Ten Years of Kotoyama, Manga's Unique Visionary

The 10th Anniversary Kotoyama Exhibition, featuring the manga artist's renowned works Dagashi Kashi and Call of the Night, opened on September 7. Sunshine 60 Observatory in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, is hosting the event. Running until October 6, the exhibition celebrates a decade of Kotoyama's influential work.

Fans can immerse themselves in both series through exclusive displays, original artwork, and interactive features. A special press preview on September 6 provided a glimpse into what visitors can expect.

The Offbeat World of 'Dagashi Kashi'

Dagashi Kashi is a comedy manga centered around Kokonotsu Shikada, a boy who dreams of becoming a manga artist. However, Kokonotsu's father wants him to take over the family candy shop. The story kicks off when a quirky girl named Hotaru Shidare arrives. Hotaru is determined to recruit Kokonotsu's father to her family's famous snack company. She stays, convincing Kokonotsu to keep the shop running, leading to humorous escapades involving traditional Japanese snacks (dagashi in Japanese).

*Dagashi Kashi area (Courtesy of KMC group)*

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are greeted by life-sized panels of 18 characters drawn by Kotoyama. These panels welcome fans into the Dagashi Kashi area. Here, they can experience a faithful recreation of the fictional Shikada Dagashi shop from the series. Alongside the character panels, the exhibition offers a nostalgic touch. An array of traditional Japanese snacks is displayed just as they would be in a real dagashi shop.

Visitors can also participate in a unique lottery, pulling from a set of paper bags containing illustrated bromides as part of the entrance gift. This playful interaction echoes the themes of surprise and childhood fun central to Dagashi Kashi.

Arcade Quiz and Studio

One of the highlights of the Dagashi Kashi area is a retro arcade-style quiz machine where fans can test their knowledge of the series. With each press of a button, participants answer questions about the story, mixing Kotoyama's nostalgia with a fun, interactive challenge. This feature not only appeals to longtime fans but also introduces new audiences to the quirky charm of Dagashi Kashi.

*Recreation of the Shikada Dagashi shop (Courtesy of KMC group)*

As visitors proceed further into the exhibition, they enter "Kotoyama's Room." This room is filled with various production materials and early sketches from both Dagashi Kashi and Call of the Night. It offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind Kotoyama's works, showcasing pencil drawings, inked manuscripts, and initial concept art.

The transition from rough sketches to finished pieces allows fans to appreciate the evolution of Kotoyama's artistic style over the years. For those particularly interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects, this is a must-see.

Journey Through 'Call of the Night'

Beyond Kotoyama's Room, visitors step into the world of Call of the Night, the artist's darker, more introspective series. Call of the Night follows a boy named Ko Yamori, who becomes disillusioned with his life and starts wandering the streets at night. He meets a mysterious vampire named Nazuna Nanakusa, and together, they explore the freedom and allure of the night. Ko eventually desires to become a vampire himself. But to do so, he must first fall in love with Nazuna. The series blends supernatural themes with coming-of-age elements and romance.

*Call of the Night area (Courtesy of KMC group)*

Bringing this nocturnal world to life, the exhibition features an immersive display, complete with a vending machine installation. At first glance, it appears to be a typical vending machine. However, pressing the buttons reveals iconic scenes from the manga on the monitor, creating an engaging and unexpected twist. This interactive element reflects the mysterious and supernatural atmosphere that defines Call of the Night.

Original Art and Video Highlights

Both the Dagashi Kashi and Call of the Night areas feature extensive collections of original artwork and character panels. These pieces highlight Kotoyama's attention to detail and his ability to bring characters to life through expressive illustrations.

Fans can examine raw pencil lines alongside fully completed works, appreciating the contrast and transformation between each stage of the artistic process. The exhibition emphasizes Kotoyama's distinctive style. Whether in Dagashi Kashi's lighthearted scenes or Call of the Night's moody, dreamlike sequences, it has captured the imagination of readers worldwide.

As visitors near the end of the exhibition, they are treated to a special video showcasing Kotoyama's drawing techniques and interview footage. This video provides a more personal look at the artist, sharing insights into his creative journey, inspirations, and reflections on a decade of success.

Fans can also enjoy a "secret" display that promises to reveal never-before-seen content. We won't say more, but it adds an element of intrigue to the exhibition.

Exclusive Merch and Cafe

In addition to the artistic displays, the exhibition offers an array of exclusive merchandise. Visitors can purchase items such as acrylic stands, t-shirts, and other limited-edition products featuring newly drawn illustrations by Kotoyama.

Moreover, the collaboration with the Tenbou Park Cafe in the Sunshine 60 Observation Deck adds a culinary experience to the event. Special menu items like "Kokonatsu and Hotaru's Dagashi Parfait" and "Kou and Nazuna's Yofukashi Drink" bring the characters from both series into the café setting. Each order comes with one of four randomly selected postcards featuring exclusive artwork, making it a delightful bonus for those who visit.

Kotoyama's devoted fanbase is bound to flock to the event, eager to explore the rich worlds of Dagashi Kashi and Call of the Night. The tenth-anniversary celebration is not just a tribute to Kotoyama's work. It is also a testament to the enduring appeal of his characters, storytelling, and artistic vision.