Hajimete de Au Mitsumasa Anno is a richly illustrated volume that offers an in-depth exploration of the creative universe of picture book master Mitsumasa Anno. Part of the Shinchōsha Tonbo no Hon series, the book is written by Anno himself along with mathematician and critic Masao Morita, among others. Through interviews, essays, and carefully selected illustrations, it reflects on Anno’s diverse body of work spanning picture books, essays, travel sketchbooks, book design, and even textbook writing, tracing the warmth, wit, and intellectual depth of his visual language. The volume also provides visitor information for the Tsuwano Town Mitsumasa Anno Art Museum and the “House in the Forest: Mitsumasa Anno Museum,” making it an accessible guide for readers who wish to further engage with Anno’s world.
The book covers a wide range of themes: the aesthetics of “wordless picture books,” the spirit of observation and reasoning embodied in Anno’s imagery, his professional practice as a book designer, and his memories of teaching and creating textbooks. Contributions by artists and scholars—including Jin Katagiri, tupera tupera, Ayano Hayashi, Kazuko Matsuoka, Atsuhiro Yoshida, and Kunio Nakamura—offer dialogues and essays that highlight Anno’s enduring influence on Japanese picture books and visual culture. A complete bibliography of Anno’s works is also included for readers seeking to extend their exploration.
From classics such as The ABC Book, The Picture Book of Mathematics, and the beloved Journey series, the volume revisits Anno’s most significant works. With crisp reproductions and concise commentary, it illuminates his unique way of “reading the world through images and thinking with images.” Suitable for general readers, educators, and those in the fields of design and illustration, this book serves as both an introduction and an invaluable reference to Anno’s artistry and philosophy.