Picture book “Panda no Dosun” original picture exhibition at Furusat! (Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture)

2023.10.24

An exhibition of original pictures of the picture book “Panda no Dosun” by Yumiko Nishimura, an illustrator from Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, and her daughter, Ai, is being held at FURUSATTO, a commercial facility at the west exit of Joetsu Myoko Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line.

The picture book “Dosun the Panda: Boku no Okini Iri” is the story of Dosun, a panda born in Ueno, Tokyo, and Rinzo, a dog.

The pictures were drawn by Yumiko Nishimura, an illustrator from Joetsu City, and the story was written by her daughter Ai, who was in the 5th grade of elementary school. The work won the Excellence Award at the 2021 Picture Book Publication Awards and was published in book form.

Ai Nishimura
I have always loved to write stories. I wrote Dosun by combining my experiences and thoughts after I got a dog, and I was inspired to write it. I hope people will read it while thinking of their families and the people they love.”

Eleven original paintings are on display at the exhibition.

Visitor
I heard it’s in (my grandson’s) school library. I wanted to meet the person who drew it. I like the scene of the bamboo sushi shop. Just looking at it soothes me. It is good before going to bed. It’s a story that makes you feel tender.”

In the story, there is a scene in which Dosun the panda worries about the sudden disappearance of Lindow the canine, which is said to be sympathetic to readers.

Nishimura says he was influenced by Dick Bruna, the artist known for his Miffy the rabbit, in terms of coloring and other aspects.

Yumiko Nishimura
The impression the panda gives is healing. The colors of the background bring out the panda’s doshun emotion. I think those colors give warmth.”

Panda Dosun Exhibition in Joetsu” will be held at Furusat, Joetsu Myoko Station West Exit, until Monday, the 30th of this month. Admission is free.