#Eriko Tamura | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ronaldanthony4 · 4 months ago

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There's something profoundly satisfying about finishing a new piece of digital artwork. The process of creating, of bringing an image from your mind into reality, is both exhilarating and exhausting. And yet, each time I finish a piece, I feel that unique sense of accomplishment, knowing that I have captured a moment, a character, or a feeling that has deeply resonated with me. It's a constant journey of growth and self-expression that I find incredibly fulfilling.

Today, I’ve completed yet another digital artwork, and this one holds a special place in my heart. It’s a fan art piece, a tribute to a character from an anime I recently watched—"Idol Densetsu Eriko." This character, Eriko Tamura, is someone I felt compelled to draw, to honour in my way. So, I picked up my digital pen and tablet, and The colours, the details, and the emotion captured in her expression all came together to create a piece of art that I am truly proud of.

I’ve always been fascinated by the world of anime. The vibrant colours, the larger-than-life characters, and the intricate storylines all come together to create something truly magical. "Idol Densetsu Eriko" is one such anime that caught my attention recently. The story of a young girl thrust into the limelight, and struggling against the odds resonated with me on a personal level. There’s something about the determination of these characters, their resilience in the face of adversity, that speaks to my soul. And Eriko Tamura, the protagonist of this story, is no exception.

Eriko isn’t just a fictional character—she’s based on a real-life Japanese celebrity of the same name. There’s a certain charm in this blend of reality and fiction, a reminder that while the story may be dramatised, the emotions and experiences are very real. It was this blend that inspired me to create a piece of fan art dedicated to her. The depth of her character development throughout the narrative is what truly captivated me and motivated me to express my admiration through art.

When I set out to create this piece, I wanted to capture the essence of Eriko—the vibrant energy she exudes, the passion she has for singing, and the determination that drives her forward, no matter what challenges she faces. In the anime, Eriko is often seen performing on stage, her voice captivating audiences, her presence commanding attention. I knew I wanted to depict her in this moment of glory, where she shines the brightest. I wanted to capture the essence of her passion and talent through my artwork.

In my artwork, I decided to dress Eriko in a yellow minidress—a colour that symbolises both her youthful exuberance and her bright future. The dress itself is simple yet elegant, with a ruffled skirt that adds a playful touch to her appearance. Around her waist, I added a green belt, contrasting with the yellow and accentuating her slender figure. A pink bow sits atop the belt, with a red rose tucked in—symbols of the love and support that have helped her on her journey. Her red high heels, bold and striking, elevate her appearance, giving her that final touch of glamour that every idol needs.

Eriko’s blonde hair is styled in a way that’s both cute and sophisticated, with two large buns tied up with green ribbons on either side of her head. Her bright blue eyes sparkle with determination, reflecting the fire that burns within her. In one hand, she holds a microphone—her weapon of choice in the battle to win over her audience. Her other hand is outstretched as if reaching out to her fans, inviting them to share in her joy and success. The background is a vibrant mix of purples and pinks, reminiscent of the neon lights of a city at night, with soft petals floating in the air, adding a touch of whimsy to the scene.

To truly appreciate the artwork, one must understand the story behind Eriko Tamura. She’s not just a pretty face on the stage—her journey to becoming an idol is fraught with challenges. Eriko is the only daughter of Kousuke Tamura, the chairman of the renowned Tamura Productions, and Minako Tamura, a former idol singer. With a lineage like this, it’s no surprise that Eriko was born with a natural talent for singing. From a young age, she was enamoured with the world of entertainment that her parents were a part of. She would often watch her mother perform, dreaming of the day she could stand on stage and share her voice with the world.

But life isn’t always kind to those with dreams. Tragedy struck when Eriko’s father was killed in a horrible car accident, leaving her mother in a coma. This was a pivotal moment in Eriko’s life, one that could have easily shattered her spirit. Yet, instead of succumbing to grief, Eriko found strength within herself. Despite her parents' wishes for her to stay out of the spotlight, Eriko chose to follow in their footsteps, stepping into the world of singing and entertainment.

However, her journey was not without obstacles. Eriko’s uncle, who became her guardian after the accident, harboured a deep resentment towards her. Jealous of her father’s success and determined to destroy her career, he schemed and plotted against her at every turn. But Eriko, with her unwavering determination and love for music, refused to be defeated. She faced each challenge head-on, her voice growing stronger with each performance, her resolve hardening with each setback. In time, she won the hearts of people all over Japan, becoming a beloved idol.

As I created this artwork, I couldn’t help but reflect on my journey. Like Eriko, I’ve faced challenges and setbacks in my life. There have been times when I’ve doubted myself when the path forward seemed too difficult to navigate. But, like her, I’ve found strength in my passion—in my case, for art. Each stroke of the digital pen, each colour I choose, is a step forward on my path, a way to express the emotions and experiences that words alone can’t capture.

There’s also the aspect of Eriko’s story that resonates with me on a deeper level. The idea of being misunderstood, of having to prove yourself to those who doubt you, is something I’m all too familiar with. And yet, like Eriko, I’ve found that the best way to silence the doubters is to continue doing what you love, to let your work speak for itself. I’ve found that the best way to silence the doubters is to continue doing what you love, to let your work speak for itself, and to stay true to your passions despite the challenges that may come your way.

One thing I should mention is that while Eriko is referred to as an "idol" in the context of the anime, I prefer to use the term "celebrity." This is due to my religious beliefs, which discourage the veneration of idols in any form. To me, an idol is something or someone that is worshipped, and that’s not what Eriko is to me. She’s a talented performer, a celebrity in the truest sense of the word—someone who is celebrated for their talents and contributions. By using the term "celebrity," I feel that I’m staying true to my beliefs while still appreciating the character and what she represents.

As I look at the final product, I’m filled with a sense of pride. This artwork is more than just a depiction of a character from an anime—it’s a representation of the journey I’ve been on as an artist. It’s a tribute to the strength and resilience that we all have within us, to the dreams that we refuse to let go of, no matter how difficult the road may be. Eriko’s story is one of triumph over adversity, of finding your voice in a world that often tries to silence you. And I hope that, in some small way, my artwork does justice to her story.

In conclusion, creating this piece of digital artwork has been a deeply rewarding experience. It’s allowed me to connect with a character and a story that resonates with me on a personal level, and it’s allowed me to express my own emotions and experiences through art. As I continue to grow as an artist, I know that there will be more challenges to face and more setbacks to overcome. But I also know that, like Eriko, I have the strength and determination to keep moving forward, to keep creating. And with each new piece of art I create, I’ll be reminded of the journey I’ve been on, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

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yyh4ever · 4 years ago

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YYH and Togashi's musical references

I always find new references every time I read the manga, so I’ll probably edit this post in the future with new ones. If anyone knows more refs, please leave a comment or a message and I’ll add in the post giving the credits.

1. International artists: most of the bands and artists are from the rock/metal scene.

Keiko reading UDO in her English Class (v.2, p.98)

UDO is a German heavy metal band founded by the lead vocalist Udo Dirkschneider (ex-Accept) in 1987.

Keiko is reading an adapted version of the lyrics of “Unspoken Words”:

My thoughts are going back - back to the time When I was young to live a life A life of lies - full of lies

Then you came into my life And you've changed so many things That I've done before - that I've done before...

Togashi commented on the Table of Contents in 1991 that he was listening to UDO and Led Zeppelin as BGM. (WSJ issue 6, 1991)

Kuwabara’s “Moter-head” T-shirt (v.3-4, Genkai’s Tournament)

A reference to “Motörhead”, English rock band formed in 1975 by bassist, singer, and songwriter Lemmy (RIP, 2015). We can also see the names of two famous Motörhead‘s albums on his shirt: “Bomber”, 3th studio album (1979), and “Iron Fist”, 5th studio album (1982).

“Sodom” is probably from the German metal band formed in 1981 and “Sabbat” is probably a reference to “Black Sabbath”, English rock band formed in 1968 whose vocalist Ozzy Osbourne is very famous.

Michael Jackson in The Dark Tournament (v.6, p.132)

A man who needs no introduction. Michael Jackson wearing his famous white gloves and 'Smooth Criminal' hat, bringing a thriller night into the Tournament ;-)

The Scalper of the Dark Tournament and AC ϟ DC (v.6, pp. 172-173)

The suit, necktie and newsboy cap have everything to do with Angus Young’s famous costume. He is the co-founder, lead guitarist and songwriter of AC/DC.

So, most of us believe that the ticket seller was modeled after him. “I’m on a Highway to Hell”!

Imajin from Team Rokuyukai and John Lennon (v.6, p.170)

The name “Imajin” is a reference to the song “Imagine”. His character’s design also had some inspiration from John Lennon, such as John's famous round glasses.

Chapter 62 Opening and The Clash (v.7, p.132)

The Clash were an English rock band formed in London in 1976. Yu Yu Hakusho 62nd Opening Act. "The Second Round Begins!!" was inspired by the cover of The Clash’s self-titled debut studio album (1977).

Paul Simonon (bass): Kuwabara;

Mick Jones (guitars): Yusuke;

In Joe Strummer’s place (RIP) there’s a suspicious couple in the background ⬇ XD

Kuwabara and Megallica (v.14, chapter 124. "Fierce Rain...!!)

This is a classic and everyone knows it, but it definitely deserves a mention. The day Kuwabara threw everything away to attend a Megallica’s concert.

A tribute to Metallica or both bands - Megadeth and Metallica - as Dave Mustaine's exit from Metallica and the founding of Megadeth in 1983 was a pivotal moment in the metal scene.

We can also spot a Metallica’s poster on the wall of Kuwabara’s bedroom in volume 6, chapter 46. "Springtime for Kuwabara!!" (p.14)

And another poster above the TV with the letters “ETH” written on it. Probably, a poster of “Megadeth”. It’s hard to tell, because the image is small, but it looks like the skeleton hand of Megadeth’s mascot Vic Rattlehead. (v.6, p.9)

2. Japanese artists: I included some actors as well, as most of them are also singers.

Daisuke Motomoto and Youki Kudoh (v.1, p.197)

Daisuke's type of woman is the famous actress and singer Youki Kudoh.

Shizuru: Bunta Sugawara & Ken Takakura (v.2, p.131)

Shizuru’s favorite type of man was two elder and renowned actors. Both were born in the '30s and appeared in almost 200 Japanese feature films.

Born in 1931, Ken Takakura, known as Ken-san, was an actor and singer. He died of lymphoma on November 10, 2014. Born in 1933, Sugawara was also the model for the design of the One Piece character Sakazuki “Akainu.” He died from liver cancer on November 28, 2014 . Isn’t it a huge coincidence they both passed away of cancer on November 2014?

REBECCA [レベッカ] (v.1, p.192; v.3, p.163)

REBECCA are a Japanese rock band that had a great success in the 80′s, fronted by singer Nokko. Natsuko, Keiko’s friend, says a curiosity about REBECCA’s song “MOON”:

“It's true, there is a voice saying "SENPAI" at the beginning of the bridge” (note: bridge from the song structure).

It is said in the middle of this song, there is a mysterious woman voice calling "senpai" (veteran, senior). Honestly, I’m not sure if I can hear it lol.

There’s also a rumor that the three guys and girl who appear in volume 3 (upper left of page 163) during the lottery of Genkai’s Tournament are REBECCA. What do you think?

Eisaku Yoshida, actor and singer (v.4, p.46)

Kuwabara and Yusuke arrived in front of the Maze Castle in Makai in only 2 hours. Togashi made a joke about it and wrote a small text below the scene:

“Fast as the development of Eisaku Yoshida’s doramas.”

Akiko Matsumoto (v.6, p.152)

The actress and singer Akiko Matsumoto is a Japanese 80's idol. When Yusuke is sleeping in the ship, Kuwabara says Yusuke is so tired that he won’t get up even if Akiko Matsumoto was next to him.

Eriko Tamura in the Dark Tournament (v.6, p.158)

The super famous singer and actress Eriko Tamura appears in a panel during The Dark Tournament in the Hanging Neck Island’s Hotel. It was probably a reference to her manga/anime version of “Idol Densetsu Eriko” (1989).

Kuwabara’s Energy Drink and Pierre Taki (v.6, p.160)

The name of the front man for Japanese synth-pop group “Denki Groove” appears on Kuwabara’s energy drink. I’ve already made a detailed post about it and the polemic involving his name.

Space Battleship Yamato Opening Theme (v.13, p.62)

When the guys are about to leave the Hanging Neck Island, Yusuke starts to sing: “Saaaraaabaa” (Farewell) which is the beginning of the opening theme of the super famous anime “Space Battleship Yamato” (Uchuu Senkan Yamato, 1974), sung by Isao Sasaki.

Sensui, Itsuki and Jun Togawa’s performance on Hit Studio (v.16, p.17)

Sensui spares Itsuki’s life after he confessed he wanted to live one more day to watch the singer Jun Togawa on Hit Studio. Sensui also watches the show. In the anime, the line was changed to “the last episode of the dorama”.

Fun fact: Jun Togawa actually performed a few times on Hit Studio and Togashi said in an interview this was a moment he really experienced.

This performance is from 1984 and Togawa was promoting her debut album as a solo artist “Tamahime-sama”:

youtube

Trivia: to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Jun Togawa’s musical career in 2016, an album alongside the metal band Vampillia entitled "Watashi ga Nakou Hototogizu" ("I Will Sing Like a Cuckoo") was released. Togashi created black & white illustrations for their collaboration:

I know Togashi said in “Yoshirin de Pon!” (1994) that Mukuro was modeled after Kushana (Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind) but Jun Togawa’s famous robotic arm from the 80′s reminds me Mukuro’s. She also performed the song “Radar Man” on Hit Studio wearing the cybernetic arm.

Akiko Wada and the earthquake (v.16, p.119)

When Sensui releases his sacred energy and the ground starts to tremble, a female citizen makes a comment: "Isn’t this Akiko Wada tapping her foot?". Akiko Wada is the famous singer, known as The Queen of the Japanese R&B. If you watch her performances, specially the from the 80s-90s, you’ll notice the peculiar way she shakes her legs and taps her foot while singing. When she debuted, she was also known for her tall stature, large physique and high tone voice.

“Otoko Nara” (v.17. p.171)

After saying goodbye and being dumped by Keiko, Yusuke starts to sing the famous military and wartime song “Otoko Nara” (男なら - “If you are a man”) from 1937. Translation to English

Yusuke: “Otoko nara, larilarila....”

3. Other mentions and references

WSJ issue 25, 1992; v. 6 opening illustration and v.8 cover

According to Togashi’s comments from the Artbook, these guys next to Yusuke were inspired by two black guys Togashi saw on a music video or magazine. But as he doesn’t remember where the inspiration comes from, it’s hard to tell the origin.

Anime: I’m only taking the manga and Togashi’s refs into consideration here. But you can always have fun searching in the animation for other references, like the Oingo Boingo poster in Kuwabara’s bedroom and Roger Dean’s artwork in the Makai landscape.

Other celebrities:

↪ Downtown (v.19, p.114-115): is a Japanese comedy duo consisting of Hitoshi Matsumoto and Masatoshi Hamada. Formed in 1982, they are one of the most influential comedy duos in Japan and famous for hosting variety shows, such as Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!! Togashi has stated he’s a fan and even the name “Hunter × Hunter” came about while he was watching their TV show, in which the hosts often repeat what they say to make the audience laugh. People believe the TV program Juri, Koto and Ruka were attending in the last volume is a reference to the variety show. Juri calls one of the hosts Yamazaki-san which is probably a reference to Hosei Yamasaki one of the five members of Downtown Gaki no Tsukai's regular cast. The man watching the TV while smoking is Togashi.

↪ Kurama comparing himself to Kazaguruma no Yashichi from the dorama “Mito Komon” (v.5, p.201). I made a post about it.

↪ The family name “Minamino” was taken from the singer Youko Minamino, but other Japanese celebrities were also considered. I made a post about it.

↪ A mention to the late sumo wrestler Kurama Tatsuya (v.13, p.89). When one of Kurama’s senior overhear Kuwabara calling Minamino as Kurama, instead of using his human name, he says: Kurama? (using the kanji of the fighter’s name), the former sekitori?

↪ Byakko bringing up Carl Lewis (v.5, p.57) was hilarious. Kuwabara needed to jump a distance of 10 meters, 2 meters more than Carl Lewis. Probably a reference to the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo and Lewis' greatest achievements during the competition. These chapters from the Saint Beasts saga were being written during this time.

↪ Kuwabara’s name was inspired by two baseball players as Togashi explained in the comics and the databook. But he also mentions some achievements from other baseball players during the series and incorporates them in his sword techniques:

→ Hiromitsu Ochiai (v.4, p.74): The “Ochiai-ryuu Shui-dasha-ken” (The Leading Hitter Ochiai Style Sword) used by Kuwabara to bat Rando’s fireballs technique (Kashou Happa-ken) is a reference to the baseball player Hiromitsu Ochiai. He is considered one of the most important players in the history of Japanese baseball and was given the title of “shui-dasha” (leading hitter), a player who ends the season with the best batting average score. That’s why Kuwabara mentions “shui-dasha” in the name of the technique.

→ Satoshi Inamoto (v.5, p.55): During the fight with Byakko, Kuwabara wants to use his “Teikyo High School Sayonara Two-Run Homer Sword” to bat the Tiger Scream but he is stopped by Kurama.

There’s a small text written below the panel: “August 17, 1991, 12h45PM, hitter Inamoto”. It’s a reference to a match between Teikyo High School and Ikeda High School in 1991. Teikyo High School turned the game around and won thanks to Inamoto’s home run.

↪ Fubuki Sato and Masato Hagiwara (v.17, p.120): while her brother Kaisei likes to watch TV, Fubuki likes the actor, voice actor and professional mahjong player Hagiwara Masato-kun.

↪ Hiei and Medaka Ikeno (v.19, p.88): a woman on TV describes the ET (Hiei) who abducted her. “His height is about Medaka Ikeno”. He is a Japanese comedian known for his short stature, about 149cm, and for being the man whose 'size is same as a tie'.

↪ Arnold Schwarzenegger (v.19, p.113): when Kido goes to the movies, there’s a billboard announcing: “The Crying Game” (on the right) and “Schwarzenegger - Last Action Hero” (on the left). Toguro is said to be modeled after Schwarzenegger’s Terminator, but Togashi mentions in the Yu Yu Hakusho Artbook (2015) that "Younger Toguro is Sato", referring to Koji Sato, the main antagonist of 1989 film "Black Rain”, played by the Japanese actor Yuusaku Matsuda.

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