As the staircase rises at JR Harajuku Station, onlookers are drawn into the intricate world of ‘Forgotten Meadow’, a narrative cleverly enveloping them in a visually stunning experience. This unique artwork is designed to encapsulate the complex relationship between Princess Talia and her suitor, Balkas, and will be fully displayed on the staircase from September 14 to September 20, 2026.
Created by Kakao Piccoma, the electronic manga and novel service based in Minato, Tokyo, this advertising initiative follows the success of the original SMARTOON® series, which has garnered over 2.4 million likes just four months post-debut on May 6, 2026. The artwork has been orchestrated to represent the pangs of love and enmity experienced by the protagonists as they traverse their tumultuous journey together.
The Staircase: A Canvas of Emotion
The staircase has been transformed into a comprehensive art installation, using the wall, floor, and ceiling as one unified display. Looking up from the bottom of the staircase, viewers are greeted with a gradient that transitions from soft blue to deep crimson, evoking a sense of a dynamic emotional landscape. As individuals ascend or descend, their movement echoes the evolving relationship of Talia and Balkas, symbolizing how their story unfurls - from innocence to passionate adulthood.
At the base, where the staircase begins, viewers can witness the duo as children bathed in daylight, surrounded by leaves and light. With every step higher, the characters visibly age and mature. By the time they reach the top, they encounter adult Talia and Balkas in a backdrop filled with deep red roses and a fading sunset, demonstrating the complexity of their relationship, which is fuelled by passion yet fraught with pain.
The youthful Talia and Balkas at the beginning of their journey.
Upon reaching the summit, the audience meets the adult versions of Talia and Balkas.
Artistic Journey
Talia’s portrait on one side of the staircase illustrates her transformation from a carefree child to an emotionally complex adult. Simultaneously, Balkas’ image evolves from a youthful visage to the expression of a young man who has sealed away his emotions, highlighting the stark differences in their personal journeys shaped by their backgrounds and expectations.
To complement this innovative advertising campaign, Piccoma is executing an array of promotional measures including the increase of free episodes of its series ‘Forgotten Meadow’ and the release of over 130 free chapters of the novel version. An engaging event will also take place on their dedicated site, which can be accessed
here. Additionally, fans are prompted to engage through their official X campaign, where lucky participants can win a signed poster by the artist Spoon.
Story Behind ‘Forgotten Meadow’
The plot delves into the precarious life of Talia Rohem Gluta, a disaster-prone princess born from an imperial affair. Raised amid indifference from her parents, hostile half-siblings, and scorn from servants, she learns to build walls against the world to protect her heart. However, her defenses are compromised upon meeting Balkas Raedgo Shiyakan, an East noble whose life has been shadowed by expectations and emotional suppression due to a harsh upbringing. As Talia’s life spirals into chaos, the unexpected relationship sparks new beginnings and turns in her fate, drawing readers into a gripping tale of love, desire, and struggle.
Read the masterpiece now!
About Piccoma
Since the launch of the Piccoma app on April 20, 2016, it has rapidly become a leading platform for manga and novel enthusiasts, experiencing over 50 million downloads by March 2025. Users can engage with trending remarkable stories, reading one chapter daily for free, with additional paid content available. Explore the Piccoma experience today!