Following the Czech illustrator Tomáš Řízek Picture Books Exhibition, the Bologna Children's Book Fair Selections, and the international touring exhibition The Grimm Tales from a European Perspective, the “Global Picture Book Center” of the National Library of Public Information (NLPI) now shifts its focus from Europe to Asia. Beginning September 2, 2025, the Center will launch the“和の絵語り” Japanese picture books exhibition, in collaboration with TOWA International Language School. Curated around four central themes—The Gaze and Pursuit of Literature and the Soul, The Culinary Culture on the Tip of the Tongue, The Blue Wave of Marine Conservation, and The Ecological Melodies of the Forest Seasons—the exhibition spans from Japanese literary classics such as Kenji Miyazawa and Yoko Sano, to diverse works covering cuisine, ecology, and environmental protection. Through the visual language of picture books, it interweaves literature, aesthetics, and imagination, guiding readers to explore Japanese culture, discover multilayered reflections on life, and engage in profound concern and resonance with environmental issues. The exhibition will be on view from September 2, 2025, to March 15, 2026, at the Global Picture Book Center on the 3rd floor of NLPI.
Stepping into “和の絵語り” is like embarking on a picture book journey where culture and nature intertwine. Works such as The Restaurant of Many Orders use humor to convey cautionary lessons, while Buying Mittens portrays a world of trust and love. Through these literary classics, readers encounter profound reflections on life and delicate storytelling. Meanwhile, books like The Delicious Polar Bear invite audiences on an imaginative culinary journey—through oden, sushi, and other Japanese delights—offering insights into the Japanese people’s understanding of land, time, and relationships. Each picture book opens a window into the aesthetics of Japanese living.
The exhibition also highlights the environmental themes of ocean conservation and the changing seasons of the forest, awakening awareness of ecological protection. Audiences are invited not only to experience the vitality of nature, but also to reflect on humanity’s sustainable relationship with the environment. The four themes interweave literature, culture, nature, and environmental issues into the unique artistry of picture books.
TOWA International Language School is a key partner in this exhibition. In addition to donating picture books for display, the school will also provide a series of guided reading activities. Notably, 2025 marks TOWA International's 20th anniversary. Since its founding, the school has been committed to promoting Japanese language and cultural education. This collaboration with NLPI embodies its core spirit of fostering cultural exchange through reading.
Images are a form of language, and picture books are bridges that connect imagination and cultural exchange. They transcend generations and languages, serving as a medium to spark dialogue and reflection. Through the rich cultural connotations and artistic expressions of Japanese picture books, this exhibition hopes to inspire audiences to explore Japanese traditions, wisdom, and ways of life, while also fostering deep concern and empathy for environmental issues. “和の絵語り” Japanese Picture Books Exhibition is free and open to the public. We warmly invite both children and adults to step into the world of picture books, to discover the humanistic landscapes and natural beauty within their pages, and to experience the warmth and depth of Japanese culture through reading.
 

Exhibition Information
Theme: “和の絵語り” Japanese Picture Books Exhibition
Dates: September 2, 2025 (Tue) – March 15, 2026 (Sun)
Venue: Global Picture Book Center, 3F, National Library of Public Information, Main Building
Giveaway Event
Share the designated NLPI Facebook post about the Global Picture Book Center and write about your favorite picture book from the“和の絵語り”Japanese Picture Books Exhibition (minimum 100 words). At the end of the exhibition, 10 participants will be randomly selected to receive surprise gifts.