"Bonobono" Author Mikio Igarashi Autograph Session to be Held: Announcement of Takeshobo's Participation in "Ueno Mori Parent and Child Book Festa 2026"

Takeshobo Co., Ltd. (Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Sumitaka Miyata) will exhibit at the "Ueno Mori Parent and Child Book Festa 2026." On the day of the event, official novels of the popular "Minecraft" series, the new edition of the "Doctor Dolittle" series published to commemorate its 100th anniversary, and "Nee, Piyo-chan," serialized in 11 national newspapers, will be displayed and sold. Also, "Bonobono" will celebrate its 40th anniversary in May. To commemorate the 40th anniversary, an autograph session will be held by Mikio Igarashi, the author who also draws picture books. Mikio Igarashi Autograph Session in Ueno Mori Date: May 5, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday) 1st session: 11:00 AM - 2nd session: 3:00 PM - 30 people per session On the day of the autograph session, numbered tickets for participation will be distributed to customers who purchase "Bokutachi no Mori no Koto" at the venue. Numbered tickets will be distributed to customers who have completed their payment from the opening time (9:30 AM), so please bring your receipt to the Takeshobo booth (No. 62). *To allow more customers to participate, autographs are limited to one book per person, and the same customer cannot participate in both the first and second sessions. *The only book eligible for autograph is "Bokutachi no Mori no Koto." *The autograph session may be suddenly canceled due to severe weather, etc. In such cases, an announcement will be made on Takeshobo 4-Koma Editorial Department X, so please check individually. Manga Artist: Mikio Igarashi Born in Miyagi Prefecture on January 13, 1955. Aspired to be a manga artist at age 5 and debuted in 1979. Began serialization of his representative work "Bonobono" in 1986, Received the 12th Kodansha Manga Award (Youth/General Division) in 1988. The work has been adapted into TV anime and theatrical anime, and he also served as director and screenwriter for the theatrical version. He has also published various other works such as "Ninp-en Manmaru," "Kamuroba Mura e," and "I [Ai]." In 2026, "Bonobono" celebrates its 40th anniversary of serialization and 10th anniversary of TV anime broadcast, continuing to be widely loved across generations. "Bonobono" Greeting Bonobono is coming to Ueno Mori!! Let's take a photo together! You can take a commemorative photo with "Bonobono," so please come and meet him during the event period. Those wishing to participate in the greeting should come to the Takeshobo booth (No. 62) in the venue by the start times below. May 4, 2026 (Monday/Holiday) 1st session: 11:00 AM - 2nd session: 1:30 PM - May 5, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday) 1st session: 11:00 AM - 2nd session: 2:00 PM - 3rd session: 4:30 PM - *Each session is scheduled to be approximately 30 minutes. *Anyone can participate in photo sessions (please bring your own photographic equipment). *Photography will be on a first-come, first-served basis. *Cancelled in case of rain or severe weather. Sales of "Nee, Piyo-chan" Signed Books Limited quantities of "Nee, Piyo-chan" collected editions with original illustrations and autographs by Takako Aonuma will be sold at the venue. *Images are samples. *Please note that you cannot specify the illustration. About "Nee, Piyo-chan" "Nee, Piyo-chan," a popular work published daily in 11 national newspapers and exceeding 3000 episodes last year. Piyo-chan, an energetic elementary school student, lives with her parents, a second-year junior high brother, and a cat named Matakichi, making a total of 4 people and 1 cat. Matakichi is a clever cat who has been Piyo-chan's best friend since she was born and even understands human language...!? The Piyo-chan and Matakichi duo, along with kind parents, a slightly rebellious brother, and unique classmates, create warm and fun commotion. Official website here Period: May 4, 2026 (Monday/Holiday) - May 5, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday) 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Venue: Ueno Onshi Park Fountain Plaza Organizers: Council for the Promotion of Children's Reading, Japan Children's Book Publishers Association, Japan Publishing Culture Foundation Admission: Free, no reservation required "Ueno Mori Parent and Child Book Festa 2026 Official" https://www.jpic.or.jp/ueno/ *The event may be canceled in case of heavy rain or severe weather. *In case of rain, please check the event's official X (@ueno_bookfesta) for information on the day.