Manga Artist Isami Nakagawa to Hold 40th Anniversary Exhibition: 'Kuma no Pu-Taro' and 'Shiawase Usagi' Join the Celebration

Manga artist Isami Nakagawa will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his career this year since his debut with 'Uwasa no Troubleman' in 1985. To commemorate this achievement, an exhibition will be held at TOBICHI Tokyo (Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku), operated by Hobonichi Co., Ltd.

The venue will feature a wide range of original drawings, including those from 'Kuma no Pu-Taro,' which began serialization in 1989 and was adapted into a TV anime, as well as new works drawn specifically for this exhibition. Special projects such as 'Your Home's Animal' and live creation sessions by Mr. Nakagawa are also planned. Some original drawings, reproductions, and original goods will also be available for purchase.

Let's celebrate the 40th anniversary surrounded by numerous original drawings and characters created by Mr. Nakagawa.

[Isami Nakagawa 40th Anniversary Exhibition: 'Kuma no Pu-Taro' and 'Shiawase Usagi' are here too.]

Dates: April 29 (Wed) – May 24 (Sun), 2026 Time: 11:00-19:00 (Admission Free) Venue: 1F Hobonichi Kanda Bldg., 3-18 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Event Highlights: - Display of original manuscripts from 'Kuma no Pu-Taro': Specially preserved manuscripts in their original state will be exhibited. - 40-year History Timeline: A large timeline tracing Mr. Nakagawa's journey from his debut to his latest work, 'Koro Koro Kedama Nikki Vol. 2' (released March 19, 2026). - Exhibition and Sale of Artworks: Mr. Nakagawa will create new original drawings for this show. Reproductions of 'Under the Cherry Blossom Tree' (provisional title) will be available for order, with personal signatures added after the event. - Sale of Signed Books and Original Goods: Limited quantities of signed copies of 'Koro Koro Kedama Nikki 2,' along with original T-shirts and postcards. - Special Project 'Your Home's Animal': A chance for Mr. Nakagawa to paint your pet on canvas with acrylics. Applications will be accepted via a form at the venue, and winners will be selected by lottery. - Live Creation Sessions: Visitors can watch Mr. Nakagawa creating art in the radio booth next to TOBICHI. Scheduled Live Dates: April 29, May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24.

[Profile of Isami Nakagawa] Manga Artist / Essayist / Character Creator Born July 8, 1962. Started drawing manga as a student. In 1989, he began 'Kuma no Pu-Taro' in 'Big Comic Spirits,' which became a hit with over 1 million copies. Winner of the 2003 Asahi Shimbun Advertising Award. Currently serializing 'Koro Koro Kedama Nikki' in Asahi Shimbun's Saturday supplement 'be.'