Monster Museum: An Introduction to Western Painting with Illustrations and Manga
Kodansha released "Monster Museum: An Introduction to Western Painting with Illustrations and Manga" on April 1, 2026. Authored by Mihoko Sugimata, the book uses illustrations and manga to explain Western paintings featuring monsters like dragons and Medusa, making art history accessible to children and beginners.
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 19:00
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We have released 『Monster Museum: An Introduction to Western Painting with Illustrations and Manga』 (Author: Mihoko Sugimata) on April 1, 2026.
This book explains Western paintings that depict monsters such as dragons and Medusa, as seen in games and manga, and also uses manga to narrate the stories of these monsters.
## Explanation by annotating directly onto the paintings
Along with introductions to the monsters and surrounding characters that served as motifs, the depicted elements are explained as if written directly onto the painting. This makes it visually easy to understand and a book that children who find Western art difficult can easily relate to.
## Deeper Learning through Manga and Columns!
The stories related to the monsters are explained through manga. You can learn the background stories of the paintings while enjoying them. Furthermore, with ample space for artist explanations and columns, you will gain solid knowledge to enjoy Western art even more.
## About the Author
**Mihoko Sugimata (すぎまた・みほこ)**
Graduated from the Painting Department, Western Painting Major at Joshibi University of Art and Design. After working for advertising production companies as a graphic designer, she studied in Italy for seven years and graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze. Her books include the "Art Read Through Illustrations" series (『Masters of the Renaissance』, 『Leonardo da Vinci』, 『Impressionist Painters』, 『Surrealist Painters』, 『Gods of Greek Mythology』, 『Stories and Paintings from the Old Testament』, 『Stories and Paintings from the New Testament』, 『Stories and Paintings of European Royal Families』 / all published by Kawade Shobo Shinsha).
## Bibliographic Information
Title: 『Monster Museum: An Introduction to Western Painting with Illustrations and Manga』
Author: Mihoko Sugimata
Price: 2970 yen (tax included)
Release Date: 2026/04/01
ISBN: 978-4-06-542022-5
Publisher: Kodansha
This book explains Western paintings that depict monsters such as dragons and Medusa, as seen in games and manga, and also uses manga to narrate the stories of these monsters.
## Explanation by annotating directly onto the paintings
Along with introductions to the monsters and surrounding characters that served as motifs, the depicted elements are explained as if written directly onto the painting. This makes it visually easy to understand and a book that children who find Western art difficult can easily relate to.
## Deeper Learning through Manga and Columns!
The stories related to the monsters are explained through manga. You can learn the background stories of the paintings while enjoying them. Furthermore, with ample space for artist explanations and columns, you will gain solid knowledge to enjoy Western art even more.
## About the Author
**Mihoko Sugimata (すぎまた・みほこ)**
Graduated from the Painting Department, Western Painting Major at Joshibi University of Art and Design. After working for advertising production companies as a graphic designer, she studied in Italy for seven years and graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze. Her books include the "Art Read Through Illustrations" series (『Masters of the Renaissance』, 『Leonardo da Vinci』, 『Impressionist Painters』, 『Surrealist Painters』, 『Gods of Greek Mythology』, 『Stories and Paintings from the Old Testament』, 『Stories and Paintings from the New Testament』, 『Stories and Paintings of European Royal Families』 / all published by Kawade Shobo Shinsha).
## Bibliographic Information
Title: 『Monster Museum: An Introduction to Western Painting with Illustrations and Manga』
Author: Mihoko Sugimata
Price: 2970 yen (tax included)
Release Date: 2026/04/01
ISBN: 978-4-06-542022-5
Publisher: Kodansha
FAQ
What kind of book is "Monster Museum"?
It's an introductory guide to Western painting for children and beginners, making art accessible through illustrations and manga featuring familiar monsters from games and comics.
What is the background of author Mihoko Sugimata?
A graduate of Joshibi University of Art and Design, she studied in Italy and has worked as a graphic designer, authoring numerous art books.
What can one learn from this book?
Readers can visually understand the "monsters" and their stories depicted in Western paintings, deepening their knowledge of art history.