The exhibition invites readers of all ages to recall, or even discover for the first time, the exquisite joys of picture books and imaginative storytelling. Taking place in time for the UK school summer and autumn half-term holidays, the exhibition at Japan House showcases 87 of Anno’s works, revealing something of the illustrator: his keen sense of play, his curiosity and love of puzzles, as well as posing a broader reflection on Shōwa-era and Heisei-era Japan. Amid the displays, young and old readers alike can find refuge from the wider world in a reading cove – a quiet space in which to sit down and travel the world with Anno’s picture-book tales. The design of the exhibition at Japan House references Anno’s hometown of Tsuwano, resembling the undulating hills and valleys in this rural area of Japan scenes Anno has so often depicted in his work.

Courtesy of Mori no naka no ie, Anno Mitsumasa Art Museum, Wakuden Hōrin-ji, Arashiyama from ‘Views In and Around The Capital’ © Anno Mitsumasa. These playful forms are considered precursors to the puzzle-style books made popular by titles such as ‘Where’s Wally?’ In 1984 this sophisticated style, filled with humour and visual trickery, won him the prestigious Hans Christian Anderson award for his lasting contribution to children’s literature. Young readers are often required to interact with his books beyond the simple act of reading, with tactile and mental puzzles requiring books to be turned around or studied intently to find specific objects within the detailed drawings. His picture books show a profound understanding of the way children’s minds work, presenting complex subjects in engaging, easily understandable ways. Working with ink and watercolour as well as papercuts, Anno’s stories cover a wide range of themes - from maths and science through to language and folklore.

Other countries in the series, including Japan, Spain, Denmark, China, Italy and the USA are available to enjoy in the Gallery’s reading area.Ĭoncept image of the Anno's Journey exhibition at Japan House. The full set of drawings for ‘Anno’s Britain’, which depicts scenes from London, Windsor, the Cotswolds and beyond, are on display and visitors are invited to participate in a treasure hunt to find famous places and characters hidden among the detailed British landscapes. Each of the nine stories in the ‘Anno’s Journey’ series explore the folklore, history and art of the country, revealing Anno’s deep sense of curiosity and his extensive knowledge of cultures from around the world. ‘Anno’s Journey’, which depicts a small figure journeying through the cultural and literary landscapes of countries in Europe, followed in 1977 to great success.

Anno's Counting House by Mitsumasa Anno