KUMAMOTO PREF. –A local painter is supporting reconstruction efforts in Kumamoto Prefecture, hit by a powerful earthquake last month, through collaborative works with the popular manga series “Kinnikuman.”
Kazuyuki Takishita, 50, was born in an area now 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.
The quake not only damaged his home and atelier but also toppled 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.
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.
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.
Born in the Kumamoto town of Chuo, which later became part of Misato, Takishita moved to Tokyo after graduating from high school. When Misato was established in 2004 through the merger of Chuo and another town, the municipality adopted the town emblem he designed. In 2022, he relocated back to his hometown.
Expressing his growing commitment to Misato, Takishita said, “I will continue to work hard to create works to help realize early reconstruction.”
