#DrSTONE最終回# #DrSTONE# "The Meaning Behind My Final Dr. STONE Illustration" The illustration released yesterday for the final episode of the Dr. STONE anime is, as of this moment, the last Dr. STONE illustration I have drawn. There are several thoughts and feelings contained within this single image. One of them is this: "If Dr. STONE had continued serialization, this is probably what it would look like today." When drawing it, I wanted to express the idea that Dr. STONE should always continue to evolve—to become better, more dynamic, and more representative of the spirit of Shonen Jump. That was a belief I carried throughout the series, and I wanted to include that feeling in my final illustration as well. Another important decision involved Kohaku. When drawing Kohaku, I intentionally used photographs of a cosplayer as reference. Through this, I wanted to express my gratitude to all cosplayers who have loved and supported Dr. STONE more passionately than anyone else over the years. That is why I deliberately chose to work from a cosplay reference. I contacted the model directly and told her: "I used your cosplay and photographs as reference for this illustration, and I would like to compensate you for it." However, she kindly declined any payment. Instead, she shared a message that deeply moved me: "We are connected through mutual respect." After hearing those words, I felt that rather than simply paying a modeling fee, it would be more meaningful to share this story when the illustration was finally released. So today, I would like to say: Thank you to everyone in Japan and around the world who has cosplayed Dr. STONE. Your passion, creativity, and love for the series have meant a great deal to me. This is one of the meanings contained within the final illustration created for the anime. Thank you all.

#DrSTONE最終回# "The Reactions of the Dr. STONE Characters" Thank you for posting an interest in the medal ceremony scene. To explain, this scene was intended to portray the different reactions of four characters to receiving a medal. Kohaku has no interest in the meaning, authority, or prestige of medals. To her, this is simply a rather boring moment. That said, she's not unhappy at all. She's surrounded by Senku and her friends, so she's comfortable and content—comfortable enough to doze off. Ryusui, on the other hand, is thoroughly enjoying both the fact that he received a medal and the reasons why he earned it. Senku, in my view, has no particular interest in medals, authority, honor, or rewards. However, I think he is quietly moved by the realization that human civilization has returned, and that he played a major role in making it happen. Stanley's reaction may seem completely different from his usual self, but I actually think he is being exactly who he has always been. In other words, he is a soldier. And a soldier, above all else. To a soldier, a medal is one of the highest honors imaginable. Asoldier should take pride in it and show respect for what it represents. As a soldier himself, Stanley feels a responsibility to uphold the dignity and significance of such honors. That is why he stands perfectly straight, observes every formality, and takes pride in the moment he receives the medal. That's what a soldier does.