The Japanese American National Museum will present a retrospective exhibition celebrating the work of Stan Sakai, including original drawings and paintings that bring to life the adventures of his samurai rabbit. Reprinted in full-color in a new edition titled Usagi Yojimbo Origins. Year of the Rabbit: Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo July 9 through October 30, 2011. Media Sponsors:Īdditional support provided by The James Irvine Foundation and the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles. Collected editions of the comic book series created by Stan Sakai, comprised of four ongoing series, several one-shots, limited series and original graphic novels, including a crossover with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Other features will include a new short documentary about Stan Sakai developed for the exhibition by the Museum’s award-winning Watase Media Arts Center, a special Usagi Yojimbo cut-out photo opportunity designed by Sakai, and other activities to enhance your visit.Īdditional support provided by The James Irvine Foundation and the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles. In addition to the original artwork, the exhibition will include comic book covers, translated comics, toys, and other artists’ renditions of Usagi Yojimbo. With translations in multiple languages, Usagi Yojimbo’s popularity spans many countries and has earned Sakai several awards including the National Cartoonists Society Award, Parents Choice Award, and numerous Eisner Awards. Heavily researched and rich in detail, Sakai’s storylines mix both humor and drama to tell adventures that include authentic Japanese history and culture in the form of a distinctly American comic book. Usagi Yojimbo is based on the historical figure Miyamoto Musashi and takes inspiration from Japanese folklore, literature, and film. This retrospective exhibition celebrates the work of Sakai and includes original drawings and paintings that bring to life the adventures of his samurai rabbit from 17th century feudal Japan. For over 25 years, fans around the world have been enjoying Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo.

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