The renowned author Aki Hamaji, creator of the hit series “Bocchi the Rock!”has caused a significant impact on social networks by announcing its participation in a charity event aimed at supporting the reconstruction of the Noto peninsula, affected by a devastating earthquake in January 2024. Hamaji shared a tweet on January 15, where he revealed that he donated an autographed illustration (shikishi) to be auctioned for charity.
The event, organized by welfare group Asahi Shimbun, aims to raise funds for victims of the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that hit the region a year ago. This disaster caused more than 500 deaths and caused severe damage to infrastructure, homes and roads. The funds raised will go towards reconstruction initiatives and support for those affected by the tragedy.
In the Twitter message, Hamaji expressed: «I donated a shikishi to a charity event for Noto’s recovery. The funds from the auction will be allocated to the Noto Peninsula region. If you are interested, please take a look. I’ve never drawn all the members of the Kessoku Band on the same shikishi, so it’s very rare!».
Hamaji’s gesture has been received with enthusiasm by fans and the community in general, who have shown their admiration for the author and their solidarity with the victims of the disaster. Here are some comments translated from Japanese:
- «Will it reach more than six figures? It’s definitely out of my reach.».
- «Would it be possible to do something similar for foreign audiences?».
- «I pray it doesn’t end up in the hands of resellers».
- «If you win the auction, you not only get the shikishi, but you also help rebuild Noto».
- «Thank you, Hamaji-sensei! (From an Ishikawa resident.) It’s been a year since the earthquake, but there is still much to do».
- «Since I couldn’t buy the lottery items, I will bid with 100,000 yen».
- «With the popularity of Bocchi, I can’t compete with my budget».
- «The shikishi is incredibly good, I have a feeling it will reach an exorbitant auction figure».
- «I wonder which oil tycoon will take it».
- «It is not an auction where you bid gradually, it is a single shot. Definitely for determined people».
The tragedy on the Noto Peninsula left significant lessons about the importance of improving the anti-seismic resistance of buildings, as well as the need for special preparations for disasters in extreme weather conditions. Hamaji’s initiative not only demonstrates his commitment to humanitarian causes, but also highlights the power of art and pop culture to generate impact in crisis situations.
The starting price of the auction will be 20,000 yen (about $128). What price do you think this illustration will reach considering the massive popularity of “Bocchi the Rock!”?
Fountain: Otakomu
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