Kinokuniya and Takehiko Inoue…

Yes, if you happen to be visiting New York City, and as you step off the 2nd floor’s escalator to Kinokuniya’s only East coast location, you would be treated to this impressive wall length painted mural of Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond. The mangaka happened to visit Kinokuniya  on November 16, 2007 to celebrate and commemorate the opening of this store at the time. While I have never read Vagabond and Slam Dunk, I happen to catch up with Real when possible.

Back to talking about the Japanese bookstore, I find that I am always treated to Inoue’s artwork every time I look through my wallet, and visit NYC’s location. They do happen to use this featured mural on the annual membership of the store’s discount company. Getting this card in San Francisco, I get a kick out of knowing that this is the New York location that I am quite familiar with.

So if you happen to visit Kinokuniya in NYC, take a look at this painting, as well as remember to spot this omake painting of another Vagabond character on the stairs heading back to the 1st floor. Check out the other entries in this week’s MMF.