Searching for Kappa in Kamakura (Takashi Yanase and Kappa)

There are only a few days left in 2019.

This year's buzzword of the year and kanji of the year have been announced, and we're starting to feel like it's December.

Although it hasn't been a big topic this year, there was a time when absurd claims and theories were being made that Anpanman's Anpanchi character is bad because he tries to solve problems through violence, and that it will make children violent.

It was also a hot topic that Hiroshi Masuoka, who had been the voice actor for Uncle Jam for many years, had graduated.

So, this time I would like to introduce to you the creator of Anpanman,The surprising relationship between Takashi Yanase and kappais.

KamakuraLocatedEgara Tenjin Shrinefor,"Kappa Brush Mound", a manga artistKon ShimizuThere is a mound built to house his favorite paintbrush.

Kon Shimizu is the author of the manga "Kappa HeavenHe is a famous manga artist known for his kappa comics and illustrations, having gained popularity with his manga "Kappa no Yome" and having a kappa character used in a commercial for Kizakura Sake Brewery.

In addition, Egara Tenjin Shrine was built in accordance with the wishes of Kon Shimizu.Ryuichi YokoyamaThere is also a "Efudezuka" (Ebrush Mound) built by the artist, which features relief illustrations of kappa drawn by about 150 manga artists.

This includes:Kappa drawn by Takashi Yanase and Fujiko F. FujioThere is also.

Although it is one of 150 illustrations, it is not widely known that Takashi Yanase also drew the kappa illustration.

By the way, since this is related to the kappa illustrations by manga artists,Sogenji Temple in Asakusafor,Kappa Daimyojin ShrineThe deity is enshrined in this hall, and on the ceiling of the hall,Shigeru Mizuki and Osamu TezukaThe museum is decorated with illustrations of kappa by famous manga artists, such as:

In this Sogenji Temple,Mummified Kappa HandIt is necessary to contact the temple in advance if you wish to visit the temple.

Many people will be taking winter break for the New Year next week, so if you go sightseeing in Kamakura or Asakusa, why not try your hand at kappa hunting?

Photo: Keijiro Watanabe (personal photo)

Text by Keishiro Watanabe

■ Keishiro Watanabe (Kei-chan)

Born in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Graduated from the School of Human Sciences at Waseda University. An independent researcher of yokai. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

He currently works as a management and IT consultant, residing in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and traveling throughout the prefecture and Tokyo. However, he studied folklore and cultural anthropology at university, and continues to research yokai as his life's work.

I am currently writing articles about monsters associated with Hokkaido, where I currently live, as well as current news about business and economics.

Twitter:https://twitter.com/keishiro_w

Blog:http://blog.livedoor.jp/meda3594/