From August 26 (Wed) to September 7 (Mon), 2026, the 9th floor Art Stage at Hankyu Umeda Main Store hosts a solo exhibition by actor and artist Kaoru Mitsumune, marking the release of Semi Ningen (せみにんげん), Mitsumune's first fully original story-style art book. Titled "Semi Ningen, Osaka," the show features original artwork from the book for sale alongside newly drawn pieces created especially for the exhibition, plus an assortment of original merchandise, all showcasing Mitsumune's distinctive artistic world. Admission is free.
Exhibition Overview
| Title | Kaoru Mitsumune Art Book Publication Commemorative Exhibition, "Semi Ningen, Osaka" |
| Period | August 26 (Wed) – September 7 (Mon), 2026 (the final day closes at 5:00 PM) |
| Venue | Hankyu Umeda Main Store, 9F Art Stage |
| Admission | Free (exhibition and sale) |
Debut Art Book Semi Ningen Marks a Homecoming Show in Osaka
Known for intricate, original artwork created with ballpoint pen, Kaoru Mitsumune has earned wide acclaim. Semi Ningen, Mitsumune's first art book, takes its motif from the cicada insect (semi) and traces protagonist Semi-chan's journey of emotional growth into a "semi ningen" — a dark, fantastical story.
Kaoru Mitsumune Art Book: Semi Ningen — ¥2,970
Composed entirely of newly drawn original artwork, this debut, story-style art book is built around a beloved cicada motif. It follows protagonist Semi-chan on a fantastical journey of emotional growth into a "semi ningen."
Original Artwork Debuting in Osaka, Paired with Digitally Colored Prints
The venue displays original artwork featured in the art book alongside newly drawn pieces making their first Osaka appearance. Each exhibited work pairs a delicately hand-drawn monochrome original with a digitally colored print version — reproduced as either a fine art print or canvas panel — for a substantial, two-part presentation.
Night Parade of a Hundred Demons (百鬼夜行) — original artwork
Night Parade of a Hundred Demons [first exhibited at the Osaka show] (original artwork and canvas, both 364×257mm) — ¥605,000, framing included
Preparing to Depart (しゅっぱつのじゅんび) — original artwork
Preparing to Depart [first exhibited at the Osaka show] (original artwork and reproduction, both 273×220mm) — ¥286,000, framing included
Pumpkin Field (かぼちゃ畑) — original artwork
Pumpkin Field [first exhibited at the Osaka show] (original artwork: water-mounted on an F3 wooden panel, 273×220mm; reproduction: F3 canvas panel) — ¥517,000, framing included
Exhibition-Exclusive Original Merchandise
Alongside the Semi Ningen art book, an assortment of original merchandise inspired by the story's whimsical, distinctive world is also available.
"Semi Ningen" Sticker Set (7 designs × 2 sheets) — ¥1,430
"Semi-chan" Tote Bag — ¥3,300
Original Plush Toy "Semi-chan" — ¥2,970
"SEMITOPIA" T-Shirt — ¥5,500
Artist Profile
Kaoru Mitsumune (光宗薫) — born in 1993 in Osaka. Began self-teaching ballpoint pen drawing around 2011. In recent years, Mitsumune has expanded into pencil, watercolor, and other media to depict dreamlike creatures. Notable exhibitions include the solo shows "Mukashi Mukashi" (むかしむかし, "Once Upon a Time," Vanilla Gallery, 2024) and "SEMITOPIA" (Vanilla Gallery, 2022), as well as the group exhibition "Kitaro EXPO" (鬼太郎EXPO, Ikebukuro Sunshine City, 2023). Mitsumune has also shown numerous works in the art segment of the MBS/TBS program Pre-Bato!! (プレバト!!).
Kaoru Mitsumune Autograph Session
| Date | August 30 (Sun), 1:00 PM / 2:30 PM / 4:00 PM (25 guests per session) |
| Venue | 9F, event space beside the gallery |
During the run of August 26 (Wed) through 29 (Sat), guests who spend ¥10,000 or more (tax included) at the 9F Art Stage — including on the art book Semi Ningen — will receive a numbered ticket granting entry to the autograph session, for the first 75 guests.
