Panini Comics, COAMIX Inc., and Animeimport delivered a remarkable blend of cultures to Italy last week. The renowned mangaka of *Fist of the North Star* (*Hakuto no Ken*), Tetsuo Hara-sensei, hosted a unique exhibit at Lucca Comics & Games 2025. This was the inaugural occasion for a Japanese publisher to have its own spaces at Lucca Comics & Games. Furthermore, it was the first global exhibition solely dedicated to Hara’s principal series. The exhibit ran for a week at the Church of Santa Annunziata dei Servi in Lucca, from October 25th to November 2nd, 2025. CGMagazine’s Dayna Eileen also took the opportunity to have a brief conversation with the legendary Hara-sensei himself.

Even individuals who do not usually watch anime are familiar with the phrase, “Omae wa mou shindieru. Nani?!” This could only be attributed to Hara-sensei. Attendees of Lucca Comics & Games 2025 were thrilled to experience his original creations outside of Japan for the first occasion! This special exhibit showcased a work from Hara-sensei that honors the bond between his narrative universe and the Italian audience.

Hara-sensei expressed that he was “very impressed by the execution and how beautiful it looks.” However, what left the greatest impression on him was “the images of people attending [the Lucca Comics & Games exhibit] and being delighted to see [his] work.” He remarked how *Fist of the North Star* feels like his “child” that has grown up, and he can now observe from afar how profoundly it has affected the lives of many.

In light of his much-anticipated presence at Lucca Comics & Games 2025, master Hara-sensei’s artwork was titled The Savior in the Arena. This magnificent oil painting (approximately 70 x 60 cm) combines the iconic strength of *Fist of the North Star* hero Kenshiro with elements from the grand Italian artistic legacy: painting, sculpture, classical architecture, and iconographic symbolism. At the heart of the scene, Kenshiro looms large in an amphitheater, enveloped by red banners and illuminated by a heavenly light, grasping the helmet of his recently vanquished foe. This image is rich in meaning, each aspect the result of extensive research into Italian historical references.

Hara-sensei shared how “it’s remarkable to witness fathers explaining to their sons [about] *Hakuto no Ken*—[conveying] the values, respect, and themes of sacrifice. I observed a father narrating the demise of Rei to his son. It’s astounding.” When queried about witnessing younger generations engaging with *Fist of the North Star*, he reflected on how he has recently revisited and “re-read” his creations. He mentioned that the series has been frequently discussed among younger audiences due to its 35th anniversary and is mainly referenced by those who grew up during that time. Yet in Japan, there are still devoted fans of the iconic manga/anime.

“Last year, I found myself going back through my works again, and they seem quite dated.” He continued, expressing concern that the older style might not resonate with today’s audiences. Hara-sensei was also “surprised” to hear numerous YouTubers and influencers express similar sentiments about his works. “From this point forward, I am eager to concentrate on painting.”

This artwork will be the focal point of the monographic exhibition Tetsuo Hara: Like a bolt from the blue, the first exhibition globally solely devoted to Tetsuo Hara’s primary series, set in the exquisite Renaissance ambiance of the Church of Santa Annunziata dei Servi in Lucca, from October 25th to November 2, 2025. Moreover, visitors to Lucca Comics & Games 2025 can marvel at over 100 original paintings and manga panels, providing an unparalleled insight into Hara-sensei’s artistic and narrative growth. Today marks the final chance to view it; check times on the official [website](https://lucca2025.luccacomicsandgames.com/it/mostre/exhibition-2).