SKIPCity Irono Kuni Visual Plaza Video Museum in Kawaguchi, Saitama will host the special exhibition "What Is Stop-Motion? — Secrets of Stop-Motion Animation" (コマ撮りってなに？展～ストップモーション・アニメーションの秘密～) from May 2 (Saturday) to September 27 (Sunday), 2026.
Highlights
The exhibition unravels the history of stop-motion animation — a technique dating back to the early days of cinema — while offering an in-depth look at the production process. Visitors can learn about the fascinating techniques and true essence of this remarkable art form through a variety of engaging displays.
Exhibition Content
History
120 Years of Evolution
Rare puppets and archival footage spanning the decades trace the evolution and rich history of stop-motion animation.
Materials
Imagination and Ideas
The exhibition highlights the surprising range of materials that stop-motion artists bring to life through creative thinking and free-spirited ideas.
In cooperation with: Animation Department, Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts
Puppets
Mechanisms and Structure
What is actually inside a stop-motion puppet? This section takes a close look at the internal mechanisms and construction of the figures used in animation.
Sets
Behind the Intricate World
Beyond the camera frame lies an entire world of craftsmanship. This section showcases the detailed sets, props, and tools that bring stop-motion scenes to life.
In cooperation with: Magari Juku
Devices
The Magic of Analog: 3D Zoetrope
When a strobe light flashes onto a rotating sculptural device, the objects inside appear to spring into motion — an eye-catching illusion that visitors can experience firsthand.
Works and Worlds
The Work of Professionals
Every creator has their own approach. This section lets visitors immerse themselves in the distinctive worlds crafted by leading contemporary stop-motion artists in Japan.
Participating Artists (Planned):
Yuichi Ito (I.TOON), Yoshiyuki Inoue (PANTOGRAPH), Tomohiro Okazaki, Tsuneo Goda (Dwarf Studio), Shinobu Soejima, Yasuto Takeuchi (Kirameki), Koji Tsuchiya, Katsufumi Yasuda, Tomoki Misato, Tomoyasu Murata (TMC), Masaaki Mori, Takeshi Yashiro (Taiyo Kikaku Co., Ltd. / TECARAT)
Create
Breathing Life into Each Frame
Visitors can try stop-motion animation for themselves using an iPad and a variety of materials.
Special Workshop: "Clay Comes Alive! Stop-Motion Animation Experience"
A special hands-on workshop is planned, led by clay animator Yuichi Ito — the exhibition's supervisor. Participants will sculpt with clay and use an iPad to create their own stop-motion animation.
Date: May 5, 2026 (Tuesday, Public Holiday)
Instructor: Yuichi Ito (Animation Director)
Details will be announced on the official website: https://www.skipcity.jp/event/vm/komadori/
Exhibition Details
Dates: May 2 – September 27, 2026
Venue: SKIPCity Irono Kuni Visual Plaza Video Museum, Kawaguchi, Saitama
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (if Monday falls on a public holiday, closed the following weekday)
Admission: Adults ¥520 / Elementary and Middle School Students ¥260 (permanent exhibition also included)
Organizer: Saitama Prefecture
Supervisor: Yuichi Ito (Animation Director)
Official Website: https://www.skipcity.jp/event/vm/komadori/
