[Video] YAIBA：A large votive plaque with original artwork by Gosho Aoyama is dedicated to Sensoji Temple, the first in 100 years since the Taisho era. It took three days to create this masterpiece, and he says, "I was quite nervous."

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."