This year I turn 88 years old and am very happy that in April I traveled to Japan for the opening of an exhibition of my work at the Setagaya Art Museum. It was a great honor and a truly meaningful occasion in my life and in my longtime deeply felt connection with the beautiful country of Japan, the country that inspired Bobbie and I to open our own museum of picture book art. Thank you wonderful friends in Japan for your warm welcome and kindness.
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My friends at Kaisei-sha, my longtime publisher in Japan, made me a cake.
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Here I am with my new friend at his handmade paper store in Tokyo.
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Taking a stroll and doing some sightseeing with my second generation publisher.
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The press opening at the Setagaya Art Museum.
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Signing books at the Setagaya Art Museum.
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I was delighted to see Mr. Mori, the translator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. He is 99 years old.
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And very happy to see Mr. Kazuo Iwamura, with whom I collaborated on the book Where Are You Going? To See My Friend! He came for a visit with his two grandchildren.