National Treasure: Frolicking Animals

‘Frolicking Animals’ (Choju-giga) is the title of a set of four picture scrolls created sometime between the mid-12th and early 13th centuries. Sometimes referred to as the first-ever work of manga, the scrolls depict anthropomorphic rabbits, frogs and other animals in various scenes, including being involved in Heian-period ceremonies and celebrations. Recently restored to their original glory, all four scrolls are displayed side by side at the Tokyo National Museum throughout summer at this exhibition, which is co-presented by the Japan Cultural Expo. Visitors will be asked to get on a special autowalk, which will take them past the entire artwork at a pace leisurely enough for detailed observation. The exhibition should make for fascinating viewing, especially if you're interested in the origins of Japan's comics culture.