"YAIBA" A large votive plaque with original artwork by Gosho Aoyama dedicated to Sensoji Temple

A large votive plaque based on Gosho Aoyama's manga "YAIBA," currently the subject of a new TV anime series, "Shin Samurai Den YAIBA," was dedicated to Sensoji Temple (Taito Ward, Tokyo) on "YAIBA Day" on August 18th. Aoyama created the plaque using a roughly 200-year-old tree carved by the Nanbu Hakuun Wood Carving Workshop in Toyama, which has been in operation since 1898. It features illustrations of the protagonists of "YAIBA," including Blade and his friends. Sensoji Temple is home to over 200 votive plaques donated since the mid-Edo period, and these remain as temple treasures. This is the first time a large votive plaque has been dedicated in roughly 100 years, since the Taisho period. Aoyama's plaque was dedicated alongside works by other historical artists, including Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Hasegawa Settan, and Itsumi (Kano) Kazunobu.

On the same day, the "Shin Samurai Den YAIBA" Sensoji Ema Dedication Ceremony was held, where the large ema was unveiled. Aoyama, Attack Nishimoto and Kamichii from the comedy duo "Gerardon" appeared at the event. Aoyama said that he drew the large ema "using a marker and ink for the light black ink parts," adding, "It took about three days. It was very difficult." The large ema this time was made from a camphor tree that is over 200 years old, and Aoyama said with a wry smile, "I had it cut down just for this. I feel sorry for them," while recalling that the production was "quite nerve-wracking."

"YAIBA" is a swordplay action manga that Aoyama serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday" (Shogakukan) from 1988 to 1993, before the serialization of "Detective Conan" began. It depicts the exploits of Yaiba Kurogane, an unconventional young swordsman who trains in the jungle with his father. The story follows Tetsujin, who returns to Japan by chance and makes great strides in his new training ground in search of even greater strength. A total of 24 volumes of the comic have been released, with a total circulation of approximately 17 million copies.

The new anime will be fully supervised by the original author, Aoyama, and will be fully animated approximately 30 years after the series' conclusion. Following on from the TV anime "Yaiba: The Legend of the Brave Sword," which aired from 1993 to 1994, Minami Takayama will play the main character, Yaiba. The series will be produced by WIT STUDIO, known for "Attack on Titan" and "SPY x FAMILY." It will begin airing on Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV every Saturday at 5:30 pm starting in April.