In an amusing twist involving the beloved but fierce characters from the popular manga series "Baki," Akita Shoten has launched a creative campaign at the site of its rebuilding headquarters. The campaign features a humorous billboard stating, "The headquarters collapsed due to the strongest parent-child quarrel in history," directly referencing the dramatic confrontations between the series’ protagonist, Baki Hanma, and his father, Yujiro Hanma.
The "Baki" series, which began serialization in 1991 in Weekly Shonen Champion, has amassed over 100 million copies in circulation, making it one of the notable works in the canon of Japanese comics. The headquarters itself, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has been in operation since 1973 but is now undergoing reconstruction due to aging.
On March 24, 2025, as part of the construction process, Akita Shoten unveiled various graphics depicting scenes inspired by the series’ climactic moments. The billboard not only portrays the father and son in their most epic battles but also features Baki apologizing to local residents for the disruptive construction work.
Keisuke Itagaki, the creator of the series, humorously noted, "It was lucky that it was settled with just one building," alluding to the fictional chaos portrayed in the series where the intensity of their battles metaphorically brought down the headquarters.
Tokuji Yamaguchi, president of Akita Shoten, expressed his apologies to neighbors for any inconveniences caused by the construction, stating, "This is our interpretation of the Baki family's strongest parent-child quarrel unfolding in this location," adding a comedic spin to the otherwise serious work of demolition.
The campaign's creative graphics received significant attention online, going viral as fans and locals shared images on social media platforms, celebrating the symbiotic relationship between the manga and its real-world counterpart.
In statements that echoed the warmth and humor of the series, senior managing director Kao Koike remarked, "The energy created by the 'greatest parent-child quarrel on Earth' has burst forth in this endeavor. With this momentum, our old headquarters will be fully demolished and our company reborn in a new era. We sincerely apologize to the neighboring residents and ask for your understanding... Thank you very much!"
The new headquarters is expected to be completed in September 2027, offering a refreshed setting for Akita Shoten's rich publishing history. Until then, operations have temporarily moved to a nearby location in Bunkyo, Tokyo.
As the company steps into a new chapter, fans of "Baki" are left both amused by the clever promotions and eager to see what the new building will bring for this iconic manga publisher. The melding of comic culture with real-life scenarios showcases the innovative spirit of Akita Shoten and its commitment to engaging with both fans and the community.
