This Is the Bird and Beast Caricatures: Origins of Japanese Humor

Product Description

Discover the complete first scroll of Choju Giga, a masterpiece often called Japan’s very first manga, now adapted into a child-friendly art picture book. Beloved by families worldwide as part of the Shogakukan Art Book series (over 2.5 million copies sold), this edition lets children meet lively rabbits, frogs, and other animals as they run wild in a hilarious picture scroll.

From sumo matches between rabbits and frogs to dramatic archery duels and cheerful feasts after the big showdown, the anthropomorphic animals enjoy a sports day and banquet that rival human life. As a National Treasure preserved at Kozanji Temple in Kyoto, Choju Jinbutsu Giga offers an accessible way for young readers to encounter one of Japan’s most important works of art and the origin of manga.

This book presents the entire popular Ko-maki (first scroll) and also features rare images from the Otsu, Hei, and Tei scrolls. With fun explanations on character design, brushwork, and the many mysteries of Choju Giga, it is ideal as a learning resource at home or school—rich in educational content yet engaging enough for adults to enjoy alongside children.