Qilin's Voyage

Hand-drawn by the renowned Japanese picture book master Kobayashi Yutaka, this book tells the story of Zheng He’s voyages to the West, including the arrival in Africa and the bringing back of giraffes.

After Zheng He’s fleet reached Africa, they made many friends, performed many good deeds, and befriended a local boy named Mosa. Among the gifts received when the fleet returned was an animal called “Kirin,” which, due to its similar pronunciation, was mistakenly believed by the fleet to be the mythical creature, the Qilin. Mosa couldn’ t bear to part with his animal friend, so he secretly hid in the ship’s cabin and embarked on a journey towards the mysterious East with the Qilin...