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Elisa Menini's 'Nippon Folklore' Blends Japanese Myths with Manga Aesthetics

publication · 2026-05-04

Elisa Menini (Rimini, 1990) returns to Japanese folklore with 'Nippon Folklore', a collection of traditional myths and legends reimagined through comics. The book expands on her 2015 limited-edition serigraph 'Momotaro', produced with the collective Incubo alla Balena in 100 copies. Published by Oblomov Edizioni (Quartu Sant'Elena, 2019), the 128-page volume features bold ink lines and flat colors inspired by ukiyo-e artists Hokusai and Hiroshige, combined with a contemporary manga-influenced style. Menini hand-inked the plates with Chinese ink and brush, adding color and textures digitally. The book will be available from January 31, 2019.

Key facts

  • Elisa Menini (born 1990, Rimini) is the author of 'Nippon Folklore'.
  • The book collects Japanese myths and legends in comic form.
  • It expands on her 2015 work 'Momotaro', made with Incubo alla Balena.
  • 'Momotaro' was a serigraph limited to 100 copies.
  • The visual style references ukiyo-e artists Hokusai and Hiroshige.
  • Menini used Chinese ink and brush for inking, with digital color and textures.
  • Published by Oblomov Edizioni, Quartu Sant'Elena, 2019.
  • 128 pages, €19, ISBN 88885621664.
  • Available from January 31, 2019.

Entities

Artists

  • Elisa Menini
  • Hokusai
  • Hiroshige

Institutions

  • Incubo alla Balena
  • Oblomov Edizioni
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Rimini
  • Italy
  • Quartu Sant'Elena

Sources