In the past, REGION FREE held its annual Shikishi Auction at Comic-Con, but since the company has not attended the convention since 2006, we've been putting the auction online instead (you can still view 2007's auction and 2008's auction). Once again for 2009, we’re hosting the auction from our AnimeStyle Pro website, since it is geared towards fans rather than business.

If you are not familiar with shikishi (autograph boards), they are original artworks done in various media (which may include pencil, ink, paint or colored markers) on a premade artpaper that has been laminated onto a hardboard backing and edged with a gold-colored paper trim. The shikishi vary in size, but are roughly 9.5" x 10.75".

Note that while the majority of the shikishi have no notable defects, there are a few that are warped or have other issues. These problems are not the result of the storage or handling methods used by REGION FREE and we accept no responsibility for them. Photographs and details about the problems can be found in the Shikishi Issues 2009 section.

For display on the site, the original works have been scanned then scaled to a medium resolution and watermarked with a gray band reading "SAMPLE" to discourage unauthorized reproduction. The original shikishi will be shipped from Japan to the REGION FREE office in Northern California where they will be reshipped to the winners.

Here's how the auction works:

• This is a silent auction, meaning the bids are known only to the bidder and REGION FREE until the winners are announced. In other words, it isn't like eBay, where you can see what the current bid is.
• Bidding opens on August 18, 2009 and ends on August 31, 2008. The winners will be informed by email by September 3, 2009.
• The minimum bid per piece is $100 unless otherwise noted. You can bid using our webform or email the item number of the piece(s) you’re interested in along with your bid(s) to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Bidders will receive a confirmation email when their bid is received and noted. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, please re-submit your bid.
• Payment must be made in US Dollars, and can be sent only by Money Order or PayPal. Sorry, no personal checks will be accepted.
• Packing, shipping and insurance are not included in the bid price, and must be paid for by the buyer. FedEx is recommended, but REGION FREE will entertain other options if the buyer wishes to use another method. REGION FREE will not mark up shipping or add service charges--buyers will simply be reimbursing our costs. If you have any questions, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .