An exhibition centered on newly created “Yebisu bijinga” illustrations by manga artist Ai Yazawa will open in Japan under the title “Celebrating New Beginnings: The Yebisu Bijinga Exhibition.” The exhibition will be held at YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO in Ebisu from March 4 to April 13, 2026, and at ONE FUKUOKA BUILDING in Fukuoka from March 19 to March 29. The project is presented as a collaborative initiative between Yazawa and Yebisu Beer, developed by Sapporo Breweries.

©Yazawa Manga Seisakusho/SHUEISHA | photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE

At the heart of the exhibition are two bijinga works newly drawn by Yazawa for the project: “Aya – Scene I” and “Aya – Scene II.” These works reinterpret the tradition of bijinga—the “beautiful woman” imagery long associated with Japanese beer advertising culture—through Yazawa’s distinctive contemporary perspective.

©Yazawa Manga Seisakusho/SHUEISHA | photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE

©Yazawa Manga Seisakusho/SHUEISHA | photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE


The exhibition presents the artworks as large-scale graphics measuring approximately 3.5 meters in height, accompanied by materials exploring their creative background and narrative context. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the world of Yazawa’s female protagonists through an environment that expands the illustrations into spatial experience. An interactive installation will also allow visitors to contribute their own stories of “new beginnings,” gradually forming a collective artwork over the course of the exhibition.

©Yazawa Manga Seisakusho/SHUEISHA | photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE


For this project, the creative concept centers on a confident woman in her thirties working in Tokyo—curious, independent, and ready to step into a new chapter of life. While she carries determination and inner strength, the character also reflects the subtle uncertainties and emotional nuances that accompany moments of transition.

Drawing on this concept, Yazawa created the central character Aya, who embodies this modern image of womanhood. Though modest in demeanor, she possesses strong inner passion and approaches her work with sincerity and dedication.

©Yazawa Manga Seisakusho/SHUEISHA | photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE


Her styling also carries symbolic meaning. Aya wears a patterned jacket that subtly incorporates the “Tsuru-kashiwa” crest, a traditional emblem associated with the deity Ebisu. The motif—often depicted as stylized ivy leaves—is historically linked to Ebisu iconography and appears here as a discreet reference to the beer’s heritage. She also carries a tote bag marked with a small monogram, further weaving visual details of the brand’s story into the character’s appearance.

©Yazawa Manga Seisakusho/SHUEISHA | photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE


Set against a scene of drifting cherry blossom petals, Aya walks forward with quiet determination. The imagery evokes the moment of stepping into a new stage of life—a symbolic expression of the season of beginnings.

©Yazawa Manga Seisakusho/SHUEISHA | photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE


At the Tokyo venue, visitors will also be able to experience a limited-edition original beer titled “Irodori no Makuake” (“The Opening of Color”), developed with inspiration from Yazawa’s bijinga illustrations. Brewed as a spice ale using Japanese sansho and Sichuan pepper, the beer offers a bright aromatic profile and a subtle stimulating finish, complementing the visual atmosphere of the exhibition.

©Yazawa Manga Seisakusho/SHUEISHA | photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE


Original merchandise featuring Yazawa’s newly drawn designs—including T-shirts, notebooks, and clear files—will also be available. By bringing together Yebisu Beer’s historic bijinga motif with contemporary pop culture, the exhibition offers a cultural interpretation of the season of new beginnings.

©Yazawa Manga Seisakusho/SHUEISHA | photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE