Indian Gond Artist Bhajju Shyam's Autobiographical Picture Book 'MORIBITO: The Keeper of Memories by Bhajju Shyam' to Be Published in July 2026

The Bhajju Shyam Kyoto Executive Committee will publish 'MORIBITO: The Keeper of Memories by Bhajju Shyam,' an autobiographical picture book created from the narration and original illustrations of Bhajju Shyam, a world-renowned artist from India's Gond tribe, in July 2026. This work marks the first picture book released by Bhajju Shyam from Japan, who is internationally known for works such as 'The Night Life of Trees' published by Tara Books. To commemorate the publication, a launch exhibition will be held at JR Kyoto Isetan (July 15–21), followed by a launch fair at Daikanyama T-Site (August 15–September 6). Bhajju Shyam himself is scheduled to visit Japan in conjunction with the exhibition at JR Kyoto Isetan.

Additionally, the short animated film 'Bhajju Shyam: MORIBITO - The Keeper of Memories,' produced as part of this project, has been nominated for the short film category at the 1st Japan-China International Animation Film Festival.

## Picture Book: 'MORIBITO: The Keeper of Memories by Bhajju Shyam'

An autobiographical work narrated by Bhajju Shyam and illustrated with newly drawn original artwork, chronicling his life journey. It vividly portrays his childhood in a Gond tribal village in the forest, his encounter with his mentor, experiences in a foreign land, and his reflections on the act of drawing—all through his own unique perspective. This book invites readers to trace the path of an artist and experience the profound intersection of memory and the world.

## Book Information

- Title: MORIBITO: The Keeper of Memories
- Release Date: July 15, 2026 (premiering at JR Kyoto Isetan, followed by nationwide release)
- Publisher: Bhajju Shyam Kyoto Executive Committee
- Price: ¥3,600 (excluding tax)
- Size: A4 landscape variant (W380 × H220 mm)
- ISBN: 978-4-9914474-1-9
- Languages: Japanese, English, and Hindi (trilingual edition)
- Art Direction & Design: Kenta Shibano
- Printing & Binding: LIVE ART BOOKS Co., Ltd.

## Short Animation: 'Bhajju Shyam: MORIBITO - The Keeper of Memories'

A Japan-India co-produced short animation created in conjunction with the picture book. The film brings the artwork to life through Bhajju Shyam's own narration and music performed by U-zhaan, a leading Japanese tabla player. The original illustrations gently animate, delivering Shyam's storytelling and artistic world in a cinematic form distinct from the book. A special screening will be held at the launch exhibition venue (JR Kyoto Isetan). General public release details will be announced later.

### Film Information

- Year of Production: 2026
- Runtime: 6 minutes 7 seconds
- Language: Hindi (with Japanese and English subtitles)
- Original Art & Narration: Bhajju Shyam
- Music: Yosuke Nagao
- Tabla Performance: U-zhaan
- Bansuri Performance: Taro Teraoka

## Launch Events

### 'MORIBITO' Launch Exhibition by Bhajju Shyam

- Dates: July 15 (Wed) – July 21 (Tue), 2026, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Venue: The Stage #3, 3F, JR Kyoto Isetan

The exhibition will feature sales of the picture book, reproductions, and original merchandise, along with displays of original artworks from 'MORIBITO' and special screenings of the short animation. Additionally, from July 15 (Wed) to July 20 (Mon, national holiday), a special exhibition and sale of Bhajju Shyam's original artworks will be held on the 10th-floor art space.
* Bhajju Shyam is scheduled to visit Japan during the exhibition period. Further details will be announced via social media.

### 'MORIBITO' Launch Fair by Bhajju Shyam

- Dates: August 15 (Sat) – September 6 (Sun), 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Venue: 2F, Building 1, Daikanyama T-Site

Sales of the picture book, reproductions, and original merchandise.

## Bhajju Shyam (Bhajju Shyam) Profile

Born in Pataangar, a Gond tribal village in the forests of central India. Shyam inherits traditional Gond expressions and storytelling, elevating them through his personal vision and blending them with contemporary sensibilities and simple narrative techniques, continuously expanding the scope of modern Gond art. Since his participation in a group exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 1998, he has held solo and group exhibitions worldwide. Notable works include 'The Night Life of Trees' and 'The Beginning of the World,' published by Tara Books in South India and translated into eight languages globally. In 2018, he became the first Gond artist to receive the Padma Shri, one of India's most prestigious civilian honors.

In Japan, his solo exhibitions 'Bhajju Shyam KYOTO' were held at Tō-ji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto) in 2023 and 2025, with a touring exhibition at Tōkei-ji Temple in Kamakura, attracting approximately 30,000 visitors in total.

## About the Bhajju Shyam KYOTO 'MORIBITO' Project

A Japan-India co-production project born from the exhibition series 'Bhajju Shyam KYOTO' (first held in 2023 at Tō-ji Temple, Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage site), featuring the artist Bhajju Shyam from India's Gond tribe. The project aims to share the artist's memories, words, and creative background—beyond what exhibitions can convey—with audiences worldwide through picture books and animation.

- Planning: Bhajju Shyam Kyoto Executive Committee (JAPANDIA, VISIONS), BLUE RIGHTS
- Website: https://www.bhajjushyam-japan.com
- SNS: https://www.instagram.com/bhajjushyam_kyoto/