The "Picture Book Drawer: Hayashi Akiko Original Illustrations Exhibition," a first-of-its-kind exhibition bringing together all of picture book author Hayashi Akiko's original illustrations, will be held at Matsuya Ginza from July 19th to 29th. This exhibition marks the finale of a nationwide tour that began last year.

"My First Errand" (1976) Written by Tsutsui Yoriko, illustrated by Hayashi Akiko, published by Fukuinkan Shoten, original illustrations in the Miyagi Museum of Art
Akiko Hayashi has produced timeless masterpieces, including "My First Errand" in 1976, "Kon and Aki," and "Asaae and Her Little Sister." This exhibition, which has been touring the country since last year, is Hayashi's first large-scale exhibition of original drawings. It features approximately 200 of Hayashi's beautiful original drawings, which gently and delicately depict the slightest emotional fluctuations shown by the children in his picture books, as well as the freshness of each leaf.

The exhibition is divided into six chapters, each with a theme that allows visitors to experience Hayashi as a picture book author from various angles.

"Paper Plane" (1973) Text by Kobayashi Minoru, illustrations by Hayashi Akiko, published by Fukuinkan Shoten, original artwork in the Miyagi Museum of Art collection
Chapter 1, "As a Young Illustrator," displays original artwork from Hayashi's early works such as "Paper Plane" and "Soap Bubbles," as well as fresh works from his time as an illustrator before his debut. You can get a sense of Hayashi's "first steps" as a picture book author.

Chapter 2, "First Errand," touches on the background of Hayashi's works, including an anecdote about his relationship with Tsutsui Yoriko, who wrote the text for his first story picture book, "First Errand," and displays nostalgic scenes with original artwork. Since that work, Hayashi and Tsutsui have collaborated on numerous other masterpieces. This book introduces the thoughts the two put into their work and behind-the-scenes stories of the children who served as models for the picture books. Chapter 3, "An Expanding World of Works," introduces works created in collaboration with various authors, such as "What Day is It Today?" by Seta Teiji and "Kiki's Delivery Service" by Tsunoda Eiko. While the content and style of each work differ, it is clear that Hayashi has used techniques and expressions that suit the story to vividly depict the world.

"Kon and Aki" (1989) by Hayashi Akiko, published by Fukuinkan Shoten, original illustrations in the Miyagi Museum of Art collection
Chapter 4, "The Story of Hayashi Akiko," introduces picture books by Hayashi herself, both written and illustrated. Starting with 1984's "My First Camp," her works include "The Leaf House," "Kon and Aki," and "Magical Paints," and feature charming stories featuring adorable girls as protagonists, filled with fantasy that unfolds in the midst of everyday life. Enjoy the delicate depictions, the true essence of Hayashi's work, in the original illustrations. Chapter 5, "Various Techniques," showcases the high level and diversity of Hayashi's skills, as she has utilized a variety of techniques to explore the expression that best suits her works. For 1986's "Good Evening Moon," she used the "differentiated drawing" technique, which involved drawing different original illustrations for each printing color plate, and for "Come Out, Come Out," she used the paper cutting technique. In addition to delicate watercolors, she has also used a variety of techniques to create picture books. Chapter 6, "And Then, Mr. Chick," introduces Hayashi's latest work, "Mr. Chick," a collaboration with her husband, children's author Kiyoshi Seiya. Hayashi's delicate technique shines through in the fluffy feathers of the chicks and the vivid colors of the sky, which change from page to page.