It’s not every day that one of the world’s most renowned authors sits up and takes notice of one of your illustrations.
The Harry Potter series of books and films might have a huge worldwide following, but some of the series’ most ardent fans reside in Japan, where they pay homage to the epic fantasy tale by cosplaying as Harry Potter himself, ride around in trains featuring the characters’ images and stock up on unique anime merchandise.
Now, with the latest addition to J. K. Rowling’s Wizarding World franchise hitting shores last week, with the opening of the film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, fans in Japan have shown they have plenty of room in their hearts for more of the author’s imaginary tales. One talented Japanese fan perfectly illustrated this point with a beautiful artwork, showing the passing of the baton from one beloved character to the next, with Harry Potter casually walking out and Newt Scamander striding in.
▼ The anime-style drawing is titled “Hero, change”.
主人公、交代#ファンタビ pic.twitter.com/2Vk8SnTxqu
— 桐川 (@kirikawa_juu) November 22, 2016
Posted on the day the new movie was released in Japan, the illustration was quickly shared online by fans who fell in love with the simple yet deeply meaningful picture. One fan brought it to the attention of J.K. Rowling herself, who surprised everyone by replying, eager to find out who had drawn the image.
Yes! Who drew it?
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 24, 2016
The Japanese artist who’d drawn and shared the picture online, @kirikawa_juu, immediately replied.
Thank you,thank you...!!I'm kirikawa, drew this picture.I really appreciate what you've done. Thank you for letting me dream.
— 桐川 (@kirikawa_juu) November 24, 2016
Rowling then sought confirmation that the image had been correctly attributed.
I'm being told the painting is by @kirikawa_juu, is that correct?
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 24, 2016
Sounding understandably thrilled, @kirikawa_juu then replied to the author directly.
I'm kirikawa ,Thank you for seeing my picture.
— 桐川 (@kirikawa_juu) November 24, 2016
It can't get any better than this! I will be your biggest fan forever...!!!😭
Rowling then responded with this beautiful message.
.@kirikawa_juu Thank you for that beautiful painting. It really moved me! They're two characters that mean so much to me.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 24, 2016
@kirikawa_juu followed up with some words of support for Rowling’s new lead character…
I am looking forward to the success of him from now on !!😂
— 桐川 (@kirikawa_juu) November 24, 2016
And expressed sadness over Harry Potter’s departure, but also a welcoming attitude towards Newt; sentiments which were perfectly expressed in the beautiful drawing.
I love Harry Potter very much from long ago.However,though I have begun to love Newt soon when I watched the movie 😭 →
— 桐川 (@kirikawa_juu) November 24, 2016
J.K. Rowling then posted the picture on her Twitter account to share with her 8.75 million followers.
I love this so much.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 24, 2016
By @kirikawa_juu. pic.twitter.com/ooSTcEOG03
Following this unexpected interaction with the famous author, @kirikawa_juu then posted this sweet message of thanks to everyone involved.
“I actually spoke to my sister about this, and told her that the warmth from the ‘Harry Potter’ cluster of fans is out of the ordinary.
I never thought that drawing this picture would bring such happiness and create so many replies from people I’ve never spoken to. Truly, thank you.”
ほんとに姉ちゃんと話してたけど、ハリポタクラスタの温かさが尋常じゃない
— 桐川 (@kirikawa_juu) November 25, 2016
話したことない人でも、自分のことみたいに喜んでもらえたり、リプくれたり、ほんとにこんなに絵を描いてて良かったって思ったことない…ほんとうにありがとうございます。
Now, J.K. Rowling’s tweet sharing the illustration is proudly pinned to the top of @kirikawa_juu‘s Twitter page, with the comment, “This is a memory I’ll never forget for the rest of my life”.
このことは人生で忘れられない思い出になるんだろうなあhttps://t.co/SEkn73K4yk
— 桐川 (@kirikawa_juu) November 24, 2016
The power of the Internet to connect fans with famous authors and creators is always a heartwarming thing to behold. Sometimes, even creators reach out in an attempt to connect with fans, and when that happens, we need to make sure we have a box of tissues nearby to cope with all the emotion!
Source: Net Lab
Featured image: Twitter/@kirikawa_juu
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