Photons Notebook (Signed)

A collection of picture diary notebooks by picture book author and kamishibai (paper-play) artist Mitsunori Yabe, edited by his son, Taro Yabe, and compiled into a single book. This is the first publication from Taro-sha.

In 1970s Tokyo, Mitsunori Yabe continuously depicted the daily life of his daughter, Mitsuko, through drawings and short texts. These were not intended for public viewing or publication, but rather 38 personal notebooks created to preserve the memories of time spent with his child.

This book primarily features records spanning approximately two years from these notebooks. It covers scenes from kindergarten, playing with friends, visits to the zoo, bathhouses, birthdays, letters, and imaginary events. Small daily moments are recorded with hand-drawn lines and simple words. The child's growth, seemingly unchanged yet subtly evolving, and the depth of that time are expressed through the sheer volume of 992 pages.

Mitsunori Yabe reflects on himself at that time as being "at a dead end." Struggling with advertising work and yearning to restart his artistic endeavors, he found that continuously depicting his daughter's growth also contributed to his own recovery. Fantasies and emotions that couldn't be captured in photographs, the scent of home, and the daily fluctuations are preserved in the form of a picture diary.

The book includes a newly drawn explanatory manga by Taro Yabe at the beginning. The notebooks that his father continued to draw without intending to show them to anyone have, after nearly half a century, become a book through his son's hands. It is a quiet and significant volume revolving around family, child-rearing, memory, record-keeping, and the act of drawing.

[Title] Mitsuko Note
[Publisher] Taro-sha
[Publication Date] October 17, 2025 (First Edition)
[Number of Pages] 992 pages
[Size] Approx. 130 x 183 x 58 mm / 920g
[Format] Softcover
[Language] Japanese
[Title Reading] MITSUKO NOTE
[Author/Editor, etc.] Mitsunori Yabe / Author, Taro Yabe / Editor & Newly Drawn Explanatory Manga, Naoko Nakui / Book Design
[Printing] Hakko Bijutsu / Printing
[ISBN] 9784991445002
[Condition] Used [10] Pristine: Like new (signed by Taro Yabe on the rear endpaper)
[Accessories] Obi (belly band)
[Featured in] -
[Related Exhibitions] "Mitsunori Yabe and Taro Yabe: The Hometown of 'Boku no Otosan' - Kurashiki" (Kurashiki City Art Museum, 2025), "Mitsuko Note" related exhibition (HAKKO Gallery / Studio, Hakko Bijutsu, 2026)

Mitsunori Yabe (1942-)

Born in Osaka Prefecture, raised in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. Picture book author and kamishibai (paper-play) artist.

Primarily creates picture books and kamishibai. In the 1970s, he continuously drew "Mitsuko Memo Notes," documenting the daily life of his daughter, Mitsuko, with illustrations and text. These notebooks later became the basis for his son Taro Yabe's manga "Boku no Otosan" and were published as "Mitsuko Note" in 2025.

Major works include "Mitsuko Note," "Kaba-san," "Hito wa Nakumono," and "Akairo-kun Tobidasu."

Awards include the 34th Gozan Prize Encouragement Award.

Taro Yabe (1977-)

Born in Tokyo. Comedian and manga artist.

Formed the comedy duo "Karateka" in 1997. In 2018, his first manga, "Oya-san to Boku," won the 22nd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Short Story Award. After publishing "Boku no Otosan," which depicted his father Mitsunori Yabe, he edited the "Mitsuko Memo Notes" that formed its basis and published "Mitsuko Note" through Taro-sha.

Major works include "Oya-san to Boku," "Boku no Otosan," and "Mitsuko Note."

Awards include the 22nd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Short Story Award.

< Related Figures >

Mitsunori Yabe, Taro Yabe, Naoko Nakui