The "Demon Slayer" exhibit from a noob's point of view

To be honest, before attending the launch of the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition,” I knew next to nothing about manga or anime. But the launch gave me a deeper appreciation for the franchise.

Assigned to be one of many ushers for the exhibit’s media launch, I arrived bright and early at the new Gateway Mall 2 on August 2. After changing into my uniform — a black Pulp Spaces+ tee — in the designated staff holding area, I hurried back downstairs to the mall’s atrium, where the media launch was to take place.

I was tickled pink when I saw huge inflatables of Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado — the brother-sister duo whose struggles are central to the franchise’s story — guarding the entrance to the venue.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte gamely strikes a pose at the Sun Breathing photo spot.

Before I go on, let me give you a quick introduction to the world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. This series, created by Koyoharu Gotouge, was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Sh?nen Jump magazine from February 2016 to May 2020, later being compiled into 23 volumes. Its immense popularity led to its adaptation into an anime series by Ufotable, which premiered in April 2019.

Set in Taish?-era Japan, the series follows Tanjiro, a compassionate boy whose life is shattered when demons slaughter his family, leaving only his sister, who was turned into a demon. Driven to cure her and protect others, Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer, retaining empathy even for demons who were once human. Nezuko, Tanjiro’s younger sister, struggles to maintain her humanity while embracing her demonic powers, a conflict that adds depth to her character and makes her one of the most beloved figures in the series. That’s why I wasn’t surprised to see so many cosplayers dressed like her and other Demon Slayer characters at the media launch.

The festivities kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the mall’s atrium, attended by the Pulp Live World family. This included Philippines Yearbook chairman Grace Glory Go, Pulp Group chairman Vernon Go, and Pulp Group CEO Happee Sy-Go. They were joined onstage by their son Winter and daughter London.

Also in attendance were Dymas Novalovianto, business project nanager of Muse, Rowell Recinto, senior consultant of the Araneta Group, and Melwin Tan, COO of ACO Media. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte also turned up, and she even toured the exhibit with the Go family after the ceremony.

The media toured the exhibit and posed for photos with standees of the Demon Slayer cast.

Meanwhile, I went back up to the exhibit floor, where I was assigned to hand out certificates to people who showed me screenshots confirming they successfully completed the mini game that was part of the exhibit experience. But I did get a chance to walk around and take everything in during my break — and believe me when I say there was a lot to take in, especially for someone new to the world of demon slaying.

From a noob’s point of view, the best thing about the exhibit is that it was both aesthetically pleasing and informative. I had no trouble following along because the displays taught me all I needed to know. I particularly enjoyed the detailed recreations of the wisteria-adorned site of the Final Selection, the possessed train from the Mugen Train movie, and the vibrant setup that brought the Entertainment District arc to life.

The media launch was held on August 2 for invited guests and members of the press.

The exhibit also boasts interactive elements, like a small classroom inspired by the Kimetsu Academy spinoff series and a photo spot where fans could pretend that they’re using Tanjiro’s Water Breathing technique. Fans weren’t allowed to take photos of every single display, but life-size standees and photo spots were set up at strategic points throughout the exhibit.

I loved seeing fans’ reactions to the exclusive artwork by the creative team behind the anime. Some of them actually cried because seeing something that meant so much to them in person was so overwhelming. They couldn’t take photos of the artwork, but they could take home a piece of the exhibit by buying themed merchandise, including Philippine-exclusive items like postcards featuring elite Demon Slayer Corps member Tengen Uzui on a jeepney and Nezuko enjoying halo-halo.

If you want to see the exhibit with your own eyes — and I suggest you do because the displays are so cool that words just can’t do them justice — tickets can be purchased at the entrance and through various outlets, including Pulp Tickets.

“The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition” runs from August 3 to October 27, with general admission tickets available now. Adult tickets are priced at P940 for single admission, while children’s tickets, for fans aged 4 to 12, are available for P590. Admission is free for children three years old and under.

Special packages have been available since June 15 and will continue to be available while supplies last. Collection Package A, priced at P1,490, includes a single-admission ticket and a limited-edition metal bookmark, offering a total package value of P1,580. Collection Package B, priced at P1,280, includes a single-admission ticket and a Demon Slayer character ID card, valued at P1,380. All prices are inclusive of ticketing charges.

Now, excuse me while I resume my Demon Slayer marathon on Netflix. I’m already halfway through season three! — Julian Mauricio