As we have already mentioned in previous articles, the popular manga written and illustrated by Aki Hamaji, Bocchi the Rock!, has its inspiration from many real life places in Japan. Before creating the series, the author had no real experience in bands or playing instruments, so she conducted extensive research by asking people familiar with the world of indie bands, hearing and reading more about this culture, and visiting prominent places on the scene.
Use of these places was SHELTER, a stage for concerts by independent bands located in the Shimokitazawa neighborhood, in Tokyo, which would end up serving as inspiration for STARRY., which appears in Bocchi the Rock! as the base of operations Kessoku Band. Well, the latter is what, once again, drew attention on social networks. Because the franchise is extremely popular, many fans venture to the actual locations of the series, not realizing that by doing so they cause problems for the inhabitants of the area and the owners of the place.
Well, this caused the production to issue a statement informing that the fans are still causing problems in the real locations that inspired the franchise. Bocchi the Rock!:
- «Thank you for your continued support of “Bocchi the Rock!” Once again, we would like to make a request to all those who visit the places portrayed in the anime. Please be considerate and refrain from causing disturbance to live-houses, shops, other tenants in the building, residents of the neighborhood and the surrounding community.».
- We kindly ask all visitors, both individuals and groups, to avoid visiting, photographing and filming on weekends or holidays. Please refrain from blocking roads, making loud noises, and photographing/filming residences. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.».
Anyway, let’s remember that visiting the locations shown in an anime production is known as “anime pilgrimage“, and generally works to boost economic activities in the area. The same thing should be happening with the Shimokitazawa Ward thanks to Bocchi the Rock!, but It seems that fans take pictures and make a fuss during their visits, even on weekends or days off in Japan.. This was obviously going to attract widespread complaints from the inhabitants of the area.
Synopsis for Bocchi the Rock!
Hitori “Bocchi” Gotou, lonely and eager to mingle with others, spends her time playing the guitar. One fateful day, Bocchi meets outgoing drummer Nijika Ijichi, who invites her to join the Kessoku Band when her guitarist, Ikuyo Kita, runs away before her first concert. Shortly after, Bocchi meets her last partner, the great bassist Ryou Yamada.
Although their first performance together is mediocre, the girls are strengthened by their shared love of music, and Kita soon joins them again. Finding happiness in performing, Bocchi and her classmates put all their efforts into improving as musicians while making the most of their fleeting high school days.
©はまじあき／芳文社・アニプレックス
