Chances are, you’ve heard of Naruto, even if you’re not an avid anime fan. The anime, following the titular main character and his adventures in the ninja world, has been a mainstay in the shonen genre ever since it first aired back in 2002 – more than 20 years ago.
The series may have ended its run in 2017, but you’ll get to relive the escapades of Naruto and his ninja companions all over again at USS when Naruto: The Gallery opens on 28th March 2024.
Naruto: The Gallery was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Naruto. This Singapore showing will be its first foray outside Japan, making it extra special for international fans of the beloved anime and manga. The gallery will house installations featuring iconic scenes from the series, as well as an immersive 4D theatre, themed cafe, and official merchandise up for grabs.
Image credit: @manaxayu via Instagram
Running from 28th March to 30th June 2024 at Universal Studios Singapore, Naruto: The Gallery is peppered with various installations that paint a vivid picture of the Naruto universe. It’s basically a homage to the series, packed with callbacks to Naruto’s early years in the Ninja Academy, and the most decisive showdowns in his later years.
Image credit: @koji07178
Expect to see familiar faces including main characters like Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi, plus recreations of locations from the series. Some faithful renditions include the IRL rubble of the infiltrated Five Kage Summit, as well as a sized-down Valley of the End.
Image credit: @mika_tasaka via Instagram
Do stop by the other cool installations that feature memorable stills and panels from the anime and manga. Ogle at scenes from the 4th Great Ninja War, blown up and plastered across entire walls; from the ominous introduction of the 10 Tailed Beast to Sasuke’s heart-wrenching farewell with his brother.
There’s even a diorama of Naruto’s home town, the Hidden Leaf Village, complete with the 4 stone faces of the village’s past leaders.
Image credit: @yukapon0322 via Instagram
We’ve caught wind that there’ll be an immersive 4D theatre set-up that hosts 7-minute screenings of the series’ gripping final battle. Keep an eye out too for videos by 5 different Japanese animators, featuring iconic moments from the series.
Be sure to stop by the Naruto: The Gallery pop-up cafe located in KT’s Grill too. You’ll get to feast on dishes inspired by the series, like Sasuke’s Fire Meatballs and Naruto’s go-to meal, a hearty bowl of Ichiraku Ramen.
What another fan’s haul looked like after their visit to Akibahara’s edition of Naruto: The Gallery.
Image credit: @meguamii via Instagram
Before you head off, bring home a souvenir or two by snagging some official Naruto merch. Up for grabs are trinkets like key chains, tin badges, acrylic stands, and tote bags. You can snap photos with Naruto characters at the themed photo booth too.
Visits to the exhibition are included with each purchase of tickets to USS, which are going for $83/adult and $62/child.
For die-hard Naruto fans, this one’s a must-visit. Naruto: The Gallery is jam packed with the highs and lows of the series, and everything in between, which may just be about enough to fill the void left after the finale back in 2017.
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Cover image adapted from: @koji07178 & @yukapon0322 via Instagram
Originally published on 20th March 2024.
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