"Nangoku Shōnen Papuwa-kun" Returns as a Picture Book! Commemorative Exhibition & Autograph Sessions to be held in 6 Cities Nationwide

"Nangoku Shōnen Papuwa-kun" (Square Enix), the popular manga by Ami Shibata that thrilled children across Japan in the 1990s, is making a comeback. With the series surpassing 8 million copies in total circulation, it is being reborn 35 years after its initial serialization as a new picture book titled "Papuwa-kun," scheduled for release by Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha on Thursday, July 9.

Author Ami Shibata has been active as a painter in recent years, expanding her range of expression. In this picture book, while maintaining the unique and creative worldview of Papuwa Island, she depicts the straightforward joy of "becoming friends" through the rich colors and rhythm unique to the medium. Following Shibata's message, "I hope you all have lots of fun along with Papuwa and the gang," the book is a tour de force that can be enjoyed across generations, from fans of the original era to children encountering the work for the first time.

To celebrate the release, a traveling exhibition will visit six cities nationwide, starting at "magmabooks" in Toranomon, Tokyo. In addition to displays that allow visitors to enjoy the world of the work, the venues will sell original goods such as acrylic stands and keychains, as well as signed high-quality prints that replicate the texture of the original artwork. Furthermore, autograph sessions with Shibata are scheduled at each venue.

[Message from the Author]
Papuwa, my manga debut work, has jumped into the world of picture books.
In a world of free colors, the friends from Papuwa Island are moving about with all their might.
I hope you all have lots of fun along with Papuwa and the gang.