"Manga makes traveling more enjoyable."

Kumamoto Core Mix, based in Kumamoto, the birthplace of manga culture, has teamed up with NEXCO West Japan to start a special exhibition at the Kita-Kumamoto Service Area (outbound) on the Kyushu Expressway E3!

This exhibition is the second installment of the "Creative Lab Kita-Kumamoto" art project promoted by NEXCO West Japan. The theme is "Traveling with the Cat Researcher: Kumamoto, the Manga Prefecture." You can enjoy "traveling manga" drawn by unique manga artists in various areas of Kumamoto Prefecture in an unexpected location: a service area.

About NEXCO West Japan
NEXCO West Japan is a company that manages, operates, and constructs expressways in the western Japan region. The group philosophy is to "place top priority on expressway safety and security, continue to challenge the evolution of expressways, and contribute to the development of the region and the realization of a prosperous future," and is engaged in related businesses such as expressway and SAPA businesses that support the nationwide exchange and distribution of people and goods. Taking advantage of the renovation of Kita-Kumamoto SA, the company is working on the "Creative Lab Kita-Kumamoto" project in order to provide customers with "encounters that can only be found here" at SA and PA.

■ What is the "Creative Lab Kita-Kumamoto" project?
This project will introduce creative things and experiences from Kumamoto and Kyushu to customers at the Kitakumamoto SA on both the inbound and outbound lanes. We hope that visitors will experience energetic artworks that embody the charms of Kumamoto, the city in the center of Kyushu where Kitakumamoto SA is located, as well as other parts of Kyushu, creating a chemical reaction that will lead to new destinations, souvenirs, and memories.


The navigator of the exhibition is the mascot character of the "Manga Prefecture Kumamoto Research Group," "Kumamoto Researcher Cat." An unexpected "encounter with manga" at a service area you happen to stop by during your road trip may be the catalyst for finding your next travel destination.