Interest
Bookstores Construct Elaborate Natsume's Book of Friends Displays
posted on by Chris Nishijima
In a nationwide contest put on by Hakusensha Publishing Co. and Comic Natalie's Power Push, several bookstores competed to create the best store front or counter display based on Yuki Midorikawa's Natsume's Book of Friends. This week, the first place winner from among 97 different entries was selected. Though all of the contestants put on an admirable display of craftsmanship, it was decided that the grand prize winner of the contest would be the Animate Ikebukuro Bookstore.
The contest was decided by the results of an online fan poll, where the first prize was awarded to the display seen above. The decorative set up was chosen for its impressive use of both 2D cutouts and 3D effects, such as the inclusion of Madara's exceedingly fluffy tail and Houzuki's paper mask, which flourishes elegant purple ribbons. Fans were extremely impressed by the handmade Nyanko-sensei doll as well. As a reward for their creativity and hardwork, the store's staff was awarded a trip for two to the Hitoyoshi hot springs, as well as "Nyanko-sensei Gourmet Gift Set," all of which was worth a total of 50,000 yen (about US $461.64).
An honorable mention went out to the display seen above, which belongs to the Marten Bookstore Ekikita store. Featuring a creative Nyanko-sensei shrine, they have turned the Natsume's Book of Friends into a place of gathering for spirits of all sorts. They are scheduled to be featured in an editorial section of the upcoming monthly edition of Hakusensha's Monthly LaLa, which serializes Natsume's Book of Friends.
To see the rest of the displays that were entered into the contest, including those who made it into the contest's top ten, check out Comic Natalie's Power Push.
[Via Comic Natalie.]
