The Japanese artist responded favorably to an initiative launched by J-pop singer Miu Sakamoto to donate funds to several organizations that help Palestinian victims.
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In Japan, a major charity event is bringing together important names from the cultural world from July 29 to August 4. The fundraiser is intended to raise money in support of victims of the Israeli army in Palestine.
“As the massacre continues in Gaza, the civilians, especially children who should be protected, are exposed to airstrikes and starvation, and find themselves in dangerous situations“, the statement said. Israel launched a “military operation” there in response to the largest terrorist attack and deadly civilians on its soil, committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
The solidarity campaign is called “Watermelon seeds fundraiser” in homage to the fruit, which became a symbol of Palestinian resistance several decades ago.
Considered one of the greatest figures in current manga, Naoki Urasawa announced that he would participate in this fundraiser, by selling several signed copies of his works. At 64, the world-renowned author is the creator of Pluto, Asadora, Billy Bat as well as must-see series like Monster And 20th Century Boys.
The mangaka won the Series Prize at the Angoulême Festival in 2004 for 20th Century Boys and the Fauve d’honneur in 2018, the year in which he was the subject of a retrospective exhibition of his work in France, entitled The Art of Naoki Urasawapresented first in Angoulême then in Paris in 2018.
The charity event was initiated by Miu Sakamoto, a famous J-pop singer and daughter of musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto who passed away in March 2023.To date, more than 45,223 people have been killed in Israeli attacks, 70% of whom are women and children. About 2 million people are currently living as refugees, facing starvation due to lack of supplies.“, she said in the press release.
The artist decided to call on personalities from the Japanese artistic community to raise funds, which will be donated to three organizations: the Japan International Volunteer Center, Sulala Animal Rescue (an animal protection group in Gaza) and the “Funds for Gaza” website, which brings together online kitty collections directly supporting the population of Gaza.
“In response to this situation, people from all walks of life around the world are stepping up to provide humanitarian aid. I thought about what I could do as a Japanese artist, so I planned an auction. I believe that the act of artistic expression is a means of survival and it shines the life we are born with. Isn’t that the opposite of losing a life?” says Miu Sakamoto.
Many Japanese artists responded positively to his proposal, including singer UA, model Tao Okamoto, singer and lyricist Tokiko Kato, director Sho Miyake and fashion designer Akira Minagawa.