Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
Manga Voices for Human Rights: 10 stories told by manga artists
United Nations
Step into a world where manga meets human rights, highlighting everyday heroes who combat injustice.
Recorded video available
Exhibition
- human rights
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Not provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.05.01[Thu]
2025.05.12[Mon]
09:30 ～ 21:00
(Venue Open 09:30)
-
- Venue
- Pavilion
- UN Pavilion
Programme details
UN Human Rights and the Kyoto International Manga Museum present this unique exhibition featuring the work of ten manga artists, each using visual storytelling to explore different facets of human rights and the universal values that unite us.
Each piece highlights some of the many human rights themes — from fighting racial discrimination and stereotypes to gender equality — while celebrating the strength and dignity of everyday heroes.
Visitors to the exhibit will encounter striking stories that challenge stereotypes, confront injustice and elevate voices often left unheard. The exhibit’s themes and artists include:
1. Non-Discrimination Stereotypes – Artist: Fumiyo Kouno
2. Non-Discrimination Color or Race – Artist: Rene Hoshino
3. Minority Group Status – Artist: Daisaku Tsuru
4. Gender Equality – Artist: Akane Torikai
5. Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Artist: Yuka Nishioka
6. Human Rights in the Digital Sphere – Artist: Youngchan
7. Freedom of Thought and Expression – Artist: Kotobuki Shiriagari
8. Right to Life – Artist: Keiko Takemiya
9. Right to a Healthy Environment – Artist: Machiko Kyo
10. Right to a Free and Fair World – Artist: Akira Saso
Reports
【Reflection】
UN Human Rights and the Kyoto International Manga Museum introduced Manga Voices for Human Rights: 10 Human Rights Stories Told by Manga Artists, an exhibition at the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, that blended the universal language of manga with the global mission of human rights. Through the work of ten acclaimed manga artists, the exhibition invited visitors to step into a world where human rights come to life through visual storytelling. Each piece highlighted key human rights themes — from combating racial discrimination and stereotypes to promoting gender equality — while celebrating the strength and dignity of everyday heroes.
The initiative underscored the effective fusion of art and human rights advocacy, with the manga exhibition and accompanying panel discussion serving as powerful tools for public engagement, particularly among youth. Manga emerged as a compelling medium for human rights education, resonating emotionally with diverse audiences and drawing strong media attention from leading newspapers and digital media outlets in Japan.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
To enable more people to view the exhibition, it travelled to the Kyoto International Manga Museum and the Kyoto Human Rights Research Institute after the Expo. At each venue, many visitors were able to experience the importance of human rights through the works, providing an opportunity to share common values across generations and backgrounds.
We hope the exhibition will continue to travel throughout Japan and eventually worldwide, sharing these important stories more broadly. Through this initiative, we aim to expand the circle of people reflecting on human rights and to encourage international dialogue that fosters respect for diversity.
Co-organiser
UN Human Rights
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
Manga Voices for Human Rights: 10 stories told by manga artists
Step into a world where manga meets human rights, highlighting everyday heroes who combat injustice.
-
2025.05.01[Thu]
09:30～21:00
(Venue Open 09:30)
- Pavilion
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
OTHER PROGRAM
Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
