WHAT'S KOCHO-SHA?

Kocho-sha is an individual circle that has continued the activity of
Kenzi Taketomi's writing, a studio for manufacturing literary comics,
and a place of self-publication, established in 1994.

First, what are literary comics?
You cannot say that even vulgar comics have no literary character however writers deny their literary nature. However so called strictly "literary comics" must have a "literature character " or their literary level must be higher than other average "literary comics." I will not dare to try to define "literature" here. I do not wish to fall into a routine of playing tit for tat and attacking or defending against the arguments of others. I do not mind leaving things ambiguous. What I aim for is in fact "literary comics" that are ambiguous. I think "literary comics" that have more literary nature or genuine comics are good enough, though I intend to avoid "literary comics" that are too obvious. I am fed up with drawings of common life in the Edo period or the streets and houses of the "civilization and enlightenment" period.

At any rate, I would like you to enjoy the works here, since whole-volume of works are presented in this homepage. I have put up the small paper that was distributed on the occasion of Kocho-sha starting a new business so that you can understand the enthusiasm and thought of Kocho-sha and Kenzi Taketomi.

Kocho-sha is starting a new business.

Kenzi Taketomi

"Kocho" is butterfly and "sha" means company. In historical fact, in "the dream of a butterfly", Chuang-tzu become a butterfly in a dream and said that he forgot the distinction between himself and a butterfly. In ancient times this came to express that "there is no distinction between dream and reality" and a state in which one is not separate from others", and shows the transience of life". The company borrowed its name from this and now, it is the label of its own work. Meaning of Kocho-sha' "sha" could be "house" and may be better matched rather than "sha" as "company". My intention is not to say "Some will people understand and that is OK", but slightly more aggressive.

There are two forms in culture. One is a form that spreads to the lower layer from the upper layer. Another is a form that is refined by the upper layer and goes from a lower layer. Post-war story comics are of the second type. Ortega y Gasset said that the 20th century would see "a rebellion of the public". "Literary comics" is a cultural form that was born in the 20th century and has never been "high art" until now. The activity Kocho-sha seeks is not "the freedom of will" but "the freedom of talent" and intends to achieve it hand in hand with the creators and readers of good taste. The freedom I would like to share with you is that you do not have to choose one out of "land, sky or the sea" but you can enjoy to jump, run or swim at the same time according to what you are good at. I know that I cannot realistically expect everything to be read in great detail. I will faithfully try to present consolation and entertainment with my work. I hope to receive your strong reactions.

From"The Lady Who Loved Insects (Mushimezuru-Himegimi)"
* Please look at the detailed work introduction page.