Image: Yosakoi Kōchi Bunkasai 2026, Originalillustration, CLAMP
AMBot | 08/19/2026 | Reading Time: 4 Min.
The Japanese artist group CLAMP has presented a specially created original illustration for the "Yosakoi-Kōchi Culture Festival 2026." The motif, themed "Kōchi's Culture," was unveiled to the public in mid-August 2026 by Kōchi Prefecture and the group itself. The festival, which takes place in Kōchi Prefecture for the first time this year, runs from October 25 to December 6, 2026.
The "Yosakoi-Kōchi Culture Festival 2026" is the joint name for the 41st National Cultural Festival and the 26th National Arts and Culture Festival for People with Disabilities. The event serves as a nationwide platform where a wide variety of cultural activities are presented, performed together, and exchanged. At the same time, it aims to showcase and further develop the diverse charms of Kōchi's arts and culture: from the food culture with its riches from the sea, mountains, and rivers, to traditional crafts such as Tosa-washi paper and Tosa blades, to the Yosakoi Festival and manga culture.
The digitally created illustration incorporates central symbols of Kōchi: waves and an anchor allude to the prefecture's location on the Pacific Ocean, a figure holds the naruko clappers typical of Yosakoi dance in her hands, Kōchi Castle can be seen in the background, and the figures' robes are inspired by local cultural attire. CLAMP commented on the work with the words: "With this illustration, we combine the wish that Kōchi's culture is passed on from person to person without ever losing its brilliance, and that it thus continues to live on into the future. We sincerely hope that the Yosakoi-Kōchi Culture Festival 2026 becomes an unforgettable cultural festival for many people."
The motif is intended to accompany the festival in various ways over the coming months. Planned are an approximately 15-second animated commercial, which is set to air from early October, as well as merchandising items. In addition, the illustration will be used in a special campaign of the digital stamp rally "Karukore" (October 25 to December 6) and serves as a prize in a social media campaign running from September 6 to October 10. From October 17 to 27, reproductions of the drawing will also be on display as part of the 35th Manga Koshien anniversary exhibition at the Karupōto Cultural Center in Kōchi.
CLAMP consists of the four members Satsuki Igarashi, Nanase Ōkawa, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Mokona. The group debuted in 1989 with "RG VEDA" in the third issue of Shinshokan's magazine "South" and later became internationally known through series such as "Tokyo Babylon," "X," "Magic Knight Rayearth," "Cardcaptor Sakura," "Chobits," "Tsubasa – RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE," and "xxxHOLiC." As recently as 2024, the major CLAMP exhibition at the National Art Center in Tokyo attracted around 250,000 visitors within 72 days.
The fact that it was precisely CLAMP that received the commission is rooted in Kōchi's manga tradition: The prefecture is the home of manga artists such as Yanase Takashi, the creator of "Anpanman," and Yokoyama Ryūichi, the inventor of "Fuku-chan," and hosts the annual Manga Koshien competition for young talent. According to the festival's organizing committee, the connection between actor and PR ambassador Yūichi Yoshida and CLAMP also played a decisive role in the commission.
The "Yosakoi-Kōchi Culture Festival 2026" is the joint name for the 41st National Cultural Festival and the 26th National Arts and Culture Festival for People with Disabilities. The event serves as a nationwide platform where a wide variety of cultural activities are presented, performed together, and exchanged. At the same time, it aims to showcase and further develop the diverse charms of Kōchi's arts and culture: from the food culture with its riches from the sea, mountains, and rivers, to traditional crafts such as Tosa-washi paper and Tosa blades, to the Yosakoi Festival and manga culture.
The digitally created illustration incorporates central symbols of Kōchi: waves and an anchor allude to the prefecture's location on the Pacific Ocean, a figure holds the naruko clappers typical of Yosakoi dance in her hands, Kōchi Castle can be seen in the background, and the figures' robes are inspired by local cultural attire. CLAMP commented on the work with the words: "With this illustration, we combine the wish that Kōchi's culture is passed on from person to person without ever losing its brilliance, and that it thus continues to live on into the future. We sincerely hope that the Yosakoi-Kōchi Culture Festival 2026 becomes an unforgettable cultural festival for many people."
The motif is intended to accompany the festival in various ways over the coming months. Planned are an approximately 15-second animated commercial, which is set to air from early October, as well as merchandising items. In addition, the illustration will be used in a special campaign of the digital stamp rally "Karukore" (October 25 to December 6) and serves as a prize in a social media campaign running from September 6 to October 10. From October 17 to 27, reproductions of the drawing will also be on display as part of the 35th Manga Koshien anniversary exhibition at the Karupōto Cultural Center in Kōchi.
CLAMP consists of the four members Satsuki Igarashi, Nanase Ōkawa, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Mokona. The group debuted in 1989 with "RG VEDA" in the third issue of Shinshokan's magazine "South" and later became internationally known through series such as "Tokyo Babylon," "X," "Magic Knight Rayearth," "Cardcaptor Sakura," "Chobits," "Tsubasa – RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE," and "xxxHOLiC." As recently as 2024, the major CLAMP exhibition at the National Art Center in Tokyo attracted around 250,000 visitors within 72 days.
The fact that it was precisely CLAMP that received the commission is rooted in Kōchi's manga tradition: The prefecture is the home of manga artists such as Yanase Takashi, the creator of "Anpanman," and Yokoyama Ryūichi, the inventor of "Fuku-chan," and hosts the annual Manga Koshien competition for young talent. According to the festival's organizing committee, the connection between actor and PR ambassador Yūichi Yoshida and CLAMP also played a decisive role in the commission.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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