Master Ceramicist, Tea Ceremony Traditions, Sake Making Process: The book Hikobae is now out.

From Hokkaido in the north to Shimane Prefecture in the south, Hikobae takes you on a journey through Japan. Published by the Sutnar Faculty in collaboration with Kavka Publishing, this graphic novel presents 15 stories about traditional Japanese crafts, customs, and everyday life.

The comic book scenarios for Hikobae were crafted by Franco-Czech poet Jean-Gaspard Páleníček, who drew inspiration from his own experiences living in Japan and stories shared by authentic characters. “The choice of locations where the Hikobae stories unfold stemmed from the book's unifying themes. These include ties that bind us—to parents, our birthplace, an inspiring teacher, or a chosen life path—as well as habits or traditions that may at times hinder our growth and freedom,” Páleníček explained.

The title Hikobae refers to the Japanese term for new sprouts emerging from old or dead trees, trunks, and roots. The book comprises 15 comics intertwining a view of traditional Japanese crafts, customs, and everyday life. Readers can journey from the northern island of Hokkaido to Shimane Prefecture in the south through themed stories created by students and graduates of the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art at the University of West Bohemia, led by renowned comic artist and the head of the Media Illustration Studio, Václav Šlajch. The stories—featuring encounters with a master ceramicist, tea ceremony traditions, and the sake-making process—illustrate how cultural heritage persists and transforms in the modern world, while questioning whether traditions can sometimes be burdens that limit our freedom.

“I am uncertain whether the relatively strong affinity for Japanese culture and Japan itself is specific to the Czech context or part of a broader global phenomenon. Perhaps we are drawn to their moderation and discipline, which contrast with our bohemian nature. Alternatively, elements of pop culture may captivate us with their boldness and unconventional expression,” said Vojtěch Aubrecht, Dean of the Sutnar Faculty.

Work on the book spanned from 2021 to 2024, with students drawing upon extensive reference materials—photos, videos, articles, and maps. Fifteen young illustrators from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, and Vietnam contributed to the project, each story unique in both theme and artistic style.

“Hikobae is proof that comics can serve as a medium for profound cultural reflection. This book is undoubtedly a significant contribution not only to the Czech comic scene but also to the broader dialogue between cultures,” added Dean Aubrecht.

In Japan, Hikobae was published by Kulturalis and debuted this October at the Czech Festival in Osaka. As part of the official program for Expo 2025, a lecture series on the themes of the comics is planned. In 2025-2026, the creators also aim to launch a traveling exhibition to locations featured in the comics, such as Seto, linked to master ceramicist Teppei Terada, Susaki, and Ine, where architect Kazuhiro Toma resided.

The book, which introduces readers to lesser-known corners of Japan, was supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the Czech State Culture Fund. It was officially launched at the Kavka Bookstore in Prague.

The Hikobae team builds on the success of their previous book, Iogi, which won the prestigious Muriel Awards in 2023 for Best Book of the Year, Best Short Comic, and Best Screenplay. Like Iogi, Hikobae aspires to achieve high artistic recognition both domestically and internationally. Notably, Iogi received a bronze award in the Best Comic of 2021 category at the Japan International Manga Award.