Ayuko Akiyama, who has been drawing the world of insects, releases her first new picture book in 16 years, 'Arinoko Riko,' on Thursday, May 21

Bronze Shinsha Co., Ltd. (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Machiko Wakatsuki) will release the picture book 'Arinoko Riko' (Art by Ayuko Akiyama / Text by Atsuko Mugita) in bookstores nationwide on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The artist, Ayuko Akiyama, is a picture book author who deeply loves insects and plants. She has created a unique world through meticulous and accurate ecological depictions based on observation and personification that feels realistic. She has gained a strong following for her works featuring insects as protagonists, such as the 'Mitsubachi Mitsuhime' series (Bronze Shinsha) and the 'Kumo no Su Oyabun' series (Fukuinkan Shoten). This book, 'Arinoko Riko,' is Akiyama's first new picture book in 16 years. It is a story that warmly depicts the feelings of an older child when a sibling is born and the gaze of the adults around them. The text is by Atsuko Mugita, who has edited numerous picture books, including the 'Daruma-san' series (Hiroshi Kagakui) and the 'Shigotoba' series (Noritake Suzuki / both from Bronze Shinsha). To commemorate the publication of this book, an exhibition of the original picture book art will be held from Friday, June 12, at the Bronze Shinsha gallery 'Aodo Room J' (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo). Both authors are scheduled to be present at the gallery during the exhibition. Bibliographic Information 'Arinoko Riko' Ayuko Akiyama (Art) / Atsuko Mugita (Text) ・Release Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026 ・Price: 1,650 yen (tax included) ・Format: 185 x 250mm, Hardcover ・Pages: 32 pages ・Sales: Available at bookstores nationwide ・Book Website: https://www.bronze.co.jp/books/9784893097545/ Synopsis 'A lot of babies were born, so I couldn't stay at home anymore.' With the new babies, mother and the older sisters are very busy. Riko, feeling bored, decides to go for a walk. She gets invited to an aphid picnic, plays at the honeybee pool, listens to Grandpa Spider's storytelling... When she returns home with a load of souvenirs from everyone...! Author Profiles Ayuko Akiyama - Art Born in Tokyo in 1964. Debuted in 'Monthly Garo' in 1992. Fascinated by the world of insects, she creates manga and picture books based on their lives. Her manga includes 'Konchu Kagyo' (Seirinkogeisha) and 'Mushikera-sama' (Chikuma Bunko), and her picture books include the 'Kumo no Su Oyabun' series (Fukuinkan Shoten) and the 'Mitsubachi Mitsuhime' series (Bronze Shinsha). Atsuko Mugita - Text Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1978. As a children's book editor, she has worked on numerous picture books, including the 'Daruma-san' series (Hiroshi Kagakui) and 'Ringo Kamoshirenai' (Shinsuke Yoshitake). Works she has written include 'Nemunemu Kousagi' (Art by Shinako Moriyama), 'Ofuro' (Art by Ichiro / all from Bronze Shinsha), and 'Donna Obento?' (Art by Ayako Iwaki / Shogakukan). Publication Commemoration: Ayuko Akiyama 'Arinoko Riko' Original Picture Book Art Exhibition An exhibition of the original picture book art will be held at the Bronze Shinsha gallery 'Aodo Room J' to commemorate the publication. Please come see Akiyama's insect-loving art, drawn with detailed depiction and a warm gaze, in its original form. 【Dates】 June 12 (Fri), 13 (Sat), 14 (Sun), 19 (Fri), 20 (Sat), 21 (Sun), 2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM ※Free admission 【Venue】 Bronze Shinsha Gallery 'Aodo Room J' (Mansion 31 3C, 6-31-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) https://maps.app.goo.gl/cobBULBYtU5va3RX7 【Ayuko Akiyama & Atsuko Mugita Appearance Day】 June 13 (Sat) 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Ayuko Akiyama's Picture Books from Bronze Shinsha 'Mitsubachi Mitsuhime: Tenyawanya Otetsudai no Maki' ・Published May 2008 ・Price: 1,430 yen (tax included) 'Mitsubachi Mitsuhime: Dodon to Natsumatsuri no Maki' ・Published July 2010 ・Price: 1,430 yen (tax included) Bronze Shinsha Co., Ltd. TEL: 03-3498-3272 E-mail: webmaster@bronze.co.jp