The landscape of Okayama written in literature works

Koukichi Ukita, a Birdman, was born in Hachihama, Bizen Kojima in Okayama in the mid-17th century.He was the first person in the world to fly  with human-power. It is said that he flew into the sky from the parapet of the Kyobashi Bridge over the Asahi River on the back of his wings, which were made using the technique of traditional paper works. The crowds around the bridge saw him flying and they were in turmoil.

This landscape is vividly depicted in Yasutaka Tsutsui's work “Soratobu Hyoguya” (Shincho Bunko).

Okayama City, a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Literature, has created a poster depicting Kokichi the Birdman trying to fly away from Kyobashi Bridge. We would like to re-create the landscape of Kokichi in Okayama for more people to experience literature in the City. The posters are desplayed at libraries and bookstores. 

Production: Okayama City Literature Award Steering Committee, Okayama City

Photo: Masako Nakagawa

Direction: Kokohore Japan Inc.

Creative Director: Ogya Corporation