Let’s enjoy, HANIWA! LINE WhatsApp Sticker GIF PNG

Let’s enjoy, HANIWA!: Ancient Japanese Figures Get a Fun, Modern Makeover

So, you ever see something so unexpectedly charming it just makes your day? That’s what’s happening with these new LINE stickers! They come from a source you might not expect: The Asahi Shimbun Arts & Culture division. If that name sounds a bit formal, it’s because it’s part of one of Japan’s most respected newspapers. But don’t let that fool you! Their Arts & Culture branch is all about finding cool ways to bring history and art to everyone, and they’ve totally nailed it with this project. Partnering up for the special Haniwa Exhibition, they’ve launched a set of stickers that brings ancient artifacts right into your daily chats. It’s a fantastic way to make history feel alive, current, and just plain fun. They’re really showing how a traditional institution can get creative and connect with people in a totally modern way.

Original LINE stickers for the Haniwa Exhibition. Haniwa from the Tokyo National Museum and Katsushika City Museum of Local History and Astronomy, newly drawn by Akiko Suso, an illustrator who loves ancient tombs! Get them on a first-come, first-served basis by friending the Asahi Shimbun Arts & Culture official account! Available until October 21, 2024.

• Title : Let’s enjoy, HANIWA!
• Price : Free
• Type : Static
• Region : Japan
• Link : line://shop/detail/32308
• Publisher : The Asahi Shimbun Arts & Culture
• Copyright : Akiko Suso / | The Asahi Shimbun

• Let’s enjoy, HANIWA!

Let’s Take a Closer Look at These Historic Hooligans

Okay, let’s break down this awesome sticker collection. The image shows eight different Haniwa figures, each one brimming with personality. They’re all based on real terracotta clay figures from ancient Japan, but with a seriously playful twist. The art style keeps the earthy, historical feel but adds expressive, modern cartoon emotions that are perfect for messaging.

In the top row, we kick things off with a lanky Haniwa figure looking totally flustered, hand to its head. The text says “Kashikomarimashita,” which is a super polite “Certainly!”—perfect for when you’re agreeing to something but are secretly panicking. Next to it, a majestic warrior Haniwa in a helmet glows with gratitude, surrounded by pink sparkles and the word “Arigatou” (“Thank you”). Then there’s a charming chicken Haniwa greeting the day with a bright red sun and a cheerful “Ohayou!” (“Good morning!”). And rounding out the top row, two Haniwa figures are literally jumping in shock, complete with exclamation points and the sound effect “Bikkuri!” (“Surprised!”).

The bottom row is just as great. The flustered Haniwa is back, but this time it’s cupping its mouth and shouting “Oooi!” which is like yelling “Hey, you!” to get someone’s attention. Then there’s a wonderfully strange monkey-faced Haniwa giving an intense stare, accompanied by “Jiii,” the sound of staring. It’s a little creepy, a lot of fun. The third one is a happy-go-lucky Haniwa with cute earrings, pointing at itself with a smug little smile, surrounded by flowers. And finally, for those moments we can all relate to, there’s a cylindrical Haniwa head wearing a hat, peacefully sleeping with a few Z’s floating by. It’s the perfect “I’m out” sticker.

The Creative Minds Behind the Haniwa

It’s one thing to see cool stickers, but it’s another to know the story behind them. This whole project is a beautiful collaboration that really highlights the passion involved.

An Illustrator with a Love for Ancient History

The artist who brought these Haniwa to life is Akiko Suso, an illustrator who, get this, absolutely loves ancient burial mounds, or kofun. That’s not just a fun fact; it’s the secret ingredient that makes these stickers so special. Her genuine passion for the subject shines through in every design. She didn’t just draw generic characters; she took inspiration from specific Haniwa figures housed in the Tokyo National Museum and the Katsushika City Museum of Local History and Astronomy. By doing so, she’s managed to preserve the unique look of these historical artifacts while injecting them with relatable, modern emotions. It’s this blend of historical respect and creative fun that makes the set so unique.

A Partnership for the Arts

This project wasn’t a solo mission. It’s presented by The Asahi Shimbun Arts & Culture, and the copyright is shared between Akiko Suso and The Asahi Shimbun. This shows a real partnership, where a major cultural promoter and a talented artist team up. For Asahi Shimbun, it’s a brilliant way to promote the Haniwa Exhibition and engage a new audience. For Akiko Suso, it’s a platform to share her unique artistic vision and love for history. This kind of collaboration is fantastic because it makes art and history more accessible. Instead of being stuck behind glass in a museum, these ancient figures are now part of our daily digital conversations, all thanks to this clever team-up. The stickers themselves are part of a promotional campaign, available for a limited time until October 21, 2024. You can get them on a first-come, first-served basis just by friending the publisher’s official account, making them a fun, exclusive collectible.