Even if the name Shigemi Hijikata is unfamiliar, many people are sure to know his creations, including characters in the TV puppet theater "Boo Foo Woo" and the Sato-chan elephant mascot of Sato Pharmaceutical Co.
It was also Hijikata who drew the picture book version of the NHK radio show "Yanbo Ninbo Tonbo," known as the debut of actress Tetsuko Kuroyanagi.
An exhibition of works by Hijikata (1915-1986) titled "The world of graphic designer Shigemi Hijikata" is currently under way at the Otani Memorial Art Museum in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, with the pictorial book for the show including a lengthy editorial written by Kuroyanagi.
Hijikata is known for his many adorable pictures for children. However, after graduating from Tama Imperial Art School (now Tama Art University), Hijikata joined Toho Co. This led to his working on such projects as many artistic posters, including for the movie "Uma" (Horse), one of Toho's best-regarded films from the pre-war era. He also worked on numerous posters for the Imperial Theater.
Hijikata's work also included now-symbolic pieces, such as the poster for the Takarazuka Revue Company's first postwar performance at the Nihon Gekijo theater in Yurakucho, Tokyo.
Impressed by his talent, author Tadasu Izawa contacted Hijikata, and the two came to work together on programs, picture books and other projects aimed at children.
The exhibition in Nishinomiya features valuable original paintings, posters and footage, presenting a previously unseen look at the wide range of Hijikata's appealing work. The show will run through Dec. 9.
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