From October 31 to December 20, 2026, the Azabudai Hills Gallery is hosting an exhibition commemorating the 10th anniversary of the founding of Kojima Productions, Inc.“KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS 10th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION BEYOND THE STRAND: A Journey of Creation and Challenge” is currently on view.
On display are never-before-seen materials and production process details for *DEATH STRANDING* (hereinafter “Death Stranding”) and *DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH* (hereinafter “Death Stranding 2”), as well as character statues and props from the upcoming titles *OD - KNOCK* and *PHYSINT*, currently in development.
There are also plenty of exhibits exclusive to this event, such as a 360° video installation and displays constantly connected to Kojima Productions.
A media preview was held on October 30, the day before the event opened, so this article provides a report on the exhibition.
Looking Back on Kojima Productions’ 10-Year Journey Through a Display of Rare Materials
Upon entering the exhibition hall, visitors are greeted by a large Kojima Productions logo and the “Ludens Statue.” Video messages from the cast and materials related to Ludens by Yoji Shinkawa are also on display.
Moving further in to the main hall, panels chronicling Kojima Productions’ 10-year history are displayed on the walls; just seeing their length alone made you feel the weight of those 10 years.
Opposite the history panels, you’ll find overviews and key art for *Death Stranding* and *Death Stranding 2*, as well as statues like the “Metal Gear REX” and trophies won over the years.
The venue was divided into three main areas. In the “FIRST PHASE” area, exhibits covered the period from the founding of Kojima Productions to the birth of *Death Stranding*, and also featured a book report on Kobo Abe’s *The Rope* that Director Kojima wrote during his high school days.
In addition to props used in production and character designs by Yoji Shinkawa, there were also numerous videos showcasing the production process, including filming.
Also on display were the specially designed PS4 Pro released to coincide with the launch of *Death Stranding*, as well as bonus items from the Collector’s Edition; as someone who played the game when it first came out, I felt a wave of nostalgia as I reminisced about those days.
Additionally, through Yōji Shinkawa’s original artwork and early concepts, visitors could see how the designs were translated into the game, allowing them to appreciate the level of detail and the process leading up to the final versions.
In the “SECOND PHASE” area, there were many exhibits showcasing the development of *Death Stranding 2* during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as early ending concepts, filming, and location scouting.
This section also compiles valuable materials, such as concepts drawn on paper, allowing you to trace how the sequel came together.
There are plenty of exhibits that will feel familiar to anyone who’s played the game, such as the ability to watch model check footage on large monitors and the display of “Dollman,” your traveling companion.
Albums and records of the music used in *Death Stranding 2* were also on display, making this an area where you could really feel the attention to detail regarding “sound.”
A large three-dimensional statue of “Magellan Man” was also on display in the area. Its sheer presence, physicality, and lifelike quality are truly overwhelming.
At the 360° video installation in the center of the hall, you can enjoy the scenery from *Death Stranding* throughout the entire space. Since the footage changes every few minutes, one of the attractions is that when you finish viewing the exhibit and turn around, a different landscape unfolds before you.
The “THIRD PHASE” area showcases new titles currently in development—such as *OD - KNOCK* and *PHYSINT*—as well as past and future collaborations.
In the area featuring panels and collaboration merchandise related to “DEATH STRANDING ISOLATIONS”—set to stream on Disney+ in 2027—and the feature-length animated film “DEATH STRANDING MOSQUITO,” you can see how Kojima Productions is expanding its reach beyond gaming.
There are also statues inspired by “DEATH STRANDING MOSQUITO” and “OD - KNOCK,” which stand out for their dynamic expressions and intricate detailing.
In the exhibition areas for *PHYSINT* and *OD - KNOCK*, cast introductions, props, and costumes were on display, offering a glimpse into their worlds, which remain shrouded in mystery. The exhibit recreating the door featured in the *OD - KNOCK* trailer includes a special interactive feature, so be sure to check it out.
The merchandise area features a wide variety of original goods for this exhibition, with a selection that’s fun just to browse. It’s especially nice that many of the items are designed to be accessible versions of props from the series.
Additionally, the “Azabudai Hills Gallery Café” near the venue is offering a special collaboration menu to coincide with the exhibition. After viewing the exhibition, it would be nice to relax at the café and savor the lingering atmosphere.
You can also play “DEATH STRANDING ODRADEK: TOKYO PROTOTYPE,” a location-based AR app inspired by the world of *Death Stranding*, exclusively in the area surrounding the exhibition venue, so be sure to give it a try.
“KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS 10th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION BEYOND THE STRAND:A Journey of Creation and Challenge” will be held from Saturday, October 31, 2026, to Sunday, December 20, 2026, at Azabudai Hills Gallery Garden Plaza A MBF.
Please check the official website for details.
© BEYOND THE STRAND Committee © KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Co., Ltd.
Organized by: BEYOND THE STRAND Production Committee
