Though based respectively in Canada and Finland, picture-book artists Yuka Shimada and Julia Vuori struck up a friendship after Shimada discovered Vuori's illustrations at the Bologna Children's Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition, which was held in Tokyo some 20 years ago.

"Bam & Kero" is a popular series of picture books by Shimada that features warm-hearted and playful animal characters in colorful, bold tones. Vuori's "SIKA" series of books features a pig who lives in the city, illustrated using similar colors.

This show presents around 150 original picture-book illustrations and sketches; till Aug. 14.

Museum Eki Kyoto; (075) 352-1111; JR Kyoto Isetan Department Store, 7F; located in JR Kyoto Station Building. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Aug. 14, till 5 p.m.) ¥700. kyoto.wjr-isetan.co.jp.