Until July 31 (Friday) - Meet small animals at a share-type library cafe that rents out a box, Hito Hito and Mashiro.

In the area south of JR Kurashiki Station, in Achi, a share-type library café called "Library Café Hitohi" is hosting a solo exhibition titled Hitohi to Mashiro starting from July 1, 2026.

Small animals made of wool felt are spending their time in adorable poses, reading books, eating snacks, and dozing off.

We spoke with wool felt artist MASIRO, the creator of the small animals.

What is "Library Café Hitohi"?

The venue, Library Café Hitohi, opened on April 29, 2025. Its feature is that it is a share-type library café with box rentals. You can become an owner of a box bookshelf and lend out books you have selected to users.

What is "Hitohi to Mashiro"?

Hitohi to Mashiro is a solo exhibition by wool felt artist MASIRO, held at Library Café Hitohi. This is MASIRO's first solo exhibition.

The theme is "The Daily Life of Small Animals Spending Time at Library Café Hitohi."
They are quietly reading books in a corner of the bookshelf or enjoying the café's carefully crafted desserts and lattes while spending a leisurely time.

Such ordinary scenes of daily life are expressed in wool felt.

While looking at the works, you can enjoy imagining small stories like, "What book is this one reading?" "What are they eating today?" "What kind of day are they having?"

Profile of wool felt artist MASIRO
Using wool and natural materials, she creates small animals that read books and spend leisurely time in cafés. Based in Okayama Prefecture, she participates in markets mainly within the prefecture, as well as in exhibitions outside the prefecture, and sells through her online shop "BASE".
Through her works, she hopes to deliver a gentle time into daily life, creating each piece by hand.

Interview with wool felt artist MASIRO

We asked wool felt artist MASIRO about this solo exhibition.

What prompted you to hold a solo exhibition?

MASIRO (no honorifics)

This exhibition was made possible through a connection with a senior whom I have respected for a long time. They introduced me to Library Café Hitohi, and it was through their invitation that this became a reality.

I have always had the desire to express my worldview in one space, but since this is my first solo exhibition, I struggled to find the courage to take that first step. Therefore, this connection was truly a significant event for me.

How would you like people to enjoy it?

MASIRO

I would be happy if people could enjoy not only the works but also the space of Library Café Hitohi, the books, and the carefully crafted desserts and drinks.

There are small animals living throughout the café, so I hope visitors will enjoy looking for the little ones while viewing the works. Discovering "I found one here too!" is one of the unique ways to enjoy this exhibition.

If you take photos of your favorite little ones or scenes you find, please post them on social media with the hashtag "#Hitohi to Mashiro." Seeing the scenery you all discover is one of my joys.

What kind of people would you like to come?

MASIRO

I would be happy if those who love wool felt animals, as well as those who love books and enjoy spending time in cafés, could enjoy it. I also look forward to meeting those who stop by with a casual feeling of "I’m a little curious."

Please take home not only the encounter with the works but also the peaceful time spent in this space.

Please say a word to the readers.

MASIRO

Since this is my first solo exhibition, I will not be at the venue most of the time, but I will occasionally drop by. If we happen to meet, I would be happy if you could feel free to say hello.

I hope this exhibition will also be an opportunity for you to learn about the wonderful place that is Library Café Hitohi, in addition to the works. I sincerely look forward to your visit.

Conclusion

My encounter with wool felt artist MASIRO was at a market event. Looking at the list of exhibitors before the event, I was struck by how "cute the animals are!"

If you feel the same way, why not visit the exhibition to see the real thing?

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