#Japan #Exhibition #Shimokitazawa #ibisPaint #Kodomo Design

Celebrating Young Creativity: The First Exhibition of Kodomo Design Academy

With over 10 years of experience in supporting children with developmental challenges, the Kodomo Design Academy is set to host its first-ever real exhibition on January 31, 2026, in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. This event, themed "Let's Draw Original Characters!", aims to showcase the diverse artistic expressions of children, emphasizing their unique perspectives and creativity.

A Creative Space for Every Child

Established in August 2022, the academy began as an illustration class for children with developmental disabilities and has since expanded to include courses for all children. With nearly 100 locations across the country, students engage in both in-person and online lessons. The focus of the academy is not merely on technical skills but on helping students express what they love through their art. The guidance provided respects each child's individual worldview and sensibilities, culminating in a nurturing environment for creativity.

Anticipation for the Exhibition

Due to the demand from parents, the academy is thrilled to finally respond with a real exhibition. The goal is to give children’s illustrations a tangible form, allowing them to see their work in an actual setting. This year, about 40 artworks created by students will be displayed.

The young artists had the chance to conceptualize characters inspired by the popular drawing app IbisPaint, bringing their unique interpretations to life. The exhibition promises to feature a variety of characters that reflect the children's imagination and creativity.

What the Young Artists Have to Say

The students have eagerly shared their thoughts on their creations:

• - 6th Grader: "I drew a character inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, blending innocence with a hint of madness. I wanted to maintain a cute vibe while depicting a girl with a big scythe ready for battle."
• - 4th Grader: "I based my design on Ibis-chan, imagining her as a character whose hair color changes with her hairpin, which reflects colors from the app's color wheel!"
• - 2nd Grader: "I expressed Ibis-chan’s charm through her hair accessories and earrings!"

This exhibition serves as a wonderful representation of how art enables children to express their feelings, especially for those who might struggle with verbal communication.

About IbisPaint

For those unfamiliar, IbisPaint is a highly popular drawing app with over 500 million downloads globally. It offers excellent usability for both amateurs and professional artists alike, combining accessible features with stunning aesthetics.

New Course Launching in 2024

In response to increasing interest in digital art, the academy will introduce an IbisPaint course starting in 2024. Students will learn to leverage the app's capabilities, helping them achieve effects like vibrant gradients and hair luminosity, leading to enthusiastic and joyful learning experiences.

Empowering Self-Expression

Many students in the academy find it hard to articulate their feelings through words. Drawing and creating comics become essential outlets for self-expression, enabling them to convey emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken. The academy prides itself on acknowledging every effort made by its students, not just the end product but also the creative processes they undertake.

Event Details

• - Date: January 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• - Location: TOGO SHIMOKITAZAWA, a short walk from Shimokitazawa Station
• - Participants: Approximately 40 students from Kodomo Design Academy
• - Entry: Free

This exhibition is a celebration of the power of creativity and a testament to the diverse ways learning and growth can manifest in every child’s artistic journey. We invite everyone to join us in supporting these young talents as they showcase their imaginative works!