July 30-Sept. 11

Perhaps best known for her manga "Helter Skelter," which became even more of a hit after it was adapted for film in 2012, illustrator Kyoko Okazaki focuses her work on the lives of contemporary young women living in major cities.

Unlike typical shōjo manga (comics aimed at teenage girls and young women), Okazaki's illustrations depict the desires and insecurities of women as they face the constant changes of modern capitalistic society's values and expectations. This exhibition of more than 300 works includes original illustrations, blueprints and even some of Okazaki's sketches from when she was in primary school.

Itami City Museum of Art; 2-5-20 Miyamomae, Itami, Hyogo. Itami Stn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥800. Closed Mon. 072-772-7447; www.artmuseum-itami.jp