Entering the Enchanted World of LABUBU: THE MONSTERS Celebrate 10 Years in Tokyo
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MONSTERS BY MONSTERS: NOW AND THEN
Azabudai Hills Gallery, Tokyo | 11 June – 5 July 2026
Few designer toy characters have achieved the global cultural resonance of LABUBU. Created by artist Kasing Lung, the mischievous creature with its unmistakable grin has evolved from a storybook character into one of the most recognizable icons of contemporary pop culture. This summer, Tokyo welcomes the latest stop of the global anniversary tour celebrating ten years of THE MONSTERS with MONSTERS BY MONSTERS: NOW AND THEN at Azabudai Hills Gallery.
Following acclaimed presentations in Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Paris, the Tokyo edition expands the exhibition with newly commissioned artworks and exclusive experiences created specifically for Japan. More than a retrospective, the exhibition offers an immersive journey into the imaginative universe that has captivated collectors and fans around the world.
At the heart of THE MONSTERS lies a trilogy of illustrated stories inspired by Nordic folklore and fairy tales that Kasing Lung encountered during his childhood in the Netherlands. The exhibition transforms these narratives into a physical environment, inviting visitors to step inside a magical forest inhabited by LABUBU and its companions.
One of the exhibition's highlights is the world-premiere immersive theater experience based on The Story of Puca. Through five-sided projection mapping, surround sound, and narration by acclaimed Japanese voice actor Natsuki Hanae, visitors are transported into a dreamlike narrative that explores the importance of cherishing the present moment. Originally published as part of the limited-edition THE MONSTERS Trilogy nearly a decade ago, the story is presented here in animated form for the first time.
Beyond the immersive theater, visitors encounter a series of experiential installations ranging from a photogenic plush house filled with LABUBU characters to a fantastical mirror room. Sketches, paintings, sculptures, and archival materials reveal Kasing Lung's creative process, offering insight into how the artist's distinctive visual language has evolved over the years.
For the Tokyo presentation, Kasing Lung has also created a special new artwork featuring LABUBU arriving in Japan among iconic symbols such as Mount Fuji and Tokyo Tower. The colorful illustration serves as a commemorative image for the exhibition and appears across limited-edition merchandise available exclusively during the event.
The experience extends beyond the gallery walls. Throughout Azabudai Hills, visitors will encounter installations featuring characters from THE MONSTERS universe. A monumental six-meter-tall KINGMON sculpture, created specially for the Tokyo exhibition, stands outdoors as one of the most striking landmarks of the celebration.
Meanwhile, windows, pathways, and public spaces throughout the complex become inhabited by LABUBU and friends, transforming the district into an extension of Kasing Lung's fantastical world.
A themed collaboration café further immerses visitors in the narrative, offering dishes and desserts inspired by characters including LABUBU, ZIMOMO, and MOKOKO. From forest-inspired cream curry to character-themed desserts and drinks, the culinary experience adds another layer to the exhibition's playful atmosphere.
Ahead of the public opening, actress and model Tsubasa Honda and flutist-model Cocomi attended the exhibition preview, joining fellow guests in exploring the immersive installations and artistic environments. Their presence reflected the growing influence of LABUBU beyond the worlds of toys and collecting, highlighting the character's place within contemporary fashion, entertainment, and youth culture.
From Left: COCOMI, KASING LUNG, TSUBASA HONDA
As designer toys continue to occupy an increasingly important position within the contemporary cultural landscape, MONSTERS BY MONSTERS: NOW AND THEN demonstrates how character-based storytelling can evolve into a multidisciplinary artistic experience. More than a celebration of a beloved figure, the exhibition offers a reflection on imagination, memory, and the enduring appeal of worlds that invite audiences to believe in magic once again.
THE MONSTERS 10th Anniversary Exhibition Tokyo:
MONSTERS BY MONSTERS: NOW AND THEN
Azabudai Hills Gallery, Tokyo11 June – 5 July 2026