When the dragon with a double peace sign from last time was arranged into four psd sticker design templates in a rice-field pattern (田 shape), the remaining space in the center seemed strangely wasteful. Thus, the sudden decision to create this was made.

Since the central space was inevitably rhombus-shaped and small, I chose the style of a large-head illustration. Furthermore, two horns would look awkward, so I leaned towards a unicorn-type… and then I thought of a ridiculous pun, which led to the decision to draw a rhombus lion (In Japanese, “rhombus” is pronounced “hishi” and “lion” is pronounced “shishi.” Additionally, Edo dialect replaces “hi” with “shi,” so this drawing can also be read as “shishi-shishi”).



…(´・ω・｀)

About Lions and Komainu

There’s not much to write besides the pun this time, so here’s a short story. Many people might think, “Isn’t the one with horns a komainu, not a shishi?”

You’re correct! That understanding is spot on. The traditional A-un figures at shrines mostly have that form.

However, akin to brush stroke orders, the distinction between Kara-Jishi (唐獅子), formed through Chinese interpretations of lions, and Shishi-Komainu (獅子狛犬), which became widespread as protective figures in Japan, became more rigorous during the Heian period. There are also multiple horned lion-like spiritual beasts in Korea and other Asian countries.
Cultural forms and formats derived from this actually show considerable variation, like Lion-Komainu being called simply Komainu, or regions where lions in lion dances have horns.

Well, compared to becoming a curly lion with a lack of rhombus resemblance, this is much better.

Lettering

I made Lettering also done. The “shi” in the bottom right of the work image was written facing left, in alignment with the Kanteiryu style and old typographic characters.

Summary

Starting with “I want a badge-making machine!” it’s amazing how much fun you can have with a random pun. Drawing really is a wonderful activity.

While debating whether to get a badge-making machine in 32mm, 44mm, or 57mm sizes (each requiring an initial investment of about 60,000 yen), I also applied for a Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart set raffle. Truly, the depths of desires are ∞.

When June arrives, which feels more realistic: a Nakatsubo making badges gashacon♪ gashacon♪, or a Nakatsubo who ends up with blisters on their thumbs from Mario Kart TA?