The Kyoto
International Manga Anime Fair (KYOMAF), one of the largest events
dedicated to manga and anime in western Japan, once again stands out for its
already traditional artistic proposal. As every year, the organizing committee
presented the collaborative illustrations for the 2025
edition, where popular franchises are visually integrated with emblematic
and little-known places in Kyoto.
The theme
chosen this year is "Totteoki no Kyoto", which can
be translated as "The favorite and secret Kyoto". In total, six
illustrations were revealed that combine iconic anime characters with
corners with hidden charm, known only to those who explore beyond the touristy.
The six
outstanding collaborations of 2025
- Kaiju No. 8 x Lake Biwa Canal Museum: This collaboration
features the characters at the Lake Biwa Canal Museum, located
in Sakyo-ku. The museum celebrates the history of the canal opened
on August 9, 1989 and connects Lake Biwa with the city of
Kyoto.
- Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa
Claus x
Oharano Sanctuary: This shrine, located in Nishikyo-ku, is one of the three
"Ujigami" of the Fujiwara family. Its link with Nara's
famous Kasuga Taisha makes it a spiritual and historical
place.
- DAN DA DAN x Sanzen-in Temple of
Ohara: An
ancestral temple of the Tendai sect, with roots dating back to the eighth
century. It is one of the three monzeki temples of the Sampon school,
along with Shoren-in and Myoho-in.
- TOUGEN ANKI x Kurama Station: The protagonist is
characterized as a Karasu Tengu, a mythical figure who, according to
legend, trained the young Ushiwaka-maru in this area of Kyoto.
- The Summer Hikaru Died x Yase-Hieizanguchi
Station: This
station serves as the western entrance to Mount Hiei, adding
an enigmatic air to the work with its mountainous and mystical setting.
- Lycoris Recoil x Kyoto Takao Momijiya: The illustration
highlights the traditional ryokan and its kawayuka dining
experience, where you eat at the edge of the river surrounded by autumn
leaves.
All set
for the big event in September
The Kyoto
International Manga Anime Fair 2025 will be held on September
20 and 21, 2025 (Japan local time) at three main venues: Miyako
Messe, ROHM Theater Kyoto, and the Kyoto International
Manga Museum. With these artistic collaborations as a prelude, an
unforgettable edition is anticipated that unites the passion for anime with the
cultural legacy of Kyoto.
