Baki manga's "father-son fight" reimagined as part of real-world demolition in Japan

Akita Shoten is implementing a unique project, infusing the spirit of its signature fighting manga series, “Baki,” into the demolition of its former office building.

The “Baki” series, which began serialization in Akita Shoten’s “Weekly Shonen Champion” in 1991, has captivated readers with its portrayal of high school student Baki Hanma, whose father, Yujiro Hanma, is the strongest being on earth.

Baki, while still a student, becomes the champion of the underground arena beneath the Tokyo Dome.

As he matures, he battles numerous martial arts masters and superhumans, culminating in a historic father-son confrontation with Yujiro, which resulted in a draw and a temporary cessation of their feud.

The series has achieved immense popularity, with over 100 million copies in circulation, and has been adapted into anime and films, garnering widespread support both domestically and internationally.

The Baki manga is serialized in Akita Shoten’s “Weekly Shonen Champion”

Akita Shoten’s head office, located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, which has facilitated the production of “Baki,” was temporarily relocated to Komagome on January 6th, 2025, due to necessary reconstruction work prompted by building deterioration.

The existing building, a longstanding part of the publishing company’s history, will be gradually demolished to prepare for the reconstruction.

Beginning March 24th, the temporary fencing surrounding the demolition site of the head office has been decorated with a theme inspired by the iconic “strongest father-son fight in history” arc from the “Baki” series.

This arc depicts the intense battle between Baki and Yujiro, described as “an impact that shook the city,” and is remembered by readers as a clash of unparalleled ferocity.

“The head office collapsed due to the strongest parent-child fight in history.”

Akita Shoten has also released a graphic featuring Baki apologizing to local residents for the demolition’s impact.

“We apologize to our neighbours for any inconvenience caused during the construction work.”

By framing the construction as an extension of the “Baki” narrative, they aim to transform a potential inconvenience into an engaging experience.

This approach seeks to share a unique moment with their longtime readers and integrate the construction site into the neighborhood’s familiar scenery.

Keisuke Itagaki, the author of “Baki,” commented, “We were fortunate that only one building was affected. It was likely just a minor skirmish.”

Tokuji Yamaguchi, Akita Shoten’s president and CEO, stated:

“Due to deterioration, we have decided to demolish the company building. We apologize for the inconvenience to our neighbors. Please imagine that the strongest father-son fight of the Hanma family was taking place behind this wall. I think the bleak construction site will become a place that is a little more enjoyable. Please forgive us for the inconvenience.”

Sawa Koji, the original editor of “Baki” and Akita Shoten’s managing director, added:

“A new manga! A new world! A new era! The energy of creation is erupting in Baki and Yujiro’s ‘The Greatest Father-son Fight on Earth.’ With that momentum, we will first demolish and super-smash our old company building! Akita Shoten will also be reborn in a new era. We are very sorry to our neighbors, but we ask for your forgiveness for a while… Respect!”

Akita Shoten’s head office, completed in 1973, has facilitated the production of numerous notable works for over 50 years.

A new office building is scheduled for completion in September 2027, signifying the company’s commitment to future development.

Source: PR Times