s fitting that the exhibition begins at Tokorozawa Sakura Town, Kadokawa’s current headquarters, considering the strong connection between the two.
The exhibition is structured as follows:
- Prologue
- Vifam, Gorg, Dunbine
- L-Gaim
- Z Gundam, ZZ Gundam
- Brain Powered
- Shellbrid
- Game
- Fool for the City
- FIVE STAR STORIES
- First Image of FSS
- Comic Cover
- Characters
- Fatima
- Motorhead GTM
- Kit Display
- Gothicmade
- Message Board
- Merchandise Sales
Photography was prohibited from the prologue to the game, and the exhibited content is almost entirely covered in the official catalog.
I wasn’t very aware of Nagano’s involvement in his work before L-Gaim, so it was interesting to see the similarities between his early work and his current work, and to feel that his core style hasn’t changed, for better or for worse.
I first became aware of Nagano through L-Gaim, which can be considered the prototype for the current Five Star Stories. He was fully responsible for the mecha and characters, and the meticulousness of the officially used setting drawings is deeper than in his earlier works.
In contrast, the Gundam series Z and ZZ feel like they were left unfinished, and the materials that weren’t officially used are fascinating.
Brain Powered and Shellbrid were works he was doing in parallel with Five Star Stories, so as a Five Star Stories fan, it was a time when Nagano’s efforts were dispersed, and the slow progress of the series was a concern. However, the materials convey that he poured all his energy into each work.
From Five Star Stories onward, there are many materials that I’ve seen before in setting materials, but the original drawings are still wonderful. Looking at the materials for Gothicmade, it’s clear that the film wouldn’t have been completed without the cooperation and trust between Mr. Nagano and Kadokawa, and it’s deeply moving to be able to see these materials here. Also, the Kaiserin launch scene from the film was playing on repeat, and every time I hear Botbalt’s line explaining the Kaiserin’s startup sound to Belin, I feel a warmth in my heart, thinking, “Thank you for explaining it to the viewers.”
The model corner was also impressive, with GTMs and MHs displayed everywhere. Some models were being shown for the first time, and many people were taking pictures.
Below is a picture of the old and new LED MIRAGE and ZARATHUSTRA APTERBRINGER side-by-side.
I saw it before in Akihabara, but the 1/24 Dakkas the Black Knight (ABSOMEC Ω) is really big and impressive. I wonder if it will actually be made into a product? And what will the price be? I’m very curious.
At the exit, there was a large panel displaying the former Jagd Mirage, now the DETNETER BRINGER Chlorophyll Haze, which was revealed in the latest DESIGNS 7, released on March 8, 2024. This is not included in the official catalog.
There was a dedicated merchandise corner at the exit, selling garage kits that aren’t commonly seen in the market.
At the bookstore, they were selling special paper bags, and as a paper bag enthusiast, I couldn’t resist buying one along with the exhibition catalog.
The merchandise shop on the first floor of the museum was selling small items such as votive tablets. I also purchased a Goshuin (temple/shrine stamp) and a wooden panel painting of GATEXION Mark3 DHARMAS.
Reference links
- DESIGNS Mamoru Nagano Design Exhibition・Kadokawa Musashino Museum Official Page
- DESIGNS Mamoru Nagano Design Exhibition・KADOKAWA Official page
- “DESIGNS Mamoru Nagano Design Exhibition” to Osaka and Fukuoka! Special interview with Mamoru Nagano released.・Web Newtype
- “Volks F.S.S. Series Exhibition Mini Caravan in Yokohama SR 2025 Winter”・VOLKS Official Blog
- Shige’s hobby: Articles related to The Five Star Stories
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Affiliate links
- Mamoru Nagano・Ads by Amazon
- Five Star Stories・Ads by Amazon
Photo Equipment
- LEICA D-LUX4
Update history
- 2026.3.27
- 2024.3.16
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