Are picture books just for children?
While many picture book events are aimed at children, there are events that adults without children, like the author, can participate in as long as they "like picture books."
At the picture book specialty store "Tsuzuki no Ehonnya" in Kurashiki City, an event for adults called "Ehonn Yakai" is held once a month.
In fact, the author has participated in the Ehonn Yakai several times and thought, "I want to spread this event to more adults who love picture books!" So, I covered the event held on January 14, 2025 (Tuesday).
What is "Ehonn Yakai" for adults who love picture books?
"Ehonn Yakai" is an event held once a month by Tsuzuki no Ehonnya for adults who love picture books.
Bring one recommended picture book and introduce it. While enjoying drinks and snacks, everyone passionately discusses and shares their thoughts about picture books.
Anyone who loves picture books is welcome to participate.
Announcements for participation are distributed via Instagram and Facebook, and reservations are required to join.
The fee is 1,500 yen (including tax), which covers drinks and snacks.
The number of participants for the session held on January 14, 2025 (Tuesday) was 16, including the store owner, Tsuzuki-san, and the author.
The Ehonn Yakai was held in a warm and gentle atmosphere. Here’s a look at the event on that day.
Getting deeper into the world of picture books! The start of Ehonn Yakai
Started in 2018, this is the 71st Ehonn Yakai. There are many regulars, and the participants come from various professions and backgrounds, with a wide age range.
According to Tsuzuki-san, there are always new participants or those returning after a long time, and there has never been a time when the same participants have attended.
At Ehonn Yakai, each participant brings one picture book they want to recommend and introduces it.
Any theme for the picture books is fine. If time allows, reading aloud is also okay.
Despite having 16 participants this time, there were no overlaps in the picture books introduced.
The author introduced a picture book titled "Hey, hey, find me."
The theme is the connection between hearts, and the book features a repeated phrase that questions the connection of "Hey, hey, find me," which is also in the title.
It's a fun picture book where you find other animals hidden among the large illustrations of animals.
There were participants who introduced seasonal picture books, such as a picture book about rice cakes...
One participant introduced a picture book whose story links to their past.
Including the background of why they chose that picture book, enjoying the introductions is one of the interesting aspects of Ehonn Yakai.
Even long-selling or well-known picture books can offer new discoveries when viewed through that person's filter.
This time, there was even a participant who introduced a Korean picture book. We had a lively discussion comparing the title differences and the size of the picture books with the Japanese versions.
The variety of picture book introductions kept everyone excited.
It made me realize that there are still many picture books I don't know about.
Several participants also read aloud, and I realized how rich it feels to be read to even as an adult.
The passionate way everyone spoke during the picture book introductions conveyed how much they loved those books, and I found myself getting more and more drawn into the world of picture books.
The picture book that left the biggest impression on me was "Gaito no Hikkoshi," introduced by the store owner, Tsuzuki-san.
The story is about a streetlight that was useless wherever it went, seeking a place in the city and ending up next to a park bench. It heals the tired people who sit on that bench.
The story is lovely, but the illustrations showing the streetlight lighting up the night city with its glow warmed my heart.
New Year Special! ① What is this year's fortune?!
This time's picture book night was in January, and there was also a fortune-telling senbei. It seems to be a traditional event held every January.
Those who found "Daikichi" (great blessing) in the fortune inside the senbei received a tea set ticket as a gift that can be used at the continuing picture book store.
And surprisingly, the fortune I found in the senbei I ate was "Daikichi," and I received a tea set ticket!
No matter how old you get, it's always nice to get a Daikichi from a fortune.
Next time I visit the continuing picture book store, I plan to use this ticket to enjoy some tea.
New Year Special Event!② Bringing New Year-like Items
This picture book night was a "New Year Special," and before introducing the picture books, we introduced New Year-like items.
We had been informed in advance to "bring something New Year-like," so everyone brought their own unique items.
One person introduced their first calligraphy of the year. They mentioned they are a calligraphy teacher.
Another person brought a traditional Japanese vest. Other participants exclaimed, "Ah, indeed!"
Everyone's idea of "New Year" was different, which was very interesting.
New Year Special Event!③ Declaring This Year's Resolutions
Before introducing the picture books, we declared our resolutions for this year.
Hearing those declarations, the other participants performed Yoshuku (pre-celebration).
They congratulated as if the resolutions had already been fulfilled, saying "Congratulations!" and applauding in celebration. (It is said that acting as if wishes have already been fulfilled makes them more likely to come true.)
The resolutions shared by everyone varied widely, including work goals, hobbies, and dieting.
Even though they haven't been fulfilled yet, just being supported by those around me made me feel excited and motivated to try my best.
Conclusion
I had a fulfilling time discussing picture books with fellow members who love them.
It was truly an event of encounters between picture books and people.
I feel that I encountered many new picture books at this picture book night, and it seems my home bookshelf will be getting new additions.
At the continuing picture book store, various events such as original art exhibitions and workshops with picture book authors are regularly held in addition to the picture book night. For the latest information, please check the continuing picture book store's Instagram or Facebook.
If you love picture books, why not join the picture book night and immerse yourself in the world of picture books?
Data for the 71st Picture Book Night New Year Special - Let's Enjoy Picture Books to the Fullest
| Name | 71st Picture Book Night New Year Special - Let's Enjoy Picture Books to the Fullest |
|---|---|
| Date | January 14, 2025 |
| Location | 694-7 Kawai, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 1,500 yen |
| Homepage | Continuing Picture Book Store |
