Words that resonate precisely because they are universal. Yoh Shomei Museum of Art, Kita-Kamakura: "YOH Shomei: A World of Words That Touch the Heart"

"WORDS & VERSE" literally translates to "Words and Poetry." Yo Shomei, known as a picture book author and illustrator, has made this his life's work, and has published books bearing the same title. These are "words that are neither poetry nor simply words written together, but words with his own unique rhythm."

The exhibition will be held at the Yo Shomei Museum in Kita-Kamakura from April 25th (Saturday) to July 24th (Friday), 2026.

Born in Kumamoto Prefecture, Shomei went on to university in Tokyo, aiming to become a fashion illustrator. However, influenced by the works of picture book author Kouta Taniuchi, who was his contemporary, he began creating picture books and made his debut with "A White Bird on My Bench." Later, he was discovered by Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman, as an artist who "paints the atmosphere," and expanded his range of activities as a "fairy tale artist," with his work being used for Sanrio stationery and goods.
Then, in 1991, he opened the Kita-Kamakura Yo Shomei Museum in Kita-Kamakura, an area dotted with temples such as Meigetsu-in, famous for its hydrangeas, Kencho-ji, ranked first among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura, and Engaku-ji, ranked second. This museum is a Georgian-style derivative based on Shomei's own design, and the museum itself is said to be "a beautiful picture book." Furthermore, because it is created with a concrete image of "a Western-style house where a painter and poet father, his kind wife, and their two sons, 10-year-old Lila and 5-year-old Claude, lived," visitors can feel relaxed, as if they have come to visit a friend's house.

The permanent exhibition features around 80 original drawings, and at the same time, the exhibitions change with the seasons, as well as special exhibitions like this one, allowing people of all ages to enjoy the world of Yo Shomei.

This exhibition, "YOH Shomei: A World of Words That Resonate with the Heart," will showcase handwritten words from Shomei's lifelong project, the "WORDS & VERSE" series. It will offer a different perspective on Shomei's appeal than that of a picture book author or illustrator.

According to the artist himself, "WORDS & VERSE" is "something that flows from a universal source."

　
"A smile
Healing people
A kind word
"To save people"

What's important is
Always neat and tidy
Look ahead
Continuing to walk
Then
The road is natural
It opens."

These are not difficult to understand at all; the words resonate with the reader's heart and sink in.

These words, when received in the tranquil and homey atmosphere of Kita-Kamakura, will surely resonate even more deeply within you.

On July 11th (Saturday) during the exhibition period, there will be a museum talk and autograph session with Yo Shomei himself. Opportunities to share "how it resonated with you" with the source of your inspiration are rare. Why not go and share your own words as well?

Event information: Click here

(Photo: Yo Shomei Museum, Kita-Kamakura)