Special Exhibition "Kayako Nishimaki: Rararan Lorororon – A Wonderful Picture Book Exhibition" to Be Held

Event Flyer

Exhibition Period

Saturday, July 4, 2026 (Reiwa 8) to Sunday, September 6, 2026

• Closed days: Mondays, Tuesday, July 21, 2026

However, open on Monday, July 20, 2026 (a national holiday) and Monday, August 10, 2026

• Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)

Venue

Himeji Literary Museum North Building

Admission Fee

General: 1,000 yen

• Free admission for visitors under 18 years of age

• Half-price admission for holders of a physical disability certificate, intellectual developmental disability certificate, or mental health and welfare certificate (please present the certificate or Mirairo ID card), and one caregiver per eligible person

• 20% discount for groups of 30 or more

• Admission includes access to the permanent exhibition

Exhibition Overview

The triangular dress worn by the rabbit is a magical garment whose patterns keep changing.

Kayako Nishimaki's masterpiece "My Dress" is a timeless classic, beloved for its story reminiscent of paper doll play and its joyful, rhythmic phrases like "Rararan Lorororon" that make the heart leap.

From her debut work "Button Kingdom" (text by Shigeo Nakamura, Koguma-sha) to "The Cat Who Loves to Paint" (Doshinsha), inspired by her father the Western-style painter, and the collaborative picture book "They're Brushed!" with Tetsuko Kamizawa (Kaisei-sha), Nishimaki's picture books are filled with deep affection that embraces children's innocent sensitivity, curiosity, and growth.

This exhibition showcases a rich array of original artworks created with vibrant colors and diverse techniques such as lithographs, watercolors, and embroidery, along with rough sketches, inviting visitors into her warm and expansive picture book world. Experience the imagination of an artist who touches the very origin of the heart.

Kayako Nishimaki (Nishimaki Kayako) Profile

Born in Tokyo in 1939. Graduated from the Department of Crafts, Tokyo University of the Arts.

Began creating lithographs and etchings during her student years, winning the New Artist Award and Encouragement Award at the Japan Print Artists Association Exhibition.

Respecting the clear vision and artistic ability of young children—the very audience of picture books—she continues to create picture books with deep admiration.

Her representative work "My Dress" has garnered fans across two generations and is loved by children regardless of gender.

Awarded the 18th Sankei Children's Publishing Culture Award for "The Little Yellow Umbrella" (text by Hisashi Mori, Kin no Hoshi-sha). Received the 18th Kodansha Publishing Culture Award for Picture Books for "The Cat Who Loves to Paint" (Doshinsha). Numerous other works.

Organizer

Himeji Literary Museum

Cooperation

Koguma-sha, Doshinsha, Kaisei-sha, Kin no Hoshi-sha

Planning

Blue Eye

Under the auspices of

Asahi Shimbun Himeji Branch, Kobe Shimbun, Sankei Shimbun Kobe Headquarters, Sun Television, Harima Jihosha, Harima Living Newspaper, Himeji Cable Television, Himeji City FM21, Mainichi Shimbun Himeji Branch, Yomiuri Shimbun Himeji Branch, Radio Kansai

Exhibited Works

Numerous original picture book illustrations, lithographs, rough sketches, dioramas, and video materials.

"My Dress" (Koguma-sha)

"Button Kingdom" (Koguma-sha)

"Elephant" (Koguma-sha)

"The Little Yellow Umbrella" (Kin no Hoshi-sha)

"They're Brushed!" (Kaisei-sha)

"The Cat Who Loves to Paint" (Doshinsha)

"A-I-U-E-O, Good Morning" (Koguma-sha)

"The Little Star Child and the Mountain Cat" (Koguma-sha)

Events

Kayako Nishimaki Memorial Lecture: "Picture Books and I"

Date and Time

Saturday, July 4, 2026 (Reiwa 8), 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Venue

Himeji Literary Museum Auditorium (3rd floor, North Building)

Capacity

150 people (admission on a first-come, first-served basis on the day)

How to Participate

Admission ticket required (used half-ticket or digital ticket accepted) (not required for under 18 years of age)

Kayako Nishimaki Autograph Session

Date and Time

Saturday, July 4, 2026 (Reiwa 8), 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Venue

Himeji Literary Museum Auditorium (3rd floor, North Building)

Capacity

50 people per session (advance registration required; lottery)

How to Participate

Purchase of a picture book required at the Himeji Literary Museum Shop (1st floor, North Building) (one book per person). Admission ticket required (used half-ticket or digital ticket accepted) (not required for under 18 years of age)

Registration Method

Send a postcard or use the online registration form on the Himeji Literary Museum website, including name, postal code, address, phone number, event name, and preferred session (1 or 2). One registration per person.

Deadline for Registration

Must arrive by Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Picture Book Story Time "Ehon no Jikan"

Himeji Literary Museum volunteers will read picture books by Kayako Nishimaki. Open to infants from 0 years old; free entry and exit.

Dates

Saturday, July 18, 2026 (Reiwa 8), Saturday, August 8, 2026

Each day: 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:00 p.m.)

Venue

Himeji Literary Museum Auditorium (3rd floor, North Building)

Capacity

100 people (admission on a first-come, first-served basis on the day)

Admission Fee

Free

Picture Book Theater Performance "The Cat Who Loves to Paint"

The drama club of Hyogo Prefectural Himeji Technical High School will perform Kayako Nishimaki's classic picture book "The Cat Who Loves to Paint" (Doshinsha). Open to infants from 0 years old; free entry and exit.

Date and Time

Saturday, August 22, 2026 (Reiwa 8)

Performances at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Each performance lasts 20 minutes. Content is identical for all shows.

Venue

Himeji Literary Museum Auditorium (3rd floor, North Building)

Capacity

100 people per session (admission on a first-come, first-served basis on the day)

Admission Fee

Free

Stamp Rally "Let's Start the Button Meeting!"

Button-shaped stamps will be placed at four locations within the museum. Collect the stamps and "start the Button Meeting!"

One stamp card per person

Duration: Saturday, July 4, 2026 to Sunday, September 6, 2026

Participants who collect all stamps will receive a "coloring fan" (while supplies last)

Himeji Literary Museum Official Website