Masterpiece 'Papuwa-kun' with Over 8 Million Copies in Series Becomes a Picture Book. Commemorative Exhibition for Ami Shibata's 'Papuwa-kun' to Tour Nationwide, Starting at 'magmabooks' in Toranomon, Tokyo!
The popular manga series 'Nangoku Shonen Papuwa-kun,' which has sold over 8 million copies, is being adapted into a picture book, set for release on July 9, 2026. To celebrate, a commemorative exhibition will kick off at magmabooks in Toranomon, Tokyo, before touring nationwide, featuring original artwork, exclusive merchandise, and autograph sessions with author Ami Shibata.
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Maruzen Junkudo Bookstore Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) will hold a special exhibition at magmabooks in Toranomon, Tokyo, coinciding with the release of the picture book 'Papuwa-kun' (authored by Ami Shibata) from Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha Co., Ltd. on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
'Nangoku Shonen Papuwa-kun' (Square Enix), a series that captivated children across Japan in the 1990s and sold over 8 million copies, is now reborn as a new picture book, 35 years after its serialization began.
Author Ami Shibata, who has been actively working as a painter in recent years and expanding her range of expression, has poured her heart into this work, maintaining the unique worldview while depicting the story more gently and in a way that resonates with modern hearts.
Highlights of the Exhibition
In addition to selling the picture book, this exhibition will feature displays that allow visitors to enjoy the world of the work and sell original merchandise available only here. Furthermore, this exhibition is scheduled to tour nationwide, starting with the event in Toranomon. Autograph sessions by Ami Shibata are also planned at each venue, making it an enjoyable experience for both long-time fans and children encountering 'Papuwa-kun' for the first time, transcending generations.
Bibliographic Information
Title: Papuwa-kun
Author: Ami Shibata
Release Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Size: A4 modified
Price: 1,650 yen (tax included)
Official Website: https://www.j-n.co.jp/papuwakun/
Introduction to the Picture Book 'Papuwa-kun'
Series total over 8 million copies!! The masterpiece is back!
'Nangoku Shonen Papuwa-kun' (Square Enix), which captivated children across Japan in the 1990s.
That unforgettable excitement is reborn as a new book over time.
Ami Shibata, who has expanded her activities as a painter, newly depicts the world of Papuwa-kun in the form of a picture book, while maintaining its unique worldview.
"From today, you are my friend too!"
Enemies and allies, strange creatures too.
The world of Papuwa Island, where differences are overcome, laughter is shared, and connections are made.
The picture book 'Papuwa-kun' depicts the straightforward joy of "becoming friends."
The lively world of Papuwa-kun, Chappy, and their quirky friends on Papuwa Island unfolds with the unique colors and rhythm of a picture book.
It is a book that can be enjoyed across generations, by those who once read Papuwa-kun and those who are encountering it for the first time.
Author Profile
Ami Shibata (born 1967 in Nagasaki Prefecture). After graduating from Musashino Art University (formerly Junior College), she worked as an illustrator for an advertising agency. In 1991, she debuted as a manga artist with 'Nangoku Shonen Papuwa-kun' (Square Enix), which was adapted into an anime and its related series sold over 8 million copies. Subsequently, works such as 'Jibaku-kun' (KADOKAWA) and 'PAPUWA' (Square Enix) were also animated, and her total publication count exceeds 20 million copies. In 2021, she began her activities as a painter, presenting art works drawn with free ideas and color usage.
Message from the Author
Papuwa, my debut manga work, has jumped into the world of picture books.
The friends of Papuwa Island move freely amidst vibrant colors.
Please enjoy yourselves thoroughly with Papuwa and his friends.
Picture Book 'Papuwa-kun' Release Commemorative Exhibition Overview
Period: Thursday, July 9, 2026 – Sunday, August 9, 2026
Autograph Session: Saturday, July 18th
Venue: magmaspace, 2nd floor of magmabooks
Address: Glass Rock, 1-22-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: Weekdays/Saturdays 11:00-21:00 / Sundays/Holidays 11:00-20:00
Admission: Free (no reservation required)
Special Website: https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/pages/papuwakun
magmabooks Official X: https://x.com/magmabook
magmabooks Official Website: https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/pages/magmabooks
Original Merchandise
Original merchandise using the picture book manuscripts by Ms. Shibata will be sold.
The diverse lineup includes signed replica original drawings that meticulously reproduce the texture of the original artwork, as well as everyday items like handkerchiefs and drawstring bags, stationery, and highly collectible keychains, can badges, and acrylic stands.
*Merchandise information will be sequentially released on the special website within the Maruzen Junkudo Bookstore online store.
*Products are available in limited quantities and will be sold out once stock runs out.
'Nangoku Shonen Papuwa-kun' (Square Enix), a series that captivated children across Japan in the 1990s and sold over 8 million copies, is now reborn as a new picture book, 35 years after its serialization began.
Author Ami Shibata, who has been actively working as a painter in recent years and expanding her range of expression, has poured her heart into this work, maintaining the unique worldview while depicting the story more gently and in a way that resonates with modern hearts.
Highlights of the Exhibition
In addition to selling the picture book, this exhibition will feature displays that allow visitors to enjoy the world of the work and sell original merchandise available only here. Furthermore, this exhibition is scheduled to tour nationwide, starting with the event in Toranomon. Autograph sessions by Ami Shibata are also planned at each venue, making it an enjoyable experience for both long-time fans and children encountering 'Papuwa-kun' for the first time, transcending generations.
Bibliographic Information
Title: Papuwa-kun
Author: Ami Shibata
Release Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Size: A4 modified
Price: 1,650 yen (tax included)
Official Website: https://www.j-n.co.jp/papuwakun/
Introduction to the Picture Book 'Papuwa-kun'
Series total over 8 million copies!! The masterpiece is back!
'Nangoku Shonen Papuwa-kun' (Square Enix), which captivated children across Japan in the 1990s.
That unforgettable excitement is reborn as a new book over time.
Ami Shibata, who has expanded her activities as a painter, newly depicts the world of Papuwa-kun in the form of a picture book, while maintaining its unique worldview.
"From today, you are my friend too!"
Enemies and allies, strange creatures too.
The world of Papuwa Island, where differences are overcome, laughter is shared, and connections are made.
The picture book 'Papuwa-kun' depicts the straightforward joy of "becoming friends."
The lively world of Papuwa-kun, Chappy, and their quirky friends on Papuwa Island unfolds with the unique colors and rhythm of a picture book.
It is a book that can be enjoyed across generations, by those who once read Papuwa-kun and those who are encountering it for the first time.
Author Profile
Ami Shibata (born 1967 in Nagasaki Prefecture). After graduating from Musashino Art University (formerly Junior College), she worked as an illustrator for an advertising agency. In 1991, she debuted as a manga artist with 'Nangoku Shonen Papuwa-kun' (Square Enix), which was adapted into an anime and its related series sold over 8 million copies. Subsequently, works such as 'Jibaku-kun' (KADOKAWA) and 'PAPUWA' (Square Enix) were also animated, and her total publication count exceeds 20 million copies. In 2021, she began her activities as a painter, presenting art works drawn with free ideas and color usage.
Message from the Author
Papuwa, my debut manga work, has jumped into the world of picture books.
The friends of Papuwa Island move freely amidst vibrant colors.
Please enjoy yourselves thoroughly with Papuwa and his friends.
Picture Book 'Papuwa-kun' Release Commemorative Exhibition Overview
Period: Thursday, July 9, 2026 – Sunday, August 9, 2026
Autograph Session: Saturday, July 18th
Venue: magmaspace, 2nd floor of magmabooks
Address: Glass Rock, 1-22-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: Weekdays/Saturdays 11:00-21:00 / Sundays/Holidays 11:00-20:00
Admission: Free (no reservation required)
Special Website: https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/pages/papuwakun
magmabooks Official X: https://x.com/magmabook
magmabooks Official Website: https://www.maruzenjunkudo.co.jp/pages/magmabooks
Original Merchandise
Original merchandise using the picture book manuscripts by Ms. Shibata will be sold.
The diverse lineup includes signed replica original drawings that meticulously reproduce the texture of the original artwork, as well as everyday items like handkerchiefs and drawstring bags, stationery, and highly collectible keychains, can badges, and acrylic stands.
*Merchandise information will be sequentially released on the special website within the Maruzen Junkudo Bookstore online store.
*Products are available in limited quantities and will be sold out once stock runs out.