Interview in COURRiER Japon
On October 16, 2026, an interview with me was published in the Japanese online magazine COURRiER Japon, as part of a project with JT. We talked about my work as a tapestry weaver in Aubusson, the time it takes to create a tapestry, and my life in this small town, including what a fulfilling life means to me. Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity! Read the article (in Japanese)
“Tokyo-Aubusson”: Joining Online Discussions with Audiences in Japan
On October 1 and 3, 2026, Sonia Moumen’s documentary, Tokyo-Aubusson, le voyage en tapisserie de HayaoMiyazaki, was screened at the Institut français de Tokyo and Yokohama Cinemarine. The Yokohamascreening was organized by the Institut français de Yokohama and co-organized by the cinema. I joined Soniaand the audiences online from Aubusson for discussions after the screenings. The film follows four years of collaboration with Studio Ghibli and shows the different artisans involved increating the first four tapestries: weavers, dyers, artists who prepare the tapestry cartoons, yarn spinners, andothers. It also touches a little on my own story with Aubusson tapestry. I appear during the work on “Howl’s MovingCastle” and just before the weaving of “La Sieste de Mei et Totoro” begins.Seeing the tapestry weavers on screen again, including some who have since left the profession, was verymoving. The film preserves a record of the work of all these teams and the time they devoted to the project.I was very happy to see the film presented in Japan and to receive warm messages from the audience. Manythanks to Sonia, the organizers, and everyone who came to the screenings.
Unveiling of the tapestry “La Sieste de Mei et Totoro”
On July 17, 2026, La Sieste de Mei et Totoro was unveiled at the Cité internationale de la tapisserie in Aubusson. It is the fifth tapestry created as part of the collaboration with Studio Ghibli, based on the work of Hayao Miyazaki. Measuring 430 cm high and 736 cm wide, it is the largest tapestry in the series. Its creation took approximately fifteen months. I am very happy to have shared this journey with such a wonderful team, all the way through to its completion and unveiling. Above all, I would like to sincerely thank all the contributors who, through crowdfunding, helped make this project a reality. In addition to weaving, Atelier A.KONOMI was also responsible for the mixing and composition of colors throughout the work, as well as the technical specifications for its production. I paid particular attention to the color composition so that the overall harmony of the forest could be perceived from a distance, while, as you come closer, the many shifts in color and the subtle qualities of the different materials gradually become visible. The humidity of Japanese forests, the depth of the shadows, leaves shining in the light, moss flowing like waves — the variations of green eventually reached approximately 800 shades. And above all, if you get the chance, go and see it in person — and tell me what you think! You can also see me giving a short speech toward the end of the video.
Progress of “La Sieste de Mei and Totoro”
The production of “La Sieste de Mei and Totoro,” ongoing since April 2025, has now surpassed three quarters, and the completion is coming into view. The cut-off (tombée de métier) and unveiling are scheduled for July 17, with a broadcast also planned. In addition to weaving, I am involved in color research and blending, color specification, and the selection of technical approaches. Starting from around 350 base colors (wool, silk, linen, mohair, and other fibers), we have developed nearly 850 shades, including more than 650 variations of green — a true world of greens.
Interview featured in Le Petit Journal – École des Artistes
I was interviewed and featured in Le Petit Journal, the art magazine of École des Artistes, a well-regarded educational institution in Japan dedicated to art and the French language, and a recognized platform for art 8 and cultural information. This interview provides an in-depth reading of my journey, my relationship with art, and my practice of Aubusson tapestry. It offers a detailed insight into my artistic approach, my way of working, and the technical and sensitive dimensions that shape my creations, allowing for a deeper understanding of the world in which they exist. https://ecoleartistes.com/artirstes-francais-et-francophones-du-japon-aiko-konomi-lissiere-a-aubusson/
Documentary: Tokyo-Aubusson, le voyage en tapisserie de Hayao Miyazaki
A beautiful 52-minute poetic documentary, directed by Sonia Moumen, follows the four-year journey of the Aubusson tapestry project “Hayao Miyazaki’s Imaginary World”. From the first tapestry “Princess Mononoke” to “Spirited Away”, “Howl’s Moving Castle”, and the currently in-progress fifth work: “La Sieste de Mei et Totoro”, the documentary also covers the exhibitions at the France Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai and features all the project teams. I participated in the creation of the third project, “Howl’s Moving Castle at Sunset,” and the fifth, “La Sieste de Mei et Totoro.” I appear both at the beginning and at the end of the documentary. Don’t miss this poetic journey through Hayao Miyazaki’s universe and Aubusson tapestry. Available on France.tv until August 21, 2026! https://www.france.tv/france-3/nouvelle-aquitaine/la-france-en-vrai-aquitaine/7615271-tokyoaubusson-le-voyage-en-tapisserie-de-hayao-miyazaki.html#about-section
Lecture Report: Aubusson Tapestry
On July 13, 2025, as part of the France Month organized by the Institut français of Yokohama, I had the pleasure of giving a talk on Aubusson tapestry. 5 The event, “Experience the France Pavilion of Expo Osaka–Kansai 2025 in Yokohama,” was held at Zou-no-Hana Terrace. Admission was by reservation, and the event was fully booked. My sincere thanks to everyone who came to listen. https://culture.institutfrancais.jp/fr/event/mdf2025
Currently in Production: La Sieste de Mei et Totoro (Mei and Totoro’s Nap)
Atelier A.KONOMI is currently working on “La Sieste de Mei et Totoro (W 736 × H 430 cm)”, in collaboration with two other Aubusson workshops. My role includes blending and numbering color threads, technical specification, and weaving. This tapestry is the 5th piece in “Hayao Miyazaki’s Imaginary World (L’Imaginaire de Hayao Miyazaki）”, a project by the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie. Its unveiling is scheduled for July 2026. https://www.cite-tapisserie.fr/en/le-musee/les-aventures-tissees/l-imaginaire-de-hayao-miyazaki
The Gardens of the Merking’s Palace
June 14, 2024 – Cut off: “The Gardens of the Merking’s Palace” Last and 16th work of the “Aubusson weaves Tolkien (Aubusson tisse Tolkien)” project by the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie. Participation in weaving / subcontracted by Atelier A2. https://www.cite-tapisserie.fr/le-musee/les-aventures-tissees/aubusson-tisse-tolkien