Qilin’s Voyage

Hand-drawn by the renowned Japanese picture book master Kobayashi Yutaka, this book tells the story of Zheng He’s voyages to the West, including the arrival in Africa and the bringing back of giraffes.

After Zheng He’s fleet reached Africa, they made many friends, performed many good deeds, and befriended a local boy named Mosa. Among the gifts received when the fleet returned was an animal called ＂ Kirin,＂ which, due to its similar pronunciation, was mistakenly believed by the fleet to be the mythical creature, the Qilin. Mosa couldn’t bear to part with his animal friend, so he secretly hid in the ship’s cabin and embarked on a journey towards the mysterious East with the Qilin...

Kobayashi Yutaka, born in Tokyo, pursued his passion for painting during his studies in England. His extensive travels through the Middle East and Asia in the 1970s and 1980s inspired his artwork, which often focuses on the beauty of everyday life and the connections between people and cultures. With a keen eye for detail and a unique artistic perspective, Kobayashi has created numerous acclaimed picture books that capture the imagination of readers of all ages. His work is characterized by its warmth, sincerity, and ability to evoke a sense of wonder and discovery. Tang Yaming, a Beijing native, has a rich background in editing and translation. He served as an editor for the China Tourism Daily and translated Japanese songs for the China Musicians Association. In 1983, he made history by becoming the first non-Japanese editor in the Japanese publishing industry at Fukuinkan Shoten, where he spent thirty-five years editing numerous outstanding books, earning recognition and accolades both in Japan and internationally.