The Heaven Official’s Blessing Anime Exhibit Arrives in Japan! Preview Event Attended by Jun Fukuyama (Hua Cheng)

Heaven Official’s Blessing is a sweeping and beautifully told Chinese fantasy epic by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The original novel was serialized online from 2017 to 2018. The anime adaptation premiered in China in 2020 and became a phenomenal hit, surpassing 700 million views. When it began airing in Japan in 2021, the series drew attention here too, enchanting viewers with its intricate storytelling, emotional depth, and the mysterious beauty of its fantasy world, sparking a passionate following.

Now, the large-scale exhibition first held in Shanghai, China in 2024 to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the anime’s release has finally made its way to Japan! Heaven Official’s Blessing Anime Exhibit: Flowing Light of Heaven and Earth is now being held at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse through Monday, January 12, 2026.

The exhibition showcases a wealth of rare and precious key animation artwork, offering fans the chance to fully immerse themselves in the epic story and breathtaking beauty of Heaven Official’s Blessing. Read on for a photo report from the special preview held ahead of the opening, which was attended by Jun Fukuyama, the Japanese voice of Hua Cheng, along with a look at the atmosphere inside the venue.

Plus, shop for merch and more from series by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu here!

Jun Fukuyama's Preview Report

Jun Fukuyama attended the preview event, where he shared that if he became too conscious of Hua Cheng’s overwhelming handsomeness, he would feel pressured and unable to perform at his best. For that reason, he explained, he tries not to dwell on it too much when acting.

That said, on this day Fukuyama appeared in unmistakable Hua Cheng style, wearing a red tie inspired by the character’s signature color. With Christmas just around the corner, his festive yet elegant outfit perfectly suited the season. We asked him to share his thoughts on experiencing the exhibition ahead of its official opening.

——First of all, how do you feel about the “Heaven Official’s Blessing Anime Exhibit: Flowing Light of Heaven and Earth” being held?

Hua Cheng Japanese Dub Actor Jun Fukuyama (Hereafter Fukuyama): 

I first encountered Heaven Official’s Blessing when I became involved with the Japanese dub. One of the things that stood out to me was how carefully the passage of time between Xie Lian and Hua Cheng is portrayed, and that made the acting process very enjoyable. When the second season was announced, I found myself genuinely looking forward to seeing what kind of moments would be depicted next. The response to the series has been overwhelmingly positive, so I’m very happy that an exhibition like this is now being held in Japan. It’s a place where fans of the original novel and fans of the anime can come together and share the same world, even across borders. I’m really looking forward to hearing everyone’s impressions.

——What did you think when you got to see the exhibition?

Fukuyama: Of course, the key animation art alone makes it worth seeing, but what really impressed me was how thoughtfully everything was put together. The displays are visually beautiful, and at the same time they clearly explain the setting of the Three Realms. They also help fill in elements that can feel almost too vast to fully grasp just from watching the anime. You can really sense how much care went into creating an experience that would genuinely entertain fans, even within a limited space. And above all, considering the sheer volume of materials available, I was struck by how much effort must have gone into selecting exactly what to exhibit.

——Was there any particular part of the exhibition that stood out to you or that you would especially recommend?

Fukuyama: Since I’m involved in the Japanese dub, I would definitely recommend the key animation displays for each character. Being able to see the original drawings, as well as the correction notes and instructions from the animation directors, made it a very worthwhile experience. Also, toward the end of the exhibition there was a section with picture scrolls, where multiple scenes were arranged across a single long horizontal image. I found myself stopping there and really taking my time looking through it.

——Your performance as San Lang transforming into Hua Cheng was fantastic. Were there any challenges in portraying the different sides of the character?

Fukuyama: Thank you very much. When recording, I always build a character by combining my own interpretation with the director’s guidance. At first, I approached Hua Cheng as a more mature presence, so the shift from San Lang would be easy to understand. However, I was then advised not to rely too much on physical changes, and instead to focus on the internal, mental aspects of the character. Even after becoming Hua Cheng, I made a conscious effort to keep the gentleness that San Lang shows only in front of Xie Lian. From there, the idea naturally came that Xie Lian is someone special, set apart from everyone else. Because of that, I didn’t feel it was particularly difficult to portray the different versions of the character.

——Hua Cheng goes so soft and gooey around Xie Lian, doesn't he?

Fukuyama: He really does. You start to get suspicious that literally everything he does is just to get closer to Xie Lian, to make contact with him in some way. (Laughs)

——A new short film will be screened at the exhibition, with different versions shown in the first and second halves of the run. How did it feel to voice Hua Cheng again after some time away?

Fukuyama: As a voice actor, it was simply a lot of fun to be able to lend my voice to such beautiful visuals again. Hua Cheng’s portrayal is very much influenced by the imagery itself, so I was genuinely happy to have the opportunity to step back into the role. The short film also shows sides of the story we haven’t seen before. You find yourself thinking, 'Oh, so that’s what was happening behind the scenes.' It’s extremely satisfying to watch. Honestly, it’s so substantial that it doesn’t really feel like a 'short' film at all, and I think viewers will be more than satisfied. Since the content changes between the first and second halves of the exhibition, I think there’s real enjoyment in coming back to see it more than once.

——Fans will definitely feel like they have to visit twice! Is there a particular scene you’d especially like them to pay attention to?

Fukuyama: I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll keep it vague, but personally, I really like a scene in the first half where I speak as San Lang. Xie Lian’s response in that moment is one of my favorite lines. I actually haven’t had many chances to voice San Lang in recent years, but when we recorded this, slipping back into that rhythm felt surprisingly natural. That made the scene especially memorable for me, so I hope fans will enjoy it as well.

——How do you feel about the enthusiasm surrounding Heaven Official’s Blessing in Japan?

Fukuyama: I’ve been a voice actor for many years now, but the passion people have for Heaven Official’s Blessing really stands out to me. What feels different is how directly fans share their feelings. Of course, I may hear things like, 'I’m watching it,' or 'It was interesting,' or 'it was good,' but with this work, people tell me very clearly that they love it. I even once heard from someone I’d worked with that their daughter started learning Chinese because of this series, and is now reading the original novel in the language she studied. It’s rare for people to open up to me like that about a piece of work, so it really makes me feel just how deep and strong everyone’s affection for Heaven Official’s Blessing is.

——Were there any items in the merchandise corner that you recommend?

Fukuyama: One item I’d definitely recommend is the glitter acrylic art board, which features artwork created specifically for the Japanese exhibit. The colors are really beautiful, and when you look at it up close, it has a subtle three-dimensional effect. It’s one of those pieces that feels even more impressive in person than it does in photos.

The bookends and the acrylic stand diorama made up of four separate pieces are also great. You can display the bookends on their own like regular acrylic stands, but if you place two or three books between them, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng end up standing together without being separated. How you display them is completely up to you, so you can even mischievously play around with the distance between the two. When you see that design, you just know whoever came up with it did it on purpose. (Laughs)

——Lastly, do you have a message for fans who will be visiting the exhibition?

Fukuyama: There are plenty of things you’ll be able to see here for the very first time, including the Japanese dub of the short film, as well as valuable concept materials and key animation art. There’s also a wide selection of merchandise available, so it’s an exhibition you can really enjoy from start to finish. I hope everyone will come and experience it for themselves!

Heaven Official’s Blessing Anime Exhibit: Flowing Light of Heaven and Earth Photo Report

The moment you step into the venue, you’re greeted by a special illustration created exclusively to commemorate the exhibition’s opening in Japan. The artwork is signed by Jun Fukuyama himself, who joked that he "managed to sign it before anyone else got to see it."

Beyond that, the exhibition opens with a display introducing the world of Heaven Official’s Blessing. From the Heavenly Capital and Yu Jun Mountain to Xianle Kingdom, the setting, character relationships, and detailed concept materials immediately pull you into the world of Heaven Official’s Blessing.

Moving further inside, you’ll find a lineup of key animation art from some of the anime’s most memorable scenes. Following the flow of the story, you can relive iconic moments and famous lines. Alongside these are original character drawings personally selected by the chief animation director, each one brimming with charm and expression. It’s the kind of area where you’ll find yourself lingering, completely losing track of time.

And then comes the undeniable centerpiece of the exhibition: a full reproduction of “The Crown Prince Who Pleased the Gods.” Depicting Xie Lian during his time as the Crown Prince of Xianle, the painting commands attention the moment it comes into view. This is a must-see highlight: one that fans will want to take in slowly and etch into their memories.

Photo spots are set up throughout the exhibition, giving visitors plenty of chances to snap pictures along the way. You can pose with your favorite merchandise or simply capture the moment, enjoying commemorative photos in whatever style suits you best.

After passing through the special video area, where a brand-new short film is being screened in Japanese for the first time in Japan, you arrive at a picture scroll exhibit that Fukuyama also spoke very highly of. The scroll unfolds in a dynamic, flowing composition, while the stunning artwork depicting the "Four Famous Tales" and the "Four Great Calamities" is truly unmissable.

Translated from the original article here.

Heaven Official’s Blessing Anime Exhibit: Flowing Light of Heaven and Earth (Kanagawa Venue) Info

When: December 14 2025–January 12 2026 *Closed on 1/1 and 1/2
Where: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse No. 1, 2F Space
Hours: 11AM–6PM
*Closes at 5PM on the last day.
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

New Short Movie (Japanese Dub) Screening Schedule
12/14/2025–12/27/202: Part 1 - The Crown Prince Who Pleased the Gods/Striking Glance
12/28/2025–1/12/2026: Part 2 - Sleuthing in Ghost City/Lantern Festival
*Please note that the screening content will change between the first and second halves of the event.
　
See here for details.
　
©HOBPC