"I want to stay here forever." Words from the back alleys that reached Yota's world.
July 1–July 6, 2026
Elementary School Artist Yota Solo Exhibition: The World Born Here, Starting to Move
was held.
Thankfully, Yota is cherished by everyone in the back alleys of the note town as the "youngest artist in the back alleys."
He probably has no idea what that means.
This time, I will write about the stories of those who jumped out from the back alleys of the note town, stories that make you wonder, "What are you talking about?"
This is the second story.
It will end in three parts.
It's been over a month since the solo exhibition, and I'm still writing about it, haha.
There is still so much I want to leave written down, so I will write until the end.
The First Door
***
Everyone from the back alleys came to Yota's solo exhibition
~The Second Door~
"Um... I'm Kanna."
She spoke to me at the reception desk with a gentle smile.
"Oh, ah, Kanna-san! Wow, thank you so much!"
It's Kanna-san!
I can't believe she came.
I was completely overwhelmed with gratitude.
Actually, I have met her once before, but
I wasn't able to talk to her at all back then.
"Please, take your time and look around."
Kanna-san smiled,
and enjoyed looking around slowly.
A fountain of creation unique to childhood
At Kanna-san's words,
my heart was full.
***
"Are you... Masaru-san?"
Although this is our first time meeting, I knew it was you immediately.
The writing Masaru-san produces is always gentle, and
that gentleness was softly reflected in your personality as well.
We shook hands right away.
We have been deepening our connection through words for a long time, but
meeting in person really makes you feel the warmth of a hand, and
it's moving, isn't it?
I almost cried.
"Masaru-san, thank you.
Please take your time looking around."
Masaru-san looked at the works while taking photos, slowly walking back and forth.
Because it is something that continues to shine forever,
on a plane separate from axes like
getting better or being evaluated.
It's reaching you.
I'm so happy.
We talked for a bit on the sofa seats.
"There is a story in the shadows of the postcards, isn't there?"
I hadn't been conscious of the shadows when I set up the exhibit, so
with that one remark from Masaru-san,
I felt as if the world had started moving again.
Works of art have new stories born within them
when the people who view them feel something.
I feel like I was taught that.
"I want to stay here forever."
Masaru-san's eyes were slightly moist as he left me with that incredibly happy remark.
***
"Um... Yutani, I'm Miwa Yutani."
"Miwa-san!!"
Miwa-san, who had called out to me,
already had tears in her eyes.
"I just... my tears..."
I rubbed Miwa-san's back and
cried with her.
No words were needed there.
"Mika-san, are you okay? Aren't you tired?"
To think she would be concerned about me...
So kind...
But I said enthusiastically,
"I'm fine! I'm on a solo exhibition high (smile)"
Miwa-san laughed, but
"Solo exhibition high"?
It just slipped out.
"Miwa-san, Masaru-san is here."
In Yota's world, in this space,
Miwa-san and Masaru-san are here.
The two of them are looking at the works at their own pace,
occasionally exchanging words.
Oh, what a happy time this is.
I definitely don't want to forget this.
That's right
This is a magic word
that Mom also loves
My heart was full knowing that they were looking at the works while having a dialogue with Yota like this.
***
Many people came on Saturday afternoon,
and I was very busy running all over the venue.
Suddenly, I spotted a lovely couple.
"Haru-chan!"
It's Haru Shibu and her husband.
They are such a lovely, close couple whenever I see them.
They brought Yota's favorite Hi-Chew as a gift.
Thank you.
Haru-chan was already crying too.
The people from the back alley all have such warm hearts.
The two of them walk around looking at Yota's works.
Looking at them up close, looking at them from a distance.
Talking while pointing at them.
I wonder what they are talking about.
They look like they're having fun.
It's okay to just be yourself.
It's okay to live just as you are.
Yes, I wanted to hug them.
The two of them always support Yota's world.
Our family is also greatly encouraged by them.
Next time, I'll get Yota's autograph! (laughs)
Oh?
Somehow, before I knew it, there are a lot of children here.
These are familiar-looking children.
Could this be...
It's the Shiimo-chan family!
They came as a family of seven, plus the baby in her belly, making eight.
"Shiimo-chaaan!"
Shiimo-chan is in her late pregnancy.
I immediately got to rub her big belly.
Ah, happiness.
The children are having so much fun playing with Yota's creations.
Behind them, Mother Shiimo is watching over them with a sharp gaze.
"Honestly, I'm on edge, worried they might break something, haha."
Honestly, you are amazing, Arta.
Five children.
And a new life in your belly.
You're a super mom.
Shiimo-chan and I are in the same situation,
and through our words, we've cried, laughed, hugged,
and have been encouraging each other for such a long time.
Especially the eldest daughter, Mirumiru-chan, and Yota; they are both sensitive children.
Both of them have chosen not to go to school.
They also have a lot in common in how they express themselves through art.
"Hey, Mirumiru is there."
"Mirumiru is drawing."
"I wonder what Mirumiru is doing."
Yota comes up to my side and whispers in my ear.
"If you're that curious, go talk to her!"
I couldn't help but tease him.
In the end, at the very last moment, we finally snapped a photo of the two of them together.
The distance between them is so endearing.
Yota-kun was so shy.
I'm glad for you.
Witnessing so much love from a comrade-in-arms,
"Will I be able to cherish all these feelings properly?" I wonder,
reflecting on myself.
I was truly happy that you called me a "comrade-in-arms."
And, watching the Shiimo-chan family,
there is something I want to say out loud.
If you are the mother, everything will definitely be okay.
Everyone from the back alley came to the Yota solo exhibition
~The Third Door~
, to be continued.