tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24526497056733157552024-03-19T21:51:03.973+09:00KIYO'S WEBLOGDays of a Children's Books' illustrator.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-5178983343365184992019-03-13T16:56:00.000+09:002019-03-13T17:02:20.691+09:00UCLA<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NVdQpDDs9Yew9KaTOVsd8mMrklarAJ0qW8cLjLR2KPnEhDrohzRFK6UgtvHJ7HlwSp6Tz1931szWqLgIMiduJCiy_W81xNSDFX5uLERK5jHgHqZ_y0qomz-vqLDhdjHF1bhrc8uPTlW-/s1600/UCLA_lec2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NVdQpDDs9Yew9KaTOVsd8mMrklarAJ0qW8cLjLR2KPnEhDrohzRFK6UgtvHJ7HlwSp6Tz1931szWqLgIMiduJCiy_W81xNSDFX5uLERK5jHgHqZ_y0qomz-vqLDhdjHF1bhrc8uPTlW-/s320/UCLA_lec2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking about my works to students.</td></tr>
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It's been more than 1 year since my partner and I visited UCLA as guest teachers! It was a wonderful time for me to meet young people in the U.S. .<br />
They have dreams. I wanted to cheer them up :-) and got energy from everyone.<br />
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The theme of workshop was "making innovative picture books", and we got many ideas by the end of the series of work shops.<br />
For me, meeting other professors is another great experience. At the UCLA, there are teachers from all over the world! The community at the DMA was really warm.</div>
Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-63406604965160770482018-02-02T17:01:00.000+09:002018-02-02T17:02:36.731+09:00Visiting UCLA!I am going to visit UCLA for the first time!
My Husband, Toshio Iwai will be one of the exchange teachers there, and I will assist him at workshops for under graduates.
I am exited to visit the art department of a university in the U.S.!
Our daughter NOKI will take part,, I am not sure she'd be happy to join the workshop though, it'll be a great experience for her, too.
I hope the students will find the opportunity interesting.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-82145527375538524062009-11-15T18:54:00.010+09:002009-11-15T20:51:22.560+09:00Personal Exhibition in Tokyo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Im_7_DTf_oe2eYOnfmqU41rkFdpHVB5U_NFN0zHiHzj9Ul2T6zaq2Q79vhFl4Ic9bu7oFB91A7hvtbdjwIpfrn31Zz3BgIM2eo02Og5QG51WXKRKxdQa9N7c9u3N2qFRJsMLcaMCQ9PO/s1600-h/dm2009Kiyo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Im_7_DTf_oe2eYOnfmqU41rkFdpHVB5U_NFN0zHiHzj9Ul2T6zaq2Q79vhFl4Ic9bu7oFB91A7hvtbdjwIpfrn31Zz3BgIM2eo02Og5QG51WXKRKxdQa9N7c9u3N2qFRJsMLcaMCQ9PO/s320/dm2009Kiyo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404277209398594338" /></a><br /><br />Little Ida's Flowers<br />2009. 11. 9(Mon) ~ 11.21(Sat)<br /><br /><br />Gallery FUKUYAMA<br /><br />104-0061 Tyuoku Ginza1-23-4 Meimatsu Bldg.303<br />Tel.03-3564-6363 Fax.03-3564-6366<br />2minutes from Shintomicho(Y20) station.<br /><br />I live in Kanagawa, near Tokyo but it takes 80 minutes by trains.<br />Onece a year, I have my personal exhibition in Tokyo, Ginza. My first solo exhibition was there about 12 years ago. <br />In 2005 I started making etchings in theme of sroties by Hans Andersen, and this year I have 4th exhibition of that theme. I am interested in Japanese culture as well as western (european) culture, but for me, I feel western culture nearer, because I don't know about China and Korea very well, and Japanese culture is similer to them. I think I should learn about China and Korea better, to get my cultural identity.<br /><br />When I was a child there were many books and visuals that were westernized. I like usage of the color of English illustrators, I loved to see photos of Germany that my fathar took when he traveled. That made me learn oil painting and etching in my art school. When I grown up I started wondering if illustrations made in Japan were really "westernized" and I found that japanese artists are not good at making westernized things, because people have different backgrounds. <br />Anyway I wanted to try to draw something international, and "Europe" was one of my roots, althogh there in Europe also are different cultures.<br /><br />I enjoyed traveling to Denmark in 2005. I mainly stayed in the National Museum to learn about history and culture, and I walked in some parks where I found some maronie trees. Then I came back in Japan and saw some maronie trees, too. <br />I think Japanese people enjoy stories by Andersen, because he lived with rich people, and he had to live just like a clown in the court in a way.<br />I think many Japanese people always feel like that, in the international community!Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-41506111034551746392009-07-12T11:20:00.001+09:002009-07-12T11:20:55.053+09:00MySignature for Good<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/4a093a3f879ec0e2/4a594884a17f5e91/4a093a3f879ec0e2/39e68995/widget.js"></script>Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-30079614603112164202009-02-01T21:56:00.006+09:002009-02-01T22:42:04.285+09:00John Shelley's EventAlthough I was hoping to start writing this blog again, I didn't write for a very long time. Thanks to John Shelley, my friend in Tokyo who's from the U.K., I found he made a link from his blog, <span style="font-style:italic;">and</span> finally I made an entry. <br />He is having a beautiful show in Tokyo at my favorite place "<a href="http://www.pinpointgallery.com/index.html">Pinpoint Gallery</a>" till 7th.<br />He also will give a instruction "How to make a good portfolio" for SCBWI TOKYO. Anyone can attend without reservations, except one-to-one critiques. <br />Please come to the event!<br /><br />**<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Power Portfolios with Illustrator John Shelley</span><br />Learn the secrets of building a better portfolio and showing it effectively<br /><br />Time: <span style="font-style:italic;">Sunday, February 8, 2009<br /> Lecture 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.</span><br /> One-on-One Portfolio Critiques 3:10 – 4:50 p.m.<br /><br />Place: <span style="font-weight:bold;"> Tokyo Women’s Plaza, Audiovisual Room</span><br />5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo <br />(by the Children’s Castle and United Nations University). <br />For a map see <a href="http://www.scbwi.jp/map.htm">www.scbwi.jp/map.htm</a><br /><br />Fee: <span style="font-style:italic;">Lecture: SCBWI members 1,000 yen; nonmembers 1,500 yen</span><br /> One-on-one Portfolio Critiques: SCBWI members, nonmembers 3,500 yen<br /><br />Reservations: Reservations for critiques required by January 25, 2009; <br />slots are limited. For details on payment and to reserve a <br />critique contact info@scbwi.jp <br /><br />The lecture will be in English. One-on-one portfolio critiques can be in English or Japanese.<br /><br />Attention Illustrators!! The private one-on-one critiques with John Shelley are 15 minutes in length and must be reserved and paid for in advance. Slots are limited and will be scheduled on a first-come, first served basis.<br /><br />John Shelley will offer his expertise and experience to help you strengthen your illustration portfolio and tighten your presentation skills, including focusing on your best work, the ins and outs of compiling a professional portfolio, and tips on presentation to editors and art directors. Following the lecture, Shelley will conduct one-on-one portfolio critiques.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.scbwi.jp/">www.scbwi.jp</a>Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-21870265758133437192009-02-01T21:26:00.004+09:002009-02-01T21:53:47.599+09:00Busy but lasyEvery time before my work's dead line, I usually can concentrate to my work well, but these days I am having trouble to do so. Since this year I decided to finish 2 times of works than usual, I feel being hasty, and I hoped that whould help me to work harder, as a good pressure for me, but it doesn't work. <br /><br />These few days I did only house keeping. When I washed my hand-washable cloths, suddenly I came up that I love these cloths and I hadn't have cared myself much. So I stopped being hasty and started to clean my studio. As the room become clean and cosy, I felt very happy and I could start working on my project. <br /><br />I thought to have oneself be hard-working and diligent is not easy! I once saw a book title "How to manage yourself". Maybe I should read the book.<br /><br />My dead line for a picture book for young children will be after 1~2 weeks. I hope I can focus on my work better than now in a few days.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-64307010614503032872007-12-31T22:15:00.000+09:002009-02-01T22:16:59.006+09:00Le chihuahua a poisMerci baucoup de votre visiter a mon site.<br />Cette annee, Le livre imaginer que j'ai travaille,'Le chihuahua a poi' est publie en France.<br /><br />Je employe le papier japonais et la gravure a points seches (et couleurs).<br /><br />J'ame bien les vieilles maisons japonais, c'est un de motifs importants pour moi.<br />La raison est tres simple. Je trouve ca vraiment belle.<br /><br />On parle que il n'y a pas plus baucoup de vieilles maisons a Tokyo.<br />C'est vrai qu'elles sont detruire tout les jours.<br />Mais..Je veux les conserver dans mes images, et dans votre souvenir.<br /><br />KiyoKiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-57391909162926035612007-04-08T20:46:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:47:37.859+09:00How I got into the community of publishing in Japan?Today I attended to a SCBWI event, that was really informative and inspiring.<br />The speaker Desdemona McCannon gave a power point presentation, showed us how the students develop their works at the North Wales School of Art and Design. Another speaker Anders Suneson also did a lot of showing slides to introduce illustrators for children's books in Sweden, and his works.<br /> I was amazed by both lectures! I can't write how I liked them.<br /><br />After the event, as I was one of the volunteers, could talk with the guests and our members.<br />I think then I couldn't explain well about the situation of the illustrators of children's books in Japan, so I was thinking about it in the trains on my way back home. Am I in the community of the publishing field in Japan?<br />I say yes, but how I am?<br /><br />One thing came up with me, that I am a baby-boomer.<br />Among my generation there are many talented people of about the same age, not only illustrators but writers, editors, and even publishers. Being the same age group means a lot to majority of Japanese folks. That fact make us easier networking. <br />Another thing which seems to be local, some experienced editors started bringing up young illustrators, regarding baby-boomers, maybe incidentally. For example, Atsuko Nishimura, Kana Nishimaki are successful illustrators of my generation. In addition they are offsprings of famous illustrators in the field, too.<br /><br />On the other hand there's ways to do from the scratch.<br />Looking at a friend's success from a side of her, who's a offspring artist, I had difficulties to get into the field. <br />Then I started showing my works to some freelance editors.<br />They were more open minded and were interested in finding and supporting the new talents, better than some editors in old publishing houses.<br />I wasn't successful (didn't get jobs) with this effort at that time,<br />but I was happy getting encouragements by meeting them.<br /><br />In a while, anyway I got my first and second job, and I suddenly found another friend. When I visited one illustrator's show, I met her and became friends.<br />Knowing each other's work, that was all we need.<br /><br />When I met an editor who showed a Japanese way of networking, I tried to get used to it, but it was too much for me. Say, joining networking parties. Japanese way is to meet some people several times in a short period, to know each other better. I liked the dinners and people, but going out frequently became a heavy part of my job. Especially I live in a suburb and it took more than 1 hour by trains to Tokyo.<br /> <br />Personally I think, if you have find a few good editors to work with, you don't need to be nor to belong to the community, but I highly recommend to exchange greeting cards (Don't forget hand-written notes!) with people you love in the field. That will help you being confident, and you'll feel warm when you work alone at home.<br />Actually I love people, so I do volunteers of a few groups and meet people there. I do that not to network but to meet people and learn from them. I often regard my friends as my teachers, and I want always to admire them.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-36111691799018794632007-03-16T20:45:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:46:44.246+09:00New Book Published!My new picture book has published in March.<br />"The creatures in My Garden" Text by Tamami Sawaguchi.<br />Fukuinkan shoten is a good publisher that have many experienced editors.<br />They say the employee of the company can speak at least 3 languages.<br />I recommend Fukuinkan if you make a chance to get into our field!<br /><br />Recently I became one of the volunteer members of SCBWI Tokyo section.<br />I have been interested in cultural exchanges since I was a child,<br />so this activity is one of my dreams coming true.<br />Though I am not good at listening English.<br /><br />I also have studied French for 3 years by myself, but oh, no...<br />It's very difficult.This is kind of my hobby, learning languages.<br />I know in Japan, no one would respect me by that effort, especially as an artist.<br />Excuse me, but I can't stick only to drawing!Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-12649177304642545832007-01-01T20:32:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:35:33.981+09:00A Happy New Year!Happy New Year 2007!<br /><br />I am sorry I couldn't write my diary in English for a long time!<br />Last year I tried to learn French and listened to a radio program for French learners, for 3 month every day. I have a dream to go to France and study more about design and illustrations. All I need is my health and the Time to make it.<br />This year I'll try to get up earlier and go to bed earlier. That will make my time longer, I believe.<br /><br />I wish this year will be a beautiful one for you.<br /><br />Kiyo TanakaKiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-22882218327654863152006-04-14T20:28:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:36:16.708+09:00For illustrators and Writers in JapanI started writing a blog:<br />"Working for Children's books as an illustrator and a writer --- the reality and problems ".<br />http://ehonsakka.exblog.jp/<br />Sorry, this is in Japanese only at the moment, but if you read Japanese, please check it out.<br />This blog is to discuss about the money mainly, because it used to be almost a taboo for freelancers to talk about money with publishers, for a long time. As a result, many illustrators and writers are forced to be poor, or to have another job.<br /><br />These days, many female illustrators of younger generation are popular among young women in Japan, on the other hand there are no many male illustrators who are of younger generation. The fact show us the jobs as writers or illustrators of Children's books don't pay enough to live on. Especially for a family.<br />Actually you can see this situation in other countries, too. I personally think that this is a problem.<br />There used to be a good time for children's books writers in some developed countries. Some publishers guaranteed writers'living. Maybe in the U.S. writers can live on their career. In Japan or in Europe, too, we should be able to.<br /><br />I started to write about percentage of royalty. Some publishers of children's books in Japan pay only 8% per price, although other genres pay 10%.<br />There are some more problems such as publishers don't make enough copies to pay good remuneration, (they don't promote books well and many writers have to sell by their own),<br />writers and illustrators need to finish their works 100% before they get their contract (and often, have to wait some more months to get payed), on the other hand editors ,who work with them, get salaries every month. Isn't it unfair?<br /><br />I think I'll translate the blog, though it must take some time for me.<br />If you are interested in working in Japan, why don't we share useful information?<br />And If you read and write Japanese, please don't hesitate to write comments and ask questions.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-75269034015856437442005-12-20T20:11:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:37:03.974+09:00Interview by childrenWhile my personal exhibition was held in Ginza,<br />my English teacher and two of her kids students came and interviewed me.<br />The children were sisters about 9 to 11 years old.<br />Christine, the teacher, had them bring some questions.<br />It was kind of a workshop for the children, and also for me.<br /><br />The sisters were intelligent and cute,<br />but they seemed to be a little shy, maybe because they feel it is embarrassing to study in front of other person.<br />They speak english much better than other children of their age.<br />Sometimes, even adults would be nervous when they use English among Japanese people, in the fear of envy.<br />I assume it is because Japanese educational policy has been put importance especially on results. <br /><br />The sisters' questions were good. They asked,"What kind of artist are you?" "Which character do you like the best in your books? " "Why did you become an illustrator?" "Which children's books do you like, other than your books?" and so on.<br />Both children written down all of my answers, on the other hand they asked questions alternately.<br />The girls seemed to be enjoying to see my pictures, which were about some stories by H.C.Andersen.<br />They said,"this girl is you, and this is me" , Pointing out the people in my illustrations.<br />Christine said that the children will make a report or column about me!<br />I am looking forward to read their report.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-31285483443485014312005-04-29T20:10:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:32:20.107+09:00David Almond visited JapanOn April 5th, I joined David Almond's talk event. It was organized by SCBWI in Tokyo. <br />I hadn't read his novels and I couldn't find the books in a bookstore in Tokyo by myself.<br />The attendant, whom I asked about his books, lead me to the special corner. <br />The sign there said "Hayao Miyazaki's recommend" <br />I bought "Kit's Wilderness" there and read it just before the event.<br />(I always do this. I'm sure I should read more often)<br /><br />At the event David Almond introduced his works reading out beautifully. <br />He seems to write his stories with great care, about the characters and detail, to make readers believe in his fictional world.<br />He said "All these stories are lies, so you must be a good lier."<br />About each books he gave us brief explanations of ideas. <br />He also told us his own story: how he became a professional writer. <br />Working as a part time teacher he wrote a lot of stories for years and years. <br />That taught me to continue writing (making works) constantly, will allow you catch some great ideas in your mind,<br />and that might bring you up to the next stage as an artist.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-84760301412878378962004-11-07T20:09:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:31:43.103+09:00About Leonardo da VinciI like Leonardo's drawings.<br />These days I often look at them in my book and try to copy them onto my sketch book.<br />I have read an artist had said, "His works are too completed and not much interesting."<br />I think Leonardo was simply curious about nature, and he made pictures of not only correct figures of human bodies but many abstract and conceptual drawings of water flood and strange characters of people.<br />For myself, I also found the way of understanding the real world is very important, as well as the technique to make drawings.<br />I think we are lucky because you can get many photo copies of Leonardo or other old masters' drawings in good quality.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-38859148137786285112004-08-17T20:03:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:32:20.108+09:00Makino Yonekich's ExhibitionToday, I went to see an exhibition of illustrations of animals and creatures.<br />I was to meet Akiko , the editor of Kin no Hoshi sha, at the entrance.<br />I arrived there on time. While I was waiting for her, I walked around the Gallery. <br />There also was another exhibition of prints.<br />The illustrations made by Yonekichi Makino were really good, great. <br />Though each picture was small, as large as 10 by 10, the animals looked real and lively.<br />His biography cheered me up, that he found the style and theme of his illustration in his 30s.<br />I , know , feel hasty and nervous about my work... that I haven't found my best style of making pictures.<br />After that, I walked in the ISETAN department store, by myself. I checked Margaret's shop and found a simple pierced earring. They said it costs about 7000 yen.<br />Then I took Metro to Ochanomizu, the town you can find books , musical instruments, and good tools and materials for printmaking. <br />I went to Sanseido book store first, to buy a text book of French. I found one for beginners. <br />Then I went to Bunpodo , which is the best material shop for me.<br />I bought some paper and copper plates for the workshop that I will be the teacher, at Pinpoint Gallery , at the end of this month. <br />I was really tired when I ended my shopping.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-11440511843245363112004-05-30T20:03:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:31:43.103+09:00Started writingI read some part of "Growing Pains" by Wanda Gag.<br />It reminded me that I had been thinking about making that kind of records of my work.<br /><br />*<br /><br />I am making pictures for a picture book, "OIKAKETE"(Going after ...).Text by Hatsue Nakawaki.<br />Yesterday I sterted to "etch" the copper plates with new ached, using the technique, called "soft-ground etching". <br />Which I paint sticky ground thin on the plate, and put a thin paper on it and draw on the paper.<br />Then you put the plate in the ached.Then... you can get the line of a pencil etched on the plate! <br />Today I made three test prints. <br />I don't have the time to know some data such as how long should I put the plates in the ached, with a test plate.<br />So I tried to check how it goes, making pictures which are going to be dark.<br />It worked anyway.<br /><br />I read "Kouchan" written by Atsuko Suga, illustrated by Komako Sakai.<br />I love Komako's pictures , and they are getting better and better.<br />The story was good, too. I am going to write to Komako later, but what would I write?<br /><br />No phone call. I love Sundays.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-82269936235497968152004-01-26T20:02:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:30:23.180+09:00A meetingI had a meeting with an editor and a writer, in Kichijoji, Tokyo.<br />The editor, Kikue, who is the same age as me.<br />The writer, Areno, who is a little older than us, is going to make a picture book with us.<br />Areno is a writer of novels, and a translator of foreign picture books into Japanese, too. She wrote the text of "Mizutama no chihuahua (After polka dot chihuahua)" , which was my first professional picture book and it had been published 7 years ago. Her original picture books hadn't been published since then, although she's been interested in.<br />3 years ago she gave me some stories for picture books and I promised to find someone who want to edit it and publish it. Fortunately, Kikue, who is a freelance editor of children's books, offered editing my new picture book, while she and I was working together on stories for a magazine. She liked one of Areno's stories, and she wondered how come it hadn't been published for such a long time.<br />At the meeting, I was a little nervous because I hadn't seen Areno since she gave me the text. She is now one of the most popular writers of young generation. She looked happy and relax. Kikue leaded our subjects well, and we discussed about the schedule. <br />I got an energy by talking to the positive, interesting people, and now I am sure that the book will be a good one.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-32223107731617139032004-01-07T14:43:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:32:20.108+09:00Korean picture booksI watched a TV program about the success of Korean cultural policy. It said that Korean government encouraged their "contents" industries such as movie, music, game, and animation. The policy worked successfully, and they (Korean creators) have created a lot of attractive works which are popular not only in Japan, but also most Asian countries. <br /><br />When I visited an exhibition of Korean picture books in 2000 (The title was "The Wold Of Original Illustrations for Children's Picture Books from Korea" ), I was attracted by the beautiful illustrations. <br />Since I was wondering what is my originality as a Japanese illustrator, the exhibited illustrations gave me many hints to think.<br />I really liked Korean traditional techniques. I was surprised that some of the illustrators were as young as me. They were good, just like well trained, experienced painters.<br />After the exhibition held, some of the Korean picture books published in Japan. I bought them of course! I wish more Korean picture books had been published in Japan. Maybe I would find by myself in Korea some day. <br />Any way, I myself got an energy by Korean culture, and got a confidence to be an Asian illustrator. ( By the way, my most favorite restaurant in my neighborhood is a Korean place. Whenever I want energy, I eat hot Korean food.)Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452649705673315755.post-2514549790631533512004-01-04T14:11:00.000+09:002007-04-14T20:32:20.108+09:00I LOVE PICTURE BOOKSThese days, picture books are popular among not only mothers and children, but young people in Japan. Some magazines about picture books have started and acclaimed by young women from the majority who want to enjoy handicrafts to serious artists. Some singers and actors say "I wanted to become a picture books writer or illustrator" in their interviews. <br />Maybe you think that this movement as usual things. I think, at least in Japan, it is a change.<br /><br />I've been interested in cultural exchanges from my childhood, so I'd like to write something about picture books and our culture in Japan and far-east Asia.Kiyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05788550553492790616noreply@blogger.com0