Nintendo Announces 'The Shape of Mother' Clay Figure Exhibit for EarthBound and Mother Fans

Nintendo Celebrates EarthBound and Mother Legacy with 'The Shape of Mother' Clay Figure Exhibit For decades, EarthBound (known as Mother 2 in Japan) and its predecessor, Mother, have stood out in Nintendo’s RPG lineup not only for their quirky stories and gameplay but also for their unique artistic legacy.

One of the most enduring aspects of the series is its collection of in-game character sprites, which were originally based on clay models handcrafted for the games.

These clay figures have become iconic through their use in marketing and have played a pivotal role in defining the visual identity of the Mother series across all three titles. In a special announcement, Nintendo has revealed that these legendary clay figures will be showcased in a public exhibition titled “The Shape of Mother.” The event promises to display all 180 original clay models created for Mother and EarthBound.

Fans will have the rare opportunity to view these significant pieces of video game history in person at the Shibuya Parco mall in Tokyo, Japan, on the 8th floor.

“The Shape of Mother” exhibition is scheduled to run for three days, from Friday, July 25th, 2025, through Sunday, July 27th, 2025. Reservation Details and Visiting Information Reservations for the event will be available exclusively through the official website beginning July 1st, 2025, at 11 a.m.

JST.

To apply, attendees must have a Hobonichi Store account, and it is important to note that reservations are limited to residents of Japan.

The Shibuya Parco mall, already renowned among gaming fans for housing the Nintendo Tokyo Store, The Jump Shop, Pokémon Center, and Capcom Store, is a hub for pop culture and gaming events.

Due to the mall’s popularity and high foot traffic, the organizers recommend selecting earlier time slots when reserving attendance.

While general admission is free, organizers may issue numbered tickets during periods of high demand to ensure crowd control. A Rare Behind-the-Scenes Opportunity for Mother Fans For many longtime fans of EarthBound and Mother, the chance to see these iconic clay models—pivotal to the games’ original marketing and artistic direction—is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Although these figures have often been featured in promotional materials, few have ever been displayed to the public at this scale.

Nintendo’s decision to bring these creative artifacts out of the archives is a testament to the enduring passion and nostalgia surrounding the Mother series.

Whether you’re a dedicated follower of the franchise or an enthusiast of Nintendo history, 'The Shape of Mother' offers a unique glimpse into the creative process and legacy behind two of gaming’s most beloved titles.

For more details, be sure to monitor the official event site and prepare your reservation if you’re able to attend this exclusive Tokyo event.

Nintendo EarthBound Tokyo Shibuya Mother Hobonichi Store Shibuya Parco Nintendo Tokyo Store The Jump Shop Pokémon Center Capcom Store