Abstract

Walking Through the Twelve Faces of Tokyo

This book follows beloved illustrator and writer Mizumaru Anzai as he strolls through twelve distinct neighborhoods of Tokyo. With his signature light touch, Anzai captures the city’s ever-changing landscape—its nostalgic backstreets, familiar landmarks, and quiet moments—through charming illustrations and haiku.

He eats Fukagawa-meshi beneath the fresh green trees, passes the Akasaka Palace where he once took shelter from the rain as a child, and looks out from Kachidoki Bridge imagining Manhattan beyond the Tokyo nightscape.
While the city rushes forward in constant transformation, the paths Anzai chooses feel timeless—calm, personal, and full of affection.

This collection offers a tender portrait of Tokyo through the eyes of an artist who was born, raised, and ultimately returned to its streets.

Author’s Information

Born in Tokyo. Graduated from Nihon University College of Art, Department of Fine Arts. After working at Dentsu, ADAC (New York), and Heibonsha, he became independent. He serialized works in magazines such as Takarajima and Garo, and in 1979 co-founded “Palette Club” with Osamu Harada, Peter Sato, Iku Akiyama, and Masahiro Shintani. Active as an illustrator for advertisements, magazine covers, and book designs, he also wrote numerous novels, essays, manga, and picture books—maintaining enduring popularity. Major works include “Amaryllis“, “Tokens in My Palm“, and the picture book “Gatan Goton Gatan Goton“.