An original art exhibition focusing on works set in Sapporo by Ikuemi Aya, a manga artist who has been based in Sapporo for over 40 years, is currently being held at Sapporo Factory. Ikuemi Aya has been a leader in the world of shojo manga for a long time, but the exhibition also features some elements that will make Sapporo residents feel a sense of familiarity, and after viewing the exhibition, you'll probably want to read her works. Here are some highlights of this exhibition!

The entrance is greeted by a handwritten greeting from the protagonist and author of a work set in Susukino.

Ikuemi Aya is a popular manga artist who has been at the forefront of her field since her debut in 1979 and currently has three serialized works. The "Ikuemi Aya Original Art Exhibition" begins with a list of her artistic work.

It's been a long time since I last saw "His Hands and Voice," which I was obsessed with when I was in junior high school! It brings back memories!

The shelves in the first room are lined with around 200 books, including comics, paperbacks, and magazines that have been published to date, from his debut work to his currently serialized works. Whether you're someone who read his works in the past or someone who discovered them through his recent works, this impressive shelf is sure to make you want to read or reread it.

A scene featuring Tanukikoji and Maruyama Park from "Goodnight Crow, Come Again" (Image provided by: SamaLit*)

The following original artwork exhibition will delve deeper into Ikuemi Aya's world of work. In the "Stories Woven in Sapporo" section, which focuses on works set in Sapporo, works such as "POPS," "His Hands and Voice," "Baby Blue," "I Want to Look at You," "I LOVE HER," "Principal," "You and I on the G String," and "Goodnight Crow, Come Again" will be introduced.

There is also a section introducing the Hokkaido dialect spoken by the characters. The dialect supervisor is none other than Yamato Waki, the author of "Asaki Yumemishi."

Tanukikoji and Susukino are casually depicted, "HILOSHI" located next to the entrance to Sapporo's underground shopping mall, Pole Town, appears as a meeting place, and the main characters go to the Sapporo Snow Festival and Toyohira River Fireworks Festival. There are many scenes that Sapporoites will find relatable, which makes you happy.

The original color illustrations are captivating with their beautiful use of color (Photo provided by SamaLit)

Next up is "The Colorful World of Ikuemi Aya," which displays color original drawings, and "Ongoing Stories," which features a selection of ongoing serialized works. With over 200 original drawings on display, this exhibition is quite voluminous! While you can enjoy the transition in style, the charm of the characters Ikuemi Aya draws is also clearly conveyed, making you want to read the stories of these characters.

Don't miss the video of the main visual for the exhibition! (Photo provided by SamaLit)

At the end of the exhibition, there is a nearly eight-minute video showing the process of creating the main visual for this exhibition. It is quite rare for Ikuemi Aya's creative process to be made public, isn't it? You will be amazed at the way she draws without a draft, and marvel at the delicate way she layers colors. This is a must-see!

A message board filled with loving messages from visitors (Photo provided by SamaLit)

There is a message board set up just outside the exhibition hall. Visitors are left with comments such as "It reminded me of my youth!" and "I loved (the character) XX!" that convey their feelings about Ikuemi's work, and as a reader, I can really relate to them. These messages will be handed over to Ikuemi herself after the exhibition ends, so why not leave a message with your thoughts?

A well-stocked goods section

And don't forget to pick up some merchandise to commemorate the exhibition! There are plenty of items you can only get here, including financiers and tuiles from Satodo, a pistachio confectionery shop, featuring original cat illustrations by Ikuemi Aya. Don't miss out on the pamphlet featuring her precious pre-debut works!