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Space Brothers, AKB48 Founder, Others Take the "Ice Bucket Challenge"

The "Ice Bucket Challenge" has been sweeping across the Internet, and it seems as though Japan is not immune to its viral, charitable charms. The challenge, which involves dumping a bucket of ice water over the participant's head, is meant to raise awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more colloquially known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. The participants then nominate others to join them in the challenge. While the stipulation is that those nominated must either participate or donate money to support ALS, some presumably have been doing both.

Manga characters are participating, as well. Recently, the official Space Brothers Twitter account tweeted a .gif of Mutta Nanba pouring ice water on Deneil Young. In the series, astronomer and mentor Sharon Kaneko , known by the Nanba brothers as "Aunt Sharon," is diagnosed with ALS.

The manga panels are scenes from Young's retirement, but the Tweet itself says that it's "for Sharon," and encourages fans to donate.

Here's producer and AKB48 founder Yasushi Akimoto, who was nominated by Gentosha president Toru Kenjo, along with AKB48 member Mayu Watanabe:

And game developer and Grasshopper Manufacture CEO Gōichi Suda, more popularly known as SUDA51:

For anyone interested in making a charitable donation, please check out the ALS Association website.