Over 200 manga artists are offering their autographed illustrations for a charity auction to raise funds to support people affected by the powerful earthquake that hit the Noto Peninsula in central Japan last year.
The online auction started on Monday, organized by the Japan Cartoonists Association. A total of 205 artists will be offering 278 original illustrations, which will be sold in five installments through June 1.
Manga artist Nagai Go, who is from Wajima City in the Noto region, was among those who called for the auction. Nagai has donated illustrations of his works, such as “Devilman” and “Mazinger Z.”
Other manga artists include Chiba Tetsuya, known for “Ashita no Joe,” or “Fighting for Tomorrow,” and Isayama Hajime, the creator of the world-renowned “Attack on Titan” series.
Some of their illustrations are accompanied by words of encouragements for the people of Noto, and some have Noto scenery painted behind manga characters.
Nagai told NHK that recovery efforts are underway in the area, but many people are still unable to rebuild their lives. He said many manga artists donated works with love, so he will be pleased if the proceeds can help the Noto region.
The Nagai Go Museum collecting his works was burned down in a fire that destroyed Wajima’s iconic morning market street.
Morikawa George, known for his boxing manga “Hajime no Ippo,” said manpower and daily necessities are most needed in affected areas, with amusement left until later.
Morikawa said manga artists may be powerless in that respect, but they hope they really can be of some help with the auction.
The magnitude-7.6 quake hit the region in Ishikawa Prefecture and surrounding areas on the New Year’s Day of 2024.
The organizers say the proceeds from the auction will be given to a section in charge of the relief fund at the Ishikawa prefectural government.
