Christie's Pioneers Anime and Manga Auction: Bridging Tradition and Modernity

Christie’s auction house is set to host its first-ever sale dedicated to anime and manga collectibles, titled "Anime Starts Here: Japanese Subculture Imagines Tradition." This event will take place online from March 18 to March 31, 2026, during Asia Week New York. The sale aims to create a curated dialogue between Japan’s classical artistic heritage and contemporary subcultural movements, featuring a diverse range of items from historical woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai to original drawings from iconic series like "Sailor Moon" by Ito Ikuko. A notable highlight includes an original drawing by Tezuka Osamu for "Princess Knight," estimated between $12,000 and $22,000, reflecting the growing market for such collectibles.

New York Observer

Experts and collectors increasingly recognize manga and anime as significant cultural products and legitimate art forms. Takaaki Murakami, a specialist in Christie’s Asian department, emphasizes that these mediums are now seen as serious art rather than mere entertainment. Historical context reveals that works like Tezuka's "Astro Boy" and Miyazaki's "Nausicaä" have mirrored societal sentiments throughout Japan's modernization. Murakami notes, “Each era has its spokesperson. These works express how people feel about the society they live in,” highlighting the deep connections between contemporary narratives and Japan's artistic traditions.

New York Observer

The criteria for collecting manga and anime closely mirror those for traditional art, focusing on quality, rarity, and provenance. Murakami indicates that many items in the upcoming sale come from established Japanese collectors, with condition playing a crucial role in determining market value. The demographic of bidders is expected to skew younger, reflecting a shift as Millennials and Gen Z collectors engage more seriously with these mediums. The global anime market was valued at approximately $37.7 billion in 2025, with projections exceeding $77 billion by 2033, while the manga market is estimated to grow from $10.2 billion in 2025 to over $43.8 billion by 2033.

New York Observer

Manga and anime have transcended their origins, influencing global culture and reshaping perceptions of art. Murakami points out that the visual clarity and strong character focus of these mediums allow for immediate emotional engagement, while their cultural specificity resonates with universal themes. This duality enables manga and anime to serve as contemporary myths, exploring existential questions akin to ancient fables.

New York Observer

Christie’s has positioned this auction as a significant step in recognizing the cultural importance of anime and manga. Murakami states, “What’s exciting is how contemporary manga and anime both inherit and reshape this tradition,” underscoring the dynamic interplay between Japan's artistic heritage and modern expressions.

New York Observer

• “People today see manga and anime as serious art—not just entertainment,” — Takaaki Murakami, Christie’s Asian department specialist.

New York Observer

• “Each era has its spokesperson. These works express how people feel about the society they live in,” — Takaaki Murakami, Christie’s Asian department specialist.

New York Observer

• “What’s exciting is how contemporary manga and anime both inherit and reshape this tradition.” — Takaaki Murakami, Christie’s Asian department specialist.

New York Observer