[Hong Kong, September 30, 2021] The much-anticipated “Immersive Journey of Junji Ito” is in full swing this Halloween at The Mills! The Mills has long been an advocate for pioneering novel cultural and learning experiences; and “Immersive Journey of Junji Ito” has seen a remarkable response from the public. Specially set in a physically confined space for maximum visual impact, the exhibit’s furnishing, layout, lighting and 1:1 model displays of the characters all stay true to Ito’s comics. So be prepared to tremble…
The Mills x Junji Ito Exhibition – A Manifestation of The Mills’ Passion for Creativity
Preparation work for “Immersive Journey of Junji Ito” Exhibition was extended more than a year due to Covid-19 and was met with a number of challenges that were eventually overcome thanks to the support The Mills received from Ito’s team. What resulted was an event that brimmed with Ito’s passion for the arts.
Ellie Leung, Marketing Director at The Mills, says, “’Immersive Journey of Junji Ito’ is an all-new experience for The Mills, which sees many visiting families. The Mills hopes to spread Ito-san’s craft of thrillers to the world without forgetting that it’s a fun place for parents and children. That’s why we’ve chosen to host it at The Annex, which, aside from being away from core areas of The Mills, it also looks drastically different from the rest of the building – making it the perfect welcome into Ito-san’s world of terror. Alongside the realistic 1:1 ratio sculptures, the space within The Annex is also physically confined to offer maximum visual impact. Visitors actually feel like they’re stepping into the pages of Ito-san’s horror tales. To extend this spooky experience, we have also debuted The Mills x Junji Ito limited-edition tea towel, symbolic of not only this marriage of Japanese culture and The Mills’ history in textiles, but also of both parties’ dedication to innovation. I hope everyone who walks through the doors of the exhibition will feel the hard work we’ve invested into this project.”
Mega-sized Tomie, plus Soichi, Slug Girl and the Peeper in life-size
The exhibition reveals Ito’s imaginative world of horror with five major stories straight out of his mangas: the bittersweet romantic tale of “The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads”; the humorously dark “Soichi’s Convenient Curse”; the imaginative “Slug Girl”; the egregious violation of privacy inherent in “City without the Road” and the corrupted world of “Tomie’s Haunted House”.
The protagonists in the stories – Soichi, Tomie, Slug Girl and Peeper – have all been transformed into life-sized sculptures. The much-anticipated character, Tomie, is shown as a monster-like 2.4m-tall sculpture inside the haunted house. Don’t miss out on her supersized debut!
Every exhibition space brings one manga scene to life: relish in realistic sculptural remakes in eerily crammed spaces. But beware, there is no escape aside from the official exit and entrance. For more information on the exhibitions, please refer to attachment.
Savour Junji Ito’s Imaginative World of Horror in Detail
Ito’s works are best known for illustrious depictions of human emotions; they are stories that can be interpreted and reinterpreted. Every exhibition hallis home to an introduction panel that poses questions for visitors to ponder.
The exhibition is a one-way journey that weaves between reality and imagination. Stare into the hazy dusk from “The Beautiful Boy at the Crossroads” before traversing through the dark woods in “Soichi’s Convenient Curse”. Catch the details in the damp bathroom from “Slug Girl” and imagine yourself in the supernatural world from “City without the Road”. Finally, escape into the splendid “Tomie’s Haunted House”. Dive into each of his famous stories and right into his spooky imagination; but don’t leave without snapping a selfie at the exhibition’s final stop and become one of the characters in Ito’s masterpieces!
Redeem Limited-Edition Tattoo Stickers of Junji Ito’s famous characters
During the event period from October 1 to 31, visitors who spend HK$500 or more across two transactions can redeem The Mills’ “Immersive Journey of Junji Ito” limited-edition tattoo stickers (a total of 3 per pack). Quantities limited and on a first-come-first-served basis.
Redemption date:
Starting October 1 (while quantities last)
Redemption venue:
G/F Concierge, The Mills
Bring your best scary face with Junji Ito’s characters in The Mills’ Halloween Instagram Photo Challenge
To dial up the spook factor, The Mills brings another Instagram photo challenge with rewards worth up to HK$500! Kids can join in on the spine-chilling fun simply by visiting The Mills in costume from October 9 to 31 and upload the photo with the hashtags #TheMillsHalloween2021 and @themillshk for a chance to win. The top five most creative snaps will take home the gift vouchers worth up to HK$500. Winners will be notified via Instagram two weeks after the contest. Please refer to The Mills’ social media page for the terms and conditions of the Instagram challenges.
Dress up as Junji Ito’s characters this Halloween to double the spooky fun!
Grab Remaining Tickets now before they run out
Only a few tickets are left for the “Immersive Journey of Junji Ito”! Get yours now to see the master’s work up close. Every ticket purchase will come with a complementary The Mills x Junji Ito limited-edition tea towel (not for individual sale). This one-of-a-kind souvenir is symbolic of Junji Ito’s comics and the revered The Mills right here in Hong Kong. Seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take home this collectable that weaves together Hong Kong’s textiles history and Ito’s artistic ingenuity!