[Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture] Experience "Wacha Wacha" in the World of Picture Books! A Participatory Exhibition Where Dialogue is Born is Held

Tomi City, as a commemorative project for the 30th anniversary of its sister city agreement with Ota Ward, will hold the special exhibition "Exhibition Where Dialogue is Born vol.2 Enjoying with Picture Books! Spring Wacha Wacha Art Museum" at Umeno Memorial Art Museum and Fureai Hall starting Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Three picture book worlds gather!

Not just for looking, but as a trigger from the unique original drawings, you can create, talk, and think…

This exhibition is themed around enjoying "wacha wacha" with someone and the "dialogue" that is born from it.

1 Exhibition Overview

―From the museum, we hear some fun voices…
Learn "how to make omurice" with MC Rice-kun, to the rhythm of words, in the food education picture book "Omurice-ssu."
The lively everyday life of "Manpuku Shokudo" and its many delicious dishes are depicted across the entire screen in the picture book "Shokudo."
And to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the sister city agreement between Tomi City and Ota Ward, the original drawings from "Aruaru Iruiru Youkai Ehon" by picture book author Ichiyon-go, who lives in Ota Ward, will be fully unveiled! In this book, everyday minor "frustrations" and "irritations" appear as cute monsters.

We also offer hands-on content beyond just viewing original artwork, such as corners where you can create and play, and corners where you can think deeply.

You can also enjoy a corner introducing "Morning Appreciation," an initiative undertaken in all elementary and junior high schools in Tomi City, which served as the starting point for this exhibition.

"What kind of monster is this?" "I want to try making omurice!" "I wish there was a cafeteria like this~" ... This is an exhibition where children and adults alike can "wacha wacha" together, with exclamations like these naturally escaping their lips.

Please come and enjoy it for your spring outing!

What is Asa Kansho (Morning Appreciation)?

This is a 10-minute period before class where the class views one piece of art.
During this time, a dialogue-based appreciation method is used, allowing children and teachers to stand on the same level and share what they feel and notice.
The purpose of Asa Kansho is not to deepen art knowledge or find a single correct answer. It emphasizes bringing together each other's perspectives and ideas, enjoying the differences, and expanding one's own thinking.
Asa Kansho is an activity that fosters mutual respect through the accumulation of such "dialogues."

About the 30th Anniversary of Ota Ward's Sister City Relationship

Marking the decision to build Ota Ward's recreational facility (Ota Ward Kyuyomura Tobu), which opened in August 1998, a sister city agreement was concluded in September 1996, and disaster agreements have been signed, deepening mutual exchange. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the agreement.
Every October, the "Sister City Fureai Hiroba" is held in front of Kamata Station in Ota Ward, featuring sales of local specialty products. Additionally, in November, the OTA Fureai Festa is held in Ota Ward, in which Tomi City participates as a sister city.

2 Exhibition Period

Saturday, April 25, 2026 – Sunday, June 28, 2026
※Closed: Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday)

3 Admission Fees

General: 500 yen (Group: 400 yen), Free for junior high school students and younger
※Night Museum Days (Saturday, May 2nd, Sunday, May 31st): Free after 5:00 PM

4 Venue

Great Exhibition Hall, Umeno Memorial Art Museum, Tomi City

5 Organizer, etc.

Organizer: Tomi City / Support: Ota Ward / Subsidy: The Foundation for Arts and Community

6 Exhibition Contents

1. Original illustrations for the picture book "Omurice-ssu" (by Keropons, illustrated by DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan): 17 items

2. Original illustrations for the picture book "Aruaru Iruiru Youkai Ehon" (by Ichiyon-go): 17 items

3. Original illustrations for the picture book "Shokudo" (by Harapeko Megane): 19 items

4. Screening of "Asa Kansho" (Morning Appreciation) record video

7 Related Events

■Harapeko Megane Public Production

What will be drawn on the large canvas…!?

Please enjoy the artist's creation process, which is rarely seen.

◎Date and Time: Friday, May 1st - Saturday, May 2nd
◎Venue: Great Exhibition Hall
◎Fee: Please purchase an admission ticket.

■Spring Wacha Wacha! Parent-Child Excursion

Meet picture book authors! This is a special event packed with various programs such as workshops and concerts, where parents and children can enjoy a full day.

◎Date and Time: Sunday, May 3rd, 10:00 AM gathering, around 3:30 PM dispersal
◎Capacity: 20 groups (reservations required)
◎Fee: Adults 1,500 yen, Junior high school students and younger 1,000 yen (includes admission fee)
◎Please check the URL below for application details and more.
https://apply.e-tumo.jp/city-tomi-nagano-u/offer/offerList_detail?tempSeq=68090
※Application deadline: Friday, April 17th
※If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held.

■Sundays are for Talk Walks

Let's walk through the exhibition hall with a curator, look at the pictures, and talk about them!
◎Date and Time: Sunday, May 10th, Sunday, May 24th, Sunday, May 31st, Sunday, June 14th
Each session from 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
◎Fee: Please purchase an admission ticket.

Contact Us

Umeno Memorial Art Museum and Fureai Hall, Tomi City
935-1 Yaebara, Tomi City, 389-0406 Japan
TEL　0268-71-0670

FAX　0268-63-5431

Email　bunka-sports@city.tomi.nagano.jp

〇Regarding exhibition content: Curator Kazumi Ozawa (おざわ なごみ)

〇Regarding PR, interviews, image provision, etc.: Curator Kazumi Ozawa (おざわ なごみ)