[Shonan T-SITE] "Picture Book Expo 2026" to be held for the first time on May 2 (Sat) and 3 (Sun/Holiday)
Shonan T-SITE will host its first "Picture Book Expo 2026" on May 2nd and 3rd, featuring talk events, autograph sessions, and a market with picture book authors, centered on the theme "Find Your Treasure." The key visual was created by Shinsuke Yoshitake.
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Shonan T-SITE (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture) will hold its first "Picture Book Expo 2026" on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday (public holiday), May 3, 2026. Under the theme "Search, Find, Treasure," the event will feature talk events, portrait drawing sessions, and autograph sessions by picture book authors, as well as a market with picture books, goods, and workshop booths. Please enjoy two days where both children and adults can fully experience the charm of picture books. The key visual was created by Shinsuke Yoshitake, a picture book author residing in Shonan.
The "Picture Book Expo" began at Daikanyama T-SITE in 2022 as an event to connect people who create, deliver, and read picture books, fostering picture book culture. It values enjoying the charm of picture books with all five senses, transcending generations and borders. T-SITE aims to expand this initiative, which originated in Daikanyama, to various locations, enriching the future of picture books and children's books through new creations, reading experiences, and encounters with people.
Against this background, the event will also be held at Shonan T-SITE, where there has long been a high demand for children's books and many picture book authors are active in the Shonan area.
Theme: "Search, Find, Treasure"
What you search for and find with your own feet, eyes, ears, and mind
All become your own "treasures."
Only those who keep searching can find treasures.
On the way to the venue, or even inside your home after returning,
Your own treasures might be hidden.
➀ Talk Events (Building 1, 2F YOGA studio)
Enjoy talk events related to picture books.
■ Shunichi Kawasaki Talk & Autograph Session
May 2 (Sat) 11:00-12:30
Shunichi Kawasaki, a picture book author and illustrator who won numerous picture book awards for his 2025 publication "Kujira ga Shindara" (Doshinsha), will talk about his journey and living creatures.
■ Taro Yabe Talk & Autograph Session
May 2 (Sat) 13:15-14:45
Taro Yabe, who debuted in the entertainment industry as part of the comedy duo "Karateka" and later as an author with his manga "Oya-san to Boku" (Shinchosha) in 2016, and even launched his own publishing company "Taro-sha," will share his diverse charms.
■ What are the treasures of a dinosaur researcher and a dinosaur artist? Shin Manabe × Shiko Kikutani Talk & Autograph Session
May 2 (Sat) 15:30-17:00
Professor Manabe, who has researched dinosaurs at a museum, and Ms. Kikutani, who has drawn dinosaurs as a science illustrator. Professor Manabe is very envious of Ms. Kikutani. Enjoy a special talk that can only be heard here.
■ Talk Event: The World of Yui Abe's Picture Books - How "Dorobou Jambori" was Made, Interviewer: Atsuko Okimoto (Editor in charge)
May 3 (Sun) 11:00-12:00
Yui Abe, who has gained attention for winning five awards, including the "18th MOE Picture Book Store Award," for her book "Dorobou Jambori" (Holp Shuppan), will talk about what inspired her to become a picture book author and the thoughts she put into her work, among other things about picture book creation.
■ Yui Abe Workshop: Become a Jambori and Search for "Letter Seeds"!
May 3 (Sun) 12:30-14:00
Dorobou Jambori secretly collects "letter seeds" containing everyone's "naked feelings" every night. This time, we will actually tour the bookstore to collect "letter seeds." Let's experience the world of the story together!
■ Chiko Nishimaki & Kana Nishimaki Talk & Autograph Session
May 3 (Sun) 15:00-16:30
Chiko Nishimaki, author of "Watashi no One Piece" (Kogumasha), a representative Japanese picture book. And her daughter, Kana Nishimaki, who is also a picture book author. We will ask them about various aspects as individuals, as parent and child, and as picture book authors.
➁ Portrait Drawing Sessions (Building 1, 2F SHARE LOUNGE)
Would you like to have your portrait drawn by Hito Kitamura, Hiroshi Tateno, Ren Kawachi, and Machiko Kaede? Pets and memorable items can also be included. Please experience the unique style of each artist.
FAQ
When will the Picture Book Expo 2026 be held?
It will be held for two days on Saturday, May 2, 2026, and Sunday (public holiday), May 3, 2026.
What kind of events are planned?
Talk events by picture book authors, autograph sessions, portrait drawing sessions, a market for picture books and goods, and workshops will be held.
Who created the key visual?
Shinsuke Yoshitake, a picture book author residing in Shonan, created it.