Reverse importation of picture books

Some Japanese picture book creators had their works introduced to Japan through a process of "reverse importation", where their works were first published overseas, and then later published as Japanese editions within Japan. Kitamura Satoshi (1956-) was one of the pioneers of this practice. Kitamura moved to England in 1970, and has been working in both England and Japan since he published his first picture book in England in 1982.

In the 2000's, the number of Japanese who aimed to become picture book creators grew, and some of these new creators made their debuts overseas. The setting for this was the Bologna Children's Book Fair which is an exhibition specializing in children's books held in Bologna, Italy every spring. The Bologna Illustrators Exhibition is an international competition for children's book illustrations which is held at this book fair, and is open to entries regardless of the entrants career and is known as a gateway to success for picture book creators and illustrators. Imai Ayano (1980-), Yonezu Yusuke (1982-), and others made their debuts as picture book creators after having winning works in this competition be noticed by editors from overseas.