A solo exhibition by artist Naohisa Inoue, known for his background art in the Studio Ghibli film Whisper of the Heart, titled "The Mysterious Land of Ibalard: The World of Naohisa Inoue," will be held at the Hankyu Umeda Gallery on the 9th floor of Hankyu Umeda Main Store from May 30th to June 4th.


Naohisa Inoue has collaborated and cooperated with Studio Ghibli in various ways, starting with creating background art for the 1995 film "Whisper of the Heart." In 2006, he provided the original story for "The Day I Bought a Star," a short film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and screened exclusively at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. Inoue's "Iblard" is also the inspiration for the fantasy world created by Tsukishima Shizuku, the protagonist of "Whisper of the Heart."


"Iblard" is not a fictional fantasy world, but the real world that unfolds before our very eyes. By calling the ordinary scenery that surrounds us "Iblard," everything around us begins to sparkle, and we realize that this world is full of wonder and joy. The color of the sky, the sound of the wind, the usual walk home - wonderful things hidden in ordinary daily life overflow, and miracles can be seen there. Inoue's works evoke the warm, nostalgic scenery that exists in all of us.

This exhibition traces the 50-year journey of Inoue, who has continued to paint the landscapes of the heart, "Ibalard," and has now reached the age of 70. The exhibition will feature treasured early works, as well as three-dimensional and ceramic sculptures, sketches, works related to the film "Whisper of the Heart," unpublished works, and his latest masterpieces.