Painter supporting quake-hit Kumamoto with manga ‘Kinnikuman’
A local painter in Kumamoto Prefecture is supporting reconstruction efforts after a powerful earthquake last month through collaborative works with the popular manga series ‘Kinnikuman.’
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Painter Kazuyuki Takishita is supporting quake-hit Kumamoto with manga ‘Kinnikuman’ by drawing Kinnikuman and an ogre from Momotaro propping up Kumamoto Castle together. He plans to sell this artwork on T-shirts and reusable shopping bags as charity items.
A painter named Kazuyuki Takishita is helping his hometown of Kumamoto, which was hit by a big earthquake, by drawing pictures of a popular manga character named Kinnikuman. He's selling these pictures on T-shirts and bags to raise money for the town.
Analysis
A Painter's Commitment to His Hometown
Kazuyuki Takishita, a 50-year-old painter, was born in the Kumamoto town of Misato, where the July 28 quake recorded a seismic intensity of upper 6 on the shindo scale. He was working in his studio when the temblor struck, damaging his home and atelier, as well as his stored works. More than 10 pieces were damaged, including those intended for exhibitions, and he had to dispose of some. Despite this, he cleaned up his studio and resumed his activities about a week later.
Collaborative Works with Yudetamago
Takishita is best known for his signature depictions of an ogre from the old Japanese folktale ‘Momotaro.’ He took a liking to drawing in elementary school by reproducing pictures of Kinnikuman, the main character in the series, created by manga artist duo Yudetamago. While supporting recovery efforts following the quake disaster that struck the same prefecture a decade ago, including by holding an exhibition in Tokyo, he became acquainted with Takashi Shimada, one half of Yudetamago. The two quickly got along. In 2024, Takishita and the duo held a collaborative exhibition at Shimada’s suggestion. In April this year, they held a reconstruction-themed exhibition related to the 2016 disaster in the city of Kumamoto. Part of the proceeds from collaboration works and goods, totaling ¥2.9 million, was donated to the city for repairs to Kumamoto Castle.
Supporting Reconstruction Efforts
After the July quake, with Yudetamago’s consent, he drew Kinnikuman and an ogre from Momotaro propping up Kumamoto Castle together. Preparation is underway to sell this artwork on T-shirts and reusable shopping bags as charity items. In September, Takishita plans to invite Shimada to Misato for an autograph session, in which Shimada will write the kanji character reading ‘niku,’ meaning meat, on the participants’ foreheads, imitating the main character Kinnikuman.
Key points
- Painter Kazuyuki Takishita is supporting quake-hit Kumamoto with manga ‘Kinnikuman’
- He drew Kinnikuman and an ogre from Momotaro propping up Kumamoto Castle together
- Preparation is underway to sell this artwork on T-shirts and reusable shopping bags as charity items
- Takishita plans to invite Yudetamago’s Takashi Shimada to Misato for an autograph session
If this development plays out positively, it could lead to more support for the reconstruction efforts in Kumamoto Prefecture, and potentially inspire others to get involved in helping their communities.
However, there are also concerns that the efforts of individuals like Takishita may not be enough to make a significant impact, and that the reconstruction process may take a long time.