First Graders with Satchels Walking in Single File, 
1966, by Chihiro Iwasaki
 

Wander into the wonderful world of Japanese picture books, and witness for yourself the country’s rich history of narratives in the last 1,300 years.

From the oldest illustrated manuscript in the 8th century to the contemporary picture books we see today, this unique exhibition traces the evolution of books in Japan through a fine collection of high quality reprints of historical documents and images.

Enjoy the artworks of 6 celebrated Japanese artists: Suekichi Akaba, Takeshi Motai, and Yasuo Segawa, Shinta Cho, Chihiro Iwasaki and Kazuo Iwamura.

Curated by Chihiro Art Museum, the world’s first museum dedicated to children’s books, this exhibition allows visitors to delve into the rich and lesser-known history of illustrated books in Japan, and encourages them to learn of the characteristics and aesthetics of Japanese art and literature.

“The History of Japanese Picture Books: from E-inagkyo to The Family of Fourteen” is an exhibition jointly organised by the National Book Development Council of Singapore and Chihiro Art Museum, and is held in conjunction with SJ50 and the Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2016 Country of Focus: Japan.