An acclaimed picture book author and illustrator from Chiba Prefecture. A graduate of the Department of Design at Tokyo University of the Arts, she has worked as a freelance illustrator since 1998. Renowned for creating beloved characters such as JR East’s Suica Penguin and Chiba’s mascot Chiba-kun. Her works include the picture books Penguin Heart and The Penguin’s Shopping Trip, as well as the art collection On Illustration and Character Design.