Do you know Baba Noboru, the author of the picture book series "11 Cats"?
Since the Kurashiki Central Library's library cards and the mobile library's family vehicle are wrapped with this character, it might be a familiar picture book character for the citizens of Kurashiki City.
Despite their cute appearance, the "11 Cats" series boasts clever teamwork, and I heard that an exhibition featuring Baba Noboru's works will be touring to the Kurashiki City Art Museum, so I went to cover the highlights.
This exhibition, which has been touring nationwide since 2021, features displays and goods that can only be seen at the Kurashiki City Art Museum, making it a must-see.
What is the Kurashiki City Art Museum?
The Kurashiki City Art Museum is located about a 10-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station towards the city office and is one of the cultural facilities in the area, which also includes the Kurashiki Central Library and the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History.
The Kurashiki City Art Museum, which repurposes the former Kurashiki City Office building, was designed by architect Tange Kenzo. In 2020, it was recognized as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Inside the museum, there are ongoing exhibitions of local collections and special exhibitions. In winter, it hosts the "Kurashiki Kids Art Exhibition," which involves all elementary and junior high schools in Kurashiki City, and the "Kurashiki Kids Friendship Art Exhibition," which includes participation from special support schools and classes in the city, making it a unique initiative that supports children's artistic activities.
What is the "All About Baba Noboru Exhibition: Drawn, Created, Enjoyed Nyago!"?
The "All About Baba Noboru Exhibition: Drawn, Created, Enjoyed Nyago!" is a special exhibition that will be held at the Kurashiki City Art Museum from July 26 (Friday), 2024. This year (2024) marks the 145th anniversary of the Sanyo Shimbun, so it is organized by the "All About Baba Noboru Exhibition Executive Committee," established by the Sanyo Shimbun and the Kurashiki City Art Museum, along with Kurashiki City.
This project began as a touring exhibition starting from the Nerima City Art Museum in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, where Baba Noboru had his atelier, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing.
Featuring the beloved "11 Cats" series, which appeals to a wide age range from children to adults, as well as traces of his creative activities before his debut and sketchbooks found after his death, there will be plenty of content for adults to enjoy.
For more details, please check the image below.
Related Events for the Special Exhibition
The "All About Baba Noboru Exhibition: Drawn, Created, Enjoyed Nyago!" will be held during the summer vacation period. Related events that can be enjoyed by both children and adults are also planned.
Events that do not require prior registration are as follows.
Commemorative Lecture
On July 27 (Saturday), 2024, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, a commemorative lecture titled "The '11 Cats' and Mr. Baba Noboru - In Search of True Humor" will be held in the third-floor auditorium, featuring Baba Noboru's editor and former chief editor of Koguma-sha, Sekiya Yuko.
Participation is free, and the capacity is 200 people (first-come, first-served on the day).
11 Cats Coming from San'nohe Town, Aomori Prefecture!
On August 3 (Saturday) and 17 (Saturday), 2024, 11 Cats will be coming from San'nohe Town, Aomori Prefecture. Participation is also free (50 people per session), and photo opportunities will be available. The schedule is as follows:
- 10:30 AM～
- 1:30 PM～
- 3:30 PM～
- One photo per group with your own camera
- Photography may be canceled due to weather or other reasons
- Tickets will be distributed at the first-floor entrance hall 30 minutes before each session
Picture Book Reading
On August 4 (Sunday), 18 (Sunday), and 25 (Sunday), there will be picture book readings of Baba Noboru's works by librarians from the Kurashiki Central Library in the first-floor entrance hall.
The time is from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
Giant Coloring
A giant coloring activity titled "Picture Scroll Picture Book: 11 Cats Marathon" will be set up in the venue. This giant coloring was a popular program in past special exhibitions held at the Kurashiki City Art Museum.
This special exhibition will use both the first and second floors of the Kurashiki City Art Museum, providing a great way for children who get tired along the way to have a change of pace.
Limited Edition Goods for the Special Exhibition
The "11 Cats" series is also attractive for its cute merchandise. I am a big fan and have gathered 11 Cats goods for my home tableware and cutlery.
While "11 Cats" goods can be found in the picture book sections of bookstores and online shops, this time you can see, touch, and purchase the actual items at the goods sales area.
Additionally, original goods from the Kurashiki City Art Museum, such as denim bags, will also be sold. These are collaborative goods with the denim brand Betty Smith from the Kojima area of Kurashiki City.
Both the tote bags and lunch bags have a simple design, making them useful in daily life.
Interview with the Person in Charge
I spoke with Onoue Mayu from the Kurashiki City Art Museum about how to enjoy the "All About Baba Noboru Exhibition: Drawn, Created, Enjoyed Nyago!".
Finally, the opening of the "All About Baba Noboru Exhibition: Drawn, Created, Enjoyed Nyago!" is approaching.
Onoue (no honorifics)
This time, in addition to the famous "11 Cats" series, we plan to display works from Baba's childhood and the contents of his sketchbooks.
The sketchbooks were found after Baba's passing and are treasured items. We will be displaying some of the contents of the sketchbooks as video materials, allowing visitors to closely examine each sketch.
Baba loved drawing from a young age, and many sketches remain. Each one showcases highly detailed representation.
This work titled "Paper Balloon" was drawn by Baba when he was in elementary school, and it is depicted so realistically that you can almost feel the texture of the paper balloon.
The charm of Baba's sketches is not just in their realism. Each sketch is drawn with great joy. They embody the essence of the subtitle of this special exhibition, "Drawn, Created, Enjoyed Nyago!"
I hope visitors can feel Baba's overflowing joy in drawing and creating at the venue.
This special exhibition is a touring project, but are there any unique exhibits at the Kurashiki City Art Museum?
Onoue
Basically, we plan to display almost the same content as other touring venues, but since it is being held in Okayama Prefecture, we will showcase the original illustrations of the picture book "Momotaro", which were not displayed at other venues. This will be a special exhibition exclusive to the Kurashiki venue, featuring almost the entire story (except for the cover and endpapers).
The commemorative lecture on July 27 (Saturday) will also feature Sekiya discussing Baba's picture book "Momotaro." Since this work has not received much attention until now, I believe it will be a valuable discussion.
There are many exciting events planned to coincide with the special exhibition.
Onoue
That's right.
The workshop that requires prior registration filled up on the first day of recruitment. This workshop will be held in collaboration with the Kurashiki Central Library. Baba's works utilize a printmaking technique called lithography, so younger children will use stamps while older children will experience lithography.
We wanted to make the workshop unique to Kurashiki, so the base will be in a folding screen style. It will resemble a work of art, making it useful for summer vacation projects.
Are you familiar with the "Kurashiki Folding Screen Festival" held every autumn in the Bikan Historical Area? In fact, the Kurashiki City Art Museum participates in this festival every year. After the special exhibition ends, I hope children will develop a fondness for folding screens and the Kurashiki City Art Museum.
The picture book reading project is also a collaboration with the Kurashiki Central Library. While museum staff will visit the library for the workshop, librarians will come to the museum for the readings.
Additionally, the 11 Cats will visit the Kurashiki City Art Museum. Besides the event day, we will park the family vehicle of the Kurashiki Central Library in front of the Kurashiki City Art Museum and set up photo spots around the first-floor entrance so that visitors can capture the world of Baba Noboru in photos.
Please tell us how to enjoy the special exhibition.
Onoue
From the moment you enter the museum, the world of "11 Cats" will unfold. Although the museum is usually quiet, during the special exhibition period, I want to create a lively space filled with children's voices, so I hope many people will feel free to visit.
As the exhibition progresses, visitors will move on to Baba's sketches, three-dimensional works, and the display of the picture book "Momotaro." The latter part of the exhibition may be slightly more adult-oriented, but children can also enjoy the giant coloring activity.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Onoue
As the subtitle suggests, this exhibition is a project where you can feel the "fun" from Baba's humor-filled works.
I hope both adults and children can feel that there are artists who enjoy drawing and creating this much, and that drawing and creating are fun.
We sincerely look forward to welcoming many visitors of all ages.
Conclusion
Having previously worked as a teacher in a special support school for young children, I am a fan of Baba Noboru and visited the exhibition at the Nerima City Art Museum in 2021.
I am excited to see the works that I have read many times with children and played pretend with at the Kurashiki City Art Museum, as well as the unique displays, goods, and workshops that can only be found in Kurashiki. Even if you have never read the works, there are many wonderful pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Additionally, I look forward to seeing the usually quiet museum filled with the lively voices of children. It might be perfect for your child's museum debut.
Articles about the Kurashiki City Art Museum
All About the Baba Noboru Exhibition: Drawn, Created, Enjoyed, Nyago! Data
| Name | All About the Baba Noboru Exhibition: Drawn, Created, Enjoyed, Nyago! |
|---|---|
| Dates | July 26 (Sat), 2024 - September 1 (Sun), 2024 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Only on July 26 (Fri), the opening will be at 10:00 AM. Admission until 4:30 PM |
| Location | 2-6-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | [Advance Tickets] General Ticket 900 yen, Pair (2 general tickets, can be used by one person twice, limited sale at Lawson Ticket from June 1 to July 25) 1,600 yen [Same-Day Tickets] General Ticket 1,100 yen, High School/University Students 900 yen, Elementary/Junior High School Students 500 yen *For discounted tickets, proof of age or affiliation such as a student ID must be presented *One accompanying person with a disability certificate is free *Elementary and junior high school students in Kurashiki City are free with the presentation of an Ikigai Passport or student handbook *Elementary school students presenting a Takahashi River Basin Passport are free (excluding weekdays) |
| Website | All About the Baba Noboru Exhibition: Drawn, Created, Enjoyed, Nyago! |
