#Japan #Children's Art #Tomonori Taniguchi #Raymond Ikaruga #Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture

A Magical Live Painting Experience at Raymond Ikaruga Kindergarten

On November 19, Raymond Ikaruga Kindergarten in Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture, hosted an exciting live painting session featuring renowned picture book author Tomonori Taniguchi, known for his work "100 Santa Clauses". The children were mesmerized as Taniguchi brought adorable animals and seasonal Santa Claus illustrations to life before their eyes.

Purpose of the Event

The event was organized by the Lemon Association, which aims to broaden children's interests and foster rich sensibilities through various experiences. They place great importance on art activities from early childhood, and this gathering was conceptualized with the desire to let children experience the author's thoughts and expressions closely through the world of picture books. The kindergarten's principal envisioned this as an opportunity to nurture children's hearts and creativity.

On the day of the event, children from nearby facilities, including Raymond Hills Nursery and Raymond Heguri Kindergarten's 5-year-old classes, joined in the festivities. Additionally, to support the local community, families with preschoolers were invited, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation.

The Live Painting Begins

The magic began with Taniguchi reading from his picture books, capturing the children's attention completely with three different stories. Their eyes sparkled as they listened intently to the tales.

Next came the much-anticipated live painting segment! Taniguchi started with a large, blank canvas, encouraging the children to request animals they wanted him to paint. As the outlines took shape, he layered them with six vibrant colors of paint, bringing the illustrations to life right before their eyes. The blending of colors held the children's fascination, and with each brushstroke, the artwork transformed further.

When the final touches were complete, the crowd erupted in cheers of awe and admiration—both children and adults were taken aback by the beauty of the finished piece.

Engaging with Taniguchi

The day also included a Q&A session where children eagerly peppered Taniguchi with questions like, "Why does the monkey have a banana on its head?" and "What’s your favorite animal?" Taniguchi graciously answered each inquiry and shared his inspiration for becoming a picture book author. He explained, "I loved drawing and reading, so being a picture book author allows me to do both."

Following the live painting, the enchanting artwork became a treasured display at Raymond Ikaruga Kindergarten. The children were so inspired that they later engaged in imaginative play, creating their own Santa Claus homes based on the worlds depicted in Taniguchi's books. This event left a lasting impression, fostering joy and creativity among the children.

About Tomonori Taniguchi

Debuting in 2004 with "The Monkey and the Moon," Taniguchi has gained recognition for his works like "100 Santa Clauses." He focuses on creating picture books featuring lovable characters such as animals and Santa Claus, using a rich palette of six colors. Taniguchi aims to craft books that convey emotions and thoughts powerfully, even without words. He has published and distributed his works both domestically and internationally, actively engaging in exhibitions, workshops, mural projects, and gallery cafes.

About Raymond Ikaruga Kindergarten

Established in April 2024, Raymond Ikaruga Kindergarten is located near the historic Horyu-ji Temple in Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture. The school has designed a nurturing environment that allows children to feel the season's changes and implemented a sensory room, providing a calm space that enhances children's daily experiences. The kindergarten emphasizes developmental nurturing, supporting each child's growth and creativity. In 2025, it was awarded the Excellence Award at the Kids Design Award.

About Lemon Association

Operating various childcare facilities such as Raymond Nursery and Lemon Ko Nursery, the Lemon Association also handles English programs and after-school child clubs. Their services extend to disability welfare, offering support for child development, employment, and group homes. Championed by the principle of achieving social inclusion, they opened the Social Inclusion Village in 2023, a community focused on education and welfare. The Lemon Association currently runs over 80 facilities across 12 prefectures, continuously working to address social challenges and create value through their initiatives.

For more information about the facilities, visit Lemon Association's official website.