The first large-scale exhibition of the picture book "The Little Mouse's Vest," beloved by people of all generations, "45th Anniversary of the Book's Birth: The World of Nakae Yoshio and Ueno Noriko," will be held at Matsuya Ginza from April 22nd to May 6th.

The popular picture book series "The Little Mouse's Vest" was published in 1974 as a collaborative effort between author Nakae Yoshio and his wife, artist Ueno Noriko. At the time, the beauty of the composition, with monochrome pencil drawings and minimal text arranged within large white margins, made a strong impression and attracted a great deal of attention as an unconventional style for a picture book.

Cover of Volume 1 of "Mr. Mouse's Vest"
©Nakae Yoshio, Ueno Noriko/Poplar Publishing

The series has sold over 4 million copies to date, and this first large-scale exhibition will be held to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the creation of this timeless masterpiece, which currently has 35 volumes. Approximately 150 original illustrations and sketches of famous scenes from the picture books, including those from Volume 1, will be on display. In addition, to commemorate the holding of this exhibition, the publication of Volume 36, the latest in the series, is scheduled. There will also be a photo spot where you can enter the world of Mr. Mouse.


Original illustrations for "Mouse's Vest"
©Nakae Yoshio, Ueno Noriko/Poplar Publishing
Also on display will be the original illustrations for "Chii-chan's Shadow Sending," which was illustrated by Ueno Noriko, who sadly passed away on February 28, 2019, aged 78 and was featured in elementary school textbooks, as well as works from the surrealist oil painting series "Girl Chico."