Black Jack Exhibition Opens in Okinawa with Rare Manuscripts

Jul 18, 2025 | News On Japan

NAHA - More than 500 original manuscripts from Osamu Tezuka's classic manga Black Jack are on display at a new exhibition opening July 18th at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum in Naha.

Black Jack, created by the so-called "God of Manga" Tezuka, follows an unlicensed genius surgeon who saves lives while demanding exorbitant fees. The story raises questions about the value of life and the ethics of medical care.

The exhibition features over 500 original works, including all 234 episodes published between 1973 and 1978 in serialized and one-shot formats. Highlights include detailed surgery scenes and storylines that reflect Black Jack's inner conflict as a doctor, presented through various themes with a modern art perspective.

Among the pieces is a story set in Okinawa, involving a politician and a child injured on a sightseeing boat, and an endangered Iriomote cat smuggled aboard. The dilemma: whom does Black Jack operate on first?

The 1975 episode Treasure Island, known as a fan favorite, explores the reason behind Black Jack’s demand for large sums of money and is considered one of the series’ most iconic installments.

The exhibition, which invites visitors to reflect on the essence of life and the nature of medicine, runs through September 15th.

Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV

Typhoon No. 6 Approaches Okinawa Bringing Destructive Winds

As of 3 a.m. on May 31st, Typhoon No. 6 (Chan-hom) was moving north-northwest south of Okinawa and is forecast to pass near Okinawa Main Island between June 1st and June 2nd as a strong typhoon, with meteorologists warning of destructive winds, torrential rain and dangerous seas across Okinawa before the storm tracks northeastward along Japan's Pacific coast.

Bear Sighting Hoax Posts Trigger Police Investigation in Aomori

A series of false bear sighting reports posted to an online alert system operated by Aomori Prefecture has disrupted schools, prompted a police investigation, and raised concerns about the growing impact of misinformation on public safety.

Saw, Iron Pipes and Shovel Seized as 30 Teens Get Ready to Rumble

A social media dispute between a 17-year-old high school student from Tokyo's Itabashi Ward and a 16-year-old boy from Edogawa Ward escalated into a planned group fight involving around 30 youths, some of whom allegedly brought weapons including a rusty saw, iron pipes, a special baton and even a shovel.

Japan's Population Falls by 3.1 Million in Five Years to 123 Million

Japan's population stood at 123.05 million in 2025, according to preliminary results from the national census released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, marking a decline of 3.097 million people over the past five years.

Japan Volleyball Player Busted Over Marijuana Possession

Volleyball player Shunichiro Sato, a member of Japan’s men’s national team, was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of possessing marijuana after allegedly leaving a bag containing the drug at a pachinko parlor in Tokyo.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Beloved 'Crying Teacher' Who Inspired a Hit Drama Passes Away

Ryoji Yamaguchi, the former coach of the Fushimi Technical High School rugby team who led the school to national glory and became known nationwide as the "Crying Teacher," the inspiration for the television drama School Wars, has died at the age of 83.

Japanwave | Tonight with TRNGL | Part. I

Unfinished dreams, midnight errands. Televisions murmuring in the background of a Tokyo hotel in 1990. (TRNGL)

Curtain Falls on Osaka Shochikuza After 103 Years in Dotonbori

Osaka Shochikuza, the historic theater in Osaka's Dotonbori entertainment district, held its final performance on May 26th, bringing down the curtain on 103 years of history as actors and audiences bid an emotional farewell to one of the city's most celebrated cultural landmarks.

The Art of Ichikawa Danjūrō XII

Today, we have a look at the wonderful art of the late actor Ichikawa Danjūrō XII. (Kabuki In-Depth)

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Raised by 10,000 Yen as Memory Chip Costs Surge

Nintendo's game console 'Nintendo Switch 2' will become 10,000 yen more expensive from May 25th.

Tao Okamoto Wins Best Actress at Cannes

Tao Okamoto and French actress Virginie Efira won the Best Actress award at the Cannes International Film Festival, for their performances in Ryusuke Hamaguchi's film 'Suddenly, I Feel Sick', marking the first time a Japanese actress has received the honor.

Takako Matsu Walks Cannes Red Carpet

Takako Matsu made an elegant first appearance on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet as Koji Fukada’s latest film, 'Nagi Notes,' premiered in the festival’s main competition section, with the actress appearing alongside co-star Shizuka Ishibashi before an international crowd of photographers and film fans gathered outside the Palais des Festivals.

Kentarō Ito and Natsuki Deguchi Spark Dating Rumors

Actors Kentarō Ito and Natsuki Deguchi have become the focus of intense speculation after the pair were reportedly seen together late at night in the parking area of an apartment complex.

< 2 3 4 5 >