mari takabayashi: animal adorableness

~ jama

Why, hello.

Fancy a little cup of tea and a yummy snack? 

Welcome to Mari Takabayashi’s cozy world, where adorable animals eat, play, and relax together or with their human friends.

I discovered Mari’s work by lucky happenstance one day while browsing the internet. Something about her naive, childlike style caught my eye, and upon further investigation, I learned she was a children’s book author and illustrator (where have I been?). 

Author-illustrator Mari Takabayashi.

Mari’s originally from Tokyo, Japan, where she attended Otsama Women’s College. After moving to New York in 1990, she began working for American publishers. To date, she’s self illustrated three books (Baby’s Things, I Live in Tokyo, I Live in Brooklyn), illustrated books by several other authors (Jean Marzollo, Christine Loomis, Linda Brennan Crotta, Patricia Hubbell), and has published over 20 books in Japan.

I like to work for American publishers because I can draw many races. Also, New York City, where I live, inspires me a lot. My two kids give me ideas. When I draw pictures for American publishers I always put Asian kids somewhere.

Mari also paints human and pet portraits to order. Many of the images in this post are likely commissioned projects she’s done over the years.

Mari’s illustrations are rendered in pastel watercolors, and are known for their delicate line work and lively patterns. Domestic scenes are graced with patchwork quilts and floral tablecloths, wallpaper and area rugs.

Outdoor settings include peaceful gardens and woods, showing animal characters relaxing under trees, picking flowers, or dancing together. Whether inside or out, she adds fun details to delight eager young eyes.

I like seeing animals soaking in bathtubs, hanging the laundry, or cuddling with their human companions. There’s a gentleness and sweetness in Mari’s pictures that’s very comforting. It’s easy to see why her illustrations appeal to kids.

See more of Mari’s work at her Facebook Page and Instagram. Of course, you can also enjoy her art by reading any of her books. I like I Live in Tokyo, which is a wonderful seasonal primer about everyday life in the city (yes, it includes good things to eat!).

Check out this video of Mari discussing her work. Although it’s from awhile ago, it’s nice to see her in her studio.

*Copyright © 2023 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.

9 thoughts on “mari takabayashi: animal adorableness”

  1. I love Mari’s work, especially the stripped kitty! I actually just saw her I Live in Brooklyn at a great Indie bookstore on Smith Street in downtown Brooklyn last week. A feast for the eyes, even these “old” eyes for sure!

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  3. Glad you discovered her and shared with us, Jama. Each one is wonderful, makes me smile at the shenanigans she’s shown, like the cat and dog in bed with a lovely quilt and the dog “paw-washing” at the sink. Love them all!

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    1. Happy to hear you enjoyed seeing Mari’s art, Linda. Love that sense of sweet innocence she brings to her pictures.

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  4. Jama, I’m happy for you that you found this new artist. I agree with you that her artwork is adorable. I love her style with the colorful pastels, how you can see her strokes, especially in the animals making them look like fur, how she leaves a little white space around some animals or objects to highlight them… I am always drawn to animal illustrations, especially cats. I was immediately captivated with her work; I liked seeing her in action in her studio and hearing her talk about her illustrations. The puppy washing in the claw tub is funny and cute. I noticed she painted/colored a lot of striped cats; I have one sitting behind me, who is taking her bath, but not in a tub. 🙂 Thank you.

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    1. Wonderful that you have a striped cat, Gail! I can see why Mari’s work resonated with you as an animal lover. I imagine she’s made many pet owners happy with her custom portraits. 🙂

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