Eric Carle: The Very Hungry Caterpillar 2026

A timeless children's classic will be celebrated in Tokyo this spring when "Eric Carle: The Very Hungry Caterpillar" opens at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. Running from April 25th to July 26th, 2026, the exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of the Japanese edition of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a picture book that has captivated generations of readers around the world.

Eric Carle was born in New York State in 1929, and trained as a graphic designer before becoming one of the most influential picture book creators of the 20th century. His works are known for their vivid colors, inventive page designs, and interactive elements, reflecting his belief that books should invite curiosity and play. These qualities are brought to life through the original illustrations and book designs on display.

Organized in collaboration with the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts, the exhibition brings together approximately 180 original works. Visitors can expect illustrations from 27 picture books, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar (1969), Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me (1986), and 10 Little Rubber Ducks (2005). Alongside finished artwork, the exhibition also presents early dummy books and the colored and patterned papers Carle used in his signature collage technique, offering insight into how his stories took shape.

Held across multiple galleries at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo in Koto Ward, the exhibition makes for a rewarding cultural stop for travelers visiting the capital in spring and early summer. Following its Tokyo run, the exhibition is scheduled to travel to Fukuoka in autumn 2026 and Osaka in spring 2027, extending the celebration to other regions of Japan.