Abstract

A picture book born from the ideas of 1,251 children!
Do you know that Himeji-jo is home to 68 Shachihokoes?
At night at Himeji-jo when no humans are left, Shachihokoes make all of the children’s wishes come true!

If Himeji-jo were your home...
・What do you like to play?
・What kind of trouble do you have?
・How do you renovate or redecorate?

The story incorporates the free and rich ideas of 1,251 children who answered the above three questions at elementary schools, cram schools, events, etc.

Your idea might have been adopted for this picture book!?
This book is a great way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Himeji-jo's registration as a World Heritage Site with your children.

Author’s Information

Text by Minna-de-tsukuru-ehon-no-kai (meaning “Association of picture book co-creation”), known as Mintsu.
This is an association based in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, whose members love picture books, gather to learn about picture books and talk passionately about them.
It is made up of experienced members such as picture book authors, university professors, former kindergarten teachers, cram school teachers, illustrators, housewives who have been reading stories for many years, and publishers.
The first picture book of Mintsu was “A swallowtail and an egret - The special cherry blossoms” (2022). “Himeji-jo Night” is the second work of Mintsu (both published by Kinmokuseisya).

Illustration by NAGASE Tairi
Born in Osaka in 1988, lives in Kobe. Graduated from Kobe Design University.
He creates works such as picture books and illustrations mainly using acrylic paints and presents them in solo and group exhibitions.
Active in event advertisements and productions mainly in the Kansai area. This is his first time publishing a picture book.
https://nagasetairi.com/