Introduction: “Vampire Dies in No Time” and Shin-Yokohama’s Deep Bond
“Vampire Dies in No Time” (nicknamed: Kyūshi) is a popular gag manga by Itaru Bonnoki serialized in Akita Shoten’s “Weekly Shonen Champion.” From its serialization start in June 2015 to the present, this work has captivated many fans as a slapstick comedy centered on Draluc, the weakest vampire in history who dies instantly and turns to dust over trivial matters, and Ronald, a vampire hunter with a hard-luck personality.
One of the greatest characteristics of this work is that it is set in Shin-Yokohama, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. In the story, it appears as “a certain prefecture Y city S town,” but many actual buildings and landscapes around Shin-Yokohama Station are depicted, drawing attention as a pilgrimage site.
Accompanying the anime adaptation, the production committee staff conducted full-scale location scouting, carefully surveying Shin-Yokohama’s daytime and nighttime landscapes. This article thoroughly explains the charm of Shin-Yokohama, which the author deeply cherishes, and essential pilgrimage site information for “Vampire Dies in No Time” fans.
The Relationship Between Author Itaru Bonnoki and Shin-Yokohama
Why Shin-Yokohama Became the Setting
In interviews, author Itaru Bonnoki has spoken of his deep affection for Shin-Yokohama. From his comment, “Whenever I’m coming up with ideas, I’m always walking around the Shin-Yokohama area, and I really have a deep attachment to this town… Even though I’m beating it up so much in the work, I’m sorry,” we can see the special relationship between the author and Shin-Yokohama.
Throughout a serialization period of over six years, the author has meticulously walked around the Shin-Yokohama area, incorporating the scenery and buildings he sees daily into the work. A taiyaki shop near Toriyama-cho, the massive railway depot facility in Kita-Shin-Yokohama, and the Tsurumi River that appears repeatedly—landscapes familiar to local residents color the world of the work.
The Characteristics of Shin-Yokohama and Its Influence on the Work
Shin-Yokohama is a relatively new town that developed with the opening of the Tokaido Shinkansen in 1964. This city, while serving as a transportation hub where three lines—JR East Japan, JR Central Japan, and Yokohama City Subway—converge, has a uniquely distinctive atmosphere. There is a reason it was chosen as the setting for “Vampire Dies in No Time.”
The unique landscape where modern office buildings around the Shinkansen station mix with residential areas and shopping streets a short distance away matches the work’s world view of vampires and humans coexisting perfectly. Additionally, the location slightly removed from central Yokohama gives realism to the setting of “a certain prefecture Y city S town.”
Location Scouting Report by Anime Production Staff
Purpose and Content of Location Scouting
The production committee for the anime “Vampire Dies in No Time” conducted full-scale location scouting to faithfully recreate Shin-Yokohama, the setting of the work. According to the location scouting report published on the official website, staff members deliberately chose to assemble at 3 p.m. to conduct on-site surveys capturing Shin-Yokohama during both day and night.
In this survey, not only major buildings around Shin-Yokohama Station but also fine details appearing in the work were carefully photographed and recorded. Particularly impressive was the view from high-rise buildings, from which the entire Shin-Yokohama area to the Yokohama direction can be seen at a glance, with staff commenting, “If we could hold a wrap party, we’d definitely want to do it here.”
The Expressions of Shin-Yokohama Day and Night
In the location scouting, the differences in the town’s appearance depending on time of day were also emphasized. During the daytime, Shin-Yokohama is a lively town bustling with Shinkansen passengers and businesspeople, but at night it is enveloped in a quiet atmosphere. This day-night contrast is reflected in the depiction of daily scenes in the work and scenes of vampire activity at night.
The view from high-rise buildings with open atriums down to the first floor provides such vertiginous heights that your knees shake when looking down from high up, becoming crucial information that adds impact to the anime’s background art. Such attention to detail supports the quality of the anime work.
Introduction to Major Pilgrimage Sites in Shin-Yokohama
Shin-Yokohama Station (In-work: JK Shin-Yokohama Station)
Shin-Yokohama Station, which becomes the center of the story, appears in the work as “JK Shin-Yokohama Station.” Established with the opening of the Tokaido Shinkansen in 1964, this station is an important transportation hub where three lines converge: JR Central Japan, JR East Japan, and Yokohama City Subway Blue Line.
The landscape around the station is frequently depicted in the work, and the skyway directly connected to the station has quietly become a popular photo spot where one can see landscapes characteristic of Shin-Yokohama. Commercial facilities around the station such as the Shin-Yokohama Prince Pepe and Shin-Yokohama Cubic Plaza are also depicted as part of the work’s world.
Ura Shin-Yokohama Station (Fictional Pilgrimage Site)
“Ura Shin-Yokohama Station” (Back Shin-Yokohama Station), which appears as a work-original setting, is a mysterious space that lures those sleeping on trains into a barrier. In the episode “Next stop, final destination Ura Shin-Yokohama,” Ronald and others who were returning to Shin-Yokohama by train after grilled meat accidentally fall asleep, and when they wake, they arrive at this mysterious station.
Though not a real place, the depiction based on the structure of Shin-Yokohama Station has a realism that makes even local residents think, “It might actually exist.” This delicate balance between the fictional and the real is one of the charms of the work.
Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel and Surroundings
The Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel and its surrounding area, symbolic landmarks of Shin-Yokohama, are also important spots appearing in the work. This building, featured in the location scouting report, boasts an excellent view from its top floor, overlooking not only the entire Shin-Yokohama area but also the direction of Yokohama.
In the work, the modern office buildings in this area are used as backgrounds expressing Shin-Yokohama’s urban aspects. The nighttime scenery in particular is effectively depicted as a stage for vampire activity.
Tsurumi River Area
The Tsurumi River, which appears multiple times in the work, is an important location symbolizing nature in Shin-Yokohama. Despite being within walking distance of Shin-Yokohama Station, the expansive riverbed offers a quiet space away from urban hustle and bustle.
The promenade along the Tsurumi River and the riverbed are frequently used as backgrounds for characters’ daily movement scenes and conversation scenes. The changing appearance of the river with the seasons is an element that allows the work to convey the passage of the four seasons.
Toriyama-cho Shopping District and Surroundings
The Toriyama-cho area, which appears to have a taiyaki shop appearing in the work as its model, is also a popular pilgrimage site. This area, a short distance from Shin-Yokohama Station, gives realism to the work by being a place where the everyday lives of local residents can be glimpsed.
By depicting seemingly ordinary scenery in the shopping district and small shops used by locals in the work, “Vampire Dies in No Time” makes readers realize that the world of the work is continuous with our daily lives.
Kita Shin-Yokohama Railway Depot Facility
The massive railway depot facility in Kita Shin-Yokohama is a place that actually functions as a Shinkansen vehicle depot. Its scale is impressively depicted in the work, making it an interesting spot for railway enthusiasts as well.
The industrial landscape around this facility adds a unique atmosphere to the work’s world. Particularly, the silhouettes of vehicles illuminated by nighttime lighting are depicted in a fantastical yet somehow realistic manner.
Facilities and Organizations Appearing in the Work and Shin-Yokohama
Shin-Yokohama Vampire Hunter Guild
The “Shin-Yokohama Vampire Hunter Guild,” an important setting in the work, is a guild organization existing in Shin-Yokohama. It uses the bar “Shin-Yokohama Highball,” located near Ronald’s office, as its base, with the bar master Gōsetsu also serving as the guild master.
This setting symbolizes the multifaceted nature of Shin-Yokohama. While operating as an ordinary bar on the surface, it functions as a place for vampire hunters to exchange information and receive requests behind the scenes—a dual structure that overlaps with Shin-Yokohama’s two-fold character as both “the Shinkansen city” and “a living community.”
Ronald and Draluc frequently visit this place, either bringing or being brought into a commotion. It becomes an important community space in the work’s world where guild members interact.
Kanagawa Prefectural Police Vampire Countermeasures Division
The work also features the Kanagawa Prefectural Police Vampire Countermeasures Division, with Hinaichi’s brother serving as the Overall Supervisor of Vampire Countermeasures. In an episode where he visits Shin-Yokohama with his butler Sebastian for an inspection, an encounter with deviant vampires leads to unfortunate consequences.
This setting positions Shin-Yokohama not as a mere provincial city but as an important hub in vampire countermeasures. The use of the real administrative division of Kanagawa Prefecture further heightens the realism of the work’s world.
How to Enjoy Pilgrimage Sites and Access Information
How to Access Shin-Yokohama
Shin-Yokohama Station is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen, accessible in approximately 18 minutes from Tokyo Station, approximately 90 minutes from Nagoya Station, and approximately 120 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station. While Shinkansen is most convenient, access is also possible by conventional lines and subway.
Using JR Yokohama Line, it takes approximately 11 minutes from Yokohama Station and approximately 8 minutes from Higashi-Kanagawa Station. Using Yokohama City Subway Blue Line, it takes approximately 14 minutes from Yokohama Station and approximately 20 minutes from Azamino Station. With excellent access from the urban center, it’s ideal for day-trip pilgrimage.
Recommended Pilgrimage Route
For efficiently visiting pilgrimage sites, a route starting from Shin-Yokohama Station and walking around the surrounding area is recommended. First, experience the work’s atmosphere at commercial facilities and skyways around the station, then head toward the Tsurumi River area—a popular route.
If time permits, extending your visit to the Toriyama-cho shopping district and the depot facility area in Kita Shin-Yokohama allows you to experience the work’s world more deeply. Tracing the roads the author likely walked enhances understanding of the work.
Precautions for Pilgrimage
When conducting pilgrimage, it’s important to respect the daily lives of local residents. Particularly in residential areas and shopping districts, avoid speaking loudly or entering private property. Care should be taken when photographing if buildings or homes will be in the frame.
Additionally, never enter restricted areas such as the railway depot facility. Keep observations and photography to views from public roads—this is proper etiquette for pilgrimage. Fans’ restrained behavior helps maintain the positive relationship between the work and the community going forward.
Anime “Vampire Dies in No Time” and Shin-Yokohama’s Depiction
Increased Attention to Pilgrimage Sites Due to Anime Adaptation
With the broadcast of the anime “Vampire Dies in No Time,” Shin-Yokohama’s attention as a pilgrimage site has increased significantly. When landscapes depicted in manga are animated with movement and color, more fans become interested in Shin-Yokohama.
The results of the production committee’s careful location scouting are clearly reflected in the anime’s background art. Details such as the texture of actual buildings and changes in light depending on time of day are reproduced in fine detail, earning high praise from anime fans.
Teaser Visuals and Shin-Yokohama
The teaser visuals released at the anime adaptation announcement also effectively used Shin-Yokohama’s landscape. The visuals, leveraging the characteristic element of the Shinkansen station, strongly imprint the work’s setting as Shin-Yokohama.
Through such promotional efforts, the image of “Vampire Dies in No Time = Shin-Yokohama” has become widely established, and interest in the work has also risen in Shin-Yokohama itself. The synergy between region and work has led to acquisition of new fan base.
Official Anthology “Let’s Meet in Shin-Yokohama”
Charms of the Anthology Comic
The official anthology “Let’s Meet in Shin-Yokohama,” published by Akita Shoten, is a popular series packed with tribute manga and rare illustrations by a stellar lineup of writers who love “Vampire Dies in No Time.” With two volumes released, the chaotic life of Shin-Yokohama is depicted from angles different from the main serialization.
Hunters, vampires, and the Vampire Countermeasures Division all take active roles in this anthology, where Shin-Yokohama is depicted from multiple perspectives. Shin-Yokohama as depicted by various artists reveals new charms not seen in the main work.
The Meaning Behind the Title
The title “Let’s Meet in Shin-Yokohama” carries the wish to connect fans and the work with Shin-Yokohama, the pilgrimage site. The title itself speaks to the importance of Shin-Yokohama and serves as a kind of rallying cry for pilgrimage.
By reading the anthology before visiting the pilgrimage site, you can experience the work’s world more deeply. The diverse interpretations by multiple artists resonate with the multifaceted nature of Shin-Yokohama itself.
The Relationship Between Local Shin-Yokohama and the Work
Coverage by Local Media
Local Shin-Yokohama media, “Shin-Yokohama Newspaper,” also heavily featured the anime adaptation decision of “Vampire Dies in No Time.” It was introduced with headlines reading “The stage is Shin-Yokohama” and “Deep ties with the local area,” becoming a topic of discussion among local residents.
Information was conveyed through local media about how author Bonnoki walked around the Shin-Yokohama area to develop ideas and held a truly deep affection for this town, heightening local residents’ affection for the work. The author’s comment, “Even though I’m beating it up so much in the work, I’m sorry,” has been received positively by locals.
Contribution to Regional Promotion
The increased recognition of Shin-Yokohama as an anime pilgrimage site contributes to regional development. Fans visiting the pilgrimage site patronize local restaurants and shops, creating economic effects.
Shin-Yokohama’s location slightly removed from central Yokohama traditionally limited visitors to Shinkansen users. However, gaining attention as a pilgrimage site for “Vampire Dies in No Time” opens new possibilities as a tourism resource. More local residents are rediscovering Shin-Yokohama’s charms through the work.
Daily Lives of Characters in Shin-Yokohama
Draluc and Ronald’s Office
The vampire hunter office where protagonist pair Draluc and Ronald base their activities is set to exist somewhere in Shin-Yokohama. Though the work doesn’t reveal the specific address, it is frequently depicted as a building like a mixed-use building around Shin-Yokohama Station, becoming a subject of “pilgrimage site hunting” among fans.
Attempts are made to identify actual buildings based on depictions of views from the office and surrounding scenery, and such fan activities themselves become part of the enjoyment of pilgrimage. The author may intentionally avoid identification, but that too is part of the work’s charm.
Daily Episodes in Shin-Yokohama
The work features numerous episodes of characters spending their daily lives in Shin-Yokohama. Shopping around the station, eating at restaurants, walking along the Tsurumi River—scenery familiar to locals is depicted with fresh perspective through non-everyday beings like vampires and vampire hunters.
The accumulation of such daily depictions supports the realism of the work’s world. Readers and anime viewers can experience the sensation that vampires exist continuous with their own daily lives.
Shin-Yokohama’s History and “Vampire Dies in No Time”
Shinkansen Opening and the Town’s Development
Shin-Yokohama’s history begins with the opening of the Tokaido Shinkansen in 1964. Before that, farmland had spread across this area, but it developed rapidly with the establishment of the Shinkansen station. Today it serves as a central hub of Yokohama City Kohoku Ward, serving as a base for business and events.
This “new town” character may be one reason the work chose Shin-Yokohama as its setting. Shin-Yokohama, with its unique atmosphere different from historic central Yokohama, is ideal as the setting for a gag work that differs from traditional vampire stories.
Modern Shin-Yokohama and the Work’s World
Modern Shin-Yokohama is a complex city where urban functions centered on the Shinkansen station coexist with surrounding residential areas. Large-scale facilities such as Nissan Stadium (Yokohama International Integrated Stadium) and Yokohama Arena also exist, drawing many people during events.
Conversely, a short distance from the station, quiet residential areas and shopping streets spread, where local residents’ daily lives are lived. This multifaceted nature resonates with the diversity of “Vampire Dies in No Time,” functioning as its setting.
Fan Community and Shin-Yokohama
Pilgrimage Events and Interaction
For “Vampire Dies in No Time” fan communities, pilgrimage site visits to Shin-Yokohama have become popular events. On SNS, photos and experiences taken by fans are shared using hashtags like “#吸死聖地巡礼” and “#新横浜.”
Fans sometimes meet unexpectedly in Shin-Yokohama, leading to interactions. Fans who got to know each other through the work realizing “Let’s Meet in Shin-Yokohama” at actual pilgrimage sites exemplifies the ideal relationship between work, fans, and pilgrimage site.
Information Sharing Online
Pilgrimage site information is actively shared on fan websites, SNS, and video distribution sites. Detailed pilgrimage maps, comparison images with the work, recommended routes, and various content created by fans serve as reference for those planning to visit Shin-Yokohama.
Through such information sharing, the barrier to pilgrimage lowers, allowing more fans to visit Shin-Yokohama. Fan community activities create a positive cycle further heightening the work’s popularity.
Conclusion: The Future of “Vampire Dies in No Time” and Shin-Yokohama
The relationship between “Vampire Dies in No Time” and Shin-Yokohama, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, transcends the simple frame of “work’s setting,” bound by deep ties. The work’s world, created by author Bonnoki as he walked around the Shin-Yokohama area, has become known to even more people through anime adaptation.
Through the production committee’s careful location scouting, favorable coverage by local media, and fans’ enthusiastic pilgrimage activities, Shin-Yokohama has established itself as a pilgrimage site for “Vampire Dies in No Time.”
As the serialization continues and new anime series may be produced, the relationship between Shin-Yokohama and the work will deepen further. It’s hoped that local residents, fans, and work creators will together nurture this special relationship.
When visiting Shin-Yokohama, please enjoy pilgrimage while holding love for the work and respect for the community. There, certainly, will spread the ordinary days of “a certain prefecture Y city S town” where Draluc and Ronald continue their noisy activities.
