Hikobae

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A follow-up to the comic book Iogi (2022), this collection features stories from various Japanese regions, highlighting the country's rich history, traditions, and everyday life. The text is in Japanese. Hikobae blends sociological and poetic comic styles, focusing on daily life in Japan. While Iogi explored ordinary life in Tokyo's Suginami district and received several awards, Hikobae shifts its focus to different regions, from Hokkaido in the north to Shimane Prefecture in the southwest, and from Gunma's mountains to Shikoku's shores. The narratives challenge stereotypical perceptions of Japan, emphasizing tradition and its transmission. Some comics explore contemporary expressions of traditional crafts, customs, and ceremonies, such as pottery, fishing, the tea ceremony, blueprinting, and traditional saké production. This project results from a collaboration between scriptwriter Jean-Gaspard Páleníček, who offers insights from his experiences in Japan, and students from the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, guided by Václav Šlajch. An afterword by comic expert Pavel Kořínek adds depth to the work. The text remains in Japanese.