Beloved and Bittersweet Icon Characters 'Okamikun' and 'Fake Ghost' Creator Arai Kiriko's Debut Art Book Announced! Experience the Exquisite, Fable-Like World of Her Illustrations and Newly Created Artworks

Cover image of Arai Kiriko's art book 'SOMEWHERE'

PARCO Co., Ltd. (PARCO Publishing) will release illustrator and author Arai Kiriko's debut art book 'SOMEWHERE' nationwide at bookstores and online retailers on August 20, 2026 (Thu). This exquisite collection marks the first comprehensive gathering of her unique world—where cuteness and melancholy coexist—and is an essential volume symbolizing both her artistic journey so far and what lies ahead.

Arai Kiriko Art Book 'SOMEWHERE'

Beyond the forest, over the mountains, across the roads.

Okamikun's journey begins now.

This is the first art book from illustrator Arai Kiriko, who began as an independent artist creating not only illustrations but also highly designed products such as sofubi (soft vinyl) figures and apparel, amassing a devoted fanbase.

The book compiles a series of works featuring the popular character 'Okamikun,' an icon embodying Arai's fable-like universe, branching into various forms existing somewhere, someday. It includes numerous illustrations created since 2017 when her activities intensified, along with an all-new, never-before-published original story that explores the origins of 'Okamikun.'

Featuring past solo exhibition visuals where intricate backgrounds bridge 3D and 2D, photographs of three-dimensional canvas works, sofubi figures, and other merchandise, this book represents the pinnacle of Arai Kiriko's artistic world.

Contents

Works included in Arai Kiriko's art book 'SOMEWHERE'

Works included in Arai Kiriko's art book 'SOMEWHERE'

Works included in Arai Kiriko's art book 'SOMEWHERE'

Works included in Arai Kiriko's art book 'SOMEWHERE'

Works included in Arai Kiriko's art book 'SOMEWHERE'

Recent photo of Arai Kiriko with proxy Okamikun

Arai Kiriko Profile

A freelance illustrator based in Tokyo. She creates original characters such as wolves, monsters, and ghosts—slightly mysterious beings that feel gently close at hand.

Centered around her iconic character 'Okamikun,' she produces not only illustrations but also goods including sofubi figures, plush toys, and various accessories. Always valuing the balance of 'not too cute, not too scary,' she continues crafting characters that seem to step out from within stories.

Her notable works include illustrations for Pokémon TCG 'Gengar AR' and 'Duskull AR,' cover and card illustrations for Gentosha's 'Word Wolf,' packaging and card illustrations for MAGI Co., Ltd.'s 'Nyaa Nyaa Game,' and merchandise illustrations for ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL and COUNTDOWN JAPAN. Bandai Co., Ltd. released the 'Okamikun and Friends Mezurishi Accessories,' she will design the main visual for Taipei Adventure Festa in 2026, and 'Okamikun' will appear in Medicom Toy's BE@RBRICK series.

She actively participates in events and pop-up exhibitions both in Japan and abroad, including pop-ups at Tsutaya Books in Taipei and solo exhibitions at QPOP in Los Angeles, continually expanding her creative reach.

Cover image of Arai Kiriko's art book 'SOMEWHERE'

Publication Details

Title: Arai Kiriko Art Book 'SOMEWHERE'

Author: Arai Kiriko

Format: B5 variant, paperback

Pages: 144

Price: 3,850 JPY (tax included)

ISBN: 978-4-86506-490-2

Release Date: August 20, 2026 (Thu)

Publisher: PARCO Co., Ltd.

https://publishing.parco.jp/books/detail/?id=533