2022 NO.33
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Journey Through Japanese Literature
A Playful World of Picture Books
The people of Japan naturally love picture books. Not only children but adults, too, are fascinated by the depiction of unique themes in easily understood text and humorous pictures. Large cities in Japan abound with specialty shops offering a wide variety of products based on popular picture books. Delve into the colorful world of Japanese picture books loved by readers around the globe.
Photos: Kurihara Osamu
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Shops specializing in picture books can be found throughout Tokyo, and some even offer cafe space, as well. Book House Cafe in Jimbocho (①,②) boasts a collection of 10,000 books and a cafe with a ceiling painted with the sun and moon, while crayonhouse in Aoyama features lush greenery in front of the entrance (③).
The Peach Boy (Momotaro)
Text by Matsui Tadashi; illustrated by Akaba Suekichi; published by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc.
A picture book based on an old Japanese fairy tale about Momotaro, a boy born from a peach, who goes on a journey, accompanied by a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, to defeat the ogres. Chinese edition pictured. Also translated into Korean.
The Goldfish Got Away (Kingyo ga Nigeta)
Text and illustrations by Gomi Taro; published by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc.
Where has the goldfish gotten to? Find the goldfish hidden in the pictures. Polish edition pictured. Translated into eight languages to date.
Shirokuma’s Hotcakes (Shirokuma-chan no Hottokeki)
Text and illustrations by Wakayama Ken; published by Koguma Publishing Co., Ltd.
A little white bear tries his hand at making pancakes with his mother. Chinese edition pictured. Other languages include Korean.
©Ken Wakayama/KOGUMA-SHA
©Kenzo Akaba, Kiichi Akaba, Daishiro Akaba 1965
Topsy-Turvies (Fushigi na E)
Text and illustrations by Anno Mitsumasa; published by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc.
Curious little men guide the reader through a world filled with artistic visual illusions. All pictures, no text. English edition pictured. Published in seven languages to date.
Scribbles: A Really Giant Drawing and Coloring Book (Rakugaki Ehon Gomi Taro 50%)
Text and illustrations by Gomi Taro; published by Bronze Publishing Inc.
A picture book for the reader to scribble in. Add whatever you wish to the illustrations and text. Spanish edition pictured. Translated into 17 languages to date.
Polar Bear’s Underwear (Shirokuma no Pantsu)
Text and illustrations by tupera tupera; published by Bronze Publishing Inc.
A white bear has lost his underwear and searches for it with the help of a mouse. The removable dust cover in the shape of red underwear is an amusing touch. Italian edition pictured. Translated into 11 languages to date.
Sukh’s White Horse (Suho no Shiroi Uma)
Text by Otsuka Yuzo; illustrated by Akaba Suekichi; published by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc.
A story about the relationship between a Mongolian nomad named Sukh and a white horse. French edition pictured. Translated into nine languages to date.
Guri and Gura (Guri to Gura)
Text by Nakagawa Rieko; illustrated by Yamawaki Yuriko; published by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc.
The story of Guri and Gura, two wild mice, who make a sponge cake from a large egg they find in the forest. German edition pictured. Translated into 12 languages to date.
Shirokuma’s Hotcakes tote bag and socks
Masking tape and t-shirt with The Goldfish Got Away illustration
Above:©Gomi Taro/Photo courtesy of graniph inc.
Bottom:©Gomi Taro/Cooperaton:Gakken Sta:Ful Co., Ltd.