“This work originated several years back at the time when I became a father. The desire that led to this work emerged when I was playing peek-a-boo* with my child, who laughed and laughed without seeming to get the least bit bored.

Other sources of inspiration were Satoru Sato’s stories about ‘Colobockles’, tiny creatures who live quietly and secretly among us. These accounts are based on legends from Northern Japan. Even though they’re just fairy tales, I couldn’t help but wish that they were real.”—Kazuhiko Hachiya

*Peek-a-boo is a game for little children in which adults hide their face behind their hands and then suddenly pull their hands aside accompanied by a loud “peek-a-boo!” For babies, this game is a first little window providing a glimpse into a big new world full of exciting secrets.