The Japan Cartoonists’ Association has recently launched an online charity auction to support those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The charity was first proposed by Ashita no Joe creator Tetsuya Chiba. The Japan Cartoonists’ Association previously issued a formal statement regarding the invasion of Ukraine, stating that they wish for a swift end to the armed conflict. At this time, more than a hundred manga creators have joined the effort.
The list of manga creators now includes Attack on Titan’s Hajime Isayama, Made in Abyss’ Akihito Tsukushi, and Hajime no Ippo’s Jyoji Morikawa. Each of the 146 cards has the theme of peace and will be announced in three installments. The proceeds will then be donated to the international humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders.
In creating the charity, Chiba commented that he wanted to create pieces to express things in a way that even children can understand. He then goes on to say, “I want people to understand that this is the outcome of war, and what should be done for it not to happen.” At the same time, Hajime no Ippo’s Morikawa commented, “I want people to feel peace is good; I want people to accept our art in that way.”
Japan Cartoonist Association: The Newest Entertainment Helping with Ukraine Relief
The Japan Cartoonist Association is not the first entertainment outlet to create a charity for aiding those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Back in March, Itch.io organized a bundle of 991 indie games, soundtracks, and tools for a minimum donation of $10 USD. The funds created from that bundle went towards relief efforts in Ukraine. Currently, this bundle ended on March 18th, 2022, with over $6 million USD raised.
Japan Cartoonist Association’s auction will run until October 23rd. Other details about the auction, the authors, and the release timeframes can be found on the official website. At the time, there is no translated release list on the website.