The public art “Fishing Maniac Sampei and Yamame Trout Swarming (Tsurikichi Sampei : Yamame Gun-ei)” of which original picture was made by Takao Yaguchi, a manga artist, appeared at the departure lobby on 2nd floor of Akita Airport on October 2. On the ceramic relief of 3.5 meters in height and 6.7 meters in width, Sampei, the boy of the hero with a fishing rod, and masu trouts’ swarming scenes are drawn vividly on the background of Mt. Chokai.

In the unveiling ceremony attended by the stakeholders, Mr. Yaguchi said with a full smile, “Although manga was once hated like a pest, I could not abandon my dream of becoming a manga artist. 46 years ago, I quit the bank for which I had worked for 12 years, and decided to be a manga artist. I did not realize at that time such a glory like today would wait for me.” Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary, who is born in Akita Prefecture, said, “I also love fishing and did a lot without studying. Since Mr. Yaguchi’s manga appeals to the world, I wish it attracts many foreign tourists.”

This public art was planned by the Japan Traffic Culture Association (JPTCA) under the auspices of “Contribution Public Relations Project” in Japan Lottery Association, and produced by “CREARE Atami-Yugawara Studio” in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture. In the ceremony, Hisao Taki, Director General of JPTCA, presented a catalog of this ceramics relief to Akita Airport, and the airport handed over a letter of appreciation to Taki.