Maki Kaneko

Tokyo, Japan
Picture Book Author

Member of the Japan Children's Book Artists Society (Doubiren)
Graduated from Sophia University, Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of Portuguese

Co-director (2009–2021), Instructor & Curriculum Developer (2022–present)
LUKANOSE Art School

Art Navigator (Level 1 in the Art Navigator Certification)

Member of the Kilter Space Picture Book Study Group
25th-term graduate of Atosaki-juku

 

■ Awards

Grand Prize, 18th Pinpoint Picture Book Competition (2017)

Selected, Pokorart National Open Call vol.6 (2016)

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■ Picture Books
"Ichigorilla" (Poplar Publishing, 2024)

4th Place, 17th MOE Picture Bookstore Awards

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"Sekken Hour(Bubble Bubble Hour)" (Bunken Publishing, 2024)

Selected by the National School Library Association

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"Menbooz(Grand Cotton Tips)" (Alice-kan, 2021)

Winner, 14th Kindergarten Picture Book Award

Honorable Mention, 6th Miraiya Picture Book Award

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"Chano-ma no Ozabuton" (Alice-kan, 2019)

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■ Appearances
TEDxSophiaU Speech (Dec 17, 2023)
>> Watch on YouTube

Fuji TV - "Yobidashi Sensei Tanaka" (Aired Nov 13, 2023)

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■ Artwork Collaborations
Tokai TV Special "Meishin Tantei File – Kiki Kaikai! Tokai Region Edition" (Dec 29, 2019)

BS Fuji Drama "Bar Lemon Hurt" Season 2, “Nostalgic Wine” (Sep 26, 2016)

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■ Art Lectures / Art Navigator
Yokohama Triennale - Guide Staff (2020)

“Vienna Modern” Exhibition - Canon Museum Campus Guide Staff, The National Art Center, Tokyo (2019)

Lecturer: “Introduction to Christian Art for Beginners”

Ikebukuro Community College (2014)

LUKANOSE Open College (2015–)

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■ Picture Book Workshops (Kilter Space Picture Book Study Group)
Explore Picture Book History with a Giant Timeline!

Genre Mapping with a Giant Matrix!

Critique Sessions

Draw Outrageously Rude Portraits
…and more

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■ Children's Workshops
"Graffiti Water Guns", Aoyama Art Fair (2012)

"Real Fukuwarai", Ginza Mitsukoshi (2013)

"Super☆Daruma-san ga Koronda", Roppongi Ark Hills (2014)
...and many more as instructor and director

Art Support for Disaster-Affected Areas – Assistant Director, "Senninbutsu Project" (2012–)

Sample artwork production for painting kit "Sprite Painting" (2012)

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■ Solo Exhibitions
2024

“Sekken Hour” Original Art Exhibition (Oct 4–31, Flaneur Bookstore)

“Menbooz” Original Art Exhibition (Oct 2–26, Ehontokohi Renard)

“Ichigorira” Original Art Exhibition (Sep 1–30, Ryobundo Bookstore)

“Sekken Hour” & “Ichigorira” Mini Exhibition (Jul 17–30, Bookhouse Cafe)

2022

“Menbooz” Original Art Exhibitions at multiple venues

2020

Web Exhibition "Traveling Menbooz" (Sep 1–30, BFU Gallery)

2018

Web Exhibition "Picture Book Roller" (Oct 1–31, BFU Gallery)

2017

Solo Exhibition (Jun 26–Jul 1, Pinpoint Gallery)

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■ Group Exhibitions
Extensive participation from 2008 to 2025, including exhibitions at:

Pinpoint Gallery

Space Zero

Gallery Kopis

Tokyo University of the Arts

Books & Gallery Shuppatsuten

Gallery Michikusa

Zaishohousekoide

CHUM APARTMENT
…and many more

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Highlights include themed exhibitions like:

"TIME 24HOURS"

"COLOURS: Encyclopedia of Color"

"My Favorite Poem"

"The Night Before Departure"

"Japanese Landscapes"

"Mysteries"

"Friendship - 100 Picture Book Artists"

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