Nitto Fes 2026: A Feeling of Being Wrapped in Warmth

On April 29th, I had the pleasure of participating in the opening event for the "Towel School," hosted by Nitto Towel.

Under the leadership of the third-generation president, Takahiro Toriyama, the event was filled with a warm, homey atmosphere from start to finish. Held over two days on the 28th and 29th, it featured various unique event projects, exhibits, and displays related to "towels" that you rarely see elsewhere.

This time, two manga artists participated as exhibitors, hosting a "Happy Yellow Badge Workshop."

Better late than never, here is a report on how it went!

The yellow building is the landmark! About Nitto Towel

Nitto Towel's office is located in Nihonbashi Yokoyama-cho, and its bright, eye-catching yellow building is very impressive.

Our company's corporate color is also a "sun-like yellow."

Because of that yellow connection, we chose "happiness" as the theme for this workshop.

We planned the workshop so that participants could either draw pictures on badges based on the theme of happiness, or have the two manga artists draw their portraits.

A two-person team with a reliable helper, Noriman-san

For this event, we were joined by manga artist Noriman-san as a reliable partner.

Noriman-san is active as an essay manga artist and also holds a qualification as an occupational therapist. While sharing daily experiences through essay manga on social media, she also conducts manga workshops for local communities and companies.

I don't think I could have managed the workshop on my own. It was truly reassuring to have her!

The day of the event—a huge success all day long!

The event was held over two days, the 28th and 29th, but we only exhibited on the 29th.

In preparation for the exhibition, we created portrait badges for about 20 Nitto Towel employees in advance. When the staff wore them on the day, the venue instantly became vibrant with yellow badges.

From the employees, we heard...

I was so happy to hear the warm words, "This is my first time having my portrait drawn, and I'm so happy!"

It made me feel happy as well.

Customers who saw the employees' badges came to our booth one after another, and as a result, the two of us manga artists ended up drawing portraits for everyone who came to the workshop. Furthermore, we even received portrait requests from other exhibitors who were there,

"I want to wear this badge at my own workshops and events too!"

We also received such happy feedback.

Thankfully, we were able to draw many badges, and the fun time passed in the blink of an eye.

The "Warm Bonds" Supporting 80 Years, Felt at the After-Party

After the event ended, a social gathering was held as an after-party for the Towel School opening event.

What left an impression there was a heartfelt speech from an employee who has long supported the three generations of Nitto Towel presidents. Every word conveyed the deep love and bonds of all the employees.

The 80-year history of the company is only possible because of warm, family-like human relationships. It was an after-party where I keenly felt that sense of warmth.

Conclusion

Thank you so much to Mr. Toriyama for giving us this wonderful opportunity, to everyone at Nitto Towel, and to Noriman for your help throughout the day.

"Towel School" is a wonderful project that creates new discoveries and connections through the item of towels, for everyone from children to adults. I sincerely hope that this initiative will continue to bring smiles to even more people!

Be sure not to miss the "Towel School" project!