February marks Japan's university entrance exam season, and at the prestigious Kyoto University, students have a long-standing tradition of setting up bizarre and hilarious support boards for test-takers. These often feature characters from anime, manga, and games, or witty takes on current events.
Recently, Japan's X (formerly Twitter) has been flooded with photos from the exam sites, showcasing the incredible creativity and boundless imagination of Kyoto University students through their wild and whimsical board designs.
One of the most talked-about displays features a (fake) Shohei Ohtani, decked out in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, with an English test theme. However, the face on the drawing is actually Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani's former interpreter, who was recently indicted for stealing Ohtani's money to fund sports gambling. The board even includes English words related to gambling and cleverly plays on the idea of a "proxy test-taker" – truly absurd!
( Image source / @ku_togetsu )
Of course, anime, manga, and game references are abundant, often featuring iconic scenes paired with clever text.
▼ "Laid-Back Camp"
( Image source / @Kirara_KU )
▼ Teto Kasane, whose song "TERORIS" has been incredibly catchy lately.
( Image source / @shingorilla2018 )
▼ And naturally, the currently airing anime "BanG Dream! Ave Mujica" makes an appearance! Chihaya offers her support, while Sakiko reminds you to bring your exam ticket and stationery.
( Image source / @shingorilla2018 )
▼ "My Deer Friend Nokotan" wouldn't miss out on the fun either.
( Image source / @shingorilla2018 )
▼ "The Elusive Samurai" uses its famous scene to tell everyone, "Don't fail!"
( Image source / @ku_togetsu )
▼ The classic "Professor Orita statue" gets a makeover, this time featuring Keigo Atobe from "The Prince of Tennis"!
( Image source / @igerier )
▼ Kyoto University's VTuber Research Club this year presented Furen E Lustario from Nijisanji.
( Image source / @shingorilla2018 )
▼ Kiri Endo from "Medalist" and Chaliaan Bould from "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX" are here, reminding everyone that even with age differences, you can still study hard and get into university (?!).
( Image source / @tsun_tsun_dayo )
▼ Even Shigeru Ishiba, who was elected Prime Minister last year, came to offer his support: "You'll definitely pass!"
( Image source / @kusyokuin )
Every year brings new and exciting displays to Kyoto University's exam sites, symbolizing the university's free-spirited atmosphere. It's become an eagerly anticipated event for many during the entrance exam season!