"magic power mystery zone," the first art book by artist Daisuke Kondo, goes on sale on November 20 (Friday), 2026.
Collaborations with Companies of Various Genres at Home and Abroad
Daisuke Kondo creates works inspired by animals and nature, such as bears, penguins, the sun, and flowers. Capsule toys based on these works sold out as soon as they went on sale and have grown into a series, and the artist has also drawn attention for collaboration goods with a variety of companies. This is Kondo's first art book.
The book is a large-volume art book collecting about 270 works, including newly drawn pieces, unreleased works, and sculptures.
272 Pages Including 90 Newly Drawn Works, Unreleased Works, and Photos of Sculptures
The book includes plenty of newly drawn pieces, such as paintings inspired by the title "magic power mystery zone." The animals and creatures of nature, each with a distinct personality, are depicted with charming gestures and expressions in colorful hues. Photos of unreleased works and sculptures are also included.
Monochrome works and the "コップの絵" series, which was also used for the cover of the book わたしのなかにある巨大な星 (Kon Ito, Poplar Publishing), are included as well. The slightly dark, humorous world of these works draws viewers in.
The sculptures that served as the originals for the popular capsule toys are made from Styrofoam (polystyrene foam), a material used in construction. The book also includes photos of the process by which the sculptures are made.
A One-of-a-Kind Binding with Individual Variation
Green foil stamping
Hologram gold foil stamping
The cover has a background printed in a special-color gradient from green to blue, with the title and illustration foil-stamped on top.
The gradient on the cover is printed by putting two colors into the ink fountain, so each copy differs slightly, and every book becomes a one-of-a-kind work. The green foil of the title and illustration stands out against the gradient background.
The book measures B5 variant size (W190 mm × H240 mm), so the works are reproduced large. It uses PUR クータ binding, which opens easily, and three types of paper chosen to suit the works: B7バルキー, フロンティタフ, and オーロラコート.
A special hologram gold edition is available at stores holding the publication commemorative fair and on the online store OTONARI. The lively, pop hologram gold foil lets readers enjoy a different expression of the bear from the calm, urban green foil.
Details on the participating stores and OTONARI will be announced in due course on the publisher's website and official social media accounts.
Bookmark Gifts for Purchases at OTONARI and Participating Bookstores
Customers who buy the book at OTONARI or at stores holding the publication commemorative fair receive an original newly drawn bookmark, available in 3 designs, as a gift.
Some bookstores give 1 design (bear), stores holding the publication commemorative fair and OTONARI give 2 designs (bear and penguin), and some stores holding a large-scale fair give all 3 designs (bear, penguin, and elephant).
From left: bear, penguin, elephant
Publication commemorative goods are also planned for sale at stores holding the publication commemorative fair and on OTONARI. Sets of the book and goods are planned as well, so those interested should watch for further announcements. Customers who buy a book-and-goods set on OTONARI receive all 3 original bookmark designs.
Details will be announced in due course on the publisher's website and official social media accounts.
Book Information
magic power mystery zone
- Author: Daisuke Kondo
- Tentative price: ¥5,500 (¥5,000 plus tax)
- Specifications: B5 variant size, softcover, 272 pages
- ISBN: 978-4-86791-104-4
- Release date: November 20 (Friday), 2026 (the release date may differ by region)
- Publisher: Two Virgins Co., Ltd.
- Amazon pre-order page
About the Author
Daisuke Kondo
Born in 1990 in Shizuoka Prefecture. Artist.
Kondo creates paintings, drawings, and sculptures made with Styrofoam, a construction material.
In addition to exhibitions in Japan and abroad, Kondo works across genres without boundaries, including capsule toys of characters, collaborations with a variety of companies, and artwork and goods for musicians.
J-pop is in the blood. Likes meaninglessness. Believes that continuing to be a "small individual" forever is the most interesting thing.
- X: @kondonote
- Instagram: @k\_o\_n\_d\_o\_
