This text reflects on the personal experiences that led me to become drawn to vintage printed materials.

When I was working as an illustrator in Japan,
a family member contacted me about a hedgehog that had been left unsold at a pet shop.
It had already grown quite large, and I felt that, if nothing changed, it might soon have nowhere to go.
So I decided to have him brought home.

At first, I looked after this small, wary creature—
one that had lost its trust in people—
with a strong sense of responsibility, and with the feeling of being entrusted with a fragile life.

As time passed, the hedgehog slowly began to open its heart.
It showed not only anger, but also curiosity, joy, and gentle expressions of trust.
Before I realized it, the hedgehog had become a presence deeply important to me.

One day, I came across an old printed piece.
It featured a unique illustration that appeared to show a porcupine and a rabbit riding together in a car,
surrounded by English words.

A vintage American matchbook from the late 1950s—
carefully preserved as part of my personal collection.
All original copyrights belong to their respective rights holders.

The animal depicted there looked like a hedgehog to me.
Something stirred inside me,
and I felt an irresistible urge to hold that image in my hands.
That moment marked my first encounter with vintage matchbooks.

At the time, I was keenly aware of the responsibilities expected of me as an illustrator.
I was trying too hard to do things the right way.
I had unknowingly set aside my sense of playfulness.

I had forgotten what it felt like for my heart to move.
Yet I still remember that moment—
a quiet feeling, as if something within me had begun to move once more.

Since then, I have continued searching for my own path,
experiencing many changes along the way.
Even during times of uncertainty,
the hedgehog was always there beside me.

One night, the hedgehog choked on its food,
and I was able to save it just in time.
That night, it suddenly occurred to me that perhaps this hedgehog had come into my life
to stay by my side during the years when I was uncertain of my path as an artist.

Not long after that, I was asked to take in a rabbit whose previous owner had barely been able to care for it.
Taking the rabbit in without much preparation was honestly challenging.

But one day, I quietly realized something—
the animals that had once appeared in that matchbook illustration
were now living right beside me.
That realization brought a gentle warmth to my heart.

This photograph was taken shortly after the rabbit came to live with us,
when it met the hedgehog for the first time.

The hedgehog seemed to approach as if speaking to the rabbit,
wearing an almost self-assured expression,
while the rabbit appeared slightly reserved.