Picture-Book Series

Idea Institute has published a picture book every year since we launched this project in 1997.

The theme of this year’s picture book, the twenty-fourth installment in the series, is “Japan’s micro-seasons.” After the traditional lunisolar calendar was adopted from China, it was revised numerous times to more closely match Japan’s natural features and climate, eventually reaching its current form. This book introduces a total of 16 ko or “micro-seasons” selected from each of the four seasons. Some of their subtle seasonal changes are now in the process of shifting or vanishing altogether due to climate change. Nonetheless, the names of these micro-seasons still evoke various traditional scenes for Japanese people, which are conveyed here through pictures and text for your enjoyment.

In addition to Japanese, the book’s content is also presented in English, French, and Spanish.