Fujio Akatsuka at Night ( 夜の赤塚不二夫, Yoru no Akatsuka Fujio) is an anthology book released in July 28th 2021, comprising several previously never reprinted adult standalone Akatsuka works, as well as a reprint of Hana-chan Sleeps for the very first time.
Works Reprinted[]
- Hana-chan Sleeps (Main Feature, All 13 chapters)- The 10th chapter was restored from a manuscript copy in which only handwritten text can be seen.
- Motomu-kun (All 2 of its chapters)
- Tattoo Operation
- Traverou (All 12 chapters)
- Fujio Akatsuka's Gag Manga School
- Affection Restaurant
- Unagi-Inu (All 8 chapters)
- Good Friends are Beautiful
- Scenes of Life in 2000 AD
- Points of Interest!
- I Love Monroe-chan
- Tamagotchi
- Showa Yopparai Research Institute
- Nyarome (1997 Exhibition Catalog Manga)
- Yojimbo
- Iyami's Respect for the Aged Day
- New Years' Day
- "My Town" illustration
Rough sketches for "New Years' Day" can also be seen in the book, along with thumbnail samples of Mean Current Affairs in the first interview section.
Other Content in the Book[]
Introduction: Fujio Akatsuka around 1986 (Tatsuya Matsuki, Fujio Pro)[]
A foreword explaining Akatsuka's attempt at reviving his career in the mid-1980s, which included the launches of adult work like Reading Dai-sensei, Hana-chan, Mean Current Affairs, and Yarasete-ojisan. While some of these like Hana-chan proved to be short-lived, they helped set the stage for the "Akatsuka revival strategy" that occurred in late 1987 with new serializations of Osomatsu-kun and The Genius Bakabon.
"When I Assisted on "Hana-chan Sleeps"" (Katta Yoshi, Fujio Pro)[]
A retrospective by Katta Yoshi on his work with the series, including original sketches and commentary on select moments.
"Hana-chan Sleeps" is the Source of the Snack! (Sujitaro Tamabukuro, All Japan Snack Federation)[]
An interview with the chairman of the All Japan Snack Federation, who praises the series for bringing to light exposure of the snack bar concept that exploded in popularity during the 1980s.