Fishing Addict Sampei and Masu Trout Swarming (Tsurikichi Sampei : Yamame Gun-ei)

Unexpectedly, my “Fishing Addict Sampei and Masu Trout Swarming” is going to decorate the lobby of Akita Airport as a public art. It is a great honor to me. When I decided to become a manga artist 46 years ago, I had never thought that there would be such an honorable day waiting.
Finding that manga has been recognized as art, I feel I am living in a completely different age.
I am very honored. I pray from the bottom of my heart for the development of my hometown, Akita.

The public art “Fishing Addict Sampei and Masu Trout Swarming (Tsurikichi Sampei : Yamame Gun-ei)” is based on original drawings by manga artist Takao Yaguchi. Measuring 3.5 meters high and 6.7 meters wide, the ceramic relief vividly depicts the young protagonist Sampei holding a fishing rod alongside a swarm of yamame trout, with Mount Chokai in the background. At the unveiling ceremony attended by those involved, Yaguchi said with a big smile, “Manga used to be hated like a pest. However, unable to give up my dream of becoming a manga artist, 46 years ago I decided to leave the bank where I had worked for 12 years to become one. I never dreamed that such honor as today would await me.” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, hailing from Akita Prefecture, stated, “I also love fishing, and often fished instead of studying. Mr. Yaguchi’s manga has worldwide appeal, and I hope it attracts many foreign tourists.”