If you were to compare a family to a "shape," what kind of shape comes to mind?
Surely, there are as many answers as there are people. An exhibition themed around "family" is currently being held at the Kurashiki City Art Museum.
It is a parent-child exhibition by Mitsunori Yabe, a kamishibai (paper theater) and picture book author who grew up in Kurashiki, and his son, the comedian and manga artist Taro Yabe. What emerges from their perspectives is the "shape of family" wrapped in laughter and kindness.
I will report on the exhibition, which seems to make you smile and feel warm inside.
Overview of the Special Exhibition "Mitsunori Yabe and Taro Yabe - Hometown of 'My Father' - Kurashiki"
The exhibition "Mitsunori Yabe and Taro Yabe - Hometown of 'My Father' - Kurashiki" is a special exhibition being held at the Kurashiki City Art Museum from October 17, 2025 (Friday) to December 21, 2025 (Sunday).
There are approximately 200 pieces on display.
In addition to original illustrations from kamishibai and picture books, and manga works, there are valuable materials that can only be seen here, such as family picture diaries by Mitsunori Yabe and Taro Yabe's childhood work "Taro Newspaper."
Exhibition Overview
The first thing that catches your eye at the entrance is a large panel featuring the cover of Taro Yabe's book "My Father" (Shinchosha), which is also the striking visual for this exhibition's poster.
I visited during the daytime on a weekday.
The atmosphere inside the venue was calm, and I was drawn into the world of the works, forgetting the time.
In the quiet space, you could occasionally hear small laughter from somewhere. Sharing in the laughter of strangers, I couldn't help but smile.
In front of the warm and humorous works, there was an atmosphere that naturally made everyone smile.
In the merchandise corner of the venue, original goods exclusive to the exhibition are also on sale.
There is a lineup of items that evoke the charm of Kurashiki, such as denim aprons and tote bags.
The Diverse Style of Mitsunori Yabe
I was amazed by the wide range of styles in Mitsunori Yabe's exhibition.
From the soft and colorful illustrations of picture books and kamishibai to the meticulously detailed works, you can feel the deep affection in each piece.
Many scenes resonate with one's own childhood or parenting days, and it felt as if he was capturing the feelings and scenes of those moments in his illustrations.
Mitsunori Yabe is currently engaging with children through the hosting of sculpture classes and workshops, as well as promoting kamishibai both domestically and internationally.
From his works, it is clear that he has cherished the free spirit of children above all else.
Art Created from Waste Materials & Parent-Child Collaborations
As I progressed about halfway through the venue, I arrived at a display corner featuring toys made from waste materials.
The main works are as follows:
- Mask of Bone-Bone Man made from foam trays
- Rainbow Egg (a rainbow-colored object made from an empty can)
- Blow Horn made from empty containers
It's amazing how things that would normally be thrown away can be transformed into such fun art with just a little creativity.
Even when using the same materials, the fact that no two finished products are the same adds to their charm.
In this space, the collaboration piece "Kurashiki City Art Museum and Me" by the two artists is also on display.
Each work features characters and collaborations with Okayama specialties, as well as motifs like "five yen" that evoke the idea of "connections," conveying a sense of playfulness and excitement throughout the exhibition.
Touching on the Roots of Taro Yabe
One of the most impressive works by Taro Yabe was "Rooster Painting."
I was surprised to learn that it was a work he created in the second grade of elementary school.
This is a handmade newspaper from his childhood titled "Taro Newspaper."
The comments in the "Yabe's Introduction" section exude childlike humor, making me laugh out loud.
It is often said that "children grow by watching their parents," and it seemed that Taro's roots, having grown up watching his father, who creates things, were glimpsed.
Conclusion
In one corner of the venue, a video of a kamishibai (paper theater) performance by Mitsunori Yabe and Taro Yabe is being shown. The gentle narration had the audience nodding and chuckling softly.
That scene was as if the adults had returned to their childhood.
I personally felt as if the "childlike sensibility" that had been sleeping deep within me was awakened.
A warm and laughter-filled exhibition.
Those who visit will likely be reminded of their time with family and loved ones through the works.
Please experience the gentle time spent at the Kurashiki City Art Museum.
Articles about Kurashiki City Art Museum
Data for the Special Exhibition "Yabe Mitsunori and Yabe Taro - The Hometown of 'My Dad' in Kurashiki"
| Name | Special Exhibition "Yabe Mitsunori and Yabe Taro - The Hometown of 'My Dad' in Kurashiki" |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 17 (Fri), 2025 - December 21 (Sun), 2025 9:00 AM - 5:15 PM * Closed on the following days: Mondays (open on November 3 and November 24), November 4 (Tue), November 25 (Tue) |
| Location | Kurashiki City Art Museum |
| Admission Fee (including tax) | General: 1,200 yen High school and university students*: 500 yen Elementary and junior high school students*: 300 yen * Proof of age or affiliation, such as a student ID, is required * Elementary and junior high school students in Kurashiki City can enter for free with an Ikigai Passport or student handbook * Elementary school students presenting a Takahashi River Basin Passport can enter for free (excluding weekdays) * One accompanying person for individuals with disabilities can enter for free (proof of disability is required, such as a physical disability certificate, developmental disability certificate, or mental health welfare certificate) |
| Website | Special Exhibition "Yabe Mitsunori and Yabe Taro - The Hometown of 'My Dad' in Kurashiki" |
