Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center to Host Makoto Kumagai Exhibition "Little Boat: Artwork and Picture Book Originals" and Concurrent Picture Book "Yukun Next Door" Exhibition
The Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center will simultaneously host Makoto Kumagai's "Little Boat" exhibition and Fumihiko Tada and Satoko Kumagai's picture book "Yukun Next Door" exhibition. Art and original picture book drawings themed on the history of floods and children's delicate emotions will be displayed, with related talk events also planned.
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The Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center will host the exhibition "Little Boat: Artwork and Picture Book Originals" concurrently with the picture book "Yukun Next Door" exhibition.
▪️Makoto Kumagai Exhibition "Little Boat: Artwork and Picture Book Originals"
"Little Boat" is a picture book created with a boat found stored in the attic of artist Makoto Kumagai's family home as its motif. Satoko Kumagai, an editor and owner of a picture book specialty bookstore, wrote the text to Makoto's illustrations.
-----Why was there a boat in the attic?
Fushimi Ward in Kyoto City, where the artist lives, was adjacent to the Yokooji marshlands around Ogura Pond, which is sung about in the Manyoshu. Ogura Pond repeatedly experienced floods and flood control projects, and with the reclamation project in the Showa era, it now only exists in records. However, old houses kept boats for use during floods, never discarding them. (From the Afterword)
For Kumagai, who grew up unaware of the boat above his head, it was "proof that calm years continued for decades" and "something that makes one realize that the present exists as a continuation of a great flow and transformation."
Long, long ago, a river flowed through this area...
You could see as far as the distant mountains...
This is the story of a boat that traveled through time. It will be presented with original drawings and art pieces by Kumagai.
"Little Boat" Illustrated by Makoto Kumagai, Text by Satoko Kumagai (2024 UEMON BOOKS)
▪️Concurrent Exhibition "Yukun Next Door"
"That kid who became my seatmate this time is only sulking at me. When the teacher says, 'Consult with your neighbor,' he doesn't say anything, so I can't present anything. I'm truly troubled, but my older sister only gives me unhelpful advice."
When troubled, feelings descend. But with a small trigger, they quickly rise! This exhibition (print works) richly expresses the fluctuating emotions unique to children, created by animation artist Fumihiko Tada (illustrations) and Satoko Kumagai (text).
"Yukun Next Door" Illustrated by Fumihiko Tada, Text by Satoko Kumagai (2024 UEMON BOOKS)
【Related Talk Events】
■Part 1: Makoto Kumagai Talk on "Little Boat"
・Content: Artist Makoto Kumagai will talk about his picture book "Little Boat."
・Date & Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 14:00-15:30 (Doors open 13:30)
・Venue: Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center, 1F Exchange Hall
・Participation: Advance reservation required (first 100 people), free
☆Application acceptance begins: Tuesday, June 16, 2025, 9:00 AM~
https://www.library.pref.nara.jp/event/4825
■Part 2: Fumihiko Tada, Satoko Kumagai Talk on "Yukun Next Door"
・Content: Animation artist Fumihiko Tada (illustrations) and Satoko Kumagai (text) will talk about their picture book "Yukun Next Door."
・Date & Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 14:00-15:30 (Doors open 13:30)
・Venue: Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center, 1F Exchange Hall
・Participation: Advance reservation required (first 100 people), free
☆Application acceptance begins: Tuesday, June 16, 2025, 9:00 AM~
https://www.library.pref.nara.jp/gallery/4826
▪️Makoto Kumagai Exhibition "Little Boat: Artwork and Picture Book Originals"
"Little Boat" is a picture book created with a boat found stored in the attic of artist Makoto Kumagai's family home as its motif. Satoko Kumagai, an editor and owner of a picture book specialty bookstore, wrote the text to Makoto's illustrations.
-----Why was there a boat in the attic?
Fushimi Ward in Kyoto City, where the artist lives, was adjacent to the Yokooji marshlands around Ogura Pond, which is sung about in the Manyoshu. Ogura Pond repeatedly experienced floods and flood control projects, and with the reclamation project in the Showa era, it now only exists in records. However, old houses kept boats for use during floods, never discarding them. (From the Afterword)
For Kumagai, who grew up unaware of the boat above his head, it was "proof that calm years continued for decades" and "something that makes one realize that the present exists as a continuation of a great flow and transformation."
Long, long ago, a river flowed through this area...
You could see as far as the distant mountains...
This is the story of a boat that traveled through time. It will be presented with original drawings and art pieces by Kumagai.
"Little Boat" Illustrated by Makoto Kumagai, Text by Satoko Kumagai (2024 UEMON BOOKS)
▪️Concurrent Exhibition "Yukun Next Door"
"That kid who became my seatmate this time is only sulking at me. When the teacher says, 'Consult with your neighbor,' he doesn't say anything, so I can't present anything. I'm truly troubled, but my older sister only gives me unhelpful advice."
When troubled, feelings descend. But with a small trigger, they quickly rise! This exhibition (print works) richly expresses the fluctuating emotions unique to children, created by animation artist Fumihiko Tada (illustrations) and Satoko Kumagai (text).
"Yukun Next Door" Illustrated by Fumihiko Tada, Text by Satoko Kumagai (2024 UEMON BOOKS)
【Related Talk Events】
■Part 1: Makoto Kumagai Talk on "Little Boat"
・Content: Artist Makoto Kumagai will talk about his picture book "Little Boat."
・Date & Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 14:00-15:30 (Doors open 13:30)
・Venue: Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center, 1F Exchange Hall
・Participation: Advance reservation required (first 100 people), free
☆Application acceptance begins: Tuesday, June 16, 2025, 9:00 AM~
https://www.library.pref.nara.jp/event/4825
■Part 2: Fumihiko Tada, Satoko Kumagai Talk on "Yukun Next Door"
・Content: Animation artist Fumihiko Tada (illustrations) and Satoko Kumagai (text) will talk about their picture book "Yukun Next Door."
・Date & Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 14:00-15:30 (Doors open 13:30)
・Venue: Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center, 1F Exchange Hall
・Participation: Advance reservation required (first 100 people), free
☆Application acceptance begins: Tuesday, June 16, 2025, 9:00 AM~
https://www.library.pref.nara.jp/gallery/4826