If you were to compare your family to a “shape,” what would come to mind?
There are surely as many answers as there are people. An exhibition themed around “family” is being held at Kurashiki City Art Museum.
This is a joint exhibition by Mitsunori Yabe, a kamishibai and picture-book artist who grew up in Kurashiki, and his son, comedian and manga artist Taro Yabe. Through their eyes, a “shape of family” emerges, wrapped in laughter and tenderness.
Here’s a report on an exhibition that will make you chuckle and leave you feeling warm.
Information in this article was current when it was published in November 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Overview of the special exhibition “Mitsunori Yabe and Taro Yabe: Kurashiki, the Hometown of ‘My Dad’”
“Mitsunori Yabe and Taro Yabe: Kurashiki, the Hometown of ‘My Dad’” is a special exhibition held at Kurashiki City Art Museum from Friday, October 17, to Sunday, December 21, 2025.
The exhibition features around 200 items.
Alongside kamishibai and picture-book originals and manga, the displays include precious materials rarely seen elsewhere, such as Mitsunori Yabe’s illustrated family diaries and “Taro’s Newspaper,” a work from Taro Yabe’s childhood.
The exhibition
The first thing visitors see at the entrance is a giant panel featuring the cover of Taro Yabe’s book My Dad (Shinchosha). It is a striking image that also appears on the exhibition poster.
I visited on a weekday afternoon.
The venue had a calm atmosphere, and I was drawn into the world of the works, losing track of time.
In the quiet space, every now and then, a soft “heh-heh” laugh could be heard. Sharing in the laughter of strangers, I found myself smiling too.
The works, full of warmth and humor, created an atmosphere that naturally brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
The venue’s shop corner also sells original goods exclusive to the exhibition.
The lineup includes denim aprons and tote bags, with a distinctly Kurashiki feel.
Mitsunori Yabe’s diverse styles
The range of styles in Mitsunori Yabe’s exhibition was a pleasant surprise.
From picture books and kamishibai originals with soft, colorful palettes to works rendered with meticulous attention to detail, each piece conveys a deep affection.
There were many scenes that resonated with me as familiar from my own childhood or the days of raising children. It was as if he had captured the feelings and scenes of those moments in pictures, like taking photographs.
Mitsunori Yabe now works with children through art classes and workshops, and also works overseas to promote kamishibai.
His works conveyed a perspective that has always cherished children’s free spirits above all else.
Art made from discarded materials and a father-son collaboration
About halfway through the venue, I came to an exhibition area featuring toys made from discarded materials.
The main works are as follows:
- A “Bone-Bone Man” mask made from foam trays
- Rainbow Eggs (rainbow-colored objects made from empty cans)
- “Boo-Boo” horns made from empty containers
It’s amazing how things we would normally throw away can be transformed into such fun art with just a little ingenuity.
There’s also a charm in how, even when using the same materials, no two finished pieces are alike.
This space also features the father-son collaboration “Kurashiki City Art Museum and Me.”
The works depict characters from each piece, collaborations with Okayama specialties, and motifs such as five-yen coins that evoke “connections.” The entire exhibition conveyed a sense of playfulness and excitement.
Discovering the roots of Taro Yabe
One of Taro Yabe’s works that left a strong impression was “Drawing of a Rooster.”
I was surprised to learn that it was a work he drew in second grade.
This is a handmade newspaper from his childhood, titled “Taro’s Newspaper.”
The comments in the “Introducing the Yabe Family” section brim with childlike humor and made me laugh.
People often say, “Children grow up watching their parents,” and it felt as though I could glimpse the roots of Taro, who grew up watching his father create things.
From the Writer
In one corner of the venue, a video shows Mitsunori Yabe and Taro performing kamishibai. As they spoke in their gentle manner, the audience nodded and chuckled softly.
The scene was just like adults had returned to their childhood.
I, too, felt that the “childlike sensibility” sleeping deep within me had been awakened.
An exhibition full of laughter and warmth.
Through the works, visitors are sure to be prompted to remember time spent with their families and loved ones.
Be sure to experience the gentle moments at Kurashiki City Art Museum.
Articles about Kurashiki City Art Museum
Special Exhibition “Mitsunori Yabe and Taro Yabe: Kurashiki, the Hometown of ‘My Dad’” Information
| Name | Special Exhibition “Mitsunori Yabe and Taro Yabe: Kurashiki, the Hometown of ‘My Dad’” |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 17–December 21, 2025 (Friday–Sunday) 9:00 a.m.–5:15 p.m. *Closed on the following days: Mondays (open November 3 and November 24), Tuesday, November 4, and Tuesday, November 25 |
| Location | Kurashiki City Art Museum |
| Admission (tax included) | Adults: ¥1,200 High school and university students*: ¥500 Elementary and junior high school students*: ¥300 *Proof of age or affiliation, such as an ID or student ID, must be presented. *Elementary and junior high school students residing in Kurashiki City are admitted free upon presentation of an Ikiiki Passport or student handbook. *Elementary school students presenting a Takahashi River Basin Passport are admitted free (except on weekdays). *People with disabilities and one accompanying person are admitted free (presentation of a Physical Disability Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, or Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate is required). |
| Website | Special Exhibition “Mitsunori Yabe and Taro Yabe: Kurashiki, the Hometown of ‘My Dad’” |
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