Teru Teru Bōzu | Norakuro | Akaoni Yamane | after Suihō Tagawa

Akaoni Yamane (1935–2003) – Original Calendar Illustration, June 2000

Size: 27 x 25.5 cm
Media: color marker on paper
Good to Very good condition

Akaoni Yamane (山根赤鬼) was a Japanese manga artist best known for his children's humour manga Yotarō-kun, which ran for 13 years from 1956. Together with his twin brother Aooni Yamane, he became a disciple of Suihō Tagawa (1899–1989), the legendary creator of Norakuro, one of Japan's most popular prewar manga characters.

Tagawa later personally entrusted Akaoni, his brother Aooni, and fellow disciple Takemaru Nagata with permission to continue drawing new Norakuro stories after him.

This charming original illustration was created for a calendar (June 2000) and features several teru teru bōzu, traditional Japanese dolls hung near windows to wish for good weather and keep the rain away.

Although these little figures are symbols of good fortune, their ghostlike appearance gives the illustration a wonderfully spooky atmosphere. With a little imagination, these cheerful weather charms become playful Halloween ghosts, making this an unusual and delightful addition to our Halloween selection.