The anime franchise Monogatari and the Hololive VTuber unit holoX are teaming up for an interactive exhibition in Tokyo. Titled “X Monogatari -Batsu Monogatari-,” it will run from January 3 to January 22, 2027, at the BEAM Gallery in Shibuya. The first ticket lottery opens on November 25 at 7 p.m. JST through the ticketing service e+.
Alongside the dates, organizers released a key visual drawn specifically for the show by SHAFT, the animation studio behind the Monogatari anime. It features nine Monogatari characters, including Hitagi Senjogahara, Tsubasa Hanekawa and Shinobu Oshino, together with the four holoX members: Laplus Darknesss, Takane Lui, Hakui Koyori and Kazama Iroha. The artwork is built around the letter “X,” which gives the exhibition its name.
What visitors can expect
The exhibition is set in “Dimension X,” an alternate world formed when the universes of the two works merge. According to the announcement, “bugs” appear in both worlds and threaten to make them disappear. Visitors play the role of investigators who search the venue for hidden anomalies and uncover the cause. The story is told through staging, video and audio, and guests use their own smartphones during the experience.
The main attraction is a set of new collaboration illustrations. Hajime Ueda, who has drawn the ending illustrations for the Monogatari anime, will illustrate the holoX members. Nmuri Kusaka, who created holoX’s first key visual, will draw the Monogatari characters. Details of the artwork will be announced later.
Tickets and merchandise
There are two ticket types. A standard ticket (1,100 yen, tax included) covers the opening area, the illustration gallery and the goods area. A special ticket (2,750 yen) grants access to every area through the ending, and includes exclusive merchandise. Details of that bonus are due on November 25.
The first lottery runs from November 25 to December 3, with results on December 8. A second lottery runs December 11 to 16, and general first-come sales begin December 23. Each application can cover up to four tickets. On weekends and holidays through 3 p.m., entry is by 30-minute time slots.
The first merchandise lineup uses the SHAFT key visual and includes a T-shirt (6,600 yen), acrylic stands, acrylic blocks, B2 posters, and randomized can badges and acrylic keychains. Items will be sold at the venue and through an official online store planned for December.
Who is holoX?
holoX (Secret Society holoX) is a four-member unit within the Hololive VTuber agency, known for a darker, mysterious “secret organization” image. Its members are Laplus Darknesss, Takane Lui, Hakui Koyori and Kazama Iroha. The Monogatari franchise, based on the light novels by Nisio Isin, has been adapted into anime by SHAFT since 2009 and is known for its distinctive visual style.
Author’s Comment
Honey, nothing says ‘fan service’ like two fandoms merging into one dimension and a merch table with twelve acrylic stands at 4,400 yen each. I admire the business model, truly. Notice how the cheap ticket gets you the art, but the ‘special’ ticket is the one that gets you the story and the goodies. That’s Japanese event marketing in a nutshell: the entrance fee is a polite suggestion, the gift shop is the main event. Bring a charged phone and a lottery prayer.
