Girls Band Cry Exhibition Brings the Anime’s Locations into the Real World

One of the latest series in the all-girls band genre of anime is none other than 2024’s Girls Band Cry. Starring the bands Togenashi Togeari and Diamond Dust and their respective members, the series garnered itself a fan base with its story and music. On the heels of Girls Band Cry’s 1 year anniversary, Sunshine City Event Hall A hosted the Girls Band Cry Exhibition. And to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Exhibition, three members of Togenashi Togeari, Rina (voice of Nina Iseri), Yuri (Momoa Kawaragi), Shuri (Rupa), and a special guest appeared to give their thoughts on the Exhibition and memories with the series.

The short Grand Opening opened with an introduction by Togenashi Togeari members Rina, Yuri, and Shuri. The three women were elated to be at the grand opening and thanked Girls Band Cry fans for helping to make the Exhibition come to fruition. When asked about their feelings and thoughts on Girls Band Cry, Rina noted the anime changed her life. Saying, “When the anime was being broadcast, it was of course our first attempt at voice acting, so I had a lot of worries about it being an original anime with no source material.” Rina continued, “But as the story progressed, we received a lot of positive and kind words from our fans, which was encouraging.”

Yuri also expressed similar thoughts. “As Rina-chan said, it’s our first anniversary and was our first time voice acting. And the anime itself is entirely in 3D CG, so before it started, we were worried about what kind of reaction our acting would get,” Yuri stated. “But over the course of a year so many people have been able to watch Girls Band Cry and see its appeal. Which is why we’ve been able to do so many live shows and events,” Yuri further stated.

Shuri noted how she watched Girls Band Cry weekly and was anxious about the reception the series would get. However, she said, “So many people watched it, and thanks to the positive reception we were able to do so many events and hold the Girls Band Cry exhibition. So, I’m really happy, and I really feel like my life has completely changed.”

Regarding the Girls Band Cry Exhibition, Rina, Yuri, and Shuri were positive fans would enjoy it. Noting it’s an exhibition where you can relive the series, both Rina and Shuri gave some hints as to what fans can expect. Notably, there’s a recreation of the opening scene, the dressing room from episode 13, among other memorable locations.

The talk show with the Girls Band Cry cast and Togenashi Togeari members was relatively short but ended with a quick autograph board signing session. The autograph session was cute as the members thought over what they would write. But there was also a little confusion by Rina and Shuri about some kanji. However, the master of ceremonies noted any mistaken kanji adds to the charm of the autograph boards.

With the autograph boards signed, surprise guest Muton, Kawasaki City’s mascot character, appeared at the Girls Band Cry Exhibition Grand Opening. The three women were elated to see Muton, with Shuri likely being the happiest. Saying, “I’m so happy. Apparently Muton was there when we performed at BAYCAMP, but I didn’t get to meet him. So, this is the first time [I’ve met him] and I’ve finally made my wish and dream come true.” Shuri then hugged Muton out of sheer joy.

Following Muton’s appearance, Rina, Yuri, and Shuri thanked the organizers and fans and hoped fans would visit the Girls Band Cry Exhibition.

The Girls Band Cry Exhibition, while on the smaller side, has 11 areas for guests to explore. Each area features pivotal moments or memorable locations within the series. As Rina and Shuri noted, the Shinkansen seen in the opening of the first episode and the dressing room from the thirteenth episode are in the Exhibition. However, astute fans will also notice Subaru Awa’s room and other references to the series throughout the Exhibition.

Two of the more impressive areas in the Exhibition, though, are a room dedicated to memorable quotes from the series with accompanying film and a theater room where you can experience Girls Band Cry on a large screen.

While the Girls Band Cry Exhibition is on the smaller side, it’s something fans of the series won’t want to miss out on. The Exhibition ran at the Sunshine City Event Hall A through April 20 and is currently running in Nagoya until May 25 at the Nagoya Terepia Hall. After that, it will be in Fukuoka between June 27 and July 6 at the Nishitetsu Hall, and Osaka this September (with the location to be determined).

Ticket prices begin at 2,500 yen for an advanced ticket and 2,800 yen for a same day ticket (about US$17.45 and 19.54 respectively). Fans can also purchase a ticket with a Girls Band Cry 3D sticker set for 7,500 yen for an advance ticket or 7,800 yen for a same day ticket (about US$52.35 and 54.44 respectively). All tickets come with a stage pass style sticker
featuring the members of Togenashi Togeari.