EVENT | Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved 'Z-chan' with its creator, Shingo Iguchi, and others.
Lounge
January 29, 2015

EVENT | Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved 'Z-chan' with its creator, Shingo Iguchi, and others.


EVENT | Celebrating 30 Years of Z-chan with Creator Shingo Iguchi and More


“Z CHAN” 30th Anniversary Party Held at Ongaku Jikkenshitsu Shinsekai


Z-chan, known for its signature pointy hat and eye mask, is the creation of artist Shingo Iguchi. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the event “Z CHAN” 30th Anniversary Party will be held on Sunday, June 29th, starting at 6:30 PM at Ongaku Jikkenshitsu Shinsekai in Nishi-Azabu.


Text by YANAKA Tomomi




Live Performances and More to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary!


Z-chan was born in 1984 as a five-page manga by Shingo Iguchi, featured in the popular subculture magazine “Bikkuri House” (Parco Publishing). The following year, it began an intermittent ten-year run in the manga magazine “Garo” (Seirindo), depicting Z-chan's friends and adventures, including the bear-suited Banrock and girlfriend Rose-chan.



“Z CHAN” 30th Anniversary Party

Z-chan - Lotus




“Z CHAN” 30th Anniversary Party

Rose-chan




“Z CHAN” 30th Anniversary Party

Shingo Iguchi





Solo exhibitions and performances themed around "Z-chan" have been frequently held since around 1986. In addition to the collected volume "Z CHAN Rose" (1992, Seirindo), the picture book "Z-chan Kabe no Ana" (Z-chan: The Hole in the Wall, 1999, Billiken Shuppan) and figures were also released in 1999. Furthermore, Banrock, a character from the story, had the picture book "Banrock no Hachimitsu" (Banrock's Honey, 2001, Gakken) published and was featured on BEAMS BOY T-shirts for five consecutive years, achieving significant popularity despite being a supporting character.

The artist, Iguchi, now primarily focuses on Z-chan's expression in the art world, presenting his work at solo exhibitions and art fairs both domestically and internationally. At the "Shanghai Expo Commemorative Print Exhibition," featuring 12 Japanese and Chinese artists held at the official pavilion of the 2010 Shanghai Expo, prints of Z-chan were displayed alongside works by Yayoi Kusama and Tadanori Yokoo.



“Z CHAN” 30th Anniversary Party - Saori Hara

Saori Hara






This 30th anniversary party for Z-chan promises a packed program, including live performances by Reatmo, known for collaborations with various artists through human beatbox, and the new pop unit EA, as well as a "ROSE Dance" performance by Saori Hara. Additionally, Shingo Iguchi will present a reading, and Yosuke Ohno will provide VJing, all contributing to the celebration of this milestone.

With its 30th anniversary, Z-chan's world continues to expand. This promises to be a unique opportunity to celebrate this commemorative anniversary alongside its creator, Iguchi, and others.




“Z CHAN” 30th Anniversary Party
Date | Sunday, June 29
Time | 6:30 PM onwards
Venue | Ongaku Jikkenshitsu Shinsekai
1-8-4 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0031, Japan, Shinbashi Garasu B1
Tel. 03-5772-6767 (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Tickets | Advance reservation ¥2,800 (+ drink order), Same-day ¥3,000 (+ drink order)
http://shinsekai9.jp/2014/06/29/z-chan30/

“Shingo Iguchi Presents ~Z CHAN 30th Anniversary Exhibition~ (Tentative Title)”
Date | Friday, September 19 - Wednesday, October 8
Venue | TOKYO CULTuART by BEAMS
3F, 3-24-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001, Japan
Tel. 03-3470-3251
http://www.beams.co.jp/shops/detail/tokyo-cultuart-by-beams