When you open the cover of a thick book, a landscape you have never seen before pops out: a "pop-up picture book."
You will want to turn the pages one after another, and before you know it, you will be so absorbed that you forget the passage of time.
Pop-up picture books are full of charm that is like magic, filled with excitement and anticipation.
The Pop-up Picture Book Specialty Store, Mori no Kakurenbo is one of only two such stores in Japan and the only one in Western Japan.
Inside the store, it is truly a sea of pop-up picture books!
There are many beautiful books that are like works of art, as well as fun pop-up books that you will want to give as gifts.
As you take your time to look at each one, you can enjoy a delightful time that feels like returning to your childhood.
Shall we go and see what kind of pop-up picture books are hiding in the store?
An impressive collection of about 1,300 books! Take your time to find your favorite
The interior of Pop-up Picture Book, Mori no Kakurenbo is a fun space that is irresistible for picture book lovers.
Pop-up picture books, selected picture books, and goods related to picture books are lined up closely together.
A whole wall of pop-up picture books.
It is surprising to see how many different kinds there are.
The collection of pop-up picture books is about 1,300 books.
It includes out-of-print books and rare overseas editions.
Books are lined up all the way to the back.
All of them can be opened and viewed.
The store owner, Mori Mutsuko, was impressively selecting books carefully while engaging in conversation with customers.
▲ There are also sophisticated picture books from abroad. This one is not a pop-up book, but a cut-out picture book.
It seems that delicate cut-outs emerge.
Enchanted by pop-up picture books that are like works of art! Cute goods are also a must-see
Once the picture books are procured, they are never returned to the publisher, so the owner has affection for all the books.
“While I am happy when a book sells, I also feel lonely,” says the owner, Mori.
A scene from "Sleeping Beauty."
Look at this delicate craftsmanship!
Perhaps because of Mori's feelings for the books, there has only been one instance of damage to a book in the four years since opening.
The color scheme is chic, and rather than being for children, it is a book that I would want for myself.
They generously show off such wonderful books without hesitation.
A pop-up picture book that a girl would likely become engrossed in, opening 360 degrees.
Since it can also be used for doll play, many customers buy it as a gift.
For boys, a pop-up dinosaur picture book with a big impact is perfect.
It seems so realistic that you can almost hear the dinosaur's roar coming from the book.
There is a collection of picture books by Leo Lionni and "Pam and Kero," which picture book fans might splurge on.
The tableware is too cute!
Antique goods are mainly from England and Germany.
I fell in love at first sight with a beautiful mug that showcases the quality of handmade work.
A peek through the hole at the Bikan Historical Area!? From the London Expo to Alice
Although there are many types of "pop-up picture books," their history dates back to the 17th century.
At Mori no Kakurenbo, the following types of books are considered pop-up picture books.
- Pop-up books
- Popup books
- Mechanical books
- Hole books
- Touch books
- Light-up books
- Sound books
- Stage books
- Books with some kind of ingenuity compared to regular picture books
Next to the register, there was an antique-type pop-up picture book.
Huh? The book in the lower left looks like a scene I have seen somewhere before…?
The antique pop-up picture book is accordion-style, and you enjoy peeking inside through a round hole.
What kind of scenery can you see in this book?
Have you figured it out yet?
Swans by the willows, and a small boat, a bridge...
This is truly the Bikan Historical Area!
It uses a zigzag perspective to create depth.
It seems like a good souvenir too.
By the way, this is a pop-up book depicting the first London World Exposition held in the 18th century.
The depth is amazing, and the details of the people passing by and the ceiling are truly impressive.
The pop-up book has dramatically evolved from the zigzag books of the 18th century.
In particular, you may have seen the pop-up book Alice in Wonderland, released in 2006.
The author of the pop-up book Alice in Wonderland, Robert Sabuda, is an American pop-up book creator.
In Japan, there are still only a handful of "pop-up book creators."
Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France have produced many pop-up book creators, and Hide and Seek in the Forest has a large collection of them.
Perfect for Gifts! Christmas Pop-up Books
At the time of the interview, it was late November.
There was a Christmas tree in the center of the store, and the store was filled with Christmas books.
We selected some recommended pop-up books for Christmas.
First is The Night Before Christmas. The English title "The Night Before Christmas" is famous, isn't it?
Did you know that this story actually created the current image of "Santa Claus" for Christmas?
Santa in a red suit comes riding in from the sky on a sleigh, pulled by reindeer...
This Christmas story has been passed down for many years, changing its illustrations and crossing countries.
A perfect book for eagerly awaiting Christmas is The Secret Santa Nobody Knows.
At Santa's house, preparations are in full swing for Christmas.
If you go around the outside of the house...
There are plenty here too!
Inside and outside the house, it's a book that makes you want to look around and enjoy it twice on one page.
Additionally, there is a picture book about Bethlehem that resembles a small puppet show.
There are truly a variety of pop-up books, including a pentagonal pop-up book that is wonderful as an antique.
I want to eagerly await Christmas while reading pop-up books.
I interviewed the store owner, Mori Mutsuko, who handles wonderful pop-up books.
Data on the Pop-up Book Specialty Store Hide and Seek in the Forest
| Name | Pop-up Book Specialty Store Hide and Seek in the Forest |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-3-3 Tsurugata, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-424-0696 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | Weekdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 10 AM to 5 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Thursday |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Pop-up Book Specialty Store Hide and Seek in the Forest |
