Painter Supporting Quake-Hit Kumamoto with Manga "Kinnikuman"

In Kumamoto Prefecture, a local painter named Kazuyuki Takishita is lending a hand to the reconstruction efforts following a devastating earthquake. Takishita, 50, was born and raised in the town of Misato, which was hit hard by the July 28 temblor. The quake not only damaged his home and art studio but also destroyed over 10 pieces of work, including pieces intended for exhibitions. Despite the setback, Takishita was back at his studio within a week, ready to create again.

Takishita's art is inspired by the manga series "Kinnikuman," a character he first drew in elementary school. He has a deep connection to the series, having become acquainted with its creators, Yudetamago, after supporting recovery efforts in Kumamoto a decade ago. When a similar disaster struck the same prefecture in 2016, Takishita organized an exhibition in Tokyo to raise funds for the recovery.

In 2024, Takishita collaborated with Yudetamago on an exhibition focused on the 2016 disaster, with part of the proceeds going towards repairs at Kumamoto Castle. Following the recent earthquake, he drew a series of Kinnikuman and an ogre from the Momotaro tale supporting Kumamoto Castle. He plans to sell this artwork on T-shirts and reusable shopping bags to raise funds for the city's recovery.

Recently, Takishita invited Yudetamago to Misato for an autograph session, where Shimada will write the kanji character "niku" (meaning meat) on participants' foreheads, imitating Kinnikuman. Takishita, who moved back to his hometown after graduating from high school, is committed to creating more works to help with early reconstruction efforts in Misato.