What this is
Connected Worlds of Picture Books is a special exhibition marking the 90th anniversary of Kaiseisha, one of Japan's most beloved children's book publishers. The show brings together iconic works from the publisher's storied catalogue, including Sachiko Kiyono's Nontan series, Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Satoshi Kako's Crow's Bakery, Toshio Iwai's The 100-Story House series, and Reiko Hiroshima's The Mysterious Candy Store Zenten. Visitors can explore original artwork, editorial sketches, archival correspondence, and behind-the-scenes materials that reveal the creative process behind these generational classics. The exhibition also features immersive installations, photo spots, and a dedicated reading corner stocked with around 200 children's books for families to browse at their own pace.
Who should go
This exhibition is ideal for families with young children who have grown up with these picture books, as well as adults who feel nostalgic for titles they loved in childhood. Illustration enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of Japanese children's publishing will find the archival materials and original artwork genuinely compelling. The inclusion of internationally recognised titles like The Very Hungry Caterpillar makes it accessible and meaningful for non-Japanese visitors too. Arrive early on weekends to secure space in the reading area, which tends to fill up with families.
Good to know
Tickets are available at the Kobe Fashion Museum box office; it is worth checking eplus.jp or pia.jp in advance as popular family exhibitions in Japan often offer discounted pre-sale tickets, and both platforms accept foreign credit cards. The Kobe Fashion Museum is a mid-sized venue on Rokkō Island with a calm, gallery-style atmosphere — expect a mix of standing exhibition areas and seated reading zones. Cash is widely accepted at the box office, though card payment is increasingly available at Kobe city venues. The Rokkō Liner monorail runs frequently but the island can feel remote, so allow an extra 20–30 minutes travel time from central Kobe. Photography is likely permitted in designated photo spots but may be restricted around original artwork — look for signage at each section.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.