skyfish graphix, established in autumn 2000, is an independent publishing company that is unique in its approach, even in Japan.

The company's principle is to produce high quality picture books that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, not only as conventional “books”, but also as “artistic objects” that can be displayed. Alongside its books, skyfish graphix also produces a line of distinctive stationary and other zakka (miscellaneous goods), based on the theme and visual style of each picture book. The artists that are featured are not only illustrators, but also zakka artists, collage artists, textile artists and puppet artists who often do not have any previous experience of publishing a book. skyfish graphix supports new talents by endeavoring to work together with them to produce original books and products.

In 2003, skyfish graphix made its international debut at the Salon du livre et de la presse jeunesse, a prominent French children's book fair, thanks to an amicable relationship it has built with a group of French independent publishing companies. skyfish graphix now exhibits at this book fair yearly, as well as at the Bologna International Children's Book Fair. For its 5th anniversary in 2005, the company held an exhibition in Paris, and some of its most popular titles have now been translated and are distributed in France.

In April 2007, skyfish graphix moved to its current new office, and took on new challenges by publishing its first international work, Karl Ibou, with renowned Italian children's book author and illustrator, Beatrice Alemagna. This was also her first work to be created specifically for the Japanese market, and the first time she worked on the designing zakka products; an experience which she described as highly unique and inspiring.

By the end of 2007, skyfish graphix will have published a total of 25 picture books and an even larger number of zakka items.

In a time when more bookshops sell zakka products and more zakka shops and cafes sell picture books, skyfish graphix’s unusual distribution routes have been continually expanding.

Do you have memories of falling asleep holding your favourite picture book when you were a child? skyfish graphix aspires to produce books that keep that childhood spirit alive inside us.

[organizer : Hiroyuki Konishi]