Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported
The heartwarming original illustrations of *My Neighbor Totoro* are being exhibited overseas for the first time ever!* Created by Toshiyuki Ishii, a master of Japanese illustration, the works center on the theme of “children,” expressing the hope that children around the world can live happy and peaceful lives. Her artistic style blends Western watercolor techniques with traditional Eastern painting, resulting in delicate and gentle expressions that have been cherished by generations in Japan and international fans of illustration.
The original illustrations of *My Neighbor Totoro* are being exhibited overseas for the first time. (Photo / Joy of Childhood – The Classic Illustrations of Toshiyuki Ishii)
Toshiyuki Ishii – First-grade students lining up with their schoolbags. (Photo / Joy of Childhood – The Classic Illustrations of Toshiyuki Ishii)
In 2018, marking the 100th anniversary of Ishii’s passing, 100 classic illustration works have been specially selected, including those from the globally best-selling book *My Neighbor Totoro*, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, as well as classic fairy tale picture books. Through the innocent expressions of the children she portrayed, her art awakens the energy of hope within people and encourages everyone to work together to create a world full of love and care for children.
Toshiyuki Ishii – A boy hiding among tulips. (Photo / Joy of Childhood – The Classic Illustrations of Toshiyuki Ishii)
She began her career as a professional artist with the paper puppet theater *Mother’s Story* (1949). By blending Western watercolor techniques with traditional Eastern painting methods, she developed her own unique style that captures delicate emotions. To this day, her distinctive artistic style remains widely loved across generations in Japan and enjoys international acclaim.
The exhibition centers on the theme of “children,” expressing the hope that children around the world can live happy and peaceful lives. (Photo / Joy of Childhood – The Classic Illustrations of Toshiyuki Ishii)
【Info】
Joy of Childhood – The Classic Illustrations of Toshiyuki Ishii
Exhibition Dates: February 1, 2018 (Thu) – April 22, 2018 (Sun)
Exhibition Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (last admission at 17:30)
※ Closed on Mondays and Lunar New Year’s Eve (February 15)
Venue: National Museum of History (No. 49, Nanhai Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City)
Organizer: Weilong Art Co., Ltd.
Ticket Prices:
Early Bird Single Ticket (Jan 1–31): NT$180
Early Bird Double Ticket (Jan 1–31): NT$350 (must be used by two people entering together)
Regular Ticket (Feb 1–April 22): NT$250
Ticket Purchase: udn Ticketing
Ticket Collection Methods:
1. Convenience Store Pickup: 7-11 ibon, FamilyMart FamiPort, and Hi-Life Life-ET (additional NT$30 system processing fee per order)
2. Virtual Ticket (no system processing fee): Please bring your “Virtual Ticket Admission Letter” for validation upon entry.