Takehiko Inoue’s New Illustration for ‘Hikaru no Go’ Revealed: Fans Ecstatic Over Shindo Hikaru & Akira Toya’s Fresh Appeal
Overview
A special newly drawn illustration by manga artist Takeshi Obata for ‘Hikaru no Go’ has been officially released on X, sparking significant buzz.
This illustration was created to commemorate the ‘Hikaru no Go’ original art exhibition scheduled to open in July 2025, featuring the protagonist Shindo Hikaru and his rival Akira Toya.
Fans have flooded the comments with remarks about “changes in Obata-sensei’s drawing style” and “the beauty of the characters,” making it a hot topic.
‘Hikaru no Go’ is a popular manga centered around the game of Go, whose influence remains undiminished to this day.
#ヒカ碁展 開催まであと7日！
特別描き下ろしイラストは〈進藤ヒカルと塔矢アキラ〉┈┈⚪⚫⚪┈┈
『ヒカルの碁』原画展が7月4日(金)より開催！https://t.co/qspHhwZlx3
┈┈⚪⚫⚪┈┈
東京の後は、大阪、京都に巡回します！東京：7月4日‐8月4日
大阪：9月5日‐10月6日
京都：10月31日‐12月1日 pic.twitter.com/BgZFtANQzG— 小畑健【公式】 (@T_Obata_info) June 27, 2025
About the Work
‘Hikaru no Go’ is a manga serialized in ‘Weekly Shonen Jump’ (Shueisha) from 1999 to 2003, featuring a story based on the game of Go.
It depicts the journey of the protagonist, Shindo Hikaru, who becomes obsessed with the world of Go after being possessed by the spirit of a genius Go player, aiming to achieve the “Divine Move” and grow.
From 2001 to 2003, a TV anime adaptation was broadcast, sparking a Go boom.
The author, Takeshi Obata, is also known for hit works such as ‘DEATH NOTE’ and ‘Bakuman.’, receiving high praise for the beauty of his artwork and the depth of his stories.
‘Hikaru no Go’ is renowned as a work that has significantly contributed to the popularization of Go.
News Details
The newly drawn illustration revealed this time was created to commemorate the ‘Hikaru no Go’ original art exhibition, opening on July 4, 2025.
The Tokyo venue will run from July 4 (Fri) to August 4 (Mon), 2025, the Osaka venue from September 5 (Fri) to October 6 (Mon), 2025, and the Kyoto venue from October 31 (Fri) to December 1 (Mon), 2025.
Fans have commented, “Go was super popular back then! Nostalgic,” “Obata-sensei’s drawing style has changed. It’s cute, so it’s good,” “Akira-kun is too beautiful,” “Wow, the art… has changed~♪” among others.
The changes in Takeshi Obata’s drawing style and the fresh appeal of the characters have become topics of discussion, heightening anticipation for the original art exhibition.
‘Hikaru no Go’ continues to be beloved by many fans for its story and the beauty of its artwork.
This original art exhibition will be a precious opportunity to rediscover the charm of ‘Hikaru no Go’.
