Cherry Blossoms at School Yard

The Japanese school year begins in April. Early April is also the time when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. © Motoko Shimizu

Doll‘s Festival

“Hinamatsuri (Doll‘s Festival)” is held on March 3 to pray for young girl's growth and happiness. Each family sets up a display of Hina dolls clothed in colorful kimono © Motoko Shimizu

Michio Mado

Michio Mado, a Japanese poet, passed away on the 28th at age 104.
All Japanese kids grew up with the children songs he wrote lyrics. The most famous song is “Zo-san” (Little elephant).

Cutie on F Line on Tuesday Morning

Sketches from ‘The Flowering of Edo Period Painting: Japanese Masterworks from the Feinberg Collection’ @ Metropolitan Museum of Art

from Kōrin Gafu by Nakamura Hochu

Meng Jia Loses His Hat by Ike no Taiga

Happy Birthday!!

For my best friend's daughter's 10 year old birthday. She is my best drawing rival!
 © Motoko Shimizu

*Click to enlarge

Snowball Fight!

Drawing by Mitsuba, 9 and  Coloring by Motoko Shimizu