A quaint and delightful collection of watercolor paintings await the reader in Kazuo Oga’s latest artbook, “Akita, Asobi No Fukei”. ( the title refers to the many sights and scenery of places where he used to play ) For those unfamiliar with his work,  Oga-san is the renowned background artist who gave us such unforgettable backdrops in many a Ghibli film like Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, just to name a few.

This is Kazuo-san’s most personal artbook to date, for all the illustrations are based on memories of his childhood, growing up in the villages of his hometown Akita.  ( a prefecture situated in the northeastern part of Japan. )

Peppered throughout the book are deft pencil sketches of every day items used for the preparation of meals, as well as self made toys and tools, all a joy to look at.

(above) What a happy sight ! ! Bentos ( lunchboxes ) suspended above a firewood stove used to warm the classroom in winter. How can one concentrate in class with all that tasty food in plain view !

A copy of the book is available for purchase here.

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