Through Friday, July 31: Hitohi to Mashiro ~ Meet small animals at a share-style library café with rentable bookshelves

At Library CAFE Hitohi, a shared library cafe in Achi, south of JR Kurashiki Station, where you can rent a single-box bookshelf, a solo exhibition titled “Hitohi to Mashiro” has been held since July 1, 2026.

Small animals made of wool felt spend their time in charming scenes, reading books, eating snacks, or dozing off.

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

What is Library CAFE Hitohi?

Library CAFE Hitohi, the venue, is a cafe that opened on April 29, 2025. Its distinctive feature is that it is a shared library cafe where you can rent a single-box bookshelf. You can become the owner of a bookshelf box, arrange your selected books in it, and lend them to visitors.

What is “Hitohi to Mashiro”?

Hitohi to Mashiro is a solo exhibition by wool felt artist MASIRO, held at Library CAFE Hitohi. It is MASIRO’s first solo exhibition.

The theme is “the everyday lives of little animals spending time at Library CAFE Hitohi.”
They quietly read books in a corner of the bookshelves, or spend a leisurely time enjoying Library CAFE Hitohi’s carefully made desserts and cafe lattes.

These ordinary moments from everyday life are brought to life in wool felt.

As you look at the works, you can enjoy imagining little stories: “What kind of book is this little one reading?” “What are they eating today?” “What kind of day are they having?”

Profile: Wool felt artist MASIRO
Using wool and natural materials, MASIRO creates little animals reading books or relaxing at cafes. Based in Okayama Prefecture, MASIRO takes part in markets mainly within the prefecture, as well as exhibitions outside the prefecture, and sells works through the online shop “BASE”.
Each piece is handmade with the hope of bringing a little peace and calm to everyday life through the works.

Interview with wool felt artist MASIRO

We asked wool felt artist MASIRO about this solo exhibition.

What inspired you to hold a solo exhibition?

MASIRO (name used without honorific)

This exhibition came about through a connection with a senior artist I have long admired. They introduced me to Library CAFE Hitohi and invited me to exhibit there.

I had long wanted to express my own world in a single space, but since this was my first solo exhibition, I found it difficult to summon the courage to take that first step myself. That is why this opportunity meant so much to me.

How would you like visitors to enjoy the exhibition?

MASIRO

I’d be happy if visitors enjoyed not only the works, but also the space and books at Library CAFE Hitohi, along with its carefully made desserts and drinks.

The animals live all around the cafe, so I hope you’ll look at the works while searching for the little ones. Discovering one and thinking, “There’s one here, too!” is one of the special ways to enjoy this exhibition.

If you take a photo of a favorite little animal or scene you’ve found, please post it on social media with the hashtag “#ひとひとましろ.” Seeing the scenes you discover has become one of my own pleasures, too.

What kind of people would you like to visit?

MASIRO

I’d be happy if not only people who love wool felt animals, but also those who love books or enjoy spending a relaxing time at a cafe, came to see the exhibition. I’m also looking forward to meeting people who drop by on a whim because they’re a little curious.

As well as discovering the works, take home with you the peaceful time you spend in this space.

Do you have a message for our readers?

MASIRO

Since this is my first solo exhibition, I’m not usually at the venue, but I do stop by from time to time. If our timing works out and we meet, I’d be delighted if you came over and said hello.

I’d be happy if this exhibition also gives people a chance to discover the wonderful place that is Library CAFE Hitohi, as well as my works. I sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

From the Writer

I first met wool felt artist MASIRO at a market event. When I saw the list of vendors before the event, I was struck by the thought, “Wow, these animals are so cute!”

If you feel the same way, why not visit the exhibition and see the works in person?

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