Illustrations of Hokkaido scenery posted by a resident have been gaining attention on social media. The creator, Ashibetsuko, is active as a member of the Community-Revitalization Cooperator program in Ashibetsu, Hokkaido. Her illustrations of Ashibetsu City, drawn from the perspective of someone who moved to the area, have been met with a great response.

Source: Post from @ashibetugurashi on X

We spoke with Ashibetsuko herself about her posts.

"Illustrations Where the Background is as Much the Main Character as the People"

Where in Ashibetsu City did you model these illustrations after?

The first one (top left) is Ashibetsu Station, the second (top right) is the Sawa Railroad Crossing, the third (bottom left) is Meotodaki Park, and the fourth (bottom right) is Nokanan Station. I drew these illustrations based on photos I took at these locations within Ashibetsu.

Ashibetsu Station

What inspired you to start these activities?

I've been drawing self-taught since I was a child, and I specialize in creating digital illustrations using a computer or tablet. I thought that by expressing and sharing Ashibetsu's rich nature and historic buildings through illustrations, I could convey the city's charm to the younger generation, both inside and outside the city. That's why I started this activity.

Sawa Railroad Crossing

Could you tell us about your particular approach to your illustrations?

My focus is on creating "illustrations where the background is as much the main character as the people." I also use illustrations to express and share the town's charm because it's a medium that is familiar, relatable, and appealing to the younger generation.

What is your impression of Ashibetsu City?

At a facility in Ashibetsu called the "Art and Culture Exchange Hall," I saw the studios and works of famous artists, which made me feel that Ashibetsu has a culture that embraces art. Perhaps because of this culture, the reaction to my illustrations has been very welcoming. The free paper "Ashibetsu Gurashi," which features drawings of Ashibetsu's scenic spots and was published last summer, is still well-received by people both inside and outside the city.

Meotodaki Park

Please share your feelings for Ashibetsu City.

Seeing my illustrations in various places is a little embarrassing, but I'm happy that they've become a part of the town's scenery, and I'm very grateful that my work is being recognized. I want to continue my activities to give something back to Ashibetsu, a city with a culture that embraces art.

Nokanan Station

Is there anything you would like to try in the future?

There's a shopping street in front of Ashibetsu Station, and I'd like to have my own shop in a corner of it. The flooring is still under construction, but I plan to open it after next spring. I'm preparing with the goal of eventually running an illustration office and holding illustration classes.

A Huge Response on Social Media!

Thank you, Ashibetsuko! These posts have received various comments on social media, such as:

"So charming and beautiful!"
"I love scenes with railways!"
"Looking forward to seeing more of your work showcasing the town's charm!"

These are a number of wonderful illustrations based on the scenery of Ashibetsu, Hokkaido. It was a moving episode that showed the passionate love for the region embedded in the illustrations.

Check these out too!