The National Library of Public Information (NLPI) and Tōwa International Language School have joined hands to present “Splendid Illustrations of Japanese Style” (和の絵語り) – A Japanese Picture Books Exhibition. Through expressive illustrations and simple text, the exhibition invites readers to transcend language and generational boundaries and explore the diverse charms of picture book art while gaining deeper insights into Japanese literature, cuisine, dialects, and educational culture.

Picture books, with their concise text and carefully crafted illustrations, convey the author’s ideas in a more intuitive way, allowing readers to quickly understand and immerse themselves in the story. Through their beautiful visuals, picture books can transcend language and cultural barriers — even generational divides — fostering mutual understanding. Whether for children, adults, or the elderly, picture books offer a unique and moving reading experience for every reader.

Picture books have long been popular in Japan and are generally easier to read than text-only works. Picture book artists go through a creative process that includes concept development, rough sketches, final coloring, and detailed illustration, resulting in exquisite works that blend literature and art into a distinctive form beloved by readers of all ages. Works by renowned creators such as Kenji Miyazawa, Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, Ken Kuroi, and Nankichi Niimi, as well as contemporary favorites like Haruka Yamakawa, are widely admired and collected.

To deepen Taiwanese readers’ understanding of Japanese picture books, the National Library of Public Information (NLPI) and Tōwa International Language School have collaborated to present the “Splendid Illustrations of Japanese Style” Japanese Picture Books Exhibition. A series of engaging lectures and events invites readers to step into the fascinating world of picture books and discover their artistic and cultural richness.

A Picture Book Journey Through Four Themes: From Culinary Delights to the Voice of Literature 

In 2025, NLPI is curating a picture book exhibition built around four thematic journeys: “The Gaze and Pursuit of Literature and the Soul,” “Culinary Delights in Food Culture,” “The Blue Waves of Marine Conservation,” and “The Ecological Melodies of the Forest Seasons.” Collaborating with Tōwa International Language School, which is deeply rooted in Taichung, NLPI has selected a range of representative Japanese picture books to feature in the exhibition. The showcase is further enriched by a series of lectures, workshops, readings, art activities, and hands-on experiences, inviting visitors to explore the captivating world of picture books from multiple perspectives.

According to Takizawa Kayoko, vice principal of Tōwa International Language School, understanding Japanese literature and culture can be difficult if presented only through lengthy explanations. However, this picture book exhibition offers the perfect entry point — using simple text and exquisite illustrations to introduce these worlds in an accessible and engaging way. For foreigners interested in Japanese literature and culture, it serves as an ideal starting place.

In November, the exhibition’s lecture series at NLPI will focus on the theme “Culinary Delights in Food Culture.” It will feature a selection of illustrated food encyclopedias recommended by Takizawa Kayoko, guiding readers through the world of Japanese upon noodles — from their varieties and regional distribution to their historical development and cultural significance. Another fascinating highlight is the frequent appearance of Kansai dialect in these picture books, demonstrating how language variation enhances the storytelling experience. By exploring these works, visitors can move beyond the stereotypical association of Japanese noodle culture solely with ramen and gain a deeper appreciation of Japan’s diverse culinary heritage.

In January 2026, the picture book exhibition will feature lectures and live readings that introduce literary picture books, offering audiences a glimpse into how Japanese elementary school students learn their native language. Takizawa Kayoko will deliver a bilingual (Chinese Japanese) reading of “Buying Mittens” (Kogitsune no Te Bukuro) by Nankichi Niimi — one of her personal favorites. Through this reading, she hopes to help participants appreciate the musicality and rhythm of literature and bring readers closer to the author’s world.

Takizawa notes that Niimi’s works have long been included in elementary school textbooks designated by Japan’s Ministry of Education. While the language is simple, the stories are rich in insight and educational value. “Buying Mittens” beautifully portrays the parent-child relationship in the animal world, depicting the touching bond between a mother fox and her child as they navigate the harsh winter of the northern countryside. The warmth of the narrative and its illustrations leave a deep emotional impression. She also encourages visitors to read the book in advance at the library before attending the lecture, to enrich their experience.

Parent-Child Moments in the Library: The Starting Point of Cultural Connection 

Takizawa Kayoko recalls that when she first arrived in Taiwan, her children were still very young. She would take them to the library two or three times a month, and she was amazed to see the picture books she loved as a child translated into Chinese — and even more amazed to watch her children become absorbed in them. At that time, she also discovered that Taiwanese publishers not only published Japanese picture books but also translated and released numerous Japanese literary works and newly published books. Seeing many parents reading with their children in the library often brought a smile to her face. She was deeply impressed by how open Taiwanese readers are to literature from Japan and other countries. For her, picture books are the best international language, capable of fostering cultural exchange and communication through reading. Takizawa says she deeply envies Taiwanese children for being able to grow up in such an environment.

Because of the close and friendly relationship between Taiwan and Japan, with frequent and positive exchanges between their people, Takizawa hopes that the “Splendid Illustrations of Japanese Style” picture books exhibition will further enhance Taiwanese readers’ understanding of Japanese culture. She wishes not only to offer audiences a visual feast of beauty but also to help them gain deeper insight into the Japanese spirit and way of thinking, thereby enriching readers’ cultural horizons and strengthening the bridge of friendship between the two countries.

Takizawa, who greatly appreciates both the readability and artistic value of picture books, also shared a personal memory: as a child, she read a picture book adaptation of “The Spider’s Thread” (Kumo no Ito). Back then, she thought it was simply a Buddhist story. But now, revisiting it as an adult, she sees it as a profound exploration of human nature — a work that offers new insights and reflections at every stage of life.

The Transformation of Reading Forms: Toward an Imagined Future of Picture Books 

Although the rapid development of technology, the rise of online platforms, and the growing influence of anime have transformed reading habits, today’s tech-savvy generation tends to have less patience for literary works and their interest in printed media such as comics and picture books is gradually shifting. In response, the “Splendid Illustrations of Japanese Style” Japanese Picture Books Exhibition at the NLPI seeks to reimagine how people engage with reading through interactive experiences — such as live readings of the original texts and theatrical performances — to create a vibrant multisensory feast of sound and sight.

The exhibition also offers insightful visual and textual displays that help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the intentions and messages picture book artists aim to convey, allowing them to truly appreciate the rich cultural depth and artistic charm of the works.

Takizawa Kayoko hopes that through this exhibition, various aspects of Japanese culture and customs can be introduced and shared with Taiwanese audiences, enabling visitors to experience something new when they travel to Japan in the future. She also hopes they will feel the care and thoughtfulness behind the exhibition and discover the joy of reading that transcends borders.