Preface

The International Library of Children's Literature (ILCL) was opened as a national library dedicated to children's books in 2000. Since then, the library has continuously held exhibitions to introduce the appeal of our expansive collection of children's books published in Japan and abroad to as wide an audience as possible. This exhibition is a "digital exhibition" that recreates the "Japanese Picture Book Authors of the Heisei Era (1989-2019)" exhibition, which was held in 2020 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the ILCL.

The ILCL was established during the Heisei Era and has continuously operated over the 20 years since. During this 20 years, and by extension the last 30 or so years of the Heisei Era, Japanese picture books, picture book authors, and the environments around them have changed in numerous ways. This digital exhibition focuses on 35 Japanese picture book authors who were active during the Heisei Era, and also takes a look back at the history of the ILCL and the Heisei Era through the works of these authors. We are sure these picture books will provide a taste of the diversity of the Heisei Era.

In closing, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Associate Professor Imada Yuka who provided assistance for the exhibition.

International Library of Children's Literature, National Diet Library

This digital exhibition "Introduction of authors (1989-2019)" introduces 35 Japanese picture book authors who were active during the Heisei Era and takes a look back at the Heisei Era through the picture books created by each author.

The Heisei Era lasted for approximately 30 years from January 8, 1989 to April 30, 2019. One of the factors that can be said to have made the children's books from this period so colorful, was the authors of picture books, especially those who worked on both the text and the pictures of their books to truly refine the expression of their works.

While works from the Heisei Era continued to be influenced by the preceding Showa Era, there was also a greater than ever pursuit of new expressions, which led to a greater diversity than ever before in the characters of the picture book authors and their activities, as well as their works. During this period, there were also greater attempts to expand beyond conventional frameworks, including the entry of artists and designers in the picture book field, live painting by picture book authors, production of animations, holding of workshops, and more. More of the characters who appeared in picture books have also been adapted into merchandise and video formats, drawing in people outside of just the picture book genre.

Other characteristics of picture books from the Heisei Era include that more Japanese picture book authors sought opportunities overseas, there was greater publication of picture books meant to be enjoyed by infants together with their guardians, and there were numerous picture books with themes on the destruction left in the wake of earthquakes and other disasters, which had a particularly significant impact on society during the Heisei Era.

We hope this exhibition serves as an opportunity for you to experience the world of Heisei Era picture books through the rich and unique picture books by a diverse range of authors which characterize the era, and also connect to the present day Reiwa Era.

*The picture book authors introduced in the exhibition are generally listed in order of when they began their careers.