Choju Giga: The Scroll of Frolicking Animals

(What is Choju Giga?)
Choju Giga is a set of four picture scrolls, Volumes A, B, C, and D, that have been treasured at Kōzanji Temple in Kyoto for nearly 900 years. This book focuses on Volume A, widely known and regarded as the highlight of the set that showcases its charm in full detail. This scroll, measuring 10 meters in length, contains no accompanying text, leaving later generations to study or imagine the customs of the time and create various stories based on it. Drawing from these interpretations, this book also weaves its narratives. As you admire the adorable gestures of the characters, take a moment to reflect on the games and daily lives of people in ancient times.

（Mystery surrounding Choju Giga)
There are some mysteries surrounding Choju Giga, one of which is why it has been accorded such exceptional treatment at the temple for so long. Choju Giga has been safeguarded alongside numerous national treasures that are deeply connected to the temple and its teachings. This level of reverence seems unusual if Choju Giga is merely a scroll for fun. One might presume that this scroll contains religious teachings rather than playful illustrations. But no one knows for sure.

If you’re ready to take on the challenge of solving this mystery, this book is the perfect companion for you!
I also recommend Hokusai’s Mt. Fuji, a book about an iconic Japanese mountain depicted by a genius Ukiyo-e artist of the Edo period.